Airline Passenger Regulations Key Terms

Learn about a few of the terms associated with airline passenger regulations

By Jason Wood

When it comes to flying the friendly skies, it is important to know the passenger rules and regulations everyone must follow. From the items allowed in the cabin, to luggage restrictions, ticketing policies and more, passenger regulations cover a wide scope.

Take the time to learn about airline passenger regulations so that you can make the most of your travel experience. Here are a few of those terms along with resourceful links to help get you started.

Prohibited items

Prohibited items refers to the items which are not allowed to be brought onto the plane by a passenger. The prohibited item list is slightly different for check items versus carry on items. Because of security issues, it's best to check with the airline or TSA for the latest list of prohibited items.
Try: Visit the website for the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) for additional information on the current list of prohibited items.

Luggage size and weight limits

The luggage size and weight limits refer to pieces of luggage that a passenger travels with to their destination. The airlines regulate the size of these items and determine if they can travel in the cabin or must be checked based on the size and weight of each piece of baggage. Most airlines allow two smaller pieces of carry on luggage. Checked luggage usually has a fee when traveling in a coach class service.
Try: Visit the website for Luggage Online for the latest information on the rules and regulations regarding checked and carry on baggage size and weight limits.

Pet travel rules

Pet travel rules refer to the set of standards an airline employs when a passenger travels with a pet. Small dogs, cats and a few other types of animals may travel in the cabin for a fee. Passengers must check larger pets housed in crates, to ride underneath the plane for an additional fee as well. The size, weight and costs rules vary by airline. So it's best to get the pet regulations from the specific airline prior to ticketing.
Try: Visit the website for Pet Travel for a comprehensive look at the rules and regulations associated with pet travel. The website provides the rules and regulations for a plethora of airlines.

Involuntary bumping

Involuntary bumping refers to removing a passenger from a flight if there are not enough seats available on a given plane. If a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they must be rebooked on another flight that gets them to their destination within two hours. If not, that passenger must receive compensation between $200 and $400 by the airline.
Try: Visit the website for Road and Travel Magazine for additional information on the rules and regulations associated with involuntary bumping.

Domestic ID requirements

The domestic ID requirements refer to the regulation that all passengers over the age of 18 must have a government issued photo ID with them that includes their name, date of birth, gender, an expiration date and a tamper proof feature.
Try: United.com has additional information on the Domestic ID requirements for travel within in the United States.

Force majeure

Force majeure refers to the right of the airline to terminate or cancel travel service for any passenger due to a litany of causes including but not limited to meteorological events, acts of God, strike, work stoppage, government regulation and more. The passenger will receive an involuntary refund if service cannot be performed due to force majeure.
Try: Visit the website for American Airlines for a sample of their force majeure policy. Every domestic airline carrier has such a policy with similar features.