AIR TRAVEL Q & A - #1
By Laura Quarantiello
© Tiare Publications Group

Q) Does airport security really break the locks on checked bags in order to check the contents?

A) Sometimes. By government mandate all checked bags are now screened through an electronic explosives detection device. These machines are designed to reveal explosives and weapons, but sometimes they pick up suspicious-looking items ­ maybe that box of Godiva chocolates you bought in Brussels. If this happens, screeners will open your bag to check the contents by hand. (Count your chocolates when you get home!). Locking your bags frustrates security screeners, whose job is to make sure explosives and other dangerous things like contraband Kiwi fruit don't get past them. There's two ways around this. First, don't lock your bags. This is the easiest way to make sure security people do no damage if they need to open your luggage, but it also leaves your valuables open to theft, damage, loss ­ and the occasional game of football on the tarmac. Instead, use plastic ties that can be looped through the bag zippers and fastened. This secures your bag yet allows security to open it if necessary. Locked or not, if your bags are opened, screeners will leave a note to let you know they've gone through your things. Of course, the note also says they're not liable for any damage or loss. What did you expect them to say?

Q) Is it true I can't get a boarding pass at the gate any longer?

A) There once was a time, in a world long gone, when you could pick up your boarding pass at the gate. After 9/11 things changed and this option was eliminated in the reach for better security. Now you must have a photo ID and boarding pass in order to enter the gate area. This means you have to say your goodbyes to Grandma before you head into Concourse D or whatever. Ticketed passengers can obtain a pass easily; go to the ticket counter, use curbside check-in, visit the ticket kiosk at the airport, or print a copy of your pass from your airline's web site. You really didn't want grandma to watch security open your lingerie bag anyway, did you?

Q) Is it really cheaper to book a flight on line?

A) Travel agents will tell you that it isn't, but travel agents want your business. While it's true that an agent can take all the hassle out of booking a flight, leaving you only having to worry about what to pack, it's also true that there are some travel deals that can only be found online. Many major airlines have tailored their web sites so that travelers seeking tickets can easily log in, find the flight they want and order a ticket right away. If you're a frequent flyer, it's simple to check flight availability for your chosen time frame and get an update on your frequent flyer miles. Online booking not only offers internet-only ticket deals such as short-notice purchase discounts, but also the chance to obtain upgrades, bonus frequent flyer miles, hotel discounts and gift certificates. If you use an all-in-one site, such as Travelocity or Orbitz you can research a wide variety of airlines in one shot and get information on nearby date discounts and package deals. If you don't mind surfing the web, it just may be cheaper to book your flight yourself online

~January 2004

*************************************************
Have you experienced "airport agony?" Then you probably haven't read Laura Quarantiello's "Air-Ways ­ The Insider's Guide to Air Travel" ­ it's got all you need to know about the ups and downs of getting there by air. More information is at: http://www,tiare.com/airways.htm
************************************************

Send this page to a friend

Return to Main Travel Page