Back to Basics: Preparation Can Help Cut Down on Travel Delays

Inexperienced and experienced travelers alike can help ease airport security delays by following these simple guidelines:

• Arrive at the airport up to two hours before departure for domestic flights and up to three hours before departure for international flights. Carry at least one form of photo ID at all times. A second photo ID might be required at some airports.

• Reconfirm your flight directly with the airline 24 to 48 hours prior to departure; 72 hour prior for international flights.

• Be aware that there might be special parking and unloading restrictions. Some airports might have eliminated curbside check-in.

• Take only those items truly necessary for the trip. Once at the airport, be prepared to have your belongings searched by security personnel. Laptop computers and other electronic devices might require additional time to clear security.

• Make sure all luggage, both checked and carry-on, is tagged with the passenger's name, address and phone (consider using a business address and avoid alerting thieves to an empty home). Identification should be placed on both the outside and inside of each piece of luggage.

• After checking luggage, passengers should go directly to their gate.

• Never leave luggage unattended or with a stranger.

• Do not accept any item from a stranger or carry any package with unknown contents.

• Upon arrival at your destination, go immediately to the baggage-claim area to pick up your luggage. Have the claim stubs available to compare the number on your checked luggage and/or to show security at the luggage-claim area exit.

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