Travel Tips
The U.S. Government continues to strengthen security operations to make travel even safer. The information below is to help you prepare for your trip by acquainting you with security requirements as well as some helpful hints that Avanti-Corrigan Travel hopes will make your travel more pleasant.
AIRPORT ARRIVAL
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before flight time. You may encounter long lines at ticket counters and airport screening stations. Many airlines are requiring bags to be checked 30 minutes to an hour before the flight is to depart.
- If someone is dropping you off at the airport, they must stay with the vehicle at all times. They should not leave it unattended, even for a moment.
- You must have a picture I.D. such as a driver’s license or passport. Be sure you make your reservation in the exact name that appears on the identification you plan to present at the airport. If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and I.D. are different, bring documentation of the change (i.e., marriage certificate or court order). If traveling with an e-ticket, you must produce a copy of your e-ticket receipt when you check in.
- The FAA also requires all non-US citizens boarding international flights in the United States to show evidence of admission into the United States. Evidence of admission can consist of visas, parole letter, admission stamp, alien resident card, etc.
- In TSA’s on-going commitment to enhance security and improve customer service, TSA is consolidating passenger screening to the passenger security checkpoints. Select and most random searches will now be conducted at checkpoints where TSA staff and screening equipment are concentrated.
- To access these checkpoints, you will be required to present a BOARDING PASS and PHOTO IDENTIFICATION. Tickets and ticket confirmations (such as a travel agent or airline itineraries) will no longer be accepted at these checkpoints. There are four ways to obtain a boarding pass: (1) Go to your airline’s ticket counter at the airport, (2) Use curbside check-in (if available), (3) use your airline’s self-service ticket kiosk in the airport lobby (if available), or (4) Print the boarding pass from your airline’s website (not all airlines provide this option).
- Passengers who do not have baggage to check and already have an approved boarding document, as outlined above, may proceed through the security checkpoint directly to the departure gate.
- Provisions will be made for parents who need to meet unaccompanied minors, for disabled persons with special needs who need to be accompanied by healthcare assistants or guardians and for medical personnel who need to respond to a medical emergency beyond the checkpoint.
- Keep your identification readily available, you will be asked for it more than once by airport or airline personnel.
PASSENGER SECURITY CHECK POINTS
- Only ticketed passengers are allowed through security. Appropriate documentation of ticketing is required as stated before.
- The FAA requires that all such documentation include ticket numbers. Adult passengers must show a valid picture I.D.
- Be prepared for additional screening for laptop, computers, cell phones and other electronics.
CHECKED BAGGAGE SCREENING
- January 1, 2003, TSA began screening 100% of checked baggage at airports across the United States. You will encounter one of the processes described below at the airport. Please be aware you will not be able to access your bags after they have been screened, no matter what the process.
- Travel light. Smaller bags are easier to carry and stow, and will mean easier security /customs inspections
- No Change ... Check in at the ticket counter or with the skycaps as you have in the past. The new screening equipment will be out of your view and the screening of your checked baggage will occur behind the scenes.
- Ticket Counter First ... You still check in at the ticket counter or with a skycap as you have in the past, but next you will proceed to a new baggage screening area nearby. At most airports you will next take your checked bag to the checked baggage screening area, where it will be screened there and afterwards delivered directly to your airline for loading.
- Baggage Screening First ... You will go first to the checked baggage screening area in the airport lobby. After baggage screening, the screener will direct you to the ticket counter and an authorized person will bring your bag from the screening area to the ticket counter for you to complete the check-in process. Please watch for signs and other instructions that will direct you to the correct line. Unless you see signs directing you otherwise, go to the ticket counter to check in with your airline.
- TSA suggests that you do not lock your bags to help prevent the need to break your locks. In some cases, screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the process. If your bag is unlocked, TSA will simply open your bag and screen it. If the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, locks may have to be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose, but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.
LUGGAGE
- Pack light. Take only luggage than you can reasonably carry by yourself - no more..
- Keep your luggage with you until it is checked or stowed.
- Remove old claim checks to avoid confusion
- Identify luggage inside and outside with your name, business address, and telephone number. Inside, include a copy of your itinerary
- Always carry your travel documents, medication, jewelry, travelers checks, keys and other valuables in your carry-on luggage. Items like these should NEVER be packed in luggage that you plan to check
- Do not put film in your checked baggage. Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage. Avoid over-packing
- Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags. This will reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
- Attach a brightly colored ribbon or something unique to your luggage to help distinguish your bags from similar ones in the baggage claim area.
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
- Typically, the maximum size for a carry-on bag is 45 linear inches (height+width+depth).
- Carry-on baggage is limited to one small bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcase, or camera case.
- Put metal IN your carry-on bag. This includes jewelry, loose change, keys, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs).
- Take off your outer coat. Place it in a bin. Suit jackets and blazers do not have to be removed unless requested by the screener.
- You will not be allowed to carry on any cutting or puncturing instruments, including knives, scissors, metal nail files or box cutters.
BAGGAGE WEIGHT & SIZE LIMITATIONS
- All baggage is subject to sear.
- You are allowed to check 2 bags that cannot exceed 62 inches (length+height+width) each. Items over the size limits will be charged an excess baggage fee. Items over 80 inches will not be accepted.
- Bags on domestic flights should not weigh more than 50 pounds.
- Items on domestic flights weighing between 51 and 100 pounds will be charged an excess baggage fee.
- Bags on international flights should weigh no more than 70 pounds . Bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds will be charged an excess baggage fee.
- Items over 100 pounds will not be accepted.
- Carry-on items must fit easily under the seat or in the overhead bin and must weigh less than 40 pounds.
CRUISE PASSENGERS
Cruise lines must now comply with the U. S. Government’s Border Security Act. The cruise lines and airlines have been working closely with the INS and customs to develop systems to gather and report key guest/passenger information they are required to submit at departure. You are required to provide the following information accurately:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Country of Birth
- Country of Citizenship
- Document Type
- Document Number
- Nationality of Document
- Place of Issue
- Document Issue Date
- Document Expiration Date
- Mailing Address
- Emergency Contact Information
This allows the cruise lines to work with the government to ensure that their passengers and ships are as secure as possible.
For additional questions please contact one of our agents.
Track Flight Status & more at www.flightstats.com |
Link to passport information and travel advisories http://travel.state.gov |
Packing Check List
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