Q I am traveling on a Sunday and don't have a printer at home. How far ahead can I print out my boarding pass? I'd like to be able to do that from work on Friday.

A Sadly, you won't be able to use your employer's printer for your boarding pass. Fliers may begin checking in online -- and printing boarding passes -- 24 hours before a flight, but not before, because that's when airlines release their free seats.

There is another, and paperless, way to check-in from home. Mobile check-in may be an option if you have a smart phone or other PDA and your airline provides the service. You supply your mobile e-mail address or your cell phone number, along with your reservation number, and voilà: Your boarding pass is sent to your device. As with online check-in, you can take advantage of mobile check-in within 24 hours of your flight.

If neither of these works, my advice to you: Arrive at the airport 75 minutes before a domestic flight. Airplanes tend to be full this summer and it's often those who fail to check-in on time who get the boot.

Answers to travelers' questions appear weekly in Travel and at startribune.com/escapeartists; send your question by e-mail to travel@startribune.com.

KERRI WESTENBERG

THIS JUST IN

UPS has introduced an alternative to the hassle of lugging a suitcase through an airport: "luggage boxes." The new UPS boxes, recycled corrugate made to look like a suitcase, include carrying handles and come in two sizes. The cost is $12.95 for a small box and $17.95 for a large. To fill the small size box to its maximum weight of 55 pounds and ship it between Los Angeles and New York via ground service would cost more than $60. Delta currently charges $25 for one bag weighing ffewer than 50 pounds when it's checked at the airport.

LOS ANGELES TIMES

SHIPSHAPE NEWS

President Obama is expected soon to sign the Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act, which will require cruise lines to report crimes promptly to the FBI and to post a link on their websites to a Transportation Department site listing crimes that have occurred on cruise ships. Cruise lines will also have to install peepholes in cabin doors, raise guardrails on many ships and add on-deck video surveillance and emergency sound systems on all new ones. The legislation also requires ships to carry so-called rape kits and anti-retroviral medications. "Passengers on cruise ships will start to obtain the same protection they would expect if they were at a resort here in the United States," said Ken Carver, chairman of the International Cruise Victims Association. The regulations will bring "greater consistency and clarification to many industry practices and existing regulations," the Cruise Lines International Association said in a prepared statement. "The safety and security of our guests and crew is CLIA's number one priority," it added.

WASHINGTON POST

DEAL OF THE WEEK

The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, a sleek destination in Scottsdale, Ariz., is offering a cool deal. Through Sept. 1, the average nightly rate at the luxury hotel starts at $179. Plus, every Sunday through Thursday, the resort's Sanctuary Spa is offering 15 percent off select massages and facials (www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com; 1-800-245-2051).

KERRI WESTENBERG

SIDEROADS

Teams of paddlers will race boats on Lake Superior Saturday during the North Shore Dragon Boat Festival in Grand Marais, Minn. The festival kicks off at noon Friday with practice heats, opening ceremonies and a parade of teams. On Saturday a pancake breakfast and yoga on the beach will start the day at 7:30 a.m. Races will be held at 10 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 3 p.m., and folks of all abilities are invited to join the intergenerational and youth paddle at 12:15 p.m. (1-218-387-2372; www.northshoredragonboat.com).

COLLEEN A. COLES

NEXT WEEK IN TRAVEL

Our correspondent hikes, bikes and rafts through British Columbia.