Travel Tips

Travel Documents Must be in Proper Order!

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***  ESSENTIAL INFORMATION YOU MUST KNOW  *** 

Your name on your travel documents (airline ticket, tour voucher or cruise ticket) MUST be the same as that on your Proof of Identification and Proof of Citizenship.

 U.S. Citizens: 

Domestic Travel

Photo Identification is required of all travelers over the age of eighteen (18) for travel originating and terminating within the fifty (50) United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The accepted forms are a valid Driver’s License or a Government-issued Identification Card that includes your photograph.   International Travel

·         U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Barbados, and the Caribbean islands not named above are required to show:

·         Photo identification

·         Proof of citizenship: either your original government-issued birth certificate or a certified copy of your birth certificate bearing a raised/embossed or stamped state seal or a valid U.S. Passport.

·         U.S. citizens entering other international destinations must present a U.S. Passport valid for 3 to 6 months after the return date of this trip.  Some countries require a visa for entry.

 Non-U.S. Citizens:

World events determine the entry requirements into foreign countries.  These requirements may be different for citizens of different countries. YOU must verify that you have all the necessary documentation for travel to your specific destination(s).  A complete listing of consular offices in the United States can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/misc/10125.htm.

 Each international destination has specific entry documentation requirements based upon:

·         Your country of birth

·         Your U.S. citizenship / residency / visa status

 Contact both your country’s consulate AND that of the country you are visiting to secure the most current requirements. 
The processing of passports and / or visas may take up to 3 months.  Start NOW!
 Children traveling without one or both parents or legal guardians: A single parent OR a non-parent (aunt, grandparent, uncle, etc), traveling with a minor child outside the United States is required to provide a notarized letter from the missing parent(s) giving you permission to do so.  The letter should state the specific period of time and destination related to this trip and should also authorize you to secure medical treatment for the child, as required during the travel period. 

You will be denied boarding of an aircraft, tour bus or cruise ship if you cannot produce the appropriate documentation described above.

  Airline reservations: Flight Re-confirmation: The flights and departure times shown on these tickets that were correct at the time of issuance and we have/will advise you of any changes of which we are made aware.  However, due to constantly changing schedules, it is your responsibility to re-confirm each flight and departure time 24 hours prior to each domestic flight and 72 hours prior to each international flight. 

Flight Check-in: Domestic flights require check-in 1 ½ to 2-hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

International flights require check-in 2 to 3-hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

 ** Allow more time to check-in during peak (weekends, summer months and holidays) travel times. Check-in at one of your airlines’ ticket counters, check-in kiosks or, where authorized, with a SkyCap to secure your Boarding Pass and Seat Assignment verification.   Proof of citizenship, as required, and photo I.D. will be requested for each passenger at the time of check-in. A Boarding Pass and photo I.D. is required to clear security checkpoints. 

Change and/or cancellation: Rules differ by airline and the price of the ticket.  Highly discounted airfares have rules, such as: no changes allowed; change your flight at least 30 minutes before departure or lose the entire value of the ticket; $100 - $200 per person change fee; or no value to cancelled airline tickets.

 

Luggage requirements:

 Carry-on:The standard allowance typically provides for a bag of up to a certain size plus one 'personal item'.  Examples of personal items are: Briefcase, camera, handbag/purse, laptop (in a carry bag), reading material, small, book-bag style backpack, umbrella, or ‘other items not exceeding 36” in total dimension’.All airlines place limits on the number, the size, and the weight of what you can carry on to a flight with you.  The safe maximum size is 45", in the form of a 22" x 14" x 9" bag.  The weight restriction for a carry-on varies by airline from 10 pounds to 40 pounds.The carry-on must fit in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.  If your bag does not fit in a bin or under the seat or if these areas are full, your bag will be checked.  A fee may be charged, especially, if you have already checked-in two bags.Checked-in: 

Airlines have substantially tightened their luggage policies.  Most airlines now charge a fee for suitcases weighing more than fifty (50) or more pounds and for more than two (2) pieces of checked luggage.

 
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established specific guidelines for airport security including what you can and cannot take with you on an airplane.  Please see the details of these requirements at http://www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp and click on “A must read for anyone traveling by air….”
 International flights and flights to Hawaii often have much stricter carry-on policies, particularly with regard to the weight, measurement and number of both carry-on and checked bags.

Check with your airline for their specific requirements and fee schedule.

  Currency information: 

Credit Cards: Convenient, offer great exchange rates and theft protection.  Unfortunately, major credit cards may not be accepted everywhere.  Hint: A traveling companion should carry a separate credit card in case yours is stolen.

 

Traveler’s Checks: Great theft protection since only you can cash.  There may be fees to purchased and/or cash at a bank or exchange facility.

 

Cash: U.S. dollars are may be accepted payment in some countries.  U.S. dollars may be exchanged for local currency at banks or money exchange facilities upon arrival at your destination.  You may consider exchanging some U.S. dollars ($100 - $200) before you leave to have on hand for tip, cab fares, etc. Unfortunately, if your cash is stolen, there is no way to replace it.  Hint: Only carry as much cash as you can afford to lose.

 

ATM Cards: Worldwide ATM access to cash from your bank account is often the cheapest (best exchange) way to go. Ask your bank about how to set up the access and what their fees are per transaction. ATM’s are open 24-hours a day and are very accessible.

 

Hint: Carry a combination of currency types.

 Rental Car Policies: 

Common policies related to rental cars are:

·         Each rental period is 24 hours from the time you pick-up the vehicle.

·         Extra charges, will be included on the final invoice for additional drivers and/or drivers under 25 years of age.

·         A valid credit card, not a debit card, in the name of each driver, will be required at time of check-in for the vehicle.