Air Transport Association says system is running smoothly
Despite the breathless break-ins you’ve seen on cable television of late, the fact is the sky is not falling, at least not on air travelers in the United States.
The Air Transport Association, the trade group representing this nation’s air carriers, says that “operations for its member carriers are running as smoothly as any other summer day”. ATA says it’s not just okay to fly, it’s flat out encouraging the practice.
“In light of the new security regulations, the airlines, government and airports have taken extraordinary steps to ensure that our customers fly safely and get to their destinations as scheduled,” says ATA President and CEO James C. May. “As a result, customers are getting through the security checkpoint quickly and, with few exceptions, operations are running on time.”
May says that while airlines have added staff to accommodate increased checked baggage, he still encourages passengers to get to the airport early.
A bag strategy that might work for you: go to the Transportation Security Administration Web site and check, specifically, what you can put in your carry-on. If you are willing to wait until you get to your destination to replenish your store of lotions and liquids, go ahead and take a carry-on. One unanticipated benefit of the new regulations is that there’s suddenly plenty of room in overhead bins for your carry-on gear.
This doesn’t mean, however, that you can carry more bags on board just that for those you do there should be a spot, even if you’re in the last boarding group.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler