• Most airlines have a 30-minute check-in policy, meaning you MUST check in at least a half hour before your scheduled flight time, or you will not be permitted on the flight. Allegiant requires passengers to check in no less than 45 minutes prior to flight time.

The best time to book a trip is 21+ days before your departure date. If your flight will connect in another city, be sure to leave plenty of time between your arrival in that airport and your departure — an hour is a good rule of thumb. If you’re using an online booking engine, be sure to plug in “AVL” for the Asheville Regional Airport code. You may also book directly with the airline you wish to fly.  

• If you are traveling within the United States, a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, will be sufficient identification. For more information on Real ID visit the Department of Homeland Security's website: Click Here.
• If you will be traveling outside of the United States, including Mexico, Canada, and U.S. Territories you will need a current passport.
• If you do not have a valid government-issued ID, you will need to present at least two alternate forms of identification, such as a social security card, birth certificate, marriage license, or credit card. The documents must bear the name of the passenger. Additionally, one of the two documents must contain one of the following: date of birth, gender, address or photo. If TSA can confirm the passenger’s identity, they may enter the secured area, but could be subject to additional screening.
• Minors (under 18) traveling domestically do not need to present ID at the security checkpoint; only a boarding pass is required.
• Minors traveling internationally are required to have a passport.
• For more information on identification, visit the TSA website. 

What is Real ID?

• Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. States have made considerable progress in meeting this key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and every state has a more secure driver's license today than before the passage of the Act.
   
• See the Department of Homeland Security's website for more information: Click Here.

Real ID for air travel:

• Passengers with driver's licenses issued by a state that is compliant with REAL ID are to use their existing driver's licenses or identification cards until May 7, 2025.  Real ID will be required after this date.

• Passengers with a driver's license issued by a state that is still not compliant with the REAL ID Act (and has not been granted an extension) will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board their flight.  To check whether your state is compliant or has an extension: Click Here.
  (NORTH CAROLINA IS COMPLIANT)

•  See the Department of Homeland Security's website for more information: Click Here.

• Remember to unpack before you pack. This tip will help you ensure that there aren't any prohibited items stored in your luggage.
• Keep your bag organized: to help you go through the security checkpoint as smoothly as possible. Pack your bag with like-items together: electronics, medications, liquids, food, etc. This allows you to pull things out for screening in a timely manner.
• Liquids and gels: The 3-1-1 rule is still in effect for your carry-on bag, which means all liquids and gels need to be in 3.4 oz. or less containers, packed into a 1-quart, resealable plastic bag, and only one bag per traveler. If you need to take larger quantities of liquids or gels, pack them in your checked luggage, and be sure they’re wrapped securely. You can learn more about the 3-1-1 rule HERE.
• Prescription medication Medications are allowed in carry-on bags and can be more than 3.4 ounces. Please notify the TSA officers and place the medicine in a separate bin for X-ray screening. For domestic travel within the U.S., TSA does not require original prescription bottles, medication may be in a pill box or organizer. TIP: All medications should be packed in your carry-on bag, just in case your checked luggage doesn’t arrive at your destination the same time you do.
• Pack your car keys in your carry-on, for the same reason.
• Lighter fluid is not permitted in any of your luggage; common lighters, however, are acceptable. To learn more, visit TSA.gov. 
• Leave your pocket knife at home or in your checked bag.
• Taking gifts? Leave them unwrapped. Some items require additional screening and gifts could potentially have to be unwrapped.
• If you wish to lock your checked bag, use a TSA-approved lock. Otherwise, if the TSA needs to access the contents of your bag for screening, they may have to break the lock.
• For complete information on prohibited items, visit TSA.gov. 

• It’s always a good idea to check your flight status before you leave for the airport. The best way to do this is directly with your airline, either over the phone or on their website.
• If you won’t be checking any bags, consider checking in and printing boarding passes online. This can usually be done up to 24 hours before your flight time. It will save you time at the airport and keep you from waiting in line at the airline ticket counter.

• Even though suits and ties were the proper attire in years past, we suggest wearing something a bit more comfortable — whatever will make your travel experience easier.
• Wear comfortable shoes that are easily removable for the screening process.
• Limit the amount of metal on your person — belt buckles, large jewelry, etc. — and if you have any metal in your body, such as plates, screws, pins or rods, alert a TSA agent before proceeding through the checkpoint.

• Plan to arrive at the airport two hours before your boarding time. During peak travel times, such as the holidays, you may want to increase this time.
• Please remember that while we are a very convenient airport, you will need to allow time to park, and check-in and security lines can sometimes become long. It is each passenger's responsibility to check-in, go through airport security, and make it to your gate in time for boarding. If you have extra time before your flight, you can enjoy a beverage or a bite to eat at the Blue Ridge Tavern, Aletitude or Cinnabon|Auntie Anne's.

• If you will be parking your car, plan a little extra time to find a parking spot and walk or take a shuttle to the terminal.
• Make a note of where you’ve parked your car and keep it somewhere safe for when you return.
• Our parking lot is equipped with emergency phones. Should you need to use them, look for the tall poles with the blue lights on top.
• Leave your parking stub in your vehicle; you will pay when you return from your trip and exit the parking lot. All parking is credit card only.
• Need more information? Find it on our parking page.

• Have your boarding pass and valid government-issued photo ID ready to show the TSA agent (children under 18 are not required to show ID).
• Be prepared to remove your shoes, coat, cell phone, loose change and any large pieces of metal from your person.
• All of the above items, plus any carry-on items (such as a purse, backpack or similar), will need to go through the CT  scanner.
• With the CT scanners at AVL, items such as  laptops, 3-1-1 liquids and food may remain in your carry-on bag.
• The opening to the CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit, which means adhering to carry-on size limitations is important. Every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening, and if bags don't fit, you may be asked to return to the airline ticket counter to check your bag.
• Please note that TSA agents are not permitted to move travelers ahead in line, so be sure to plan plenty of time to get through security.
   

• Locate your gate — AVL’s gates are numbered one through seven — and relax until your flight begins boarding. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, gift shop, restaurant and other great amenities.

• Depending on your airline, your flight will begin boarding as early as 30 minutes before the departure time. Most airlines board by “zone,” a number or letter that you will find printed on your boarding pass.
• When your zone is called, or when “all zones, all rows” is announced, take your boarding pass to the gate agent.

• Locate your row and seat; if you have any carry-on bags, they will need to go in the overhead compartment above, or near, your seat or in the compartment below the seat in front of you.
• The flight attendant(s) should be able to answer any questions you may have. They will walk you through the safety features of the aircraft, as well as provide information about beverages and snacks available, flight duration, and more.
• Don’t hesitate to ask your flight attendant for help if you have any questions, concerns, or requests.

• Most airports have good signage to direct you in your travels, whether you need to find restrooms, your next gate, or just the exit. You can always ask an airport or airline employee for assistance if you need help.

• Check with your airline if you have questions about unaccompanied minors and air travel.

• A ticket must be purchased for children two (2) years or older.
• Minors (under 18) traveling domestically do not need to present ID at the security checkpoint; only a boarding pass is required.
• Minors (under 18) traveling internationally are required to have a passport.
• Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) and are not required to be in the resealable bag, but you must declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
• Check the TSA website for more information about traveling with children.

• For those traveling with pets, there are two designated Animal Relief Areas. They are located landside on the North end of the terminal, in the grassy area adjacent to the edge of the building, and post-security. If you have gone through security screening and your pet (traveling in a pet carrier on the plane with you) needs to go out again, you will need to either exit the secure area, use the pet relief area, and then go through security screening again, or ask an airline representative for assistance in accessing the secure pet relief area.