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LATEST TRAVEL NEWS & RESOURCES
For the most up to date news and information on travel, safety, warnings and precautions, link to www.travel.state.gov.
For Passport information, link to www.travel.state.gov.
For information on the types of immunizations that are recommended for a particular destination, visit the Centers for Disease Contol at www.cdc.gov.
President Bush's Comment on Safety of Air Travel
"We have taken every precaution to make sure it is safe to fly in America. There is beefed-up security in our airports. There's increased presence on airplanes. Yes, if a family member asked me if they should fly, I would say yes."
Ensuring Your Safety and Security In General
Domestic
- Call your air carrier several hours prior to the flight to confirm that it is flying on schedule, determine any restricted items, learn their security requirements, and to find out when you will need to arrive at the airport prior to your flight.
- Reduce to a bare minimum the amount of metal on your person so you are not held up at the security check point.
- After ticketing, move into the security screened area, as it is the safest part of the airport.
- Always familiarize yourself with emergency equipment and exit locations - wherever you are.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look for safe areas to move to if there is trouble, look for people paying too much attention to you, and watch for traffic. Remain alert and focused.
- Always secure your packages.
- Always trust your instincts. If something doesn't look or feel right, avoid it.
International
U.S. citizens can be potential targets for violence abroad. Ways to minimize that risk follow.
- Know the location and telephone numbers of your consulate or embassy at your destination.
- Always try to use pre-arranged transportation.
- Be careful of what you photograph. Don't photograph police, military, bridges, and communications facilities to avoid accusations of espionage.
- Don't display corporate logos on your luggage, briefcase, or clothing.
- Don't go anywhere near local demonstrations.
- Always have your passport and identification with you.
- Neutralize your attire; put cameras in bags when not in use.
- Be mindful of customs of the country you are visiting. Having this information before you pack and travel will help you avoid unintentional insults and misunderstandings from dress and etiquette. Consult the U.S. State Department's travel Web site or the destination country's tourism bureau for information on local customs.
- In general, be quiet and maintain a low profile.
Sources: Los Angeles Daily News;The Wall Street Journal; Travel Vault Adjusting to Increased Security
Only one word can offer the best tip for travelers: patience. Below are additional tips to guide you through the process.
Change your mindset. Airport security screening procedures will be significantly more stringent than before. Items in your suitcase that may have passed through before may not be accepted on board aircraft any longer
Be familiar with your personal luggage contents. Look at each item in your carry-on luggage and evaluate whether an object could be suspect by airport security. Consider removal of anything that could be perceived as threatening, or they may raise suspicion at a security-screening checkpoint.
Check as much luggage as possible. This will save time in clearing security, and several airlines are now limiting the number of carry-on bags per person.
Anticipate having to open a bag for security checks. Be smart when packing, place smaller items together in a pouch or bag. Avoid over packing so that carry-on luggage and checked suitcases open and close easily.
Make sure that each suitcase has a nametag and that matches your photo ID.
Before going to the airport
Confirm flight status. Before proceeding to the airport, call your airline directly, or consult the airline's Web site to confirm the status of your specific flight.
Expect restricted airport parking. At some airports, every car entering a parking garage or lot is being searched by security. Suggestion: take a cab, shuttle, or have someone drop you off.
Arrive early. Most airlines are recommending travelers arrive at least two hours prior to domestic flights and three hours prior for international flights.
At the airport
Verify possession of a government-issued photo identification card or passport. Travelers will not be allowed to check in or access secured areas of the airport without proper identification.
Do not leave vehicle or baggage unattended. Security will be completing thorough sweeps of airport properties and removing any baggage that is unattended.
Plan for delays. Bring food, medication or other vital items you need in your carry-on bag in case you are delayed or detained.
Keep paper documentation. Travelers can expect to be asked to show hard copy verification (itinerary/invoice) of electronic ticket transaction. Travelers should also keep checked baggage receipts for verification at destination.
Only ticketed passengers are allowed past security checkpoints. Visitors meeting arriving passengers should meet them in the baggage claim areas or the ticketing lobby. Exceptions are being made for people with special needs.
At the security checkpoint
Have ticket paperwork available, along with photo ID. Prepare to empty pockets of coins, metals, etc.
Prepare to demonstrate operation of electronic equipment such as laptops, cell phones, etc.
Be patient.
Do not make jokes about security measures or possible threats.
Comply immediately with all security instructions.
Expect increased passenger and baggage security screening. Wand checks and full-body hand searches may be expected. You may also see Armed National Guard personnel
If carrying an open beverage, you may be asked to take a drink of it.
At the gate
Leave no bag unattended.
Maintain sense of awareness.
Expect to see law enforcement personnel and dogs.
Keep ticket paperwork and identification available.
Expect to see teams of individuals board the aircraft before general passenger boarding in order to sweep the aircraft as an added security precaution. These individuals may board the aircraft from inside the terminal building, or may enter and exit via jet bridge stairs.
Pay attention to announcements. Board the aircraft as directed by gate agents. Do not wait until the last minute to board the aircraft.
On board the plane
Expect to see random searches of service personnel, flight crews, and equipment.
Listen to and follow crew instructions at all times. Flight crews are trained to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
Be patient if departure is delayed. Passenger boarding and baggage loading are being carefully coordinated by ground handling crew. Many carriers are cutting back or eliminating meals on board, check with your carrier so that you can prepare.
Upon arrival
Proceed through the terminal beyond security. Meeting parties will be restricted to areas outside security checkpoints.
Have luggage receipts available when retrieving luggage for verification.
Sources: www.usatoday.com; www.cnn.com; www.smarterliving.com; FAA and airport Web sites
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