USA Air Travel Tips

Here is a selection of air travel tips that I suggest to all of my student groups when they travel to/from USA:

· Do carry on all documents (passport, visa, student pass, medical information, prescription copies, etc) and have copies of these documents both at home and packed in your checked bags.

· Don’t lock your bags. Use cable ties or twist ties to secure zippers, if you wish. These kinds of fasteners may be removed by the security personnel if they need to examine the bags, and they will replace them. Trust me; your locks WILL be cut off. Even if you use TSA approved locks, there’s a good chance that they will be taken off and not replaced, so don’t waste the money buying them.

· Laptops must be removed from briefcases and sent through the x-ray separately, unless you have a special “checkpoint friendly” laptop bag, so have them out before you get to the security check.

· Check with your carrier to ask if your cell phone will work in your destination country, also ask about international plans for Blackberrys and PDAs, these are generally pro-rated and can be turned on and off for your travel dates. And when you are abroad, switch off data roaming mode to avoid substantial roaming charges

· Do carry on all prescriptions, over-the-counter medication, vitamins, anti-diarrhea, anti-gas, antacid, and pain-killer tablets of choice in the original containers. Don’t expect to find your favourite brands available in the destination country.

· Do pack your favourite brands of personal products (feminine products, soaps, shampoos, cleansing tissues, deodorant, and lotions) in the smallest sizes possible in non-aerosol containers. No glass containers. Put any liquid containers in zip-lock bags for extra protection. If you are carrying on liquids, remember TSA’s 3-1-1 rules.

· A light inflatable pillow is nice on long flights, and much more comfortable than those the airlines provide.

· Bring a bottle of water (purchased after the security checkpoint!), a snack or two, and something to read. There are many hours of waiting when traveling in today’s world.

· Pack light – you will have to haul your own luggage, possibly up and down stairs. Airline regulations of how many and what size bags you may check through and carry on vary from carrier to carrier, and they change often. Be sure you know what the regulations are for your carrier and what rules have been established for your particular trip.

Have a wonderful trip!