COMING AND GOING

The Latest Threat: What You Need to Know

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UPRIGHT AND LOCKED

The Latest Threat: What You Need to Know

New airport security rules that went into effect as a result of last week's U.K. terrorism threat may be temporary, but flying will clearly be even less fun than usual in the foreseeable future. Here are CoGo's tips for making the journey as painless as possible. (The situation is fluid, so check with the resources listed below for the latest info before you fly.)

· Know the rules. At press time, the latest rules for international and domestic flights in the United States and the United Kingdom prohibited carry-on beverages and liquids, including shampoo, creams, toothpaste and hair gel.

Exceptions to the no-beverage rule were being made for baby formula (carrying formula powder rather than premixed bottles is your best bet) and prescription drugs and insulin (make sure they're properly labeled in your name).

For flights traveling out of or connecting through the U.K., the rules were more stringent. In addition to the beverage ban, carry-on luggage -- including handbags -- was banned. Passengers could each carry onboard one plastic bag (CoGo recommends clear plastic), which could contain only wallets, travel documents, prescription medicines needed during flight, eyeglasses, contact lens holders, baby food and formula, diapers and wipes, tissues, keys and female sanitary items.

Also on U.K. flights, no electrical or battery-operated devices -- including laptops, cell phones and portable music players -- were being permitted in carry-on luggage. Info on the U.K. restrictions: http://www.dft.gov.uk/ .

· Pack wisely. The items being banned from carry-ons are generally allowed in checked luggage. Liquids, however, may leak during changes in air pressure, so CoGo recommends placing them in sealed plastic bags or specially made sacks, available through luggage shops or online (at sites such as http://www.magellans.com/ ). Leave room at the top of each bottle for expansion. Also, super-tight plastic bottles are available at REI and other outdoors stores.

At press time, some carriers (including American Airlines and Ryanair) were waiving excess luggage fees, at least for flights originating or connecting in the U.K., but most were still charging an extra $25 to $50 for heavy bags. Weight rules and fees vary by airline. Check with your carrier before you fly, and weigh your bags at home to avoid extra fees.

· Give yourself extra time at airports. The Transportation Security Administration was recommending at least a two-hour lead time, although it also advised checking with your airline. Continental and United, for example, were recommending that all passengers flying domestically and internationally get to the airport three hours ahead of flight time. Also, consider flying out of an airport with fewer international flights, such as Reagan National.

· Consider other luggage options. More checked bags means more lost bags. One option is to preship your luggage, but this is pricey, especially if you're traveling internationally. For example, one large bag, weighing up to 65 pounds, shipped from Washington to London and back would cost about $726 through Luggage Forward (866-416-7447, http://www.luggageforward.com/ ). Other companies include Sports Express (800-357-4174, http://www.sportsexpress.com/ ) and Skycap International (877-775-9227, http://www.skycapinternational.com/ ).

· Check refund policies. If you've paid for air tickets but would rather stay home, many airlines at press time had eased flight-change and refund restrictions. For example, American ( http://www.aa.com/ ) issued a liberal change and refund policy for domestic and international flights, allowing refunds (travel vouchers for nonrefundable tickets) and free travel date changes up to Sept. 1 for tickets issued on or before Aug. 9. Other airlines, such as British Airways, were sticking to a more restrictive change policy. Check with your carrier.

· Stay current. Get the latest updates from the Transportation Security Administration (866-289-9673, http://www.tsa.gov/ ) and the local airports: BWI ( 410-859-7111, http://www.bwiairport.com/ ), Dulles (703-572-2700, http://www.mwaa.com/dulles ) and Reagan National (703-417-8000, http://www.mwaa.com/reagan ). For info on carriers, check the airports' Web sites, which offer links to carriers operating flights from their area.

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK

Nashville Bound

Southwest has a systemwide sale. For example, fly nonstop from BWI to Nashville for $217 round trip, including $19 taxes; other airlines are charging $314. Purchase 14 days in advance by Aug. 31, and travel Aug. 22-Dec. 10. Buy at www.southwest.com.

Reporting: Carol Sottili.

Help feed CoGo. Send travel news to: cogo@washpost.com.

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