Tips for Air Travel
Atlanta, GA -Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport sees 75.9 million passengers pass through its concourses in a year, making it the world's busiest airport. It's also the first and last Atlanta experience many visitors to the city go through, and one that colors their perceptions of Atlanta.
It's in an effort to make those experiences at Atlanta's fine airport smoother and less of a hassle that we've put together a guide to getting to and through Hartsfield. If you're on your way out of the city, the best way to get to the airport is by MARTA. MARTA, the city's subway system, only charges $1.50 per use, and has a station within Hartsfield. It's fast, safe, and clean, and will get you to your plane on time.
Most airlines have recommended that travelers arrive at the airport at least three (3) hours prior to departure.
If you're going by car, the best route is to take I-120 to I-285, then the Camp Creek Parkway shortcut to the airport. This will allow you to avoid Atlanta's famous cross-town traffic.
nce you're at the airport, it's best to proceed to the security checkpoints and on to your concourse. Most airlines have recommended that travelers arrive at the airport at least three (3) hours prior to departure. This is probably the most important tip for making your trip as stress-free as possible.
It's an unfortunate fact of life post-September 11th, that there are going to be major new security procedures in place in America's airports. These procedures require screeners to be more vigilant and thorough in their screening, which means that it's going to take longer to get passengers boarded.
By arriving several hours early, you not only avoid the last minute crush that we're all familiar with at the security checkpoints, you also increase the chances that your screening will be less of a hassle.
Confirm the status of your flight before you leave for the airport. Your carrier's web site or telephone helpline has this information, as do several other sources - including online flight-status checkers and travel agents. There's nothing as frustrating as getting to the airport to discover your flight has been cancelled or delayed.
Most airlines and airports have resumed curb-side check in. There are additional requirements at some airports, so check with your travel agent or carrier before arrival... and be prepared to show ID and travel tickets. In fact, some authorities have begun to suggest that you bring two IDs.
This is in case your ID is lost or stolen. Imagine trying to board a flight these days without a government-issued ID card. All indications are that it would be nearly impossible.
Access beyond security checkpoints is being limited to passengers with electronic or paper tickets. If you are using an e-ticket, you will need to have your boarding pass or a computer printout of your ticket confirmation and itinerary to proceed past checkpoints.
In addition to your boarding pass, you will need proper photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or military- or government-issued identification to enter secured areas. This brings us back to the idea of carrying two such forms of ID, both kept in separate locations.
It's a good idea to limit carry-on luggage to one bag and one personal item (laptop, purse, briefcase, etc.). Actual restrictions and limitations vary by airline and destination. Hand inspections of carry-on baggage will be more likely, as will increased inspection of electronic devices.
Knives and other edged-items are not allowed in carry-on baggage or past security checkpoints. This includes pocketknives, ice picks, corkscrews, box cutters, screwdrivers, etc. As absurd as it sounds, common items such as knitting needle now raise suspicions.
Needles or syringes must have a doctor's note to be allowed on the plane. Unattended luggage will very likely be searched, and possibly destroyed. SO DON'T LEAVE YOUR LUGGAGE UNATTENDED
Picking-up and dropping-off travelers will become more time-consuming, so plan accordingly. Also expect greater attention from airport security.
Traveling by air has gotten to be a more lengthily
process in the past six months, but a little prior planning together with
an early arrival at the airport, can go a long way towards making your air
travel less stressful and more rewarding. 
