Things to Know if You Don't Travel Frequently

by Lori Visser

When was the last time you traveled by air to your vacation destination? If it has been a few months or few years, here are some tips to make sure you are up to date on what to expect.

Checking in for your flight – Most airlines allow you to check-in on line where you can change or select your seats, print or save your electronic boarding passes to your smart phone. You may also pay for your checked bags using your credit card – usually for less than if you wait to do so at the airport. Make sure you bring this information along with your ID with you to the airport, you will need it to pass through security and board your flight.

What about luggage? The best place to learn about this is with your travel agent or your airline’s website under the heading “luggage” or “baggage”. Typically, you will pay for a checked bag of up to 50lbs unless you are traveling overseas. You are typically allowed one carry-on bag per person, and a personal item such as a purse, at no cost. If you are traveling with a stroller, you will gate-check it at no cost. This is done at the counter at the gate. There is still the 3-1-1 rule in use for liquids in your carry-on bags. 3oz (actually 3.4oz or 100ml) or less containers of liquids that fit in a 1-quart zip lock bag, 1 bag per person. You will need to pull this out of your bag at security screening. TSA updates what is allowed to be brought on-board with you. It is best to check at the TSA website (www.tsa.gov) for the most recent regulations if you have questions.

Airport security – There are a number of programs that you can pre-apply for such as TSA Pre-Check for a fee. To do so, start at the TSA (www.tsa.gov) website to see what your options are. Always check your boarding pass for the TSA Pre-Check symbol, if this is on your boarding pass you may enter the TSA Pre-Check line and avoid removing your shoes and the liquids from your bag. You are still required to follow the same rules as all passengers as far as carry –on luggage regulations.

What ID do I need to travel? Generally, as a US Citizen you will need a photo ID such as a driver’s license, when traveling within the US there are some scheduled changes to this expected to begin in 2018. A Passport is needed when traveling outside of the US, there are some exceptions, this is best discussed with your travel agent.

Customs and Immigration – If you need to apply for or renew your passport start by downloading the application on the US Passport website (travel.state.gov). You can complete it at home. Call or visit your local Post Office to see when they take Passport applications, you may need to make an advance appointment. Ask if they are able to take the required photos digitally for your application and what form of payment they accept. Make sure you arrive at your appointment with your completed application and any additional ID or proof of citizenship you will need. Generally, it takes 4-6 weeks to receive your US Passport after your application is submitted. Please note that some countries require that your passport does not expire within 6 months or more of your return date, so planning ahead will help eliminate any surprises. Also, contact your travel agent to see if you will require a Visa to travel to your destination. Some countries require immunizations to enter their country. Your local health department can help with that.

Re-Entering the US after traveling – There have been a number of improvements and they are on-going to help you return to the US. Here are a few to be aware of: In a select few foreign airports, there is US Customs Pre-Clearance. In this case you will pass through US Customs and Immigration before boarding your plane to the US. Upon arrival in the US your flight is treated like a domestic flight for connecting flights or ending your trip. Another improvement is an app that can be downloaded to your portable electronic device called Mobile Passport App this is approved for use in an express lane for US Customs and Border Control in many US airports, with more being added. Search your App Store on your device for this free app. When entering the Passport Control area, there will be staff & signs to help direct you into the correct line. After Passport Control you will collect your checked bags and proceed through Customs. You may or may not be randomly stopped here for a baggage check.

After the airport – Make sure that when you exit the airport, you have a plan on how you are getting to your next destination. If you did not arrange for a private transfer or shuttle service, look for the official taxi stand and wait in line for a taxi. You will likely be approached before you get there by others willing to give you a ride, get yourself to the taxi stand and wait. If you have pre-arranged for your transportation, please make sure you follow the directions exactly. If you are unable to locate your ride, you will usually have a contact phone number on your travel documents; don’t be afraid to use it. 

Communications – Well in advance of your travels, review your options for communication. Usually this will start with your cell phone service provider. Become familiar with how your service functions outside of the US, so you will not have surprises on your bill when you return. There are options other than using their service, if you find it does not meet your communication needs. Some other options are renting a cell phone that will function overseas with a clear cost structure, SIM cards that will work in your current phone if it is able to accept them (you will need to verify this with your current provider) with a standard per minute rate. Understand that you may have different options than what you use most frequently today that may work best for you and your budget during your travels such as WiFi (free in most cafes), Phone calling, Texting, and more.

Security while traveling – If you have concerns about places that you will be traveling and want to make sure that you will be connected with the US Department of State, you can enter your travel plans with the S.T.E.P. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program through the US Secretary of State’s website (step.state.gov).

Money – Gone are the days of purchasing and cashing travelers checks, well at least for the most part. There are travel Visa cards you can purchase for the amount you select, usually offered at Credit Unions. One of the most important things is to decide which credit and debit cards you will take on your travels. You should do a bit of research on them to see if they charge foreign transactions fees, if so, you may want to order one that does not before you travel. Once you have selected which one(s) to take, contact the credit card company to let them know your dates of travel and which countries you will be visiting. I always suggest taking a back-up card in case for some reason your main card is not accepted. It happens. Use an ATM in the country you are visiting to have some cash on you. Think through the currency and how much actual cash you think you will need (you can always get more in another ATM). It can be difficult to return foreign currency back into US Dollars once home. Currency is best for tips, taxis and small purchases. Other than extremely remote areas, most places accept credit cards. I suggest Visa or Mastercard as the most universally accepted.

Travel Insurance – This is more important today than ever. Please speak with your travel agent on the best policy for you. You can usually purchase travel insurance through a travel agency, even if you did not purchase your trip through them. Some examples of coverage are: Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Cancel Anytime, Emergency Medical, Emergency Medical Transportation, Emergency Dental, Trip Delay, Lost Luggage, and more. Review the policy coverages and ask questions if you have specific concerns.

I hope this gives you some tools to use for any upcoming travels! 

About the author, Lori Visser is a travel specialist with Cruise Planners and can be reached at 616-263-1777 or [email protected]