Archive for March, 2009
Anyone who’s been traveling by plane knows that you need to go through airport security. You need to remove your shoes, belt, jacket, large watches or earrings, etc. and put them through the conveyer belt. You can only carry your boarding pass, or use the ID express around your neck when going through the screening area. An ID express is worn around your neck and holds your boarding pass, identification such as driver’s license and your passport in a leather or fabric case without any metal trim. Your laptop, purse, camera bag, garment bag or carry on luggage and tote bag has to go on the conveyer belt. You cannot take bottled water or drinks with you but you can bring along snacks and food to eat on the plane. This also has to go on the conveyer belt and be x-rayed. You need to keep your any liquids such as eye drops or contact lens solution and any gels in a 3-1-1 bag. This is a one quart sized clear plastic bag that closes and any containers inside must keep to the three ounce size bottle or jar. There is also only one clear plastic 3-1-1 bag per passenger. You can find out the hard way that bringing on a little moisturizer in a larger container won’t get through security. It has to be in the three-ounce size or transferred to a three-ounce bottle or container! Don’t forget to remove your Swiss Army pocketknife from your key chain. This is not on the permitted list for flying. You can check www.TSA.gov for complete rules and regulations. Now, according to the Chicago Tribune, security is going to be even stricter. When you make your airline reservation, you’ll need to provide your date of birth and sex in addition to your name and address. This is part of a TSA enhanced security program. The information you provide must match the data on your identification that is checked at the airport before boarding. This new program called “Secure Flight” checks passenger names against lists from airlines to the TSA. Passengers that have been cleared by the TSA are the only ones that will be granted boarding passes. This system is supposed to begin sometime this year.
March 25th, 2009
What if you lose your photo identification while trying to board a plane or train? They are, of course, much more strict than they were years ago. I once forgot to pack my license, and was able to talk my way on board. That would not work today. The TSA has instituted a new procedure according to Newday, July 13, 2008 www.newsday.com . If you should lose your identification while traveling, arrive at the security checkpoint VERY early. Explain the situation to the officer at the document checking station. You’ll need to fill out a form including your full name and address, which the officials can check against publicly available databases. If necessary, local police and TSA behavior detection officers will interview you. You may have to undergo additional screening, but at least you have a chance of boarding and you can redeem your lost identification when you return home. The ID express cases that you wear around your neck can insure that your photo ID, boarding pass and even your passport are easily available and not out of your sight. These cases assist when boarding trains, planes and on cruises. Your pertinent information is close at hand and readily available so they are less likely to be misplaced. These ID express cases then become a travel wallet by removing the around the neck cord after you board. We’re so multi-tasking today, that these in plain sight ID express cases are very practical and a great idea! Travel well organized and enjoy your trip!
March 18th, 2009
There’s lot of good ways to stay healthy while traveling. If you’re heading overseas, check first with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Their website is wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/. This website can give you the latest information on the many places we like to visit, especially those out of the way areas. Make sure to get a list of all of your medications from your doctor. It also doesn’t hurt to carry a copy with you, as well as another one in your luggage, in case you need it. Be sure to put your medication and glasses, contacts, etc., in your carry on bag. This reduces the chance of losing your important medication and necessities in baggage. The number one rule of travel is “drink lots of water.” You need to keep hydrated to be comfortable, and you don’t realize how drying airplane cabins can be. Older travelers especially should move their legs. Try to get up and walk a bit on the plane or train. Deep-vein thrombosis can occur in older travelers when you sit in cramped quarters for an extended time period. You might also want to investigate TravelSox. These compression socks specifically are designed for superior comfort and the patented design helps to stimulate blood flow. This reduces swelling when sitting for long periods of time. It’s also a good idea for the ladies to pack some moisturizer in the 3-1-1 case placed in their carry on bag when traveling by plane. Your skin will thank you! These tips are basically common sense, and they help to make your trip more enjoyable. Remaining healthy while traveling let’s you enjoy all the pleasures of the trip!
March 9th, 2009
