Business travelers deal with government airline regulations every time they fly. U.S. government airline regulations keep travelers safe, but if you don't know or disregard U.S. government airline rules, air travel can quickly become a nightmare.

Finding government airline information isn't enough to make business travel hassle-free, because the DOT office of airline information periodically updates U.S. government airline rules. Knowing the airline DOT regulatory findings makes for a good first step in understanding government intervention in airline industries as well as airlines and government interactions. But ask yourself these three questions as well to make your business air travel easier.

1. What are the U.S. government airline regulations?

2. How does government intervention in airline industries affect me?

3. What extra things can the business traveler do to accommodate government/airline regulations?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know where to find US government airline regulations

Even the most seasoned business traveler can't possibly know all the government regulations that apply to airlines, but you can know where to find airline information updates that affect air travelers. Don't depend on your company's travel agent to know all the rules; instead, take a few moments before each trip to review the newest airline DOT regulatory filings.

I recommend: USA.gov lets you search by keyword for current and pending regulations. Start with a simple search, like "U.S. government airline rules," and narrow your search as you go. The U.S. Department of State updates and summarizes air travel requirements for U.S. citizens.

Understand how U.S. government airline regulations impact your business travel

Airlines and government work together to refine security, but ultimately U.S. government airline regulations prevail over the wishes of airlines. Government, airlines and travelers can work together to deal with U.S. government airline rules.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration has tips for travelers that should facilitate less frustrating travel. AirSafe.com, LLC has a list of the top 10 travel tips and security tips as well as findings related to updated security issues, a free security update mailing list and security podcasts.

Work with government and airlines to make your business travel experience better

While it'd be nice if a periodic check of airline information (for government regulatory purposes as well as for traveler information) and the above links could ensure a pleasant air travel experience, people who fly frequently (this means most business travelers) need to take a more active role in their air travel experience.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration has a registered traveler program that could make security checkpoints, and all facets of air travel, easier for registered travelers. For more detailed information about government assistance for airlines and other possible changes to air travel, bookmark and regularly check the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) airline data and government statistics for airlines.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your business doesn't already use one, consider enlisting the help of a travel agent for business air travel. Travel agents deal with air travel every day and often know shortcuts that can help make your travel experience more pleasant.