Before you go to the airport

Has the carry-on baggage policy changed?
Effective October 7, 2001, passengers on domestic flights are allowed to bring on a maximum ONE carry-on, not to exceed 45 linear inches, plus one personal item such as a purse, laptop or briefcase.

Passengers on international flights are allowed to bring ONE reasonably sized carry-on, plus one personal item such as a purse, laptop or briefcase, regardless of class of service.

I heard that there were new baggage policies. What are they?
In compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration's 11-point security directive for all North American airports, Airlines will not allow knives of any size, or made from any material, permitted on flights.

Additionally, Carriers want their customers to know that cutting instruments of every kind are banned, including but not limited to, carpet knives, box cutters, knives with folding or retractable blades (regardless of blade length), steak knives, straight razors, ice picks, corkscrews, and elongated scissors.

Medically necessary needles and syringes are exempt from these prohibitions if passengers have in their possession prescription medicine with a professionally printed label that identifies the medical office, pharmacy or manufacturer of the medication.

Customers will also notice a heightened vigilance for baggage left unattended in the airport.

How can I check on the status of my flight?
BakerTravel.com is your best source for up-to-the-minute travel information.  Please log on our Flight Tracker to get up to the minute flight status. If you do not have web access, please call baker Travel at any time. 800 336-4406.

What time should I arrive at the airport for my flight?
Customers traveling should remember to check in as early as possible for their flights. Baker Travel advises customers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. For early morning departures, please remember to check with the airport first to confirm their hours of operation.

Will Airlines continue accommodating unaccompanied minors?
Under new policy, Airlines will not book or accept unaccompanied minors for online or interline connection travel (a flight that requires a change of plane) or on a through flight (a flight that makes an en route stop, then continues on the same aircraft). Airlines will, however, accommodate unaccompanied minors whose travel is nonstop or who already have begun their travel. Parents should be prepared to demonstrate why they need access beyond airport security checkpoints. Airports may require additional screening procedures, so allow extra time for this purpose. Parents should check at the ticket counter when they arrive at the airport to determine the policy at that location.

At the airport

What changes should I expect at the airport or in the air?
Customers should be prepared to encounter and witness more visible and frequent security checks throughout the airport, including screenings of passengers and checked and carry-on baggage; searches of aircraft cargo, passenger compartments and equipment; and random searches of flight crews and service personnel. There is also likely to be an increased number of uniformed law enforcement and military personnel in the airport areas.

During flight, more FAA air marshals - armed federal agents who travel incognito - will be present than ever before in U.S. history.

In addition to these, please be aware that many security procedures also take place behind the scenes..

Where do I check-in for my flight?
Customers may check-in at ticket counters or at their departure gate provided they have the proper documentation to pass through security checkpoints (see information below).

Individual stations will reinstate curbside baggage check-in as additional security requirements are met.

Can I still use  EasyCheck-in^SM units?
Airports equipped with EasyCheck-in units have activated a majority of their units, except for those beyond the security checkpoints. Here's what to expect at individual airports:

• Chicago O'Hare: Curbside, counter and lobby wall units are currently operational.
• Los Angeles: Curbside, counter and lobby wall units are currently operational.
• San Diego: Counter and lobby wall units are currently operational.

What documentation is required for ticketed passengers to pass through security checkpoints?
It is recommended that you carry a government issued form of identification with you. International passengers must have a valid passport. The FAA has issued several new security measures that address access through airport security screening checkpoints.

To enter the secured area beyond the security screening checkpoint, you must hold one of the following boarding documents indicating a flight departure for the current date:

• A receipt for an electronic ticket;
• An itinerary generated by an airline or travel agency confirming an electronic ticket;
• A boarding pass; or
• A paper ticket.

If you do not have a boarding pass, ticket, e-ticket receipt or printed confirmation, an airline-issued boarding document must be obtained at the ticket counter prior to clearing security. Passengers who do not have baggage to check and already have an approved boarding document, as outlined above, may proceed through the security checkpoint directly to the departure gate. Although no curbside or skycap check-in is permitted, wheelchair assistance from curbside will continue to be provided.

I have an E-ticket. Where do I need to check-in?
The FAA has approved the continued use of E-ticketing. Customers traveling on E-tickets will need to provide documentation of their purchase as proof of travel in order to pass through security checkpoints.

Proper documentation is:

• A printed copy of an E-Ticket receipt;
• A printed copy of a confirmation e-mail; or
• A printed airline or travel agency itinerary confirming an E-ticket.

E-Ticket receipts can be printed from:

• Confirmation e-mails sent to you by baker Travel;
• Viewtrip

If you are traveling on an E-ticket without proper documentation, you will have to check-in first at a ticket counter in the airport lobby. Customers with E-tickets that want to fly on a different carrier will need to obtain a paper ticket from the original carrier.

Can friends or family accompany me to the gate?
Only minors traveling unaccompanied or passengers needing special assistance can be accompanied beyond the security checkpoint. Escorts should check at a  ticket counter when they arrive at the airport to determine the policy at that location. At major airports, where airlines have special assistance employees in red jackets in the lobby area, the escort can ask these individuals for assistance instead of waiting in line at the ticket counter.

Under the new FAA directives, each passenger will have to present proof of travel in order to pass through security checkpoints. This means, when customers enter a security checkpoint, they will need to have in hand a paper ticket, a boarding pass or one of the following documents - an E-ticket receipt, a printed Viewtrip confirmation page or email, a travel agency itinerary confirmation or a faxed copy of an itinerary confirmation. Passengers without one of the above-listed forms of documentation will have to check in first at the ticket counters in the airport lobby.

Where do I check-in my baggage?
Starting September 28, 2001, airports will re-activate curbside check-in, which includes Skycap service and EasyCheck-in self-service units where available, at most of its airports. Airlines are working with the FAA and individual airports to ensure that they are in compliance with all security mandates.

• Skycap Service
  Customers are required to show a paper ticket or E-Ticket receipt and photo ID to the Skycap before checking baggage. Please ask the Skycap for assistance if your E-Ticket receipt is unavailable. Customers who check their bags with Skycaps are still required to check-in with a Customer Service Representative at the counter or gate to receive a boarding pass, or, if they have an E-Ticket, they may use an EasyCheck-in unit where available to receive a boarding pass. Skycaps cannot issue boarding passes.

Please note, baggage may be checked at the airport no more than four hours prior to your scheduled departure time.

What do I do if I require special assistance to get to my gate?
An individual escorting a ticketed passenger who requires special assistance must demonstrate why they need access beyond security checkpoints. Airports may require additional screening procedures, so allow extra time for this purpose. Escorts should check at a United ticket counter when they arrive at the airport to determine the policy at that location. At major airports, where United has special assistance employees in red jackets in the lobby area, the escort can ask these individuals for assistance instead of waiting in line at the ticket counter.