This week (Jan. 9th) Delta and Continental announced they are raising their fees to check bags: $25 for the first bag, and $35 for the second, each way. If you check in online, they offer a $2 per bag discount. It remains to be seen if the other carriers will follow suit.
Southwest is now the only major carrier that does not charge for checking up to two standard-size suitcases.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
What do I need to know in light of the Dec. 25th terrorist plot on Northwest 253?
First of all, I encourage everyone to continue traveling. Giving in to fear is exactly what terrorists hope we will do. Keep in mind that everyone on the plane was OK, and that our government and other governments around the world are hard at work trying to keep us, the traveling public, safe.
Due to heightened security, it is important to inform yourself ahead of your trip of the latest advisories at
www.TSA.gov
Other places to look for information include your airline or airport's website. In general, domestic travel remains largely unchanged, but please check how far in advance you should arrive at the airport before your trip!
Recently, a friend of ours did not arrive at Tel Aviv's (Israel) Ben Gurion Airport until 2 hours before their flight. In Israel, security is extra tight, and that means 3 hours ahead MINIMUM. There is security before the ticket counter, after the ticket counter, Passport Control, and security at the gate. Fortunately, the friend still made their flight.
In the U.S., plan to be there at least 3 or even 4 hours ahead for INTERNATIONAL flights if you are flying out of a major gateway or hub such as Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York. If you are originating at a smaller airport or traveling DOMESTICALLY, arrive at least 2 hours ahead or whatever the airport or airline advises.
Currently, the rules are still evolving, but in general, domestic rules remain largely unchanged. Passengers arriving from outside the U.S. will notice the greatest differences, including extra screening before boarding their non-stop flight to the U.S. (Hand searches of luggage, pat-downs, etc.).
Check the latest Carry-on regulations with your airline and TSA. You may only be allowed one carry-on (not a laptop and a carry-on).
Check as much as possible, or ship bags ahead.
If you must have a carry-on, pack it in layers (not helter-skelter) so it is easily viewed by the X-ray machine.
Chances are good that your carry-on will be hand searched as well, so make sure it can be easily unpacked and re-packed by you and/or security personnel.
All liquids must fit in 1 quart sized Ziploc-type bag, and be in containers of 3 oz. (100 ml) or less.
Empty all pockets, take off all jackets, remove laptops from their cases, and remove shoes before reaching the front of the line, in order to speed up the screening process.
Feel free to contact me with questions, and keep flying!
Josh
Due to heightened security, it is important to inform yourself ahead of your trip of the latest advisories at
www.TSA.gov
Other places to look for information include your airline or airport's website. In general, domestic travel remains largely unchanged, but please check how far in advance you should arrive at the airport before your trip!
Recently, a friend of ours did not arrive at Tel Aviv's (Israel) Ben Gurion Airport until 2 hours before their flight. In Israel, security is extra tight, and that means 3 hours ahead MINIMUM. There is security before the ticket counter, after the ticket counter, Passport Control, and security at the gate. Fortunately, the friend still made their flight.
In the U.S., plan to be there at least 3 or even 4 hours ahead for INTERNATIONAL flights if you are flying out of a major gateway or hub such as Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York. If you are originating at a smaller airport or traveling DOMESTICALLY, arrive at least 2 hours ahead or whatever the airport or airline advises.
Currently, the rules are still evolving, but in general, domestic rules remain largely unchanged. Passengers arriving from outside the U.S. will notice the greatest differences, including extra screening before boarding their non-stop flight to the U.S. (Hand searches of luggage, pat-downs, etc.).
Check the latest Carry-on regulations with your airline and TSA. You may only be allowed one carry-on (not a laptop and a carry-on).
Check as much as possible, or ship bags ahead.
If you must have a carry-on, pack it in layers (not helter-skelter) so it is easily viewed by the X-ray machine.
Chances are good that your carry-on will be hand searched as well, so make sure it can be easily unpacked and re-packed by you and/or security personnel.
All liquids must fit in 1 quart sized Ziploc-type bag, and be in containers of 3 oz. (100 ml) or less.
Empty all pockets, take off all jackets, remove laptops from their cases, and remove shoes before reaching the front of the line, in order to speed up the screening process.
Feel free to contact me with questions, and keep flying!
Josh
Welcome!
Hello everyone!
What started out as an e-mail to family and friends is now turning into a blog! A special welcome to those at Eugene's Mahlon Sweet Field! I had the pleasure of volunteering as an Airport Navigator during the program's inaugural year, and wish to thank Cathryn Stephens, EUG's Marketing Director, for encouraging me with this project. It is my hope that this blog will help make your next air travel experience, if not idyllic, at least bearable. I have found that information can go a long way towards allaying passengers fears of flying in today's environment of heightened security.
About once a month, look here for the latest news concerning the airlines and commercial aviation in the U.S. and around the world. First, though, let me introduce myself. I am a lifelong aviation "nut" and the son of a retired Air Force fighter pilot. I enjoy flying, and hope to learn to fly one day when my wife and I are both done with grad school and settled into our future careers. I am working on my PhD in foreign literatures and linguistics at Ben Gurion University in Israel while my wife completes a post-doctorate in mathematics. I completed my MA in German Language and Literature from the University of Oregon, and my BA in German Language and Literature from Kalamazoo College (Michigan). My wife received her PhD in mathematics from the U of O. I am originally from Michigan. (Well, as orginally as one can be when one grows up in an Air Force family).
I hope you find this blog useful and enlightening. It is my belief that people should once again be able to be happy to fly, and that these tips help make your next trip more pleasant.
Happy Flying!
Josh
What started out as an e-mail to family and friends is now turning into a blog! A special welcome to those at Eugene's Mahlon Sweet Field! I had the pleasure of volunteering as an Airport Navigator during the program's inaugural year, and wish to thank Cathryn Stephens, EUG's Marketing Director, for encouraging me with this project. It is my hope that this blog will help make your next air travel experience, if not idyllic, at least bearable. I have found that information can go a long way towards allaying passengers fears of flying in today's environment of heightened security.
About once a month, look here for the latest news concerning the airlines and commercial aviation in the U.S. and around the world. First, though, let me introduce myself. I am a lifelong aviation "nut" and the son of a retired Air Force fighter pilot. I enjoy flying, and hope to learn to fly one day when my wife and I are both done with grad school and settled into our future careers. I am working on my PhD in foreign literatures and linguistics at Ben Gurion University in Israel while my wife completes a post-doctorate in mathematics. I completed my MA in German Language and Literature from the University of Oregon, and my BA in German Language and Literature from Kalamazoo College (Michigan). My wife received her PhD in mathematics from the U of O. I am originally from Michigan. (Well, as orginally as one can be when one grows up in an Air Force family).
I hope you find this blog useful and enlightening. It is my belief that people should once again be able to be happy to fly, and that these tips help make your next trip more pleasant.
Happy Flying!
Josh
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