Carry-on and Checked Baggage Policies

Pop quiz:  1) What is the 3-1-1 rule of checked baggage?  2) Are there any domestic US airlines currently not charging for the first piece of checked baggage?

Answers:

1. Each container of carry-on liquid/gel must be in a container 3 oz or smaller, and these containers must be placed in one quart-size plastic zip-top bag.  This bag must go through security separately.  Travel Tip:  Purchase food or beverages for the plane after you pass through security!  Questions about what is allowed for carry-on?  Check out www.tsa.gov for the latest regulations concerning baggage and security.
2. Currently, Jet Blue and Southwest do not charge for the first piece of checked baggage.
   
   

Baggage Weights and Measures on International Flights

Call us with specific questions, or log on to the carrier's website for more specifics. Here is a helpful chart to get you started with the packing process.  All limits are per bag and based on coach class.  All of these airlines allow a personal item (purse or laptop) in addition to the carry-on bag.  Baggage policies/charges change weekly, so log-on to your carrier's website for the most current information.  

** denotes airlines that charge $50 for the second checked bag

Passport Requirements

Passport and identification policies have changed, especially for land travel between the U.S. and Canada.  Check out http://travel.state.gov for the latest rules regarding passports and identification requirements while traveling.

New TSA rules require that the name on your passport/legal ID matches the name on your ticket (including middle names).  New rules also require that your gender and birth date be submitted to the airline at the time ticketing.  Coming soon...airlines will begin asking for passport numbers for international travel.

Most countries now require that your US passport be valid for six months after you return to the US.   

To Insure or Not to Insure?

There are many reasons to consider buying travel insurance.  The two most common are trip cancellation and medical coverage.  What happens when you purchase non-refundable airline tickets and pay non-refundable deposits on the hotel for your dream vacation and then find out that an immediate family member has to have surgery the day before you are supposed to leave?  Or, what happens when you are strolling along the beach in Mexico and sprain your ankle, or worse yet, break your leg?  What if your airline or tour company ceases operations during your trip?  What happens if you get laid-off prior to your vacation?  Travel insurance can make these painful and frustrating situations much more bearable, both mentally and financially.  For a small additional cost (and we do mean small!), you can protect yourself against losing potentially thousands of dollars because of an unforeseen event or accident.  Protect your trip of a lifetime!  Call us or check out www.travelexinsurance.com for more information about the benefits of travel insurance. 

Pre-Travel Checklist

It's almost time to leave!  Have you made all necessary arrangements before leaving your home for two weeks?  Even if you are only leaving for a long weekend, these travel tips will save you from pre and post-travel stress!  Many thanks to Greg, our trusted world traveler, for providing this handy checklist.  Feel free to call us with your own additions to this list!

Pre-trip preparation... 

1. Verify your passport is up-to-date and will remain valid through at least one month after your return
2. Arrange all required travel visas
3. Obtain any necessary vaccinations and/or prescriptions.
4. Check your toiletry supply to make sure you have the correct sizes and amounts of needed items.  Find a quart-size zip-top bag in which to keep carry-on liquids for the plane rides.
5. Order foreign currency from your bank.
6. Wash and mend/prepare all clothing and shoes needed for trip
7. Fill out and mail absentee ballot if vacationing on Election Day.
8. Arrange a friend, family member, or neighbor as a contact person.  Make sure they have a copy of your itinerary, contact information, and copies of your passport and credit cards should they need to be accessed/faxed.
9. Pay all bills due at the time of your trip.  For long holidays, make arrangements to have a friend or family member pay these or set up auto-pay from your bank account.
10. Buy film/memory card and batteries for your camera.
11. Create shopping list of things needed for trip.
12. Ensure all airline tickets, voucher, and itineraries are in a safe place.

One week before departure...

1. Suspend all mail and newspaper delivery
2. Call emergency contacts; tell them your vacation dates and location
3. Call home alarm/security company; tell them your vacation dates and contact information
4. Visit AAA for an international driver's license (if required)
5. Print complete itinerary and contact information for neighbors who watch your house
6. Check and fill necessary prescriptions
7. Print complete itineraries for you and your travel companion (include vouchers and tickets where applicable)
8. Print hotel confirmations, car rental vouchers, and airline confirmation numbers
9. Call cell phone provider to check coverage and rates.  Add time to your phone card if needed.  Print country codes and dialing instructions.
10. E-mail itineraries to friends and family
11. Type notes/instructions to housekeeper, house sitter, pet sitter, babysitter, etc.
12. Call credit card companies to let them know where/when you will be using your cards and obtain PIN numbers if needed
13. Print copies of passports; exchange with travel partner and leave one with at-home contact

One day before you leave...

1. Water houseplants
2. Remove perishable food items from refrigerator and pantry.
3. Wash all dishes.
4. Drop pets at boarding kennel and/or prepare in-home care necessities
5. Arrange for taxi or shuttle pick-up if needed
6. Set lights and radio/TV on timers
7. Confirm flight times and print boarding passes at home (if applicable)

The day you leave...

1. Turn all thermostats to vacation settings
2. Shut off natural gas valves if required
3. Empty trash
4. Lock all doors and windows securely
5. Close blinds and curtains
6. Turn on answering machine
7. Turn on porch light
8. Check to make sure you have itinerary, tickets, vouchers, and passport packed and easily accessible
9. Get cash from ATM or currency exchange booth 

1. Pack a book to read
2. Pack your contact lenses, solution, and glasses in your carry-on for easy access during the flight.
3. Pack MP3 player or iPod and power adaptors in carry-on bag.
4. If traveling domestically, purchase post cards stamps ahead of time and take them with you.
5. Print/take address labels of people you will send post cards to.
6. If you are driving, pack maps of all destinations.  If using a GPS, make sure all needed maps are loaded and take extra batteries/power adaptors.
7. Buy a guide book for your destination.
8. Buy a foreign language dictionary.
9. Pack a shopping list of souvenirs or a list of people to purchase gifts for.
10. Print maps and addresses of places of interest before you leave.