Flight Tips

These tips were created as general information to cover the majority of flight bookings, but may not apply to every situation. Each airline has their own restrictions in place, so for anything specific to your booking it is best to contact the airline directly or visit their website in most cases. AAA is not able to waive any policies put in place by other entities such as the airports or airlines.

Identification

• For domestic travel, a government issued photo ID is required for anyone 18 or older
• As of May 7, 2025 a Real-ID (domestically) or passport is required for all flights for anyone 18 or older
  • More information can be found at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id 
• For International travel, a Passport book is required for all travelers, regardless of age
  • It is the travelers responsibility to verify all entry requirements. US citizens may verify requirements per country via travel.state.gov (Link to enter Destination)
  • Verification is recommended to be completed prior to booking, as failure to meet requirements will result in denied boarding, with full penalties applied

Before You Travel

• Verify your flight confirmation immediately to verify all details are correct. Your name, including middle name or initial, must match your ID or Passport exactly. Contact us immediately if any changes are needed. 
  • Some airlines do have strict limits on what name changes can be made and may charge a fee
• If you did not get assigned seats during your booking process, you may want to get your seats assigned prior to travel by accessing the My Trip section of the airline's website
  • Some seats/airlines charge a fee for pre-assignment. If you do not wish to pay the fee, you may select seats closer to departure or have them assigned at the airport. 
  • Basic Economy tickets do not permit seat selection
  • Southwest Airlines does not do advance seating, but you may purchase EarlyBird CheckIn from their website to get an advanced boarding pass for larger availability of seats available when you board the plane

Baggage

• Each airline and type of ticket purchased determines your allowable baggage, and any associated costs
• Please visit the airlines website and go to the My Trips section to access your booking with your vendor confirmation number to confirm baggage allowance, costs, and even to purchase your baggage in advance
• Some bags are less expensive if purchased in advance of travel and rate may increase as you get closer to departure or if purchased at the airport
• Carry on bags are often included (except basic economy, Spirit, and Frontier Airlines) and must meet size and weight requirements
• Checked bags often incur a fee per bag, per person. Additional fees apply for exceeding size/weight restrictions.
• More information on packing can be found under the "Prepare for Departure" section

Changes/Cancellations

• Each airline and rate booked have different rules regarding whether flights can be changed and if a fee will be incurred or not. Please contact us to make changes to your booking. Changes may be made with your airline directly, but some may charge an additional fee to do so. 
• Name changes are generally not permitted
  • Only the named passenger has access to the ticket, it cannot be transferred to another person
  • Minor changes/corrections may be permitted but could incur a fee
• Most flights are fully refundable when canceled within 24 hours of making the reservation. You may cancel your flight from your booking confirmation during that period or contact us by phone to do so. 
  • Some airlines, such as Spirit and Frontier, do have cancellation penalties and do not offer a refund if your booking was made within 7 days of the departure date.
• Schedule changes provided by the airline do happen and are out of our control. These changes must be accepted or modified within the airline's limits prior to departure. 
• Most flights are not able to be reinstated once canceled
• If you cannot travel, be sure to cancel prior to your flight's departure, or any value the ticket may hold will be forfeit
  • Any credit is only able to be used on the ticketing carrier, as that is the airline that has the funds
  • Only the named traveler can access those funds for rebooking, regardless of who may have purchased the tickets
  • AAA is not able to extend the validity period or any terms of the credit
• AAA is not able to provide refunds outside of the airlines' general policies based on the fare rules of the ticket purchased
  • If you are canceling for an extenuating circumstance, such as the death of an immediate family member, waivers/refunds must go directly through the airline as they will require additional documentation to review the request. You will need to visit their website or contact the airline directly for more information. 

Infants

• Infants (children under the age of 2 at the time of flight) may travel for free domestically when sitting on the lap of a paid passenger. In order for the infant to have a seat, a ticket will need to be purchased for them.
• Lap Infants may be added to an existing flight at any time, including the day of travel at the airport
• International travel does have a fee for lap infants
• Some airlines will allow a bassinet for lap infants on long-haul flights. The parent(s) (or responsible party) may need to purchase the assigned seat in these areas. Contact the airline directly for information and options.
• It is recommended to bring a birth certificate to prove age if traveling as a lap infant

Traveling with children of any age

• Make sure the correct age and date of birth is entered for all international flights, as this may affect the rate for that passenger
• Anyone under 18 does not need a government-issued photo ID, but some type of proof of ID and/or age is always a good idea (such as a birth certificate)
  • A passport is required for all passengers on international flights
• All minors should have a notarized letter of consent from any parent/guardian who is not traveling, even if one parent is present
  • A release for medical treatment to the traveling party is also a really good idea!

Forms - AAA/TST does not endorse or recommend any specific form. Parents may find their own or create their own that fits their needs. The Tripsavvy.com article linked below offers recommendations on what should be included.

• Some recommendations for online forms that are free to use
• PDF travel and medical consent form

International Travel

• If you are traveling internationally, be sure to verify all entry/exit requirements for your destination. US citizens may visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html to confirm all requirements. Select the option for Country Information to search for the country/countries you are visiting.
• We recommend contacting your credit card company in advance of travel to alert them so your cards are not blocked due to suspicious activity
• Exchange your currency in advance. Rates at the airport and in-country are often higher than buying before you go.
• All entries into the US require a valid passport, regardless of age
• Customs/Immigrations are required for all international arrivals. You will need to claim any checked baggage and have it scanned and rechecked as part of this process.
  • Each country you enter may require you to go through customs/immigration, but some airports do not require this process for international connections.
• You may want to review this document as well: Flying Internationally

Preparing for Departure

• Visit tsa.gov to review airport security rules, regulations, and processes. Information on what you can/cannot pack can also be found here.
  • Airport security will not allow liquids, gels, or creams larger than 3.4 fl oz to pass through with your carry-on. Items larger than this must be checked. In addition, each traveler is only permitted to have 1 quart-sized, clear, zip-top, plastic bag with these items.
• Confirm baggage fees/limitations on the airline's website prior to packing to help avoid unexpected expenses. 
• Your carry-on luggage should contain at least 1 night/day of clothing and necessities in case you or your luggage is delayed.
• All medication and other important items should be placed in your carry-on
  • It is recommended to keep all medication in its original, labeled bottle. All prescription medications must have a label matching the traveler's name.
• Bring snacks, electronics, books, or other items to help pass the time as you wait for your flight, as well as for entertainment while flying. An external battery is always helpful as many airports have limited plugs available in the general waiting areas.
• Most airlines will allow online check-in via their website and/or app starting 24 hours prior to your flight - you can complete your online check-in to obtain your boarding pass used to get through security and board the flight or get your boarding pass at the airport counter/kiosk.
  • You must use the airline confirmation number from your confirmation to access your booking. That is found in the flight itinerary section of your confirmation.
  • Confirmations are not boarding passes – passes have a QR code or a UPC to be scanned
• Be sure to arrive at the airport approximately 2 hours before your flight's scheduled departure to allow plenty of time to check-in, check bags, get through security, and make it to your gate as delays may happen at any point in the process.

Getting Around the Airport

Airports can be intimidating, as there is a lot going on and most are quite sizable. Here are some tips to help you get through:

• Review the website of the airports you are visiting in advance. Most offer a map! 
• Signage is everywhere, and usually very easy to follow. Look at the flight board for your flight's terminal, then make your way there using airport signage.
• Employees are almost always visible. Just ask for help!
• If assistance is needed, such as a wheelchair or electric cart to get around, contact an airport employee

Service Animals / Pets 

If you are traveling with a service animal or pets, we recommend contacting the airline well in advance to review any restrictions or recommendations they may have in place, including any possible fees, paperwork, etc.

Unaccompanied Minors

Each airline has unique and strict requirements when it comes to children flying without an adult. These requirements must be reviewed directly with your airline to ensure all information is up to date. Fees must be paid to the airline in addition to the cost of the ticket for any minor requiring assistance and full details of the responsible person at each airport must be provided as well as emergency contact information. Each airline has a minimum and maximum age for their accompanied minor program. Children too young for the airline's service will not be able to fly without a responsible adult, and those too old for the program will not be able to utilize the program.