Travel Tips & Security Information

REAL ID DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MAY 3, 2023 :

The Real ID Act established minimum security standards for drivers’ licenses. Most states are in compliance with the REAL ID act.. Starting October 1, 2021, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID to enter certain Federal facilities, and to board a commercial aircraft.

If you are from a state which is currently in compliance, you will want to be sure to have a Real ID to ensure a smooth transition through the TSA screening process before your flight. Find more information regarding the Real ID act.

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

  • Travelers are reminded to arrive 90 minutes before the scheduled departure for their flight.
  • Allow extra time to arrive at the airport.
  • Check with your individual airline to make sure your flight is on time.

BAGGAGE TIPS

  • Always keep medicine, identification, money, or other valuable items in your carry-on bag. Once your checked baggage has been screened there is no way to retrieve anything from the bag.
  • You may be charged an additional fee if your bag weighs over 50 pounds. Check with your airline for baggage weight and size limits.
  • Many airlines are now charging to check baggage. Check with your individual airline for baggage policies and pricing. Airline counters do not have cash on hand, plan on paying with a check or credit / debit card.
  • If you lock your checked baggage use a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved lock or your lock might have to be cut off.

TSA TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH SECURITY

Visit TSA’s webpage for up-to-date air travel tips.

TSA at DRO now offers a separate line for TSA Precheck!  Find more information.

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

  • 3-1-1 for carry-ons equals: 3.4 ounce (100 ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-lock bag, 1 bag per passenger, placed in the screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. The 3.4 ounce (100 ml) container size is a security measure.
  • Be prepared: Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
  • 3-1-1 is for short trips: When in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage. It is recommended to put those in a zip-lock bag to prevent them from spilling on your belongings.
  • Declare larger liquids: Medications, breast milk, and baby formula and food are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-lock bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.

TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH PETS

  • If you have any doubts about traveling with animals you should consider another method or leaving your pets at home.
  • See your specific airlines rules regarding traveling with pets. Some airlines have restrictions on certain breeds of animals, check with your airline for specifics. Make sure the airline knows the breed you are traveling with. Many airlines charge a fee for animals.
    AMERICAN AIRLINES TIPS FOR PETS
    UNITED AIRLINES TIPS FOR PETS
           
  • Select nonstop flights, and try to minimize temperature extremes. During the summer months, some airlines will not accept pets to travel in the cargo hold. Check with individual airlines for details.
  • Take your pet to the veterinarian to have all of the necessary health certificates, and make sure your pet is healthy enough for travel. Your vet may be able to offer some ideas to make traveling on your pet easier. Pets must be over 8 weeks old to travel.
  • If traveling to Hawaii or outside the continental United States, your pet will require special vaccinations and quarantine periods. Check the rules of the country you are traveling to as some countries require special rules regarding animals brought into the country.
  • Be sure your pet is comfortable in its kennel. Attach information including your name, phone number, and flight information to the kennel and the pet’s collar. Have food, water, and a favorite toy available during the trip. Take your pet out to go to the bathroom before putting them in the kennel for check in.

For information from the TSA regarding pets, visit Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website.