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, Alaska Airlines, 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.  As of now, both carry-on and checked baggage is free of charge for passengers traveling internationally (excluding Canada). 

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. 

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.