What to know before you go to the airport

If you're flying out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, or any U.S. or European airport, be ready for long lines and extremely tight security — including new checks at the gates in the U.S.

Late Thursday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it is adding a second screening for some passengers at departure gates at major U.S. airports, including Sea-Tac, to make sure passengers are not carrying liquids on board.

Hundreds of flights were canceled Thursday and flights throughout the U.S. and other countries have been delayed as the foiled plot to bomb U.S.-bound planes from England brought chaos to the skies. More delays — even cancellations — can be expected today.

Here's what air travelers need to know and expect:

What will happen

Expect more physical searches at Sea-Tac and other U.S. airports. In addition to the regular screening before passengers can move toward departure gates, some passengers now will be required to pass through a second screening at the gates.

Pack your patience. Everything is going to take longer at airports as everyone adjusts to intensified security and new carry-on rules that forbid lotions, gels and liquids in carry-on luggage.

Take as little carry-on luggage as possible to help security lines move quickly. For today's flights, Alaska Airlines recommended passengers not bring any carry-ons to increase the chances of flights staying on time, spokeswoman Amanda Tobin Bielawski said.

Get to the airport early. Most airlines are advising travelers to arrive three hours before their flight for international travel and at least two hours for domestic. However, Sea-Tac recommends two hours early for all flights to avoid backups: "Coming any earlier doesn't necessarily get people through earlier. It just puts more people in line," airport spokeswoman Rachel Garson said.

Check for delays. Find out if your flight is late through Sea-Tac's real-time flight information, online at www.portseattle.org/seatac, or contact your airline directly.

Unaccompanied minors: Many airlines did not allow unaccompanied minors to fly Thursday given the number of delayed flights. Parents may want to delay any solo travel by children until the situation becomes clearer, although Alaska Airlines was planning to accept unaccompanied children again today. (Airlines also were expected to begin accepting pets again today.)

Changing flights

Given the chaos, most airlines are relaxing their rules and fees on canceling or changing flights, including for nonrefundable flights, for at least the next few weeks. They're giving refunds or vouchers for future travel. That includes major U.S. airlines such as American, United and Northwest, and locally, Alaska Airlines. British Airways also is giving travelers extensive leeway to change or cancel flights. (Online travel agency Expedia also waived some flight-change fees.) Each airline's policy varies; get details through travel agents, online at www.seattletimes.com/travel or from your airline.

Carry-on rules

The U.S. and British governments have imposed different restrictions on carry-on luggage. Travelers bound for Britain, or merely in transit there, must abide by the much-tougher British rules.

U.S. rules: Here's a rundown on Transportation Security Administration regulations at U.S. airports. Get more details at www.tsa.gov or phone 866-289-9673.

• Travelers still are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse or briefcase, but carrying as little as possible will help speed up lines at security checkpoints.

• All liquids, gels or creams must go into checked bags. That includes beverages, shampoos, perfume, lotions, creams and toothpaste. They can't be carried through security checkpoints or onto a plane.

• Beverages bought at the airport must be consumed before boarding. Travelers may bring formula, breast milk and juice for a baby or small child.

• Essential nonprescription items and prescribed medication, including insulin, are allowed in carry-ons. The name on the prescription label must match the passenger's ticket.

• Laptops and cellphones still are allowed in carry-on luggage.

• You're not required to leave checked bags unlocked, although standard locks could be broken during a security check. Buy a TSA-approved lock (sold at Ken's Baggage at Sea-Tac, travel stores, REI, etc.) that security officials can open.

U.K. travel: The British government has imposed the strictest rules so far, essentially banning carry-on luggage for all passengers traveling between British and U.S. airports and for connecting flights in the United Kingdom. All laptops, mobile phones, portable music devices and electric key fobs must be packed in checked luggage.

The following items are being allowed, and ideally should be carried in a see-through plastic bag. (Nothing can be carried through security in pockets).

• Wallets and pocket-sized purses (not full-sized handbags) and money, credit cards, identity cards, etc.

• Travel documents such as passports and tickets.

• Essential prescription medicines and medical items such as a diabetic kit. Any liquid medications must be authenticated.

• Keys, glasses and sunglasses, without cases.

• Contact-lens cases, without bottles of solution.

• For those traveling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger).

• Women's sanitary items, such as tampons and pads, must be unboxed.

British Airways has details posted on its Web site at www.britishairways.com

Travel insurance

If you're planning a trip to London or elsewhere in the United Kingdom and haven't bought travel insurance that covers cancellation because of terrorist attacks, it's not too late to get coverage.

Most policies exclude destinations (often countries, not just cities) where a terrorist incident has occurred within the past three to six months, but Wednesday's thwarted airline bombing plot was a threat, not an attack.

Each policy varies, but the standard wording on terrorist attacks abroad is that the incident must take place in a foreign city in which you are scheduled to arrive within 30 days — unless you're on a tour or cruise and the operator offers a substitute itinerary.

However, standard terrorism coverage doesn't include cancellation just because someone is afraid to fly.

Carol Pucci: 206-464-3701 or cpucci@seattletimes.com

Kristin Jackson: 206-464-2271 or kjackson@seattletimes.com