Airlines must meet a wide range of industry and FAA regulations. From cargo handling to pilot certification, it is imperative that all employees of any airline fully understand and comply with all airline regulations. Failure to comply with federal regulations for airlines can result in serious fines, legal troubles and even the forced closure of operations.

To keep your airline operations running smoothly, make sure that you and all of your employees have access to the best professional education and training materials available. As you seek out resources for airline regulations education and training, do the following:

1. Search for airline regulation training materials that provide a broad selection of information.

2. Keep training up-to-date with airline industry association educational programs.

3. Supplement training with free information from government agencies.

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

Find resources to learn the foundation of airline government regulation

If you are looking to update your knowledge of government airline regulations, review the basics online. From air passenger regulations to general federal airline restrictions, all employees can benefit from simple a basic online refresher.

I recommend: Go to GPO Access for a collection of the latest airline regulations. Review Chapter 2 of the Air Transport Association Handbook which discusses the government agencies that have governed the airline industry since the industry underwent financial deregulation in the 1978.

Stay up-to-date with official airline regulations through industry association seminars and programs

Industry associations are a great place to find refresher training courses workshops and seminars. Staying current with airline association programs is not only good for training, but will help your airline stay on top of the latest industry trends.

I recommend: Attend the Regional Airline Association's Summer Seminars Series. The programs cover a wide range of airline issues, including regulatory concerns. Sign up for the Airline Commercial Challenges and Regulatory Issues course provided by the International Air Transport Association.

Get airline federal regulations training materials from government websites

There is no better source for educational materials that cover government regulations on airlines than the websites of the government agencies that have established the regulations. These websites will provide you with information about the most current laws, regulations and standards that exist for the airline industry today.

I recommend: Review the Airline Water Supplies materials on the U.S Environmental Protection Agency's website to stay current with the latest standards in airline water regulations. Get an in depth education on airline security regulations at the Aviation Security Advisory Committee Research Center on the Transportation Security Administration's website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Read the news sections of airline association websites to stay current with developing stories that may impact domestic and international airline regulations.

While everyone recognizes the need for federal airline restrictions, these regulations present ongoing stress and challenges for business travelers. Prepare yourself and your staff for business trips by knowing the latest in official airline regulations as well as federal regulations for airlines.

Prepare yourself for the time and procedures that FAA passenger regulations tack onto every trip. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to slip in and out of to speed the screening process. Limit the size and weight of your checked luggage and try to keep your carry-on to a minimum to make the check-in process faster. Keep your tickets, boarding passes and ID close at hand and be prepared to show them multiple times.

1. Familiarize yourself with air passenger regulations.

2. Comply with the FAA regulations for carry-on luggage.

3. Pack your checked luggage with each airline regulation in mind.

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

Recognize the importance of airline government regulation

Review the contents of each item you want to take with you when you're packing for your business trip. Eliminate what you don't absolutely need and find acceptable choices for the items you do need to take. While the process may not be pleasant, the safety measures at the airport are for the benefit of all travelers, yourself and your employees included.

I recommend: Transportation Security Administration has a detailed listing that's updated frequently to help you know exactly what you can bring onboard during your business travels. Airsafe.com is a helpful website that provides you with the information you need to simplify your travel and security screening at the airport.

Choose carry-on items with airline federal regulations in mind

Pack your carry-on so the security agents can easily see what is in it and so any questionable items can easily be removed, checked and returned to your bag. Know what is acceptable in carry-on luggage to avoid last-minute delays and make sure your carry on includes a good book to help you pass the time.

I recommend: Continental Airlines provides you with the information you need to pack your carry-on luggage, including how to pack liquids like hand creams and shampoos in zip-lock bags so the contents are easily seen and how to show your laptop computer to security. Transportation Security Administration has a list of what can be brought on board your carry-on luggage as well as how to display it.

Check with the specific airline for official airline regulations

Remember that not only do you need to meet federal requirements for your checked luggage, but you also need to meet the requirements of the airline on which you're traveling. Call ahead to make sure you're in compliance with weight regulations, size regulations and the number of bags you can check without incurring additional charges.

I recommend: Federal Aviation Administration has clear instructions to help you pack your baggage with screening speed and convenience in mind. Luggage Online provides you with the specific details for most airlines regarding the number and size of baggage you can bring on each trip.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider the benefits of borrowing a laptop from your destination office branch, rather than taking yours on business trips. With the increasingly tighter airline regulations being implemented by the government as well as individual airlines, the less you have to take with you, the easier your travel will be.

Airline regulations are the rules airlines must follow in establishing traveling procedures. Since September 11, 2001 (9/11), regulations have mainly focused on flight security. Understanding airline regulations will ensure that you don't miss important steps in required procedures, thereby hindering the success, and more importantly, the credibility of your business. You should feel comfortable knowing you meet necessary regulations so you can focus on other business priorities.

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

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The FAA is a government organization that regulates the aviation industry. It provides information services, training and certification for all sectors of the industry, in addition to information on policies and regulations for passengers.

I recommend: The FAA has a substantial list of safe flying policies and passenger tips.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The TSA was formed immediately after the tragedies of 9/11. The TSA is staffed with security personnel who enforce safety regulations for airline employers, employees and passengers.

I recommend: The TSA's programs include security operations, layers of security and law enforcement.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

This is the agency that regulates all types of transportation, including airlines. Its mission is to ensure efficient and safe transportation options.

I recommend: The DOT aims to make travel safe and timely for the public and private sectors, and the web site offers a wealth of information on airline regulations and guidelines.

Air Transport Association of America (ATA)

ATA is a highly regarded trade association that represents airlines and their customers. It strives to regulate safe and secure travel and facilitate economic growth and business success in the airline industry. The ATA is the airline industry's voice in Washington. It works with the government to write laws and define regulations.

I recommend: Visit the ATA's division of Government and Regulatory Affairs to read its stand on government policies and view its FAA filings.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Advisory System

This refers to the color coded system used by the Department of Homeland Security to identify the national security threat level. The colors go from green, which indicates a low threat level, to red, a severe threat level.

I recommend: The Department of Homeland Security provides information on threat levels, the current threat level status and recommendations for passengers, which include making an emergency plan.

DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP)

This program is designed for travelers who have screening and identification issues that cause them flight delays or limit their travel. If you are a regular traveler who has experienced repetitive screening woes, you might wish to contact DHS TRIP.

I recommend: The TSA offers a full description of DHS TRIP and addresses questions and concerns you may have.