Last week I flew on American Airlines (AA) from Reagan National (DCA) to Palm Beach International (PBI.) Had flown that route multiple times. This time procedures changed…both ways.
At DCA I was redirected from the usual bag check in location upstairs to the main level AA ticket counter and then directed to AA “Special Services” counter. There a very efficient agent completed the required form, I signed it, and WE walked with my bag to the baggage screening area nearby. I was told to wait til my bag was screened and given the okay to depart. No issues; took only a few minutes extra.
At PBI my bag was not on the carousel. My companions’ bags were. Waited a few minutes and headed to the AA baggage service office. There was my bag; agent asked for claim ticket and ID and off I went.
Day before return I tried to check in online as usual. Nope. Received notification I would have to check-in at PBI ticket counter because I had flown with a firearm. Did so and agent completed the form, I signed, and bag was placed on conveyor. Was told to step away and would receive notice when I was cleared to go. About 5 minutes later she told me I could leave. Easy!
At DCA my bag was in the AA office adjacent to the carousels. It was there before my companions’ bags were delivered. Presented ID. All good!
Note: TSA locks on my suitcase and gun case inside. To my knowledge neither was opened.
Have Clear and Pre
. Clear is now via photo. Very much more efficient than past use of iris scanner and/or fingerprint.
Zero issues through TSA checkpoints.
All in all a POSITIVE experience.
Be safe.
PS: This post applies to AA travel at DCA and PBI, ONLY. As has been the case for many years, individual carrier and/or airport procedures vary.
At DCA I was redirected from the usual bag check in location upstairs to the main level AA ticket counter and then directed to AA “Special Services” counter. There a very efficient agent completed the required form, I signed it, and WE walked with my bag to the baggage screening area nearby. I was told to wait til my bag was screened and given the okay to depart. No issues; took only a few minutes extra.
At PBI my bag was not on the carousel. My companions’ bags were. Waited a few minutes and headed to the AA baggage service office. There was my bag; agent asked for claim ticket and ID and off I went.
Day before return I tried to check in online as usual. Nope. Received notification I would have to check-in at PBI ticket counter because I had flown with a firearm. Did so and agent completed the form, I signed, and bag was placed on conveyor. Was told to step away and would receive notice when I was cleared to go. About 5 minutes later she told me I could leave. Easy!
At DCA my bag was in the AA office adjacent to the carousels. It was there before my companions’ bags were delivered. Presented ID. All good!
Note: TSA locks on my suitcase and gun case inside. To my knowledge neither was opened.
Have Clear and Pre
. Clear is now via photo. Very much more efficient than past use of iris scanner and/or fingerprint. Zero issues through TSA checkpoints.
All in all a POSITIVE experience.
Be safe.
PS: This post applies to AA travel at DCA and PBI, ONLY. As has been the case for many years, individual carrier and/or airport procedures vary.
