Airlines Implement New Carry-On Luggage Rules

Thanks to the Northwest Airlines terrorist attack attempt on Christmas Day, the major airlines and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are reacting in a way that will once again impact all passengers - making flying even less convenient and comfortable.

This time, passenger carry-ons will be impacted in terms of what can be brought onto an airplane, and when items from a carry-on can be used during a flight. For example, one airline is insisting that all passengers remain seated for the final hour of a flight, and will no longer allow laptop computers to be used during that period.

As you go through security at any airport, plan on longer lines as TSA personnel will be looking closer at all carry-on bags and their contents. So, leave ample time in your schedule, and arrive to the airport at least 90 minutes early for a domestic flight.

Before packing your carry-on in preparation for an upcoming flight, check with your airline to determine if any new rules have been implemented. You'll discover that new guidelines and rules are being implemented daily. You can also check the TSA's website at www.tsa.gov.

UPDATE: January 12, 2010 - I recently took a trip which involved visits to several airports across the country, and didn't notice too much of a difference in security, in terms of how long it took to get through security check points. I understand from speaking with several people, that New York airports have experienced delays at security check points, but this doesn't seem to be a nationwide problem, despite the recent security threats.

The Fox World Travel website (http://www.gofox.com/tools/waittimes.php) offers an online airport wait time calculator which will help you determine how long it should take to get through airport security, based on the day and time you travel, and which airport you're flying out of. A realtime calculator is also typically available from the official TSA website (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/waittime.shtm), but it's currently "under construction."

TIP - While the wait times may not be longer, the TSA security personnel are clearly paying more attention to carry-on luggage. So, if you load up your carry-on with lots of electronic items, such as a laptop computer (or netbook), camera, iPod, eBook reader, noise-cancelling headphones, portable DVD player, plus adapters for your cell phone, and other devices (such as strangely shaped USB thumb drives), your bag may wind up getting hand-searched, which could delay you by five or 10 minutes.

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What To Do When An Airline Loses Your Luggage

These days, most major airlines are charging passengers $15.00 to $25.00 per bag to check luggage. Yet, according to Air Travel Consumer Report, which is published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, in October 2008, a total of 172,159 pieces of luggage were reported lost, delayed or mishandled by the country’s 20 largest airlines.

One year earlier, this figure was 281,657. For airline passengers, the chances of experiencing some type of luggage-related problem is about 3.55 in 1,000. According to this report, Northwest Airlines, AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines lost or delayed the most pieces of luggage in October 2008.

If an airline misplaces or delays your luggage, immediately report the problem to your airline by visiting the baggage assistance desk located near baggage claim at any airport. You will need to present your claim stubs (provided at check in), plus you’ll be asked to fill out a written report that describes your lost bags and their contents. You will then be given a special claim tracking number, as well as a toll-free phone number to track your claim.

Most lost luggage is found within a few hours and placed on the next flight to your destination city. It will then be delivered by a third-party messenger service to whatever address you supply. This delivery process can take up to 12 additional hours, so if you’re in a hurry to reclaim your delayed luggage, agree to pick it up in-person at the airport when it arrives. You may find it necessary to keep calling the airline to get an accurate estimated time of arrival for your delayed bags.

To help minimize the chances of your luggage being delayed or lost by an airline, follow these six basic steps:

1. Remove all old airline tags from your luggage.

2. When checking your luggage with the airline, make sure correctly labeled tags are attached to each of your bags by the ticket agent. The tag, which is printed on a large white sticker, should display the airport code of your destination city, along with your full name.

3. Arrive at the airport and check your luggage with the airline at least 60 to 120 minutes prior to your flight.

4. Securely attach one or two of your own luggage tags to each bag, listing your name and phone number. (Listing your cell phone number is recommended.) Listing your address is optional. Also include your contact information inside each bag.

5. Attach a colored ribbon around your bag’s handle or use a neon-colored luggage tag to help differentiate your bag from others with a similar design. This will reduce the chance of another traveler accidentally picking up your luggage in the baggage claim area. (Yes, this happens often, so make your bag look different from others.)

6. Never pack any valuables, including a camera or computer equipment, jewelry or important business papers in your checked luggage. Anything of value or that you’ll need as soon as you get off the airplane should be packed in your carry-on and kept with you. The airline limits what it will be financially responsible for if certain items are lost or damaged within your checked luggage, so make sure you do not pack and check any items that won't be covered.

Lost Luggage Tracking Phone Numbers For The Major Airlines

American Airlines - (800) 535-5225
AirTran Airways - (866) 247-2428 (Option #1)
Continental Airlines - (800) 335-2247
Delta Airlines - (800) 325-8224
JetBlue Airways - (866) 538-5438
Northwest Airlines - (800) 745-9798
Southwest Airlines - (800) 533-1222
United Airlines - (800) 221-6903