Travel News
Passport Pass
01/Jul/2007 09:01 PM | Permalink
If you've been waiting to get your passport for your
summer travels, you may be okay after all.
The TSA has announced that they are making an exception to the deadline requiring passports for air travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. If you've applied, but not yet received your passport, you can still use a government-issued photo ID along with official proof of your passport application. This applies through Sept. 30, 2007. The TSA really had no choice with this ... the State Department has been completely slammed with all the applications they've received these past few months, and the wait is up to three months or more. Note the key is that you must have already applied, and can't just have the intention of applying for a passport.
For more information, visit:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html
or
http://www.getapassportnow.com/
The TSA has announced that they are making an exception to the deadline requiring passports for air travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. If you've applied, but not yet received your passport, you can still use a government-issued photo ID along with official proof of your passport application. This applies through Sept. 30, 2007. The TSA really had no choice with this ... the State Department has been completely slammed with all the applications they've received these past few months, and the wait is up to three months or more. Note the key is that you must have already applied, and can't just have the intention of applying for a passport.
For more information, visit:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html
or
http://www.getapassportnow.com/
|
Liquids are 'legal' again!
28/Sep/2006 12:11 PM | Permalink
Did you see business travelers around the country
doing a 'happy dance' in airports this week? If so,
it's probably because the ban on liquids in carry-on
luggage has been lifted. Not completely, but enough
that we won't have to be inconvenienced anymore.
So here's the scoop:
- As of September 26, travelers may now take small amounts of liquid personal toiletries on board. The catch is that you must take travel-sized bottles of 3 ounces or less, and all of the items must comfortably fit in one clear plastic zip-top baggie -- quart sized. This means toothpaste, shampoo, makeup, and sunscreen are all back on the 'good guys' list now.
- You may also take beverages purchased behind the security lines at airports ... coffee, soda, bottled water, etc. (Which is exactly what I've been saying since Day 1! If the stuff must be screened to get past the lines anyway, why isn't it safe enough to take on board?) But of course, be prepared to pay more this way. The Boston Globe did an article which includes a handy comparison chart of beverage prices.
- One thing that wasn't addressed: Whether the items must be in their original bottles. If you're like me, you have some items in unmarked plastic travel containers. So just to be safe, you might want to hunt down actual sample-size packaging of those. If it's any kind of moisturizer or cosmetic product, chances are the manufacturer makes samples. And if they don't now, it's a pretty safe bet they will be soon, to help with this new ruling.
As you can probably tell, I'm thrilled with the new policy. While I never wanted anyone to be unsafe, those extreme restrictions seemed absolutely ridiculous. It's good to know that I won't have to ship my makeup ahead of time to my hotel on any future trips.
----------------------
In a related story, rumors have been circulating for weeks now that the confiscated liquid items were being sold by airport employees on eBay. While I haven't been able to confirm that regarding liquids, it is a known fact that other types of contraband items (knives, tools, etc.) are sold by airports at auctions. I also found an article about what at least one airport was doing -- gathering discarded toothpaste and shampoo for the homeless. Although I see both sides of this story, my biggest question is ... if these items are potentially dangerous explosives, why would you want to give it to some unfortunate homeless person?
So here's the scoop:
- As of September 26, travelers may now take small amounts of liquid personal toiletries on board. The catch is that you must take travel-sized bottles of 3 ounces or less, and all of the items must comfortably fit in one clear plastic zip-top baggie -- quart sized. This means toothpaste, shampoo, makeup, and sunscreen are all back on the 'good guys' list now.
- You may also take beverages purchased behind the security lines at airports ... coffee, soda, bottled water, etc. (Which is exactly what I've been saying since Day 1! If the stuff must be screened to get past the lines anyway, why isn't it safe enough to take on board?) But of course, be prepared to pay more this way. The Boston Globe did an article which includes a handy comparison chart of beverage prices.
- One thing that wasn't addressed: Whether the items must be in their original bottles. If you're like me, you have some items in unmarked plastic travel containers. So just to be safe, you might want to hunt down actual sample-size packaging of those. If it's any kind of moisturizer or cosmetic product, chances are the manufacturer makes samples. And if they don't now, it's a pretty safe bet they will be soon, to help with this new ruling.
As you can probably tell, I'm thrilled with the new policy. While I never wanted anyone to be unsafe, those extreme restrictions seemed absolutely ridiculous. It's good to know that I won't have to ship my makeup ahead of time to my hotel on any future trips.
----------------------
In a related story, rumors have been circulating for weeks now that the confiscated liquid items were being sold by airport employees on eBay. While I haven't been able to confirm that regarding liquids, it is a known fact that other types of contraband items (knives, tools, etc.) are sold by airports at auctions. I also found an article about what at least one airport was doing -- gathering discarded toothpaste and shampoo for the homeless. Although I see both sides of this story, my biggest question is ... if these items are potentially dangerous explosives, why would you want to give it to some unfortunate homeless person?
More Updates on Airline Restrictions
17/Aug/2006 01:30 PM | Permalink
Earlier this
week, officials in the U.K. downgraded the threat
level from "critical" to "severe." So passengers may
now carry on one piece of luggage, which cannot
exceed a maximum of 17.7 by 13.7 by 6.2 inches (in
centimeters, 45x35x16), including wheels and handles.
And finally, a week after the new restrictions went into effect, the TSA site has some detailed lists of what is and is not okay to carry on board. Oh, and by the way, lipstick and lip balms are now okay to bring with you, as is a limited amount of saline solution (less than 4 oz.).
In response to the recent restrictions, several hotel chains have added some other types of travel-sized amenities for their guests.
And finally, a week after the new restrictions went into effect, the TSA site has some detailed lists of what is and is not okay to carry on board. Oh, and by the way, lipstick and lip balms are now okay to bring with you, as is a limited amount of saline solution (less than 4 oz.).
In response to the recent restrictions, several hotel chains have added some other types of travel-sized amenities for their guests.
New Carry-on Restrictions
14/Aug/2006 12:51 AM | Permalink
This past week, flying changed drastically for
American travelers. The biggest shock was in the
ruling that no liquids or gels can be carried on.
While security experts seem to feel that this will be
a temporary restriction, lasting a few weeks or
perhaps months, it should eventually be eased.
(Remember when nail clippers and disposable razors
were banned?) But until that time, most people are
confused about what is and isn't allowed. It's not
easy to determine ... the TSA site has been pretty
vague.
But here's a photo of all the "banned" items
pulled straight from my suitcase, including: lotions,
hair gel, contact lens solutions, toothpaste, liquid
makeup, mascara, and colognes, as well as bottled
water and other beverages.
Some items that still remain in a gray area are
"sticks" like deodorant solids (roll-ons and gels are
definitely out), sunscreen stick (again, cream
versions are not allowed), lipstick and lip balm.
However, these items are allowed in your checked
baggage.
While these restrictions are no picnic for travelers in the U.S., travelers inbound from the U.K. weren't allowed any carry-ons at all. (Even books and magazines were banned.) Let's hope that domestic flights never go to that extreme! Business travelers everywhere are collectively cringing at the thought of checking all their electronic gear, especially laptops.
So for the time being, plan on longer wait times at airports, since every carry-on bag may be searched. International flights can expect even more scrutiny. There may once again be National Guard soldiers roaming the terminals, and more air marshalls on board (although you won't know who they are). Be sure to check your airport's Web site for suggested arrival times (you can use the links in the Pack Your Bags! resource guide). Finish your beverage before you're ready to board, even if it was purchased behind the lines at the airport. Many airlines have already begun stocking more in-flight beverages, since it is important not to get dehydrated while in the dry cabin air. And if you do lose your toothpaste or deodorant, talk with your hotel when you check in. I'm sure they'll be able to help you acquire any necessary replacements.
For more on this topic:
TSA's updated threats page
NPR's explanation of liquid explosives and a great Q&A on what the new regulations mean
Detroit Free Press has an article on the business traveler's perspective, as does Chron.com
WebMD has some tips for the new flight rules (including how prescriptions are affected)
Read what the airline analysts have to say about long-term affects on the industry
While these restrictions are no picnic for travelers in the U.S., travelers inbound from the U.K. weren't allowed any carry-ons at all. (Even books and magazines were banned.) Let's hope that domestic flights never go to that extreme! Business travelers everywhere are collectively cringing at the thought of checking all their electronic gear, especially laptops.
So for the time being, plan on longer wait times at airports, since every carry-on bag may be searched. International flights can expect even more scrutiny. There may once again be National Guard soldiers roaming the terminals, and more air marshalls on board (although you won't know who they are). Be sure to check your airport's Web site for suggested arrival times (you can use the links in the Pack Your Bags! resource guide). Finish your beverage before you're ready to board, even if it was purchased behind the lines at the airport. Many airlines have already begun stocking more in-flight beverages, since it is important not to get dehydrated while in the dry cabin air. And if you do lose your toothpaste or deodorant, talk with your hotel when you check in. I'm sure they'll be able to help you acquire any necessary replacements.
For more on this topic:
TSA's updated threats page
NPR's explanation of liquid explosives and a great Q&A on what the new regulations mean
Detroit Free Press has an article on the business traveler's perspective, as does Chron.com
WebMD has some tips for the new flight rules (including how prescriptions are affected)
Read what the airline analysts have to say about long-term affects on the industry