Nashville International Airport provides holiday travel tips

As the holiday travel season arrives, Nashville International Airport (BNA) wants to ensure that all travelers are prepared for takeoff.

BNA is expecting increased travelers throughout Thanksgiving week.

BNA has more than 11,250 available parking spaces in four lots. An additional Remote Holiday Parking Lot will be available if needed. As you enter the airport, check the display for latest parking updates.

The following tips will ensure easier holiday travel and the Nashville Airports Experience, where passengers can count on top-notch customer service and facilities:

~Arrive early: Due to the heavy volume of anticipated passenger traffic, we urge all travelers to arrive inside the terminal at least two hours before their flight. This time will allow you to check-in with your airline, go through security and arrive at your designated gate. Call your airline in advance to obtain the status of your flight and their recommended check-in time. You may also log on to www.flynashville.com to check arrival and departure times.

~ Watch for Roadway Construction: Phase I of the Terminal Access Roadway Improvements (TARI) Project is underway. TARI is designed to improve traffic conditions on Terminal Ring Road, the one-way thoroughfare that surrounds the short- and long-term parking lots and provides access to the terminal.

During construction, BNA encourages travelers and guests to enter the airport from Donelson Pike (I-40 exit 216B from the west, exit 216 from the east) and allow extra travel time. All existing parking lots and the cell phone/waiting area will remain open during the TARI Project.

~Utilize the Frequent Parker Program. The new frequent parker program at BNA allows travelers to earn free parking, enjoy easier access in and out of gated parking lots, and make payments online. The program excludes valet parking. Interested individuals may join online at www.flynashville.com.

~Do not leave vehicles unattended: Curbside access is for vehicles that are actively dropping off or picking up passengers. BNA offers a free cell phone/waiting area at the north end of the Long-term Parking Lot and passengers can be picked up on the baggage claim level by vehicles utilizing the 10-minute waiting area. Vehicles left unattended within 300 feet of the terminal building will be ticketed and towed due to security restrictions. Also, 30 minutes of free parking is available in the Short-term Parking Lot.

~Consider using an airline kiosk for check-in.

~Adhere to the 3-1-1 rule: Liquids, Aerosols & Gels for Carry-On: 3 oz. (travel- sized) liquids/gels; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed separate from carry-on in screening bin. The one-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. The 3 oz. (travel-sized) container is a security measure. Consolidating the bottles into one bag and X-raying separately reduces clutter in the carry-on and expedites screening.

Place liquids in checked baggage when you can. Prescription medications, baby formula and milk are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

~Know what you can carry with you: Don not forget your boarding pass and photo ID. Before you pack your luggage, be sure to log on to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Web site, www.tsa.gov. The site includes a detailed list of what you can and cannot take on an airplane. There is also a link to the Nashville International Airport site, www.flynashville.com.

~Do not leave luggage unattended.

~Use TSA-recognized locks if you choose to lock luggage: Visit www.tsa.gov for a listing of locks accepted and recognized by the TSA.

~Do not travel with wrapped holiday gifts: Do not carry wrapped gifts in your carry-on baggage. You may be asked to unwrap gifts in order to pass through security checkpoints.

~Carry your film with you: Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.

~Keep pets in their travel case when inside the terminal: This does not apply to service animals.

~Tips for entering security screening:
- Choose the right lane. Self-select lanes are now in place at BNA, allowing passengers to choose the appropriate entry lane for their needs. Choose from Expert (designated by black diamond), Casual (designated by blue square) or Family/Special Assistance (designated by green circle) for smoother processing.
- Remove your shoes, coats and jackets: Shoes and outer coats, including trench coats, ski jackets, leather jackets, overcoats and parkas, must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. - Have your boarding pass and photo ID in hand. Children under the age of 18 do not require an ID.

- Put all liquids in one-quart bags out of your luggage and place them in a plastic bin.

- Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal. Place metal items in your carry-on. Avoid placing metal items such as keys, pagers, loose change, money clips, PDAs, large metal belt buckles, metal hair decorations and mobile phones in your pockets.

- Be mindful of electronic equipment: If you will be traveling with these items, please place them inside your carry-on luggage prior to entering the screening checkpoint. This will allow for easy retrieval as you exit. If you are traveling with a laptop, camera and/or video camera, remove them from their cases and place them in the TSA-provided plastic bins.
Travelers with Children

~Utilize the Family Lane: The family self-select lane at the security checkpoint is designed to allow passengers traveling with small children a less stressful entry into the security screening area.

~Allow extra time when traveling with children: Please allow extra time for check-in and security checkpoint.

~Every person must be screened: Even babies must be individually screened. If you child can walk unassisted, it would be best to have the child walk through the metal detector independently.

~Strollers must be examined: All child-related equipment must go through the X-ray machine or be inspected by a checkpoint screener.

~Arrange for an escort: If a child is traveling alone, at least one parent or relative may receive a pass from the airline to escort the child to the boarding gate. Call your airline ahead of time to make special arrangements. If you require a companion or assistant to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate, speak with your airline representative about obtaining a gate pass for your companion before entering the security checkpoint.

Travelers with Special Needs

~Make arrangements in advance: Provide advance notice to your airline or travel agent if you require assistance, have special needs or have medical concerns.

~Utilize the Special Assistance Lane: The special assistance self-select lane at the security checkpoint is designed to allow passengers with special needs a less stressful entry into the security screening area.

~Simplify the process: If you have a medical implant or other device that is likely to set off the alarm on the metal detector, bring evidence verifying this condition.

~Note these permitted items: Mobility aids and assistive devices permitted through the security checkpoint include: wheelchairs, scooters, canes, walkers, crutches, prosthetic devices, body braces, augmentation and communication devices (e.g. Braille note takers, slate and stylus), service animals and diabetes-related equipment and supplies.