Air travelers should expect longer lines this Spring Break because of tightened airport security following Sept. 11.
The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that passengers arrive two hours before their departure time for domestic flights, while international passengers should allow two and a half to three hours.
FAA-mandated security upgrades include closer scrutiny at check-ins and security checkpoints prior to the gate.
Tom Sullivan, spokesman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said waiting times have not been too bad but passengers should be prepared to wait up to a half hour or 45 minutes at the checkpoint.
The MWAA manages Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Sullivan advises passengers to arrive at the gate at least 15 minutes before departure. Airlines are reviewing all checked luggage at that time to ensure it corresponds to a passenger who is on the plane.
At National, random secondary screenings of bags also may take place at the gate, he said.
Passengers also should allow extra time at the airport on the return trip to National because airport security will inspect their luggage more closely than before, Sullivan added.
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Rebecca Lapensee, Newcomb Hall's STA Travel branch manager, advises students to have their identification easily accessible to keep the lines moving smoothly.
A passport serves as the best form of identification and is needed for international flights to destinations such as Europe. Most Caribbean resort locations such as Jamaica or Cancun, as well as domestic and Canadian flights, require a government-issued ID or birth certificate.
Birth certificates without a raised seal, Social Security cards or University IDs would not be accepted as proper identification to board a plane.
In light of new security rules, travelers also must remain mindful of both luggage they pack and carry-on items they choose to bring.
Airlines only are allowing passengers to board with one carry-on bag and one personal item bag, such as a purse or laptop, Sullivan said. Passengers who attempt to carry more through the security checkpoint will be sent back to check their luggage.
"The biggest piece of advice is to pack lightly," he said.
Sullivan said placing electronic items in a carry-on bag instead of on the person speeds up the line. The scanning machine will not harm these items, except for professional high-speed film, which could be scanned by special equipment at the airport, he added.
Among the list of banned items that cannot be carried on board a plane are: knives or sharp objects, athletic equipment that could be used as a weapon such as a baseball bat, fireworks or any other flammable substance and household cleaners or aerosols.
Sullivan said many people often carry restricted objects such as pen knives in their pocket but should remember to place them instead in their checked-luggage.
"You've got to think before you get on a plane," he said.
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