frequently asked questions about air travel

What is the status of commercial air travel? The nation’s airports, with the exception of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, are open and operating with heightened security measures. Please allow additional time to check in under the new security procedures.

What do I do if I have an electronic ticket? You should call the airline in advance. Only ticketed passengers will be allowed beyond the security checkpoint. Within certain guidelines, the airlines will determine what ticket documentation (tickets, boarding passes or reservation confirmations) their security screeners will allow, so you should check with the airline in advance if you have an electronic ticket. All passengers should remember to bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.

Will I be allowed to meet an arriving passenger at the gate? No one without a ticket will be allowed beyond the security checkpoint. Provisions will be made for parents who need to meet unaccompanied minors, for disabled persons and persons with special needs who need to be accompanied by healthcare assistants or guardians, and for medical personnel who need to respond to a medical emergency beyond the checkpoint.

If I don’t have a bag to check, do I need to check in at the ticket counter? If you already have a ticket, you may proceed through the security checkpoint to the departure gate.

Can I carry my pocketknife on board? No knives or cutting instruments of any size or material will be allowed in the aircraft cabin. Knives may be transported only in checked baggage. Airlines are no longer providing steak knives for on-board food service.

What new security will I notice at the airports? There will be thorough searches of all airports and airplanes before passengers are allowed to enter and board aircraft.

• Checking bags at off-airport sites is prohibited. You may still use these sites to obtain boarding passes and seat assignments.
• Only ticketed passengers will be allowed through the security checkpoints.
• Vehicles parked near the airport will be closely monitored.
• You may notice additional uniformed law enforcement officers and FAA canine teams patrolling the airport.
• Some airlines and airports are allowing curbside check-in of baggage (after implementing heightened security procedures).

Will armed officers be put on flights? Yes, FAA Federal Air Marshals who are armed and trained in the use of firearms on board aircraft will be flying anonymously on select flights. Federal Air Marshals are FAA civil aviation security specialists who are specially trained for deployment on anti-hijacking missions. The FAA will not reveal the number or identities of the marshals. Other government agencies are providing additional security personnel at airports and are helping to augment the FAA’s Federal Air Marshal program.

Are general aviation aircraft permitted to fly? Yes, general aviation aircraft operations are being permitted, both IFR and VFR flights. There may be certain restrictions so all general aviation pilots are asked to familiarize themselves with the Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) that have been issued following Sept. 11. These notices are available at www.faa/NTAP/.

Are foreign airlines flying into the United States? A foreign carrier may fly to the United States if it meets the FAA’s new security requirements at its location of departure. International operators and passengers can check the FAA’s International Aviation Web site at http://www.intl.faa.gov for more information.

Is cargo and mail being transported on passenger flights? Mail and cargo is being permitted on passenger flights subject to heightened security. If you have specific questions about mail service, please contact the U.S. Postal Service.

Is the FAA going to require hijacking training for pilots and flight attendants? The FAA already requires the entire flight crew to undergo initial hijacking training, and annual recurrent training. We do not detail what this training encompasses for obvious security reasons. Whether this training will change in any way, we don’t know at this time, but we’re looking at everything for lessons we can learn.

Courtesy of the Federal Aviation Administration