As you plan your vacation to Las Vegas, it's important to understand the basic airline terminologies, fees and what documents you need to board your flight to Las Vegas. Knowing what's expected of you and what you can and cannot take onboard an airplane can save you a lot of last minute stress and aggravation. We have put together a list of airline terms, an explanation of some of the extra fees that are added to your fight ticket and what documents you should have on you at the airport.
Hope this list comes in handy as you plan your visit to Las Vegas. Also refer to the TSA website for further explanation of the rules of travelling to Las Vegas.
What is an Automated Boarding Pass?
An Automated Boarding Pass is a Customer-specific paper document that qualifies each Customer for boarding, and can serve as an itinerary for the Customer to pass through security checkpoints.
What is the Federal Excise Tax?
The Federal Excise Tax collects a predefined amount on each flight segment of your itinerary. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and landing.
What is the Airport Passenger Facility Charge (PFC)?
The Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) is a fee collected by airports from airlines for each departing or connecting passenger. Currently, PFCs do not exceed $18 per passenger per round trip ticket.
What is the September 11th Security Fee?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has mandated that all U.S. airlines add a security fee to all tickets. This new government-imposed fee, called the "September 11th Security Fee," will be used to pay the government's cost for providing Federal civil aviation services. This includes training, salaries, and benefits for the Federal security screeners and law enforcement personnel, as well as the Federal Air Marshal program.
What documents do I need to bring with me on the day I travel?
Bring all of the documents you received, electronic or otherwise, this includes your paper air tickets. Passengers 18 years of age or older must have valid, government-issued photo identification. If you are traveling with children under two who will sit in your lap, be sure to bring proof of age for the child.
What forms of personal identification do I need when I depart?
When you travel, you are required to provide identification to verify your identity as well as that of any of your traveling companions. For domestic travel (inside the U.S.), you need to carry a non-expired government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the reservation.
Married or divorced women, who travel under any name other than that printed on their documentation, must supply a marriage license and/or divorce decree (a copy is acceptable). In addition, special requirements apply to children traveling with only one parent or without parents.
What are the Checked Baggage Requirements?
Baggage limitations for scheduled air vary by carrier. Carry-on baggage may be limited, please check with your airline for the most up-to-date baggage requirements.
What can I Bring Through Security?
Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints. Known as the 3-1-1 for carry ons, all liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. For the most up-to-date information on prohibited and permitted items, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website.
What is a Visa Waiver?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
| Departing City | Flight Time | Departing City | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 3.5 hours | Minneapolis | 3 hours |
| Boston | 6 hours | New York City | 5.5 hours |
| Chicago | 3.5 hours | Orlando | 4.5 hours |
| Dallas/Ft. Worth | 2.5 hours | Philadelphia | 5.5 hours |
| Denver | 1.5 hours | Phoenix | 1 hour |
| Detroit | 5 hours | San Diego | 1 hour |
| Honolulu | 5.5 hours | San Francisco | 1.5 hours |
| Houston | 4 hours | Seattle | 2.25 hours |
| Los Angeles | 1 hour | Washington D.C. | 5 hours |
| Miami | 5.5 hours |
| AeroMexico | 800-237-6639 | Korean Air | 800-438-5000 |
| Air Canada | 888-247-2262 | Ted Airlines | 800-CALL-TED |
| Air North | 800-764-0407 | Mexicana | 800-531-7921 |
| Air Transat | 866-847-1112 | Miami Air | 305-876-3600 |
| Air Tran | 800-247-8728 | Midwest Express | 800-452-2022 |
| Alaska Airlines | 800-426-0333 | Northwest / KLM | 800-225-2525 |
| Allegiant Air | 800-432-3810 | Omni Air International | 877-718-8901 |
| Aviacsa | 188-85-28-42-27 | Philippine Airlines | 800-435-9725 |
| American Airlines | 800-433-7300 | Ryan Int'l | 807-727-0457 |
| BMI | 44 (0) 1332-648181 | Skyservice | 1-877-485-6060 |
| Aviacsa | 888-528-4227 | Song | 800-FLY-SONG |
| Champion Airlines | 800-387-6951 | Southwest Airlines | 800-435-9792 |
| Continental Airlines | 800-523-3273 | Spirit Airlines | 800-772-7117 |
| Delta Airlines | 800-221-1212 | Sun Country Airlines | 800-359-6786 |
| Frontier Airlines | 800-432-1359 | United Airlines | 800-241-6522 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 800-367-5320 | US Airways | 800-428-4322 |
| JetBlue Airways | 800-538-2583 | Virgin Atlantic | 800-862-8621 |
| WestJet | 888-937-8538 |
Here are checked baggage fees for main cabin passengers on round-trip flights in the United States and Canada.
| Airline | First Bag | Second Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Air Tran | $15 | $25 |
| Alaska Airlines | $15 | $25 |
| American Airlines | $25 | $35 |
| Continental | $25 | $35 |
| Delta | $25 | $35 |
| Jet Blue | No Fee | $30 |
| Northwest | $25 | $35 |
| Southwest | No Fee | No Fee |
| United Airlines | $25 | $35 |
| US Airways | $25 | $35 |
NOTE: First class passengers, business class passengers, active military personnel and high ranking member of airline frequent flyer programs are exempt.
On international flights, all passengers are allowed two checked bags free of charge
