Update: Cheapflights Breaks Down the TSA's Travel Rules
Keep Your New Year's Travels on Track With These Essential Tips From Cheapflights
BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - December 29, 2009) - This New Year comes with new travel
restrictions. So, it is going to be extra important for flyers to be
prepared when heading to the airport. Wondering how the new TSA
restrictions will affect your flights? Cheapflights has compiled 10 travel
tips to help you handle the changes and stay on track:
1. Prepare for the pat-down. The TSA is requiring that boarding gate crews
perform a pat-down of all passengers before boarding a flight and inspect
each and every carry-on item before you sit down. Be prepared for this new
rule and have your bags open and ready for checking.
2. Stick to the aisle seat. In-flight rules will be enforced more than
ever, so mind your manners and pay close attention to the flight attendants
and cabin crews. Airlines are enforcing the all-passengers-in-seats rule at
least one hour before landing, so if you're prone to potty breaks be sure
to choose an aisle seat so you can get to the bathroom before the seat
restrictions go into place.
3. Dress in layers. Some airlines are asking passengers to remove anything
from their laps during flight -- this includes blankets and pillows. Dress
in layers so you can keep warm and add or remove layers during your flight.
4. Compact packing. Forget about shoving everything you can into your
barely closeable carry-on. Some airlines, like Air Canada, are only
allowing one carry-on per passenger and other airlines will be cracking
down on size restrictions. Bottom line: If it can't fit in the overhead
space or under the seat in front of you, it's not coming with you on the
plane. We suggest throwing your essentials (a good book, medicine, cell
phone, etc.) into one carry-on item and checking the rest.
5. Get cozy. New TSA restrictions mean more time at the airport, which
means you'll have more time to wait. Bring a good book (or two), charge up
your computers, iPods and portable DVD players, and get cozy at your gate
or in the airport lounge.
6. 3-1-1 rule lives on. Now more than ever, the 3-1-1 rule will be strictly
enforced. It's a simple formula: 3-ounce bottles only in a 1-quart bag; one
bag per passenger. If you break the 3-1-1 rule, you'll be pulled out of
line and rescreened, so take extra care when packing your carry-on.
7. Early bird gets to the gate on time. Expect extra long lines and wait
times at the airport. The TSA is suggesting passengers arrive for their
flights at least two hours in advance, allowing sufficient time to get
through security. TSA has also implemented random bag checks -- if you
allow yourself extra time, you won't be rushed if you're pulled aside.
8. First flights out are usually the most on-time. If you can be flexible
with your travel times and don't mind waking up before dawn, book the first
flight out and enjoy shorter security lines and less traffic to and from
the airport.
9. Use the Internet to your advantage. Check in online, and print your
boarding passes and luggage tags prior to leaving for the airport. You'll
save yourself money (many airlines are charging extra to check bags at the
airport) and time.
10. Save money on snacks. Despite the rumors going around, you can still
bring food and snacks with you onto your flight. Bring snacks from home and
avoid the temptation to purchase higher priced items at the airport's
bookstores and restaurants.
The new TSA rules are constantly changing as government officials work to
ensure your safety. Check with your airline before your flight for any
last-minute changes and visit news.cheapflights.com for
up-to-date travel information.
About Cheapflights.com
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Contact Information: Media Contact:
Kate Sowell
LEWIS PR
(408) 573-3664