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Travel Tips
 
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Travel Tips
The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement.
Air Travel Tips
As you prepare to take to the skies, there
are some simple steps you can take to help keep your travels safe, stress
free, and enjoyable. Here are a few recommended by the Federal Aviation
Administration:
-
Get to the airport early! Extra-crowded
airports and security procedures require that you build in plenty of extra
time, especially if you are traveling with children or someone needing
special assistance.
-
Build even more time into your schedule
if you are driving to the airport. If possible use public transportation
or have someone drop you off ~ the terminal isn't the only crowded place
at the airport!
-
Don't leave your car unattended in front
of the terminal and be sure to observe all parking restrictions. Because
of increased security, local parking rules are being strictly enforced.
-
Keep your photo identification handy.
All airlines require you to have proper identification to fly. If you do
not have a photo identification card, make sure you have two pieces of
identification, one of which must be issued by a government authority.
Minors are not required to have identification. Failure to have proper
identification may result in additional security scrutiny.
-
For international flights, airlines are
required to collect your full name and ask you for a contact name and phone
number. The Department of Transportation recommends that you provide the
information. Furthermore, you need to check in 2 hours early.
-
Keep your eyes open for unattended packages
and bags, and report them to authorities. Watch your bags and don't accept
packages from strangers.
-
Be prepared to answer questions about
who packed your bags and whether you might have left them unattended at
any time. Think carefully and answer honestly -- history has shown that
criminals and terrorists use unwitting passengers to carry bombs or other
dangerous items on board aircraft, either by tricking passengers into carrying
packages or by simply slipping items into unwatched bags. Answering "yes"
to either question will only lead to a little extra scrutiny of the bag.
Do not joke about this.
-
Do not joke about having a bomb
or firearm in your possession. Security personnel are trained to
react when they hear these words. Penalties can be severe, and can include
the possibility of time in prison and/or fines.
-
Both carry-on and checked bags are subject
to being hand-searched, so it's a good idea to leave gifts unwrapped until
after you arrive at your destination. If airline security personnel cannot
determine by X-ray the contents of a package, they can and will open it,
or ask you to open it, for inspection. Additionally, most airlines have
a limit of two carry on bags. Expect that to change in the near future
to only one carry on.
-
Leave your firearms at home, and do not
pack fireworks, flammable materials, household cleaners, or pressurized
containers. Remember that violators of hazardous materials regulations
are subject to civil penalties of up to $27,500 per violation, as well
as possible criminal prosecution.
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Finally, remember to SMILE!
What is an E-Ticket?
Electronic Ticketing, or E-ticketing,
is when you make an airline reservation, and no paper tickets are produced.
Your travel consultant generates a computer record advising the airline
that your ticket has been purchased. This record is stored in the airline's
computer system. When you check in for the flight, you will need to show
an official photo ID, such as a driver's license or a passport. At this
time, the airline issues the boarding pass for the flight. Note - if you
require a "receipt" for your travel voucher, ensure you ask the agent to
provide a "receipt."
Why is this a good thing? First of
all, E-tickets save you time and money as well as making your travel experience
less stressful. The transaction is complete when you receive your e-mail/fax
confirmation from your travel consultant. There is no waiting for a ticket
to be delivered. There are no fees for prepaid tickets or overnight courier
service. And, as anyone who has ever lost an airline ticket in the past
can tell you, the best part is that there are no tickets to forget or misplace!
Good news for those of you "crossing
the pond": E-ticketing has moved into the international arena. Last October,
United Airlines began offering electronic tickets on all of its service
between the U.S. and the U.K., and TWA began selling electronic tickets
on its St. Louis-London route. Other carriers that sell them internationally
include American, which offers them on flights to the Virgin Islands and
Germany; Delta, on flights to the Virgin Islands; and Northwest and TWA,
on flights to Canada. Alaska Airlines offers electronic tickets on all
of its services, including flights to Canada, Mexico and Russia. Given
the apparent success of ticketed travel within the States, it's not surprising
that airlines want to expand the service overseas. Fans of paperless ticketing
will be happy to note that U.S. carriers plan to offer the service on many
more routes in coming months.
Fees for Booking Travel Via the Web
Airlines that currently do not apply
transaction fees for the use of their services via their respective
webpage:
-
Alaska Air, America West, American, Continental,
Delta, Northwest, Southwest, TWA, US Airways, United, Midwest Express
Fare finder sites that currently do
not apply transaction fees for the use of their services via their
respective webpage:
Fare finder sites that currently do apply
transaction fees for the use of their services via their respective webpage:
-
www.biztravel.com
adds a $15.00 fee for mailing plane tickets to customer. No charge for
e-tickets nor any other of their reservation services.
Note - transaction fees are always
subject to change. Additionally, if a customer "links" to one of theses
national sites from a local travel agent, transaction or processing fees
could be applicable.
Luggage Tips
Did you know that the original meaning
of 'luggage' is 'what has to be lugged about'?
If you are purchasing luggage for the
first time or replacing your luggage, here are several areas that you will
want to be aware of when choosing your new luggage:
-
Bulk is the issue, not weight. If you
can't convince yourself to travel light, try to travel small. A lightweight,
large bag is harder to manage than a small, heavy one. Take the overhead
bins on an aircraft for instance: as long as you can hoist it up and in,
a small bag will be more manageable that a large one that barely fits down
the aisle, let alone the overhead bin.
-
Bring along what makes you happy. Don't
deny yourself your favorite pj's, pillow or picture of your dog if you
need them to make you feel comfortable. Settling down for the night can
be made so much more pleasant by adding just a little touch from home.
Naturally, where you are going and your
intended length of stay will help to determine what type of luggage is
appropriate. But what should you look for when buying luggage? Take along
a tape measure. Buying a suitcase or carry-on bag that doesn't conform
to the airlines size regulations won't serve you well. If the suitcase
measures more than 67 inches (height by width), it's probably too big.
For a carry on, keep it to 24 inches. If most of your travel is business,
inevitably you will be spending a lot of time zipping through airports
the size of small countries. Consider a bag with built-in wheels.
When checking bags, remove all straps
that can be removed and place them in the bag or in your carry-on. Straps
can get caught in the conveyor belt.
Remember that dark colors hide the
streaks and smudges that come with life in the belly of an airplane. Be
sure to find out what cleaning materials can be used on your luggage.
When buying luggage, the durability
and strength of fabric is measured by "Deneer." The higher the Deneer rating,
the longer your luggage is likely to survive rough handling.
And last but not least, ask your fellow
travelers (friends, family, neighbors) their favorite brand or style that
has served them well on their journeys - find out what they wish they had
and what they could live without.
When all is said and done, pack light,
roll - don't fold, keep all valuables in your carry-on, and have a safe
and stress-free trip!
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