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Hate to Wait? More Air Travel Tips

Before you head off to the airport for your next trip, you might want to check the resources below--they might save you some time and prevent airport angst.

Avoid the Check-in Counter: Get Your Boarding Pass Online

Most airlines that have assigned seats offer the option to print your boarding pass from your computer, usually twenty-four hours before your flight. With your boarding pass in hand, you need only leave enough time to get through security and then you can head straight to your gate.

Security Checkpoint Wait Times

Ever walked up to the airport security line and thought you'd never get through in time to make your flight? The secret is to anticipate the wait and plan ahead. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shows expected wait times at security checkpoints for airports in the US by day and time to help you plan when to arrive at the airport. Check it out at http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov/index.html.

Airline On-Time Statistics and Delay Causes

If you're curious which flights are delayed and why, The US Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) tracks the on-time performance of US flights operated by large carriers. Select an airport and carrier, and the site displays on-time performance and the reason for any delay. Visit http://www.transtats.bts.gov.

Real-Time Airport Status

The level of congestion at an airport can be a predictor of on-time departure or arrival. The Air Traffic Control System Command Center shows the real-time status of general airport conditions. This site will let you know if an airport is experiencing on-time performance or if traffic at the airport is heavy, which could cause delays. Visit http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp.

Prohibited Items

What items can you take on the plane without getting hung up in a time-consuming search at the security checkpoint? The Transportation Security Administration has a complete list of the items you can carry on board and those you must check in your luggage. They'll also tell you what items aren't allowed at all on airplanes. Do yourself (and the rest of us) a favor and leave your cutlery at home. We'll all get through the line faster. See http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1012.xml.

Traveler's Health

Leaving the country? The US Center for Disease Control provides information on common illnesses afflicting travelers to countries around the world. Select the region of the world you're traveling to for a complete report. Follow the link: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.