Traveler Tips

General Info – Airlines at Huntsville International Airport recommend arriving 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. A government issued photo ID is required at check-in and again at the Security Checkpoint. Boarding passes are required to enter the concourse.  Check in at the ticket counter or at an e-ticket machine or curbside if available for your carrier. Children under 18 are not required to have a photo ID.

Pick ups and Drop Offs – Travelers that are being dropped off or picked up at the airport may use the 10-minute “waiting spaces” that are provided free of charge for these customers. Waiting spaces are located immediately in front of the terminal building and are equipped with a timer that will begin when a vehicle enters a space and then flash to indicate when time has expired. A large canopy covers this area to protect passengers and their belongings from the elements during loading and unloading. Due to security restrictions, vehicles must be attended at all times when in a waiting space.

Group Travel – Checking in with large groups can overwhelm the available space at the ticket counter and TSA lanes. It is beneficial for large groups to split in half and some members enjoy the waiting area next to Elite Travel while others check in. This is also a good area to re-group after the check in process before proceeding to the security checkpoint. Each member of the group should hold onto their own boarding pass and photo ID.

Advanced Boarding Passes – Many airlines allow passengers to visit their website to check in and print their boarding pass prior to arriving at the airport. Passengers who print their boarding pass can then proceed directly to the gate. Advance boarding passes can be printed 30 hours in advance from Continental, 24 hours in advance on Delta, Northwest and US Airways, and 12 hours in advance on American. Check with your airline for confirmation.

International Travel – Passengers traveling internationally must have completed the check in process one hour prior to departure. International travelers should be at their gate 45 minutes prior to departure.

Foreign Currency - AmSouth Bank, Colonial Bank, and Regions Bank provide this service free of charge for their customers and for fees between $5 - $40 for non-customers. Advance notice of 3 days to one week is required, but next day service is available for an additional fee. AmSouth and Colonial have currency exchange at any branch. Regions provides this service only for customers and only at the branches at Madison Street and South Madison. Plesase contact these banks for current information.

Leisure Travel – Vacations are a good time to play; however, take care when packing your sporting equipment. Golf Clubs should be washed prior to flying to prevent possibly triggering baggage screening equipment. Clubs should be in a travel bag. Fishing gear, baseball bats, and other equipment must be checked.

Film – All undeveloped film and video tapes should be packed in carry on luggage. The baggage screening equipment for checked baggage will damage or destroy undeveloped film.

Unacceptable Items – The following items are not allowed on airplanes due to safety reasons. Disposable lighters may not be carried on or checked.  You may carry on one pack of safety matches.  Knives are not permitted in carry on luggage. Fireworks, scuba tanks, propane or gas tanks for grills, and parachutes are also not permitted. Any incendiary devices or combustible items should be shipped to your destination. Another alternative is to rent equipment at your destination.

Overpacking – Be cautious when packing bags. Federal Security Screeners often need to open and physically search a bag during the screening process. Overstuffed bags are more difficult to close once opened and could result in delays for checked luggage. Also, most airlines charge fees for overweight bags.

For more travel tips and a complete list of items prohibited from either carry-on or checked baggage, please visit the TSA on-line at www.TSATravelTips.us or call the TSA contact center toll free at 1-866-289-9673.