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Tinsel, Turkey and Travel
‘Tis the Season for AirTran Airways' Holiday Travel Tips
AirTran Airways is helping travelers successfully pilot through this holiday travel season with tips of the trade for customers braving the bustling airports during the busy winter months.
Save the Wrapping for Later
Wrapped gifts might have to be unwrapped during security screenings. Consider shipping gifts ahead of time. Do not carry wrapped gifts you have received from others.
Secure Your Valuables
Place your medicine, jewelry, cameras, and other valuables in your carry-on baggage.
Remember to Leave Time for the Airport “Holidaze”
During the busy holidays, anticipate possible slowdowns caused by heavy traffic, crowded airport parking lots and busy ticket counters and security checkpoints. AirTran Airways recommends passengers arrive at the airport a minimum of 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
Keep the Gifts to a Reasonable Number
On the aircraft, you are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. A personal item is defined as a purse, briefcase, diaper bag or laptop computer bag. Per FAA regulations, both the carry-on bag and the personal item must fit underneath the seat in front of you or in the EasyFit overhead bins.
Gift Tag Your Luggage
A baggage tag with your name, home address and telephone number must be placed on the outside of your bag. It is also a good idea to put your home address, telephone number, destination address and telephone number inside your bag.
The New Year’s Clock Is Ticking
Baggage may be checked at the airport no more than four hours prior to departure time and no fewer than 30 minutes prior to departure at most cities. For individual airport times, please check our Contract of Carriage.
More Convenient Than Travel by Sleigh
Check in for your flights up to 24 hours prior to departure with our Online Flight Check-In on airtran.com. You will be able to select your seat assignment, print your boarding passes, and print a receipt from your computer.
Three Is the Magic Number
Per the TSA’s recent guidelines, travelers can now bring liquids, gels and aerosols into their carry-on luggage. The items must be stored in containers no larger than three ounces and must be housed in a single, quart-sized zip-top, clear plastic bag.
Lighting Up the Holidays
The TSA no longer bans common lighters in carry-on luggage, although torch lighters remain banned in carry-ons. Lighters do not need to be contained in a plastic bag for liquids.
Leave the Carving Knives at Home
Security requirements prohibit passengers from taking certain items in their carry-on bags, which include: knives of any length, cutting instruments (any kind) including carpet knives, box cutters and folding or retractable blades regardless of blade length or composition. Straight razors are prohibited but disposable razors, e.g. Bic, are allowed.
Unlock the Holiday Cheer
The TSA recommends that you leave your baggage unlocked as it may be inspected during the security screening process.
From Silver Bells to Elf Shoes, All Subject to X-Ray
At the screening checkpoint, be prepared to take your shoes off, empty your pockets of all metal and remove laptops from your carry-on baggage.
Check Twice for Your ID
AirTran Airways’ security procedures require that all travelers 18 years of age and older show a government-issued photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license, a passport or military ID. If you do not have one of the above, you may show two forms of non-photo ID, at least one of which must be issued by a local, state or federal government agency such as the following: birth certificate, Medicare card, voter registration card, Social Security card. Ensure that the name on your itinerary matches the name on your identification.
Leave Milk for Santa and Other Liquids at the Door
The TSA has eased its ban on beverages. Travelers are now allowed to bring thirst-quenchers onto an airplane, but only if they are purchased at the airport past the security checkpoint.
Peace of Mind: The Airport’s Gift to You
Only ticketed passengers may proceed past the security screening checkpoint. Due to heightened security measures, passengers may experience the following:
- Increased number of uniformed law enforcement and security personnel
- Reduced access points to secured areas at airports
- Towing of unattended vehicles near the terminals
- Heightened awareness of unattended bags
- Requests for ID and receipt/itinerary for travel
- Prohibition on the sale of knifelike items
For more information on permitted or prohibited items, visit the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Website at www.tsa.gov.