Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Make Your Air Travel Easier: Know the Luggage Rules

By Pat Lowe

In today's security conscious society, there are many new policies that make taking a flight more tricky than ever. What with limits on luggage size and weight, new security precautions and regulations on what's permissible to carry onto the plane, it can seem overwhelming. However, it's important to keep in mind that these requirements are there for your protection.

Be Aware of the Rules

This is not always easy and things seem to change from week to week which causes more and more confusion for the traveler. However, turning up at the airport and pleading ignorance is absolutely no excuse and you will no longer get away with it. By far the best way to avoid any bother at the airport as far as your luggage is concerned is to make sure you know and understand the rules before setting off on your journey.

The website of the airline you are traveling with is a great way to find out all of the up to date rules about hand or carry on luggage and even though airports in America all have the same body of rules, some are interpreted in a different way to others.

International rules for your cabin luggage can be even more difficult to sort out. Security is generally much more stringent overseas and you will be subject to the regulations in place at your port of arrival. And when you come back home from a foreign country, you will once again need to be aware of the procedures in place at your airport of departure.

Some of the various rules appear to be more of a request than a stipulation. For instance, you may be asked to bring the smallest piece of luggage you are traveling with onto the aircraft as carry on luggage. You are, however, allowed to take a piece of hand luggage onto the aircraft up to the maximum size and weight if you so wish.

Similarly, the Transportation Security Administration suggests that you should pack any electronic items in your checked luggage, but you are still permitted to take them in your carry on luggage if you choose.

Avoid the Headache

We have all seen the passenger who refuses to comply with the carry on luggage rules and tries to bring a larger bag or refuses to put something in their checked luggage. Avoid being that person by educating yourself about the carry on luggage rules before you get to the airport. Also remember that the airline and TSA personnel are only doing their jobs; arguing with them won't get them to change their minds.

By simply taking a few steps to stay informed about current carry on luggage rules, you can ensure that your journey is safer, easier, and quicker.

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