Gateway Travel Management

Feb 28, 2002 - Airport Security / Checked Baggage Reminder

As a reminder to all GTM travelers, as of January 18, 2002, federal law requires airlines to screen all checked bags and to match all bags in the hold of a plane with passengers on that particular flight. Originating bags cannot be transported without positive confirmation that the customer has boarded the aircraft.

To ensure compliance with the new directive without delays or passenger inconvenience, the airlines require travelers to check in and at the boarding gate no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Customers that are not at the boarding gate 15 minutes prior to departure are subject to having their reservations canceled, seats released and checked baggage removed from the flight.

Here are some reminders to help make the traveling experience as easy as possible:

* Although 90 minutes to 2 hours is typically enough check-in time for domestic flights, travelers should be advised that due to heavy passenger volume in some airports, flight check-in may not be available more than two hours prior to departure.

* All tickets must be purchased at least 30 minutes prior to flight departure.

* For customers wishing to carry on their bags, please remember that the FAA baggage policy is one carry-on bag (within approved dimensions) and one personal item such as a briefcase or purse.

* An itinerary with ticket number, boarding pass or paper ticket is required to pass through security. Those traveling on an eTicket who do not have a receipt must obtain a boarding pass.

* New E-Service, self check-in centers currently being introduced at airports across the country will not allow check-in less than 30 minutes prior to flight departure.

* Customer photo identification and boarding pass must match and will be checked at time of boarding.

* International check-in is required at least one hour prior to departure and customer must be at the boarding gate no later than 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure. To ensure document processing, we suggest that international customers arrive up to two hours prior to scheduled flight departure.

Please note that additional security measures may be in effect at local and regional airports, however the afore mentioned procedures are government mandates and will be consistent at all airports. And as always...procedures are subject to change.