Travel Tips

What You Need to Know Before You Get to the Airport

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Your guide to airport travel and airline baggage restrictions.

Photo: stevesheriw 

There have been so many changes to airport security, baggage restrictions, and what is that thing with the 3 oz. of liquid... it can get to be very confusing.

Checked Luggage

Late last year there were major changes across the board in several of the major airlines, then everyone else followed suit. And then they changed the rules again. Packing light is a problem for most people, but there are new fees imposed on extra luggage and more fees added on if it's heavy luggage. Don't be caught by surprise at the check-in counters.

Most airlines now charge extra for checked suitcases weighing more than 50lbs (it was 70lbs previously.) Don't forget, an empty suitcase weighs 15-20 pounds.

The number allowance varies between airlines between 1 and 2 free checked pieces of luggage, and that's if you are lucky, several charge for the first as well. You will have to pay extra per each piece of luggage above the limit, and you will have to pay once each time you fly even if you have a round trip ticket.

Excess luggage is usually carried on a 'space available' basis which means the airline doesn't promise that your luggage will arrive at your destination on the same flight you do.

Here are some of the major airlines official baggage policies

American Airlines

Continental

Delta

Jetblue

Northwest

SouthwestUS Air

United

Carry On Luggage

Here is where it gets tricky. You are generally allowed one bag and one personal item as carry on items. Personal items would be a purse, briefcase, small laptop, diaper bags, etc.

If you need to bring things like canes, crutches, wheelchairs, or similar items they will be allowed but only if the person using them is dependent on them.

Customers departing from U.S. airports on any domestic or international flight may bring carry-on bags through security and aboard the aircraft with trial-size toiletries (3.4 ounces or less) which can be purchased at any drug store. Toiletries must fit comfortably in one, quart-size (7.5" x 8"), clear plastic zip-top bag. Take a look at the TSA guidelines for carry-on liquids.

Additionally, beverages or toiletries purchased inside the airport beyond the security checkpoints will be allowed onboard the aircraft.

Items greater than 3.4 ounces and/or not contained in a zip-top bag may be allowed on board but must be declared to the TSA at the security checkpoint for screening. These items include baby formula, milk (to include breast milk), baby food, juice, medications and liquids/gels that are needed for diabetic or other medical conditions.

More Prohibited Items

• Lighters
• Matches
• Gel-type candles
• Gel shoe inserts
• Snow globes
• Martial arts and self defense items (including pepper spray)
• Sporting goods
• Certain food items (Take a good look at that list of restricted food because some airlines are now charging even for bags of peanuts and pretzels.)

See the full list of TSA restricted items here