Baggage limits are an ever-evolving part of air travel. Check your airline's website before packing to determine how many bags to bring and what sizes are allowed. Some airlines charge for all checked luggage, while others allow one free bag per person. Often discount airlines charge extra fees for all checked bags.
Most companies allow one free carry-on bag as well as one personal item, such as a laptop computer or purse. Carry-on bags must fit certain size limits, and often there is a bin at the boarding gate where you must place your bag to determine whether it qualifies.
You must remove your shoes, jackets, scarves, hats and other accessories as you pass through security. For this reason it is a good idea to minimize the number of clothes and jewelry you wear on travel days. A valid form of identification is required as well, and if you are traveling internationally, you always need to have your passport handy. Some airlines are now quite strict about matching the name on your boarding pass with that on your I.D., so when buying your tickets, list your name exactly as it appears on the form of I.D. you plan to bring on the trip.
Most flights board approximately 30 minutes before takeoff. It may take anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours to check in and get through security, so give yourself at least two hours before the flight time to arrive at the airport and locate your gate. International flights tend to require more time, both for passing security and, if necessary, visiting immigration.
You must place all liquid (including make-up and perfume) inside zipped plastic bags to carry it on board the aircraft. As of March 2011, each passenger is allowed to carry 3.4 oz. of properly stored liquids and no more than one quart-sized plastic bag. Exceptions to this rule are medications and baby formula or breast milk, which you may carry on board in larger quantities. The Transportation Safety Administration requires all sharp objects, including nail clippers and tweezers, to be stored in checked luggage.
