Goes without saying but . . .
from the AC website:
http://micro.newswire.ca/releases/De...7.html/13213-0
MONTREAL, Dec. 4 /CNW/ - As the holiday season approaches, Air Canada
reminds travelers to be prepared for significantly enhanced security measures
in airports and onboard aircraft as a result of the events of September 11, as
well as congestion on peak travel days. Holiday travel for both domestic and
transborder destinations peaks December 19-23, with return travel January 2-6,
2002. International holiday travel commences as early as December 15 and
continues through as late as January 11, 2002.
Air Canada offers the following advice for travellers, designed to make
holiday travel enjoyable and to help ensure the only holiday surprises are
those found under the Christmas tree.
BAGGAGE
Carry-on luggage:
----------------
COUNT CAREFULLY. One carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse,
briefcase, laptop or backpack are allowed in all classes of service on all Air
Canada flights within North America.
CHECK BATTERIES. When carrying on an electronic device such as a cellular
phone or laptop computer, ensure it is in full working order to avoid
confiscation by security.
NO SHARP POINTS. Do not carry on knives or "knife-like" objects or
cutting instruments of any kind. These items may include carpet knives, box
cutters and other folding or retractable blades regardless of size or
material, straight razors, ice picks and elongated scissors. These objects
must be packed in checked baggage.
SOME TOYS AND MOST SPORTS EQUIPMENT MUST BE CHECKED. Toy guns and toy
knives are permitted in checked baggage but may not be carried in the aircraft
cabin. Sports equipment such as hockey sticks, baseball bats, pool cues, ski
poles and golf clubs must be checked.
Checked luggage
---------------
THINK CAREFULLY WHILE PACKING. Strongly consider leaving all electric
devices such as hair dryers, curling irons and irons at home. If they are a
must, pack them in checked luggage.
MARK, LOCK AND GUARD LUGGAGE. Lock each piece of luggage, ensure clear
identification is on both the outside and inside of luggage and never leave
luggage unattended.
Travelling with gifts
---------------------
SAVE THE FESTIVE WRAPPING PAPER. Travel with unwrapped gifts to avoid
being asked to unwrap them at the security checkpoint at the airport.
AT THE AIRPORT:
ARRIVE EARLY. Allow for holiday congestion and increased security by
arriving at the airport early: no later than 30 minutes before departure on
Rapidair flights; one hour before all other domestic flights, 90 minutes prior
to U.S. flights and three hours prior to all international flights.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ARE A MUST. Be prepared to present photo identification
before boarding a flight regardless of the destination; without it, travel may
be refused. Domestic travel requires photo identification and international
travel requires a valid passport and any other documentation required to enter
the country of choice, such as visas. Children travelling outside of Canada
with one parent may require legal documentation to prove consent of the other
parent or guardian to leave the country.
IF YOU HAVE CHECKED LUGGAGE, BOARD YOUR BOOKED FLIGHT. Current security
regulations require that passengers must fly on the same flight as their
checked baggage. Failure to do so requires a search to remove baggage from the
aircraft cargo hold and a lengthy, costly delay for both other passengers and
the airline.
SECURITY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS - SAVE YOUR SENSE OF HO HO HO. Airport and
airline employees are under strict enhanced security requirements to ensure
the safety of all passengers and they take these responsibilities seriously.
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
On the phone, at the airport, and in the air Air Canada is prepared to
offer guidance and assistance to help ensure safe, enjoyable travel and wishes
all of its customers happy and memorable holidays.
EDITORS NOTE: A selection of high resolution jpeg full color photos to
accompany this news release are available at
www.aircanada.ca by selecting
"News" and then "High Resolution Holiday Travel Photos".
http://www.aircanada.ca/news/images/aircrart.jpg
http://www.aircanada.ca/news/images/checkin.jpg
NB: Where are these check-in counters anyway?