Airline Regulations

Modern airline regulations provide unique challenges for frequent business travelers
By Angela Roe, Freelance Writer 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.

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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.

• 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.