Students flying home will have to deal with delays, safety precautions

Students traveling during the holidays will need to be aware of new policies and security measures being implemented by airlines and the government. Preparation and awareness of these new rules will help to ensure a safe, uncomplicated flight.

Many airlines are recommending that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to allow time for searches and early check-in, according to United Airlines.

Bella Schroeder of Campus Travel, 1010 E. Sixth St., said that students should call in advance and confirm that their flights are still running, as some airlines have canceled flights.

United Airlines, for example, ran 2,400 flights a day prior to Sept. 11 but has since cut back to 1,654 flights per day.

Upon checking in, passengers are now required to show proof of identity and a ticket (or a confirmation number from an electronic ticket) in order to pass through security checkpoints of many airports, according to several airlines.

Non-ticketed customers will not be allowed past the checkpoint. Some airlines may check identification again before travelers board the plane.

The FAA has mandated that passengers will only be allowed one carry-on item and one "personal item," such as a purse or laptop computer.

Passengers may not carry any knives or knife-like objects (such as scissors, straight razors or other sharp items) in a carry-on bag or on their persons, according to new FAA regulations.

All checked and carry-on baggage is subject to search, and many airlines are conducting random searches of passengers, baggage and aircrafts.

It is recommended that travelers pack lightly to avoid lengthy delays if searched. Passengers should keep track of all their belongings because airlines are on heightened alert for unattended baggage, according to Delta Air Lines' Web site.

There will be an increased presence of uniformed law enforcement and military at some airports, according to Delta's Web site. Likewise, there will be plainclothes FAA air marshals on some flights.

United Airlines states on its Web site that there are more of these air marshals traveling than ever before in U.S. history.