New rules on e-cigarettes, carry-on liquids

TULSA, Okla. – Thanksgiving travelers are expected to begin their holiday journey this weekend and officials at Tulsa International Airport are gearing up for the traditional Thanksgiving weekend rush. Airlines operating from TUL expect loads to be full next week, with peak travel days on Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving.

Passengers departing before 8 AM should arrive two hours prior to their scheduled departure time. All other passengers are advised to arrive 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time for domestic travel and two hours early for international travel. Travelers should also confirm their airline’s check in procedure prior to coming to the airport.

We have put together the following travel tips to make traveling by air this holiday season go as smoothly as possible:

Before leaving for the airport…..

* Liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces should be packed in checked luggage.

* Liquids and gels in containers 3.4 ounces and smaller may be packed in carry-on bags, as long as the following conditions are met:

* The containers are 3.4 ounces or less.

* All containers must fit into one quart sized or smaller Ziploc bag.

* Passengers are limited to one bag.

- New rules this year prohibit the placement of electronic cigarettes in checked luggage. Passengers must carry e-cigarettes in their carry-on bag. Any liquids must fit in the quart-sized Ziploc with other liquids and gels that the passenger is taking through the checkpoint.

- Travelers may carry on board one bag that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat, plus one personal item. Check with your airline for any applicable carry on fees. Personal items include things such as purses, briefcases or laptops. A list of permitted and prohibited carry-on items is available at www.tsa.gov.

- Valuables including cameras, jewelry, documents, prescription medicine, and car keys should be placed in your carry-on luggage and kept with you at all times.

- Suitcases should be properly labeled on the exterior and interior of the bag with the passenger’s name and cell phone number.

- Passengers should have the address of their hotel or final destination available should their suitcase be delayed. This will need to be given to the airline so the bag can be delivered upon its arrival.

- All passengers (other than minors) are required to present a government issued photo ID. International travelers of any age must have a passport and other required documents. Passengers should make copies of these documents and carry an extra set with them or electronically scan the documents and e-mail a copy to them to have available should their original identification be lost or stolen.

- Many airlines now allow passengers to check in for their flight up to 24 hours prior to its scheduled departure. Passengers should check with their airline’s website for additional information.

- Passengers departing before 8 AM should arrive two hours prior to their scheduled departure time. All other passengers are advised to arrive 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time for domestic travel and two hours early for international travel. Passengers should also verify the airport arrival times for their return flights as some airports experience lengthier delays.

At the airport…..

- Passengers have three convenient parking options when traveling from TUL – garage, economy, and valet. Travelers in a rush or wanting to avoid inclement weather will have the option of dropping their cars off curbside with the valet attendant located outside of the ticket counter doors.

- Passengers can reduce their time in line at the ticket counters by utilizing self-service check-in machines. Most of the airlines at TUL now offer this service at their ticket counters. These machines allow passengers to print boarding passes, check luggage, select or change seats, and purchase upgrades. All airlines at TUL accept electronic boarding passes. Passengers may use them to pass through security and board their plane.

- When approaching the security checkpoint, passengers should have their government issued photo ID or passport available with their paper or electronic boarding pass. To expedite time through the security screening process, slip on shoes are recommended. Passengers not eligible for TSA’s Pre✓™ program should be prepared to remove shoes and jackets for screening. All laptops, portable DVD players or large electronic items must be removed from their cases and placed into their own bin. Passengers should place keys, cell phones, pagers, and loose change in their carry on bags before getting in the security line.