Airline Luggage Restrictions – Helpful Hints

With school out and affordable fares to be had, lots of people will be traveling this summer. The following are tips from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that will help speed travelers and their gear through airport security procedures:

Boarding Pass - All travelers from Oakland International Airport must obtain a boarding pass or other airline-approved security document prior to going through the security checkpoint. Travelers are urged to arrive at the airline ticket counter at least 90 minutes prior for domestic and three hours prior for international departures. Check with your airline for additional check in suggestions.

Golf Clubs - Before flying, clean off clubs to prevent triggering baggage screening equipment. Also, remember to pack clubs in a travel bag and leave it unlocked, as it will have to be checked at the ticket counter.

Summer Campers - Every summer thousands of kids travel to summer or scout camps. Be sure to check the camp's suggested supply list against the TSA prohibited items list to avoid headaches at the security checkpoints since items like pocketknives and pointed tip scissors are not permitted in carry-on luggage. Also, parents and camp counselors can call ahead to airlines for permission to escort children to and from gates. Remember, children under 18 are not required to travel with identification.

Sporting Goods - Equipment such as fishing tackle and sports gear (bats and lacrosse sticks, etc.) must be checked at the ticket counter. Other equipment such as scuba tanks and gas containers for grills and stoves are not allowed on commercial airlines for safety reasons. Consider shipping tanks and containers separately or renting the equipment at your destination.

Fireworks - Fireworks are not allowed on airplanes, in checked or carry-on baggage, for safety and security reasons.

Film - Passengers traveling with undeveloped film should pack these items in their carry-on bags since checked baggage screening equipment will damage or destroy undeveloped film.

Lotions, Spray and Foods - Sun tan lotion, bug repellant and other skin care products can be packed in either checked or carry-on bags, but travelers should check with their airline before flying with aerosol canisters as some canisters are flammable. Pack food products in carry-on bags but realize that some food products might cause your checked-bag to be screened for security reasons.

Packing Bags - It can be tempting to over pack bags when vacationing. TSA suggests that travelers consider how they pack and understand that Federal security screeners may have to open and physically search a bag as part of the screening process. Overstuffed bags are more difficult to close once opened which could result in delays for checked luggage.

Summer Clothes - Warm-weather wear such as sandals and lightweight clothes are more "checkpoint-friendly." However, at most airports, including Oakland International Airport, it is advised that travelers continue to remove jackets and shoes and place them in the bins at the passenger checkpoint.

For a complete list of items prohibited from either carry-on or checked baggage, please visit the TSA on-line or call the TSA Contact Center.

Oakland International Airport has served the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 75 years. The airport, a revenue division of the Port of Oakland and an independent department of the city of Oakland, served 12.7 million passengers and handled more than 600,000 metric tons of air cargo in 2002. Oakland International has 200 flights a day on 12 domestic and international carriers to 40 nonstop destinations, including Atlanta, the Hawaiian Islands, New York, Washington, D.C., and Mexico and seasonal service to The Azores (Portugal) and Costa Rica.

Oakland International consistently has the fewest weather-related flight delays in the Bay Area. A dedicated shuttle bus jointly operated by the airport and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) meets every BART system train at the nearby Coliseum station. Those who choose to drive are reminded that the 98th Avenue corridor is open to both inbound and outbound traffic creating a fast, direct route to and from Interstate 880. Once at the airport, travelers can tune to 1700AM for current airport traffic, parking and security information and watch for roadway signage at the entrance to the airport that will indicate which parking lots still have available space. Visit the airport's web site for more information.

About The Author:

Max King is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.luggage-n-tote-bags.com. Traveling is easier with quality luggage, suitcases, garment bags, totes & travel bags