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  Air Travel FAQ's

Q. How early do I need to check in?
A. Due to increased security measures, we recommend that domestic passengers arrive at the airport at least one to one and one-half hours prior to your flight.

Every passenger can assist in ensuring that flights are safe and hassles minimized:

Q. What kind of ID do I need?
A.For domestic flights – all passengers 18 and older are required to present valid and unexpired government-issued photo identification. (federal, state or local). For example: driver’s license or passport. All customers must carry government-issued identification with them at all times and may be asked to show identification during boarding. In the absence of government-issued photo identification, two forms of identification are required. One must be government issued. Example: Social security card and credit card. Customers without proper identification may be subject to additional security screening procedures.

Q. What items are prohibited?
A. The Transportation Security Administration regulates what can and cannot be carried aboard an airliner. Generally, knives are not allowed past the security checkpoint (including, but not limited to, pocket knives, folding or retractable blades regardless of blade length or composition, box cutters, X-Acto knives, scissors with a pointed tip, straight razors, Leatherman or Swiss Army Knives). Plastic and round-bladed (not serrated) knives are permitted in carry-on baggage.

You can find a list of
permitted/prohibited items on the TSA website.

Q. Can my pet travel in the cabin?
A. Most airlines will transport pets either in the cargo hold or in the passenger cabin, subject to certain restrictions. Pets transported in the passenger cabin, or "cabin pets," may be limited to a certain number of animals per flight or cabin. Make sure to call the airline in advance to confirm availability, the cost of bringing your pet aboard, and what type of carrier or kennel you'll need. Also, if you want to transport an unusual or exotic animal, check with the airline to be sure they will carry it.

For more information about flying with your pet, visit the Federal Aviation Administration's web site at www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_pets/

Keep the following things in mind before planning to fly with your pet:

  • Rover or Fluffy must be at least eight weeks old, weaned, and healthy. (Many airlines require a health certificate from a vet dated no more than 10 days prior to your departure date.)


  • When traveling with pets, choose your flights with their well-being in mind. Non-stop flights are the best, since they disturb pets less and minimize the risk of their being lost. Also, try to avoid traveling in extreme weather conditions to minimize discomfort for your pet.


  • Be aware that if your animal is lost or harmed during a flight, the same rules and restrictions that apply to baggage will most likely apply to your pet.

Q. How do I check-in with an e-ticket?
A. Remember to bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the airport. You may check in curbside, at a self-service kiosk, at the ticket counter or, in some cases, online.

Most airports require each passenger to obtain a boarding pass before entering the checkpoint.

You may be able to check in at the gate if you have no luggage to check. Just proceed straight to the security checkpoint with a copy of your most up-to-date itinerary that includes your ticket number(s).

Beware: If you don't check in at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure, the airline could cancel your reservation

For faster check-in ...

See if your airline offers curbside check-in at your airport or other services to speed the check-in process.

Some airlines, for example, have self-service check-in kiosks at certain airports that allow e-ticket holders to get boarding passes quickly. Other carriers allow online check-in.

For more information check with your airline directly or call the CI Travel Consultant who booked your ticket.

Q. What about carry-on baggage?
A. All airlines place limits on the number, the size, and the weight of what you can carry on to a flight with you. Generally, you can carry on one bag plus one personal item per passenger as long as it:

  • Weighs less than 40 pounds (18 kg).


  • Does not exceed 45 inches when you total length plus width plus height(approximately 22"x14"x9").


  • Fits in an overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you.
Q. What is an personal Item?
A. Some airlines give examples, and suggest that a personal item may be :
  • One small personal article such as a briefcase, purse, day planner, small laptop computer, camera case, compact disk player or similar sized personal entertainment item.


  • Personal aid devices such as wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices and walking sticks, provided passenger is dependent on them.


  • One infant article such as a collapsible stroller, a diaper bag or a government approved child seat.

Q. How many bags can I check?
A. Most airlines will restrict the number, size, and weight of the bags you bring. The general rule for domestic flights is you can check 3 bags and carry-on none, check 2 bags and carry-on one, or check one bag and carry-on two. The checked bags cannot exceed 50 or 70 pounds per bag, and the dimensions cannot exceed 45" x 55" x 62" for the largest bag. The second largest bag cannot have a dimension that exceeds 55", and the third checked bag cannot exceed 45" or checked baggage should generally not exceed a linear dimension (length+width+height) of 62".

Be sure to check with your CI Travel consultant or the airline to find out what their limits are, or you could end up paying extra to take some of your luggage with you.

Q. Can I use my cell phone?
A. Passengers may turn on and use cellular phones only when the main cabin door is open. Certain electronic devices may not be used on our planes for safety reasons. Such devices may cause electromagnetic interference with cockpit navigation or communications systems during ground operations and while the aircraft is flying below 10,000 feet. However, when an aircraft is traveling above 10,000 feet (normally about ten minutes after takeoff), passengers can use many of the devices listed.

These electronic devices can be used in the cabin, but may not be used during takeoff and landing:

  • Calculators


  • Handheld computer games


  • Shavers


  • Portable CD and tape players


  • Laptop computers/accessory printers/tape drives


  • Portable VCRs/video players


These electronic devices cannot be used on the airplane at any time:

  • Cellular phones (cellular phones may be used on the plane at the gate before the aircraft door is closed or at captain's discretion when the plane is away from the gate and on the ground)


  • Televisions


  • AM/FM transmitters-receivers


  • Remote-controlled toys


  • Laptop computers/accessory printers/tape drives


  • Portable VCRs/video players


Q. Can I carry holiday packages with me?
A. Travelers should not bring wrapped packages on-board the aircraft. Due to heightened airport security measures and the random and thorough nature of security searches, wrapped packages will be opened. Please include your unwrapped gifts/packages with your checked luggage or ship your packages in advance of your departure.

Q. Can I pass through security check-points if I am not flying?
Only the following will be allowed to pass through the security checkpoint:

  • Passengers holding boarding pass or standby verification card for that day's flight


  • Parent/guardian of unaccompanied minors traveling alone


  • Escort for passengers with disabilities or special needs

Passengers will be asked to present government-issued identification prior to entering the security checkpoint and must carry government-issued identification with them at all times. All enhanced screening formerly done at the gate will be done at the security checkpoint.

Parents, guardians or assistants accompanying minors or passengers with special needs should check at the airport check-in counter for authorization to pass beyond security checkpoints.

Q. Can my child travel alone?
A. Each ailine has it's own policies and restrictions for children traveling alone. A child who is traveling without the accompaniment of an adult over the age of 18 years is considered by the airlines as an unaccompanied minor.

Each airline carries its own restrictions for unaccompanied minor travel. You should always check directly with the carrier to learn their specific rules and regulations.

In general, airlines have age restrictions (children under 5yrs cannot fly alone, children up to 18 can be considered unaccompanied minors (depending on the carrier the age can vary from 14-18yrs.), charge a fee of $25-$75 per flight segment (paid at the time of check-in), and only permit the use of non-stop or direct flights (those which stop but do not require a change of planes).

Q.Can I still fly while pregnant?
Before making travel plans, expectant mothers are advised to consult their doctors and acquaint themselves with each airline's rules for travel during pregnancy, since carrier has a different policy.

Traveling up until the 36th week is considered safe, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the best time to travel is during the second trimester between 18 and 24 weeks.

If you do choose to travel here are a few suggestions for making it more comfortable:

  • Request an aisle, bulkhead or emergency exit row for additional room.


  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration; humidity in the cabin of a plane is only approximately 8 percent.


  • Walk around every 30 minutes to avoid leg cramps and potential clotting.


  • Travel with a companion in case you require any assistance along the way.
Air Travel FAQ's

Q. How early do I need to check in?
A. Due to increased security measures, we recommend that international passengers should arrive at the airport at least two to two and one-half hours prior to your flight.

Q. Do I need a passport?
A. Not all countries require a passport for entry, but we do recommend for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S.. A valid U.S. passport is the best documentation available and unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship.

Note: Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the Embassy or nearest Consulate of the country that you plan to visit for their requirements. To find more about Foreign Entry Requirements click here.

Q. Is it essential to confirm flights
A. Yes. CI Travel recommends that you call the airline to your confirm flight 48- 72 hours before departing. Either check your itinary list or click here for the essential phone number list provided by CI Travel.

Q. Should I bring my own snacks?
Probably. If you do not have special dietary requirements, you are still well advised to pack something like granola bars or trail mix in your carry-on bag. Many frequent flyers routinely pack their own food for flight, simply because they want the foods they like and don't want to take chances with the airline food. In most airports, there are airport concessions that will make you a sandwich "to go" and that might be just the right thing for your flight.

Q. How do I combat jet lag?
A. Try a few of these techniques for a natural way to reset your internal clock:

  • Reset your watch to the destination's time as soon as you get on the plane. If it's daytime at your destination, try to stay awake during the flight. Walking around the cabin may help keep you alert. If it's nighttime, try to sleep. You may find it helpful to use earplugs and a sleeping mask to block out distractions on the plane.


  • Eat before you get on the plane so that hunger does not prevent you from sleeping during the flight. Inform the flight attendant that you will not be eating so that you are not awakened for a meal.


  • If you're using a blanket, buckle your seat belt over the blanket so that you are not awakened by a flight attendant checking seat belts.


  • If it's daytime when you arrive but nighttime at home, don't sleep. Instead, try doing some light exercise like walking to help revive your body and stop it from producing sleep-inducing hormones.


If you still have questions, please feel free to contact your CI Travel Consultant.