US Travel Security
Transportation Security Administration information The TSA has put together the most up-to-date and comprehensive set of information on aviation security.
Travel Abroad
Check here for official requirements, downloadable application forms, information on where to conveniently apply, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information.
Travel Warnings
Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country.
US Passports
The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.
US Customs
Regulations for U.S. Residents
As an international traveler, you should be aware of the rules for bringing items back from your trip.
Travel Health
Health information for specific destinations. Vaccination recommendations for travelers of all ages.
Airport Status
Flight Delay Information - Air Traffic Control System Command Center
Airline On Time Stats
The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) tracks the on-time performance of domestic flights operated by large air carriers
World Weather
Average temperatures and rainfall statistics for international destinations.
Domestic Weather
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service for the US
The World Clock - Time Zones
Current local times around the world
Currency Converter
xe.com The Universal Currency Converter
How Much Stuff Can I Check In - The Airline Policies
Legacy Airlines
Airlines have decreased luggage allowances a lot over the years. I've worked for the same airline for over a dozen years and seen the permitted free allowance simply drop.
Those least affected are traveling on executive/business/first class airfares, or top tier frequent flyer members who have long enjoyed a bit more flexibility with luggage.
Now you may not be able to take a surfboard, or a larger stroller, where you once could. Unless otherwise noted, wheelchairs are checked in as free baggage, and do NOT count toward the free luggage allowance. Some airlines allow strollers for free and do not require you to use up part of the free luggage allowance. Most airlines, regardless of excess baggage fees that you may be willing to pay, will not accept bags that weigh more than 100lbs as checked luggage.
So what is an air traveler to do? It is a case of trying to keep up with the tightening luggage policies of the airlines.
Delta Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance-With the exception of Brazil travel, where 2 pieces of checked luggage at a weight of up to 70lbs each is permitted, the free checked in allowance is 50lbs per bag, and an additional 40lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage start at $50 and can go to several hundred dollars.
"reduced to one free bag per passenger traveling in the US, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico."
Restricted Items/Other Restrictions-Several sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. Heavier/larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $85 per direction. Strollers/car seats count toward the free luggage allowance.
Baggage Policy
Northwest Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance-With the exception of Philippines, China and Hong Kong travel, where 2 pieces of checked luggage at a weight of up to 70lbs each is permitted, the free checked in allowance is 50lbs per bag, and an additional 40lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage start at $50 and can run over several hundred dollars.
"Domestic Travel (within the US/Canada,Mexico and the Caribbean)...Each ticketed passenger is allowed one piece of checked luggage."
Sports Items/Other Restrictions-Several sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. Heavier/larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $50-$150 per direction.
Baggage Policy
American Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance-With the exception of Brazil travel, where 2 pieces of checked luggage at a weight of up to 70lbs each (32kg) is permitted, the free checked in allowance is 50lbs (23kg) per bag, and an additional 40lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage start at $50 and can run up to several hundred dollars.
Sports Items/Other Restrictions-Several sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. Heavier/larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $80 per direction.
Baggage Policy
United Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance-With the exception of Brazil and Philippines travel, where 2 pieces of checked luggage at a weight of up to 70lbs each is permitted, the free checked in allowance is 50lbs per bag, and an additional 40lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage start at $50 and can jump to several hundred dollars.
"for travel exclusively within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S.Virgin Islands and Canada...Customers who do not have premium status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free and a second bag for $25.00. Customers who have attained Premier Associate status or higher in Mileage Plus or Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner are exempt from this policy..."
Sports Items/Other Restrictions-Several sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. Heavier/larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $85 per direction.
Baggage Policy
Continental Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance-With the exception of Brazil travel, where 2 pieces of checked luggage at a weight of up to 70lbs each is permitted, the free checked in allowance is 50lbs per bag, and an additional 40lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage start at $25 and peak at several hundred dollars.
"$25 fee for customers checking a second bag when traveling on certain Economy fare tickets...for travel within the US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Canada."(some exceptions apply)
Sports Items/Other Restrictions-Several sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. Heavier/larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $95 per direction. Strollers/car seats count toward the free luggage allowance.
Baggage Policy
US Airways
Free Baggage Allowance-The free checked in allowance is 50lbs per bag-2 bags, and an additional 40lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage start at $50 and can run up to several hundred dollars.
"$25 fee for a passenger’s second checked bag...all flights within the US, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean."(some exceptions apply)
Sports Items/Other Restrictions-Several sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. Heavier/larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $80 per direction. Strollers/car seats count toward the free luggage allowance.
Baggage Policy
Alaska Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance-2 pieces of checked luggage at a weight of up to 50lbs per bag, and an additional 40lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage start at $25 to several hundred dollars.
Sports Items/Other Restrictions-Several sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. Heavier/larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $25-$75 per direction.
Baggage Policy
