Good Rules For Flying

The following security measures are now in place at Oakland International Airport:

- Curbside check-in is limited. Currently, Continental Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines offer this service, with other carriers coming on line soon. For all other carriers, proceed to the ticket counters for check-in and to check your baggage.

- Routine pickup and drop-off of passengers is permitted at the terminal, but unattended vehicles that are left at curbside will be towed away immediately.

- One carry-on bag and one personal item (e.g., purse, briefcase, diaper bag, backpack, laptop) per ticketed passenger will be allowed past the security checkpoint.

- The following items must be placed in, or transported as, checked baggage or risk confiscation at the checkpoint: knives of any length, composition or description; cutting instruments such as carpet knives and box cutters, any device with folding or retractable blades, ice picks, straight razors, metal scissors and metal nail files; corkscrews; and sporting equipment such as baseball/softball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, pool cues and hockey sticks. The following items are permitted in carry-on baggage: walking canes and umbrellas (once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not concealed); nail clippers; safety razors (including disposable ones); syringes (with documented proof of medical need); tweezers; and eyelash curlers.

- A U.S. government-issued ID (federal, state or local) will be required at several locations.

- Additional uniformed police, both Oakland Police officers and private security guards, will be patrolling the airport.

- Passengers are strongly urged to closely control their own baggage and packages to avoid potentially transporting items without their knowledge.

- Unattended or suspicious bags are subject to inspection.

- There will be zero tolerance for any kind of threat or suspicious activity, whether intended or meant in jest. Please: No arguments, and no jokes.

- Please arrive at least 2 hours prior to scheduled departures for domestic flights, and at least 3 hours prior to scheduled departure for international flights – or as directed by your airline.

- While individual airlines will control the size and amount of luggage, carry-on and otherwise, less is better. If passengers and those who accompany them can plan in advance for all these factors, everyone will benefit.

It is strongly recommended that passengers contact their air carriers directly via their toll free 800 phone numbers or their Web sites for flight information, rather than coming to or calling the airport.

For additional information and updates, call (510) 577-4000.