Increased airport security coupled with the usual heavy air travel during the Thanksgiving Day weekend will make for more delays, the state Transportation Department warned yesterday. Delays, lines await
holiday travelersBy Lisa Asato
lasato@starbulletin.comThe department reminded travelers to do their part to make traveling easier.
For example, passengers should check in as much luggage as possible to prevent delays at security checkpoints. Passengers also should have a state or government photo ID handy to show at several sites, including check-in and boarding.
Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, nail clippers and knitting needles should be left at home or packed in check-in bags. They are banned from the airplane cabin and will be confiscated at security checkpoints.
There are no additional security measures being implemented at the airports for the holiday weekend, but "because of the heavy volume of traffic they're going to be a little more careful," a Transportation spokesman said. "It's going to take longer because you got more people now, people out from college and everybody going home for the holidays. The airports already started to pick up (yesterday)."
For interisland travelers, Transportation officials said:
>> Arrive 90 minutes before your flight, or earlier if your airline recommends it.
>> Parking is limited; plan to be dropped off and picked up.
>> Say good-bye at home. Curbside access is for active loading and unloading only. A driver may not wait at curbside for you nor leave the car unattended to help you with your bags.
>> Fill out flight coupons beforehand if you are using them.
>> If you don't have baggage to check, proceed through the security checkpoint and check in at the ticket counter to get a boarding pass. The only exception is in Kona, where you must check in and receive a boarding pass before going through security.
>> Do not tape or tie your boxes closed until after they have been inspected and are ready to be checked in at the ticket counter. Bring strapping tape to secure your boxes.
>> Do not gift-wrap any carry-on presents as security may ask you to unwrap them.
>> Never joke about bombs or other weapons. It is a federal offense to make any threats at an airport, and the person making the remark will be detained by security.
For mainland or international travelers, Transportation officials said:
>> Check with the airline on how early you should arrive. Usually, it is two to three hours ahead of the flight time.
>> For mainland flights, go directly to the agriculture inspection station to have your luggage checked and tagged.
>> Ask your airline if it provides curbside check-in. If so, the porter will take your bags through agriculture inspection and you can proceed to the ticket counter or gate to check in. Some airlines will let only people with electronic tickets to use this service, so ask in advance about it.
>> Check with the airline to find out how many carry-on items are allowed. Most have a limit of two: a personal item, such as a purse or briefcase, and one other item, such as a backpack or computer.
>> Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the security checkpoint. For those who need assistance, let your airline know to arrange whatever help you need.