Students traveling by air for Thanksgiving might need to plan for longer delays this year than in previous years. As airports nationwide have continued to upgrade security to meet FAA and Homeland Security standards, suggested check-in times have gone from 30 minutes before departure upwards to two hours before departure.

At Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, security has increased since last holiday season with new screeners for checked luggage implemented this fall. Because of the increased security checks, most airlines are requesting passengers arrive early, said Karen Carney, spokeswoman for Will Rogers World Airport.

"The key thing to remember is that it's going to be busy on Tuesday and Wednesday," Carney said.

Larry De Shon, senior vice president of airport operations for United Airlines, said the busiest days for airports will be Wednesday and the weekend after Thanksgiving. To prepare for the busy travel, airlines have been supplying tips to make the trip smooth.

United has been telling customers to arrive 90 minutes before the scheduled departure to check baggage, 60 minutes without baggage and two hours for international flights.

Weapons have not been allowed for some time, but American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United have told passengers that bats, golf clubs, pool cues and other similar objects are not allowed for carry-on.

Carney said the best thing for travelers to do is think about what to pack. Sometimes people pack things in their carry-on bags without realizing they are illegal, she said.

Carney said some of the most helpful tips to remember are that everything except the body goes through an X-ray, including laptops outside of the case and overcoats.

"Have it ready to go through the machine before you get there," Carney said. "Think about what you're wearing."

Another key item to have is a photo ID. Carney said there have been times when someone had the ID with them when they left, but lost it at the airport or passengers forgetting to bring the ID with them in the first place.

The Transportation Security Administration has also tried to ease passenger problems with an education campaign called Prepare for Takeoff.

"Our goal is to help travelers make choices before departure that lead to a secure and efficient air travel experience for everyone," said Adm. James Loy, acting Undersecretary of Transportation.

The program will educate air passengers about the increased security and what to do to make the trip smooth. Some of these tips include wearing as little metal as possible to avoid setting of checkpoint alarms and carrying film with the carry-on luggage since the screening equipment used on checked baggage will damage undeveloped film.

The Prepare for Takeoff campaign can be viewed online at www.TSATravelTips.us.
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