HOUSTON – You've enjoyed the shows. You've enjoyed the games. Now, you and thousands of other college basketball fans are heading home after enjoying the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four championships.
Avoid the usual hassles of travel by following these five simple steps that can help make flying home from George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports easier and more enjoyable.
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1. Give yourself plenty of time
It's best to arrive at the airport long before takeoff. Houston Airport Systems recommends arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
2. Keep your Final Four program on hand
If you purchased a souvenir Final Four program, please keep it with you in your carry-on luggage. Elements in those programs can potentially slow down the screening process for checked baggage.
3. Be sure you know the rules
Before you arrive at the airport, familiarize yourself with Transportation Security Administration procedures at www.tsa.gov to ensure what you pack in your carry-on is compliant with TSA standards.
4. Be prepared for security checkpoints
When approaching the security checkpoint, passengers should have their government-issued photo ID or passport available with their boarding pass. Be prepared to remove shoes and jackets for screening. All laptops, portable DVD players or large electronic items must be removed from their cases and placed into their own bin. Passengers should place keys, cellphones, pagers and loose change in their carry-on bags before getting in the security line.
5. Stay up-to-date by staying connected
Check with your airline to get the most up-to-date status on your flights. Use the web to get the latest flight information and check in for your flight 24 hours prior to departure. Travelers can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi at both airports to get online and travel information.
For information about transportation, parking and more at all of the Houston airport facilities, check the Fly2Houston.com website.