Travel Tips - Draft 2

Overview

A collection of helpful tips and information to help you protect yourself while traveling.

Most Frequently Asked Questions
Other Consumer Tips
Air Travel Consumer Report
Other Information

Most Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get the best air fare?

Be flexible in your travel plans. The best deals may be available only on certain days of the week (often Tuesday through Thursday, or Saturday through Sunday morning), or particular hours of the day (e.g., late-night or early-morning departures). The lowest fares are often “blacked out” during holiday periods, but you might be able to get a discount fare if you fly on the holiday itself (e.g., New Year’s Day).

Plan as far ahead as you can. Most airlines set aside only a limited number of seats on many desirable flights at the lower rates. Compare the fares of different airlines providing competitive air service.

Where and when do I need to check in at the airport?

Every flight has a check-in deadline, but it can vary by airline and airport. In most cases, for a domestic flight you must be at the gate no later than 10 to 15 minutes before scheduled departure time or you could lose your reservation. For an international flight this deadline may be 45 minutes or longer — sometimes much longer. Allow time to check a bag and pass through security. You can find the check-in deadlines for your flights on the airline’s website and perhaps on your e-ticket confirmation. In addition to the gate deadline, there may be an earlier deadline for obtaining a boarding pass and seat assignment. The most common such deadline is 30 minutes before scheduled departure for domestic flights and one hour for international flights.

What should I know about clearing security?

Passengers who look like they are 18 or over should bring a government-issued photo ID. Carry-on articles are generally limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item (briefcase, purse, etc.). The size and weight of the allowable carry-on bags can vary by airline and this information must be included in your confirmation/itinerary. Don’t bring sharp items on your person or in your carry-on bag. There is a security-related “3-1-1” rule for liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on baggage — those substances must be in containers that are no more than 3.4 oz. in volume (100 ml), with all such containers in one clear quart-size plastic bag, and one such bag per passenger. For details go to www.tsa.gov and look for Traveler Information.

What is the “tarmac delay rule”?

DOT rules state that at a U.S. airport, an airline may not keep passengers aboard an aircraft for more than three hours (four hours for international flights) without an opportunity to deplane. This rule applies to both departures and arrivals, and to both U.S. and foreign airlines that operate at least one aircraft with 30 or more seats. Food and water must be offered at the two-hour point during such a delay, there must be operational lavatories, and medical care must be provided if needed. There are exceptions for certain situations involving safety, security and air traffic control.

If something went wrong, how can I file a complaint?

U.S. and foreign airlines are required to make available the mailing address and email or web address where complaints can be registered with the airline. This information must appear on the airline’s website, on all e-ticket confirmations, and, upon request, at each of the airline’s ticket counters and boarding gates. Airlines are required to substantively respond to written consumer complaints within 60 days.

If you are not satisfied with an airline’s response you may file a complaint with DOT. Click “File a consumer complaint” at www.dot.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint.