Posted on: Monday, October 8, 2001
On the road
Avoiding headaches of tighter security
Increased security inevitably means longer waits, and airlines are asking domestic travelers to arrive two hours early to get through the maze. But here are some ways to make the wait more manageable. • How to speed check-in:
Try an e-ticket kiosk. Most people think electronic tickets, used by 60 percent of passengers, increase delays. But it turns out they may still be the faster way to fly. Most airlines still allow those with e-tickets to go directly to the gate as long as they have a receipt or printed confirmation. And most e-ticket kiosks, which let passengers check in and print boarding passes, are still running. If lines for the kiosks get long, look for separate check-in lines for passengers not checking bags. American has an "Express Check-in" line for such passengers at Miami International Airport, while Southwest has one at Houston's William P. Hobby Airport.
• How to reduce chances of bag search:
Security experts say many airlines are using the same criteria for how they pick which bags to search, so here's some advice on what not to do. Don't buy a one-way ticket, don't change your itinerary less than 72 hours before your flight, and don't pay cash. Indeed, a Continental spokesman says that paying cash for an expensive, one-way ticket is a red flag for security workers.
• How to skirt parking jams:
At many airports, little-known private parking lots nearby can help you avoid bottled-up airport shuttles or random car checks. Airports won't tell you about these places — which compete with a terminal's profitable parking lots — so ask a local travel agent to recommend one. AviStar Airport Valet Parking, with 10 locations near six airports including LaGuardia, Philadelphia and Chicago O'Hare, charges $8 to $15 a day. The Parking Spot, near 11 airports, including Atlanta and Los Angeles, even offers cookies for kids, newspapers for grown-ups, help with luggage and has valet service at some sites.
• How to retrieve confiscated items:
If your toenail clippers are taken away, you may be able to get them back — but you'll need to ask. At the airport in Portland, Ore., the guards removed a Swiss army knife and nail clippers from Sam Ellis' toiletries bag but agreed to put them into a plastic bag with his name so he could pick them up on his way home. "That was thoughtful," said Ellis. At Boston Logan, the airport Staples store will ship you items that might be taken away.
• How to save time — for a price:
Join an airline club. Once you show a ticket receipt to get through security, you can use the club's staff to check in, rebook and purchase new tickets. Fliers say these clubs are practically empty but still have pre-crisis staffing levels. Some airlines even allow you to check out a lounge for the day for a fee: Continental's Presidents Club offers a one-time pass for $45, while US Airways has club passes for $50 a day.
