Archive for the ‘Getting There’ Category

U.S. Department of Transportation Expands Airline Passenger Protections

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced new airline passenger protections that will require airlines to reimburse passengers for bag fees if their bags are lost, provide consumers involuntarily bumped from flights with greater compensation, expand the current ban on lengthy tarmac delays, and disclose hidden fees.  The rulemaking finalized today builds on passenger protections issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation in December 2009, which prohibited U.S. airlines operating domestic flights from permitting an aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours, with exceptions for safety, security and air traffic control related-reasons.  The rule also required U.S. airlines to provide basic services such as access to lavatories and water in the event of extended tarmac delays.

“Airline passengers have a right to be treated fairly,” said Secretary LaHood.  “It’s just common sense that if an airline loses your bag or you get bumped from a flight because it was oversold, you should be reimbursed. The additional passenger protections we’re announcing today will help make sure air travelers are treated with the respect they deserve.”

Lost Bags and Bag Fees. Airlines will now be required to refund any fee for carrying a bag if the bag is lost.  Airlines will also be required to apply the same baggage allowances and fees for all segments of a trip, including segments with interline and code share partners.  Airlines are already required to compensate passengers for reasonable expenses for loss, damage or delay in the carriage of passenger baggage.  

Full Disclosure of Additional Fees.  Airlines will also have to prominently disclose all potential fees on their websites, including but not limited to fees for baggage, meals, canceling or changing reservations, or advanced or upgraded seating.   In addition, airlines and ticket agents will be required to refer passengers both before and after purchase to up-to-date baggage fee information, and to include all government taxes and fees in every advertised price.  Previously, government taxes and fees were not required to be included in the up-front fare quotation. 

In addition, the rule announces that the Department will issue a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking later this year that would require, among other things, that ancillary fees be displayed at all points of sale. 

Bumping.  Today’s rule doubles the amount of money passengers are eligible to be compensated for in the event they are involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight.  Currently, bumped passengers are entitled to cash compensation equal to the value of their tickets, up to $400, if the airline is able to get them to their destination within a short period of time (i.e., within 1 to 2 hours of their originally scheduled arrival time for domestic flights and 1 to 4 hours of their originally scheduled arrival time for international flights).  Bumped passengers are currently entitled to double the price of their tickets, up to $800, if they are delayed for a lengthy period of time (i.e., over two hours after their originally scheduled arrival time for domestic flights and over 4 hours after their originally scheduled arrival time for international flights).  Under the new rule, bumped passengers subject to short delays will receive compensation equal to double the price of their tickets up to $650, while those subject to longer delays would receive payments of four times the value of their tickets, up to $1,300.  Inflation adjustments will be made to those compensation limits every two years.  

Tarmac Delays. The new rule expands the existing ban on lengthy tarmac delays to cover foreign airlines’ operations at U.S. airports and establishes a four hour hard time limit on tarmac delays for international flights of U.S. and foreign airlines, with exceptions allowed only for safety, security or air traffic control-related reasons.   Carriers must also ensure that passengers stuck on the tarmac are provided adequate food and water after two hours, as well as working lavatories and any necessary medical treatment.
The extended tarmac delays experienced by passengers on international flights operated by foreign carriers at New York’s JFK Airport during the December 2010 blizzard was an important factor in the Department’s decision to extend the tarmac delay provisions to foreign air carriers and establish a four hour tarmac delay limit for international flights.

The Department of Transportation’s rule will make air travel simpler and easier in a number of other ways, including:

• Requiring airlines to allow reservations to be held at the quoted fare without payment, or cancelled without penalty, for at least 24 hours after the reservation is made, if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight’s departure date.
• Requiring airlines to promptly notify consumers of delays of over 30 minutes, as well as cancellations and diversions.  This notification must take place in the boarding gate area, on a carrier’s telephone reservation system and on its website.
• Banning post-purchase fare increases unless they are due to government-imposed taxes or fees, and only if the passenger is notified of and agrees to the potential increase at the time of sale.
• Requiring more airlines to report lengthy tarmac delays at U.S. airports with DOT, including data for international flights and charter flights.  Previously, only the 16 largest U.S. passenger carriers were required to file this data, and only for domestic scheduled flights.

Secretary LaHood announced the first airline consumer protection rule in December 2009, and that rule has resulted in the near-elimination of lengthy tarmac delays. Between May 2010 and February 2011, the first full 10 months the rule was in effect, the largest U.S. airlines reported only 16 tarmac delays of more than three hours, compared to 664 from May 2009 through February 2010.  The new rule also required these airlines to post on-time performance information for each domestic flight they or their code-share partners operate.

Most provisions of the rule will take effect 120 days after its publication in the Federal Register.  The final rule, proposed rule and comments are available on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2010-0140.

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Travelers prepare your home to be left alone.

By Bobbie Green

Recently my home was broken into and robbed while I was traveling. Now have first-hand knowledge of new home safety tips for travelers and snowbirds I want to pass along before your travels.

Number one is a security alarm system, if you do not have one—get one. Sleaze ball criminals and druggies may not want to hang around long with the alarm going off.

Get an off site back up for your computer, when it is gone so is half of your memory [like it or not] it is stored on your computer.

Many of you may already be aware that your cell phone cannot call a toll free number from outside the country, but how many of you have a list of non-toll free numbers to call should something happen and you need to get in touch with your financial institution, insurance company or stock broker. They all have only toll free numbers listed on the internet.  Everyone should make a list of pertinent numbers toll free and non-toll free and carry them with you all the time.  Even your cell phone provider will answer your calls and give information in the local language when you are out of the country.

Identity theft is always a worry if someone has invaded your home or stolen your purse or wallet. I recommend one of the many ID protection service companies such as Lifelock.

We have all heard our insurance company tell us take pictures of your assets and jewelry and keep receipts, how simple that would have been compared to making out missing reports without them.  Hark, the voice of experience—take pictures, keep receipts.

Do not put a vacation hold on your newspaper. Discontinue the subscription.  You can renew when you return home and strangers will not know your departure and return date.

Keep a list of passwords and account numbers off site at family members home or safety deposit box.

Travel Smart and Reduce Stress

by Bobbie Green

If you have  prepared and are traveling smart with the precautions mentioned below the level of distress and anxiety one may experience should be reduced if a travel crisis occurs.

The April 14^th eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano abruptly put a halt to air travel in Europe and had a trickle down effect to all major airports world wide. This event should serve as a reminder for travelers to review their list of travel tips. The smart traveler goes prepared.

One of the more problematic travel rules that many people ignore, especially seniors, who may have more health issues, is taking all their meds with them in original containers.  If you only plan to be gone for 5 days and take 5 days worth of meds—what do you do when you are stuck at the airport for another 3 days?

Or, if you’re traveling companion gets sick and your stay is lengthened. Always take all meds with you in your carry-on luggage. Should you run out you will have the original container with prescription numbers, doctors’ name and dosage on it.

Travelers who use a travel agent to book have only one phone call to make when halting air traffic events occur.  Their agent then takes over re-booking their flights. These services prevent many from standing in long lines to re-book. The same would be true for any cruise line, hotel or tourist attraction you are en-route to.

Those travelers who have travel insurance (always recommended) will have some reimbursement for hotel rooms, meals, etc. Each policy is different, you must read what it covers before you purchase. Again a travel agent knows which policies offer the best coverage.

Make copies of your travel documents including passports, driver’s license, travel insurance policy & phone numbers. Pack a copy in your suitcase, your carry-on and leave a copy at home with friends or family in case the information is needed.

If you are traveling to a foreign country register your travel plans with the U.S. State Department. This can be done on line at www.travel.state.gov and allows the Department of State to assist you and contact your family in case of an emergency. Peace of mind just in case a volcano erupts or a hurricane hits etc. Travelers may also call 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444 to get assistance by phone. This number will direct travelers to the correct person for their particular crises, from loss of passport to loss of children or needed legal services.

Remember all persons entering or re-entering the U.S. must present a valid passport, card or WHTI-compliant document. It does not matter if you are traveling by air, land or sea.

Items I have found to be useful when traveling— small individual tissue packs, sealed handi- wipes,  sucking on hard candy for airplane landings, your own personal bottle of water. Always carry contact numbers for family or friend on your person in case of accident, a list of your allergies, if any. Ladies a small bottle of baby oil, it works as a make-up remover and a moisturizer. Head phones or ear plugs can drown-out crying babies or loud talkers. The disposable toothbrushes, like Wisp, are great for travelers with long flights, bus rides etc. An empty plastic food baggie has come in handy many times.

Auguest 4 2009

Crystal Alerts Consumers of Illegal Check Scam

Crystal Cruises issued an alert that fraudulent checks that look like its corporate checks are being issued throughout the U.S. either randomly via mail or through other means including popular Internet websites featuring job postings, mystery shopper programs, sweepstakes and payment for items sold. Crystal said it does not believe that its customer personal information was used to generate these checks. “These checks look identical to, but are not, Crystal Cruises’ corporate checks,” the cruise line said. “These are not legitimate checks, and this is not a Crystal Cruises’ promotion. This is an illegal check scam.”

Crystal said the perpetrators advise the recipient to cash the alleged Crystal check, and that they explain the check is from a “financial sponsor” to try and assure the recipient that it is legitimate. The perpetrators then ask the recipient to deposit or send the same amount of money to a third party via Western Union under the guise of a secret shopper program. Crystal said at this time it does not have definitive information as to where the money is being sent. Crystal said those who have received one of these checks should not cash or deposit it as they did not originate with Crystal Cruises. Crystal has notified and is working with the appropriate authorities to investigate this matter. In order to provide the authorities with the additional information necessary to apprehend and prosecute the criminals behind this fraud, Crystal asks that those who do receive a check, or have any information regarding this scam, to email the line at fraudalert@crystalcruises.com, fax to 310-277-8150 or call 310-785-9300 and ask to speak to the line’s fraud alert department. For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com.

By Bobbie Green

Fear of flying has nothing to do with airplane maintenance; it is being stuck with the middle seat in coach. Humans may have been down graded to cattle in the airline world, but Fido’s station in the airline world has been upgraded. No longer are certain pets condemned to travel as cargo. Many airlines now allow Fido to travel with their owner in the cabin. There are certain rules to follow and they vary a little with each airline.

Some airlines charge a fee to bring pets into the cabin, some do not. Some airlines restrict the travel of short-nosed animals, like Pugs and Persian cats because their shorter nasal passages make breathing at higher altitudes difficult. Less traditional pets such as potbellied pigs, primates and venomous reptiles are not allowed on planes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, regulates pet air-travel and requires a health certificate from a vet 10 days before traveling as cargo or on any international flights, but not necessarily as a cabin carry-on, on domestic flights, verify with your carrier.

Most mishaps that happen on a flight are from sedation. The AVMA advises against giving tranquilizers to pets during air travel. Some airlines require passengers to sign a waiver saying their animal has not been sedated. Be sure your pet is familiar with its carrier and is wearing tags or is micro chipped. Be sure the cabin carrier will fit under the seat.

When traveling with a pet, passengers should choose a non-stop flight mid-week if possible, less airport traffic and less up/down ear pressure. If you pet is traveling as cargo choose midday flights in winter to guard against extreme temperatures in the cargo area.

If your pet is flying in the cabin tell the airline as soon as possible when booking as each airline has a limit of how many pets can be aboard each flight. Some also require the passenger with the pet be seated only in the window seat. Pets must be 8 weeks old and less than 100 pounds.

JetBlue, Continental, American, Northwest and Delta are some of the airlines that allow pets in the cabin. Southwest one of the few airlines, in my humble opinion, who treat humans with dignity have not yet upgraded pets and do not fly animals in cabin or cargo area.

If you are vacationing in the U.S. and do not have or want a sitter Fido may be able to go with you in style.

Statement on USA Today Piece on Federal Air Marshals

News & Happenings

The air marshal story in the November 13 edition of USA Today presents a distorted view of the TSA’s Federal Air Marshal Service by simply compiling and rehashing old reports in an attempt to falsely characterize an organization comprised of many thousands, based on the isolated actions of a very few over the course of many years. This flawed premise simply ignores and misrepresents the dedicated professionalism and expertise of the men and women that have protected our skies around-the-clock every single day since the attacks of September 11, 2001.

TSA’s senior leadership is proud and confident in the ability of the men and women of the Federal Air Marshal Service to protect the traveling public and cannot overstate the reality that the actions of a very few do not reflect the great work of a very large workforce. In those rare and unfortunate instances when an air marshal is alleged to have engaged in criminal misconduct, the matter is thoroughly investigated and adjudicated pursuant to formal policy and management oversight that includes: a headquarters level Policy Compliance Unit and/or the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Office of Inspection and Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.

Simply put, the tiny fraction of air marshals that break the law or agency policy are swiftly dealt with. Potential penalties may include; criminal prosecution and removal from federal service, jail time, firing and losing pensions as appropriate. We are committed to not allowing the actions of these few, rogue individuals to cast doubt on the thousands of dedicated marshals patrolling the skies today.

An objective review of the facts makes clear today’s Federal Air Marshal Service recruits only the most qualified candidates and provides them with the best training available to protect the traveling public.

The facts:

Are Air Marshals committing crimes?

The tiny fraction of air marshals that break the law or agency policy are swiftly dealt with. Potential penalties may include; criminal prosecution and removal from federal service, jail time, firing and losing pensions as appropriate. We are committed to not allowing the actions of these few, rogue individuals to cast doubt on the thousands of dedicated marshals patrolling the skies today.

Do today’s air marshal candidates undergo psychological screening?

The current Federal Air Marshal Service assessment includes a mental health/psycho-social screening questionnaire used in combination with significant interaction between applicants, air marshal service personnel and background investigators over an extended period of time. If suitability concerns are indentified during any phase of this multi-faceted process, the applicant may be disqualified or referred for additional assessment. Today’s process provides for a more focused and efficient screening of candidates by evaluating each applicant’s ability to perform the duties of an air marshal than was possible immediately following 9/11. Since 9/11, the Federal Air Marshal Service modified, but did not degrade, its hiring assessment model to better address evolving needs.

Are thorough background investigations conducted?

All Federal Air Marshals are required to obtain and maintain throughout their careers a Top Secret Security Clearance. Top Secret Clearances are granted only to those individuals who meet the most stringent suitability standards. The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) conducts the background investigations required to determine clearance suitability pursuant to federal regulations. In addition to the background investigations conducted when an air marshal is hired, OPM background reinvestigations occur at regular intervals throughout a marshals’ career to ensure continued suitability.

Should those without prior law enforcement experience be considered for selection as an air marshal?

The Federal Air Marshal Service hires applicants the same way as every other law enforcement origination. Attempts to segregate applicants based solely on prior employment severely limits the potential of highly qualified candidates to become air marshals. Air marshal selection criteria identifies and considers only those applicants who possess fundamental knowledge, experience and personal suitability; of those who meet essential standards, only the most qualified are hired. All air marshal recruits must complete a rigorous training program that prepares them to perform the full-spectrum of law enforcement duties.

MACHINES TO SCAN FACES OF TRAVELERS AT UK Airports

By Christopher Hope

Thousands of passengers are already being scanned in a trial being carried out at two airports.

However if the trials prove successful, ministers want the machines to replace most front line airport immigration officer over the next five years.

As well as improving security, ministers hope the computers will cut passenger congestion. The machines take 13-15 seconds per passenger, while a human takes 20 seconds.

Eleven pilot “walk-in” machines have been introduced at Manchester Airport to check passports automatically.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is expected to be in Manchester airport to unveil the new plans on Tuesday.

The new machines take instant photographs of the holder, which are then electronically matched against the 2D digital pictures in their documents to check their identities.

If the pilot schemes are a success, the technology is expected to be rolled out to airports and ports nationwide.

But critics said last night that the technology is unproven and could cause innocent passengers to be rejected.

There have been concerns about the accuracy of the technology.

Guy Herbert, the general secretary of the No2ID campaign, said: “This is security theatre – a photo op for the bank holiday traveller.

“All the trials have been run on facial recognition almost everywhere have been dismal failures. To suggest that this is any security benefit is a joke for anyone following the technology.”

The trials are already being boycotted by members of the Government’s new border force because of concerns they might not stop terrorists coming into the UK.

A spokesman for the Public and Commercial Union said: “Our members are being told not to volunteer for the technology until the concerns have been addressed about reliability and whether it can do what the Government wants it to do. There is an issue of national security here.”

The Tories, which want to give a border force full police powers, expressed concerned that the Government’s “over-reliance on technology was putting the security of the public at risk”.

Between eight million and 10 million biometric passports have been issued since their introduction in 2006. Non-biometric passports will not be valid after 2016. The new technology is an advance on existing iris recognition technology which was temporarily shelved in November last year.

Last night a UK Border Agency spokesman said: “The UK is undergoing the biggest shake-up in its borders for nearly 40 years, Britain’s border security is now among the toughest in the world

“The new facial recognition gates undertake checks against security watch lists in the same way as the current manual control.

“The trial will tell us whether these gates can maintain the high level of entry security we have introduced to the UK.”

Last month, fingerprint scanning at Heathrow’s Terminal Five was postponed before it started amid concerns from the Information Commissioner’s Office about what would happen to the data.

Expounding on the latest travel regulations

By Bobbie Green

Currently the law regarding entry into the United States from a foreign country requires all persons traveling by air to have a valid passport, including U.S. and Canadian citizens. The key here is air travel. If you are traveling by land or sea only, the passport requirement has been postponed until the summer of 2009. If you are traveling by land or sea you must have a U. S. government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. The birth certificate MUST be a certified copy; raised seal certificates are no longer acceptable. Most cruise lines will tell you to get a passport even though you truly do not have to have it yet, because the U.S. government highly encourages all citizens to carry proof of identity and citizenship while traveling at the present time. Given the many unstable situations in the world today I feel safer having my documents with me whether I am in Canada or Russia. If traveling by land or sea and you should become ill and need to fly home, you could have a problem without proper re-entry documents.

One may get their applications for passports on-line or at your local post office.The government fee’s are standard A new passport book for adults is $75.00 plus an execution fee of $25.00 which goes to the facility where you are applying, if it is not a passport agency. Total $100.00. A child under 16 costs is $60.00 application fee and $ 25.00 execution fee, a Total of $85.00. If you use a passport service they may charge you another small fee. The passport is good for 10-years.

New this summer is what will be known as a U.S. Passport Card Applications are being accepted now. This Passport Card may NOT be used for air travel ever. It is available to U.S. citizens only and good for use on land and sea entry and re-entry to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda only. The cost for an adult card is $20.00.

Minors traveling out of the country must have notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with them.

Tourist going into Mexico for stays of 72 hours or less,(maybe to up pick meds) and staying within “the border zone” , which is defined as 20 to 30 kilometers of the border, depending on location, do not need a tourist card/ FM-T or visa. If you are traveling longer or going beyond the “zone” you must pay a fee to Mexico for the card. Air travelers generally pay it as part of the air ticket price. These FM-T cards may be purchased at the border crossing point or Mexican consulates and tourism offices.

Health care outside the U.S. can be a problem. Many of our insurance companies do not cover outside the U.S, neither does Medicare. The government strongly urges Americans to consult their medical insurance. Travel insurance sold through travel agents such as Travel Guard and Access America protect one while out of the country. However tourist should be aware that countries that have a national health care system like Canada may experience getting access to medical care as difficult. Most doctors will not take new patients and specialist requires referrals from general practitioners and then it may take months to get an appointment. Emergency room waits are very long as one can imagine. Travel policies normally include emergency airlifting to proper facility.

When traveling with medications make sure to take them in the original container. Remember medications purchased outside the country may not be FDA approved and may be confiscated upon re-entry.

If traveling with a pet proof of Rabies vaccinations for dog is required. Not cats.

Last but not least, take an envelope to put all receipts for purchases in one handy spot. Cuban made products are still banned in the U.S. no matter where you Purchase them.

Travel can be trying, it is best to be informed and prepared making the experience better for everyone.

HELPFUL INFO

Info for passports & ID

www.travel.state.gov

National Passport info center

877-487-2778

Green Card & Lawful Residents

www.cis.gov

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By Bobbie Green

Although tips are expected in most places, We Americans still consider it a personal choice. The following are helpful guidelines for our choices.

Luggage

Each country has different rules of correct or appropriate behavior on tipping.

In general for most Country’s $1.00 per bag for a porter is appropriate. In the US & Australia tip $1-$2 per bag. In China $1-$2 in total is proper.

In Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand it is not proper to tip Porters at all.

Restaurants

In Vietnam & Argentina tipping is illegal. In Japan it is insulting. Country’s where restaurant tipping is NOT expected are; Costa Rica, Fiji, Brunei, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Singapore, Samoa and New Zealand.

Country’s that expect 7-10% in addition to a service are; Chile, Greece, Hong Kong, Macao, Egypt and Spain.

TIPS of 10-15% if there are no service charges on bill are; Brazil, Canada, Cayman Isles, Israel, United States, Russia,

Most all other country’s are at 10%.  A few expect only 5% like Kenya, China.

Learn a few quick pointers on international eating etiquette.

In Italy, Spain and Latin America Lunch is the main meal of the Day.

In Egypt it is considered impolite to eat everything on your plate.

Do not be surprised to find your Danish pastry in Russia to be filled with raw cabbage.

In less-developed countries do not eat with your left hand. It may be considered unclean and uncivilized.

Answer, when the ship is owned by its residents. The Vessel called THE WORLD® is truly owned by its residence.  She is a top notch hotel that sails the world making lengthy stops in major ports. This could be your retirement home if you are wealthy enough to be in the $1.3 million to 3.6 million apartment market. If not, there is still hope. Not everyone who owns an apartment stays on board all year and they make the apartment available for rent to others.

The Vessel itself is 43,500 gross tons. It has 12 decks and a crew of 250.

The average occupancy of guests and residence is 200. She is the first ship of her size to burn marine diesel rather than heavy bunker fuel, making her environmentally friendly and allowing her call at ports where other ships are banned.

The units aboard for purchase or rent are studios at 350 sq feet, studio apartments 675-1011 sq feet and apartments from 1106 -3242 sq feet. 95% have already been sold. The interiors of the two and three-bedroom apartments were created by world renowned designers. A minimum six-night stay is required for units available for rent. The $1250.00 per night per cabin includes meals and select beverages, port charges and gratuities. An itinerary for the year is published and you may choose your embarkation port. Could this be the 21st century meaning to the old adage “the world is your oyster?

You can arrange to purchase or rent through your travel agent.

Your agent should remind you this ship is not a traditional cruise ship and does not offer classic cruise ship entertainment; The World® has all the amities of a fine hotel, two Pools and time to catch up on your reading. The sports deck features three artificial grass greens and a sand bunker to keep up with your golf game. Also a computerized training system that allows golf instructors to record a golfer’s swing from various camera angles for direct comparison with star players. Of course there is a State–of–the–art simulator that portrays 52 famous courses. On board play is with Ecoballs, which dissolve after 96 hours in the ocean, and biodegradable tees made of corn. Other facilities include a 300-yard running track, health spa and fitness center including personal trainers, and a retractable marina for water sports. Of course there is a Luxurious casino operated by Century Casinos, an auditorium for movies, classical music performances and other special entertainment, they also offer a limited amount of instructive classes, such as computers and photography.

The draw to the clientele is the lengthy time in ports. Your fellow guest will be seasoned travelers with a sense of adventure and independence. They like the longer time in port to really explore their surroundings and learn about the native people and culture. Unique and excusive tour excursions are available.

The World® is the only private residential community at sea. It is elegant intimate and exclusive, and it does have the ultimate address. The World®.

Having read Edward Everett Hale’s story “Man without a Country”

The penalty for Philip Nolan’s deeds was never to set foot on land, no county would have him. He was ordained to live at sea. Was this a chastised man or after considering the above, a man ahead of his time?

www.aboardtheworld.com

The Governments announcement of the new passport rules will affect many American travelers. The new regulations are government’s effort to improve our border security. They want to make sure all of us legal citizens reenter our country legally. We, of course are still waiting for them to do something about people entering our country illegally.

Meanwhile we will be required to show proof of citizenship upon return form countries that do not even require U.S. citizens to carry a passport when they visit their countries like Mexico and Canada.

The only good news here is that the new rules will be phased in gradually.

So, my traveling friends beginning December 31, 2006 all air and sea travel from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America will require a passport to reenter our country. Your raised seal birth certificate will not be acceptable.

On December 31, 2006 the new rules will cover air and sea travel from Canada and Mexico as well. Land border crossings will not be affected until December 31, 2007. Like you, I wonder why land crossing of mostly individuals in private cars should take longer to affect than tourist in group tours on sea and air, but then I just report the facts. If you are crossing the border to purchase medicine, you will need a passport, if you plan to return home.

The facts are this is proposed regulation that is highly likely to go through as announced. You have time to take your raised seal birth certificate and get your new-age passport for the new-age of travel.

Only 21% of Americans now have passports, you might want to beat the rush. Many of you are booked ahead into 2006/7. Your travel agent has been telling you to get your passport, now is the time.

To learn more about the new rules and regulations underway go to travel.state.gov.  There will be a few other forms of ID made available to those frequent travelers and business such as SENTRI, NEXUS and FAST. You can learn about these also at the above website.

Air line rule everyone should know about.

If your flight is delayed or canceled or the airline is responsible for a missed flight connection and the delay to you is 2-4 hr or more (depending on airline)

You may have cause to invoke Rule 240. Rule 240 is a little known rule which has stayed in effect for most major airlines since the 1978 deregulation act. The airlines do not advertise it or willingly tell you about it.

In General it states that an airline must deliver you to your destination within two hours (some airlines 4 hours) of the originally scheduled flight time. If they cannot, they must put you on another carrier that can, if there is one available.

This rule applies only when the cancellation or delay is due to factors within the airline’s control: Mechanical problems, lack of an airplane or crew, or a schedule change. The rule does not apply to what is called “forced majeure” events: Weather, strikes, “acts of God” or occurrences that the airlines cannot control.

If you ever travel by air, this is knowledge you do not want to be without. Unfortunately there are times when this rule will apply. But you must be the one to invoke it. Travel agents have been advising their clients of this rule after receiving calls for help when clients’ air has been, changed, delayed or canceled, with great success for the client at the ticket counter. I advise you be very polite about it. If you believe the rule applies to your flight go to the ticket counter and say “I believe Rule 240 applies here”. Be prepared to be insistent if the ticket clerk says she/he has never heard of the rule.

To help you to remember and apply this Rule when necessary there is an ad on this site which sells a Rule 240 Card to carry with you in your purse or wallet. I consider it a very good thing to have because two months after reading this article you will forget which rule it is, and when to apply it, because you are excited and upset because you flight is being cancelled or delayed.

This rule applies to the following airlines; America West, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Trans World Airlines, United airlines and US Airways.

Southwest is the only major carrier that does not have a rule 240.

Good little TRAVEL story–

I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long, uneventful flight home. With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them, I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well.

I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on “my” issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together. I knew I couldn’t say a word so I just thumbed thru the “Sky Mall” magazine from the seat pocket in front of me. You know it’s really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall crap to break the monotony. With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself.. Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed.

The entire plane let out a collective groan. She resumed speaking to say “We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn’t be more than 5 minutes. The word came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that “I” was finally going to be on my way home. Why the hoopla over “these” folks? I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up………Just get their butts in a seat and let’s hit the gas I thought.

The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U. S. Marines returning home from Iraq!!! Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause. The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for their seats. They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm’s distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her. The applause whistles and cheering didn’t stop for a long time. When we were finally airborne, “I” was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in “me” getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand.

These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently
about “me” and “my” issues. I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life I took for granted others paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to “me” those Heroes going home to their loved ones.

I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until our hero’s were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane. The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped of f and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms……… I felt proud of them. I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say Thank You for a job well done. I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned. I can’t say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us. GOD BLESSES AMERICA! WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!