American Airlines Offers Family-Friendly Tips for Independence Day Travel

Hey! Found some useful tips wroten by American Airlines for people going to travel. Hope you will enjoy it! As for me, there is some info that will help many people to enjoy their vacation!

Before Traveling...

• When traveling on an international itinerary with a lap child (infants under the age of two), contact American Airlines Reservations for information on the proper documentation required for security clearance and boarding. Infant ticket and fare rules for international destinations, including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, vary by country, so call ahead to avoid surprises at the airport. Although there is no charge for traveling with lap children within the U.S., allow for extra time at the airport to provide proper documentation to a ticket agent.
• Consider purchasing a lightweight child-restraint system rather than lugging a bulky car seat through security.
• Some countries require a child traveling with only one parent to carry written, notarized consent from the absent parent. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country for information.

As You Pack...

• Domestic Economy Class customers can check one bag for $15; a second checked bag is $25. If you've achieved AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum status, the first two checked bags are free.
• Include your name, flight number, itinerary and phone contact inside each checked bag in case the bag tag becomes detached in transit.
• When traveling with an infant, be sure to bring enough food and supplies with you. American does not provide baby food, bottles or other related items.
• Fill a backpack for young children with crayons, coloring books, inexpensive toys and snacks. Consider holding a new or special item aside until you are airborne.

Before Leaving for the Airport...

• Dress yourself and your children in comfortable clothes, and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off at the security checkpoint.
• Reduce time and stress at the airport by checking in online.
• If you're over the age of 18, federal law requires you to show a government issued photo ID at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.

Onboard the Plane...

• A portable video player, audio player, or reading material can make the time fly, especially for young travelers. However, audio and video equipment may only be used with headsets.
• Changes in air pressure during descent may cause discomfort in small children. Be prepared by having a bottle, pacifier or chewing gum with you. Frequent swallowing allows air to flow freely out of and into the ear and sinus cavities, preventing discomfort.
• American and American Eagle offer complimentary non-alcoholic beverages onboard, and juice and milk are available for children. In addition, American offers a choice of fresh light meals and snacks through food-for-sale program. Options vary based on flight time and length.

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R) serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com(R), provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of theone world(R) Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories.