Congressional passport requirements. (updated 10/12/06)   Passport Requirements, WHTI UPDATE   On Sept. 29, Congress passed language to extend the deadline for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Here as what the extension means for passport requirements for U.S. citizens:   WHAT'S THE SAME ... Air Travel Passport Deadline: Jan. 8, 2007 U.S. citizens will be required to have a valid passport for exiting and reentering the United States starting Jan. 8, 2007 for all air travel.   WHAT'S CHANGED ... Sea and Land Border Entry Ports Passport/PASS Card Deadline: June 1, 2009 U.S. citizens traveling by sea and land within the Western Hemisphere _ Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico _ will be required to have a valid U.S. passport or a yet-to-be-determined, new economical travel document known as a Passport Card on or before June l, 2009.   IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Congress stipulated that the Departments of State and Homeland Security must meet seven criteria in developing and implementing the PASS card for sea and land ports of entry. If the seven criteria are met within the 17 month extension period, the implementation of WHTI becomes effective three months after the criteria is approved, or by June 1, 2009; whichever is earlier. In other words, the June 1, 2009 implementation date for WHTI may be moved back if the agencies can comply with the seven specifications set out by the Congress in the extension legislation.   The U.S. Department of State_s Office of Passport Services reports that 70 million U.S. citizens now have passports. U.S. Passport Services is receiving 225,000-250,000 passport applications a week, which is up 60 percent from two years ago. The current turn around period for obtaining a U.S. passport remains at four to six weeks. ASTA continues to urge all U.S. citizens to apply for a U.S. passport, which will ease travelers confusion on what document is required and when.

Before your travel visit http://www.travel.state.gov

 

New Requirements for Travelers (updated 8/14/06) 8/14/06 CARRYON -Special policies for carryon baggage and airport changes due to the current Security directives, August 2006. Information is current as of 2336ct August 13, 2006 New Security Rules for the US The US Department of Homeland Security has issued a Security Directive effective immediately for all US carriers traveling to/from the US, including Puerto Rico and USVI and within/between the US, including Puerto Rico and USVI, we must advise all customers that no liquids or gels or aerosols or hairspray, added 13AUG06, are permitted to enter the sterile area thru the screening checkpoint or be in accessible property or on one's person except: Baby formula, breast milk, if a baby or small child is traveling Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket or travel documents Insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines 13AUG06 additions below addition of baby food in small containers addition of non-prescription medications, no more than 4 oz per container addition of liquid medications for diabetic passengers limited to 8 oz per container Duty free items (for non-UK cities) that include liquid, gels or aerosols are allowed when delivered directly to the aircraft and/or immediately prior to boarding, but must be placed in checked bags if connecting in US Liquids and gels include beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.   UK New Carryon Rules     2336ct/13AUG06 updates are in bold The following measures apply to all passengers starting their journey at a UK airport and to those transferring between flights at a UK airport: The UK Government has identified a potential threat that makes it necessary for special, stringent security measures to be implemented immediately.   Effective immediately 2336ct/13AUG06 the TSA and UK will allow each person one carryon bag with the dimensions -not- to exceed maximum length 45cm, width 35cm, depth 16cm.  2.5 cms equal approximately 1 inch, which would make the maximum dimensions, length 17.72 inches, width 13.78 in by depth of 6.3 in.  This will apply to all passengers on aircraft departing UK airports,  or connecting thru UK airports.   Passengers may take through the airport security checkpoint, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, only the following items:             Nothing may be carried in pockets:   Pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards, etc (not handbags, unless it is the one carryon meeting the dimensions) Travel documents essential for the journey (for example, passports and travel tickets) Prescription medicines and medical items may be carried provided that the total amount to be carried in the cabin is less than 50ml (50ml is 10 teaspoons full or a little over 3 tablespoons) (includes medicines in liquid, cream or gel form)sufficient and essential for the flight (eg, diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.  Essential medicines in tablet form or powder form (up to 50g) can be carried in the cabin without being subject to a verification procedure.   Passengers will be questioned on non-prescription medication and if the security person is not satisfied with the answers given, then the passenger will be advised that they cannot fly. Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution For those traveling with an infant:  baby food (in small containers), milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags) Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes) Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs Keys (but no electrical key fobs) Solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items such as lipstick in a tube, solid deodorant, lip balm, and similar solids. 13AUG06 added  per Security Directive 1544-06-03B  Allowance for passengers to purchase non-liquid items from duty free areas and carry them onboard NOTE: The definition of liquids by the TSA and UK Department of Transport include gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurized containers, e.g. toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols, etc.         If the item does not appear in the list above, it is not allowed. If the passenger has any questions direct them to www.tsa.gov for more information. There will be no liquids or gels allowed thru/from the UK.  Duty free liquids from the UK will not be allowed, however, duty free onboard will continue.   All UK transiting customers will be required to check any carry-ons they bring to the airport regardless of origination.   For customers who have chosen to carryon from other than the UK and will be connecting in the UK, they will not be allowed to use the transit area in the UK airports and will be routed back to the ticket counters to check their carry-on luggage.  This could cause misconnects in the UK due to the extra time it will take in line.   We are attempting to notify all customers connecting in the UK and departing from the UK so if you receive a call from a customer connecting in or departing or returning from the UK please let them know the new carry-on guidelines for their return and document the pnr that you have advised them this information. New Carry-On Baggage Restrictions Summary Flights  New Policy Electronic Devices Within U.S.* No liquids, gels in carry-ons Approved devices permitted U.S.* to International (except UK) No liquids, gels in carry-ons Approved devices permitted U.S.* to UK No liquids, gels in carry-ons Approved devices permitted U.S.* to International with transit in UK No liquids, gels in carry-ons One Carry-on allowed dimensions 45cmX35cmX16cm Electronic devices are permitted, but must be checked in the UK**  unless it fits in the one allowed carryon UK to U.S.* No liquids, gels in carry-ons One Carry-on allowed dimensions 45cmX35cmX16cm Electronic devices are permitted, but must be checked in the UK**  unless it fits in the one allowed carryon International to U.S.* with transit in U.S.(except UK) No liquids, gels in carry-ons Approved devices permitted International to U.S.* (except UK) No liquids, gels in carry-ons Approved devices permitted International to U.S.* with transit in UK No liquids, gels in carry-ons One Carry-on allowed dimensions 45cmX35cmX16cm Electronic devices are permitted, but must be checked in the UK**  unless it fits in the one allowed carryon   *U.S. includes the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. **Electronic devices must be checked-in at the airline’s ticket counter outside the secure area, and may cause a delay in your travel plans.   4/12/06 The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States.  In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. In the proposed implementation plan, which is subject to a period of initial public comment, the Initiative will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows: December 31, 2006 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. December 31, 2007 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports.   This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States.  Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

 

How to Pack Change mindset. Airport security screening procedures will be significantly more stringent than before. Items in one's suitcase that may have passed through before may not be accepted onboard aircraft today. Complete a personal luggage inventory. Empty out items in the always packed suitcase. Look at each item and evaluate whether an object could be scrutinized by airport security. (This includes items found in manicure kits, etc.) Consider removal of anything that could be perceived as threatening, or may raise suspicion at a security screening checkpoint. No knives of any size will be accepted. Anticipate having to open a bag for security inspection. Pack efficiently, placing smaller items together in a pouch or bag. Avoid over packing so that carryon luggage and checked suitcases open and close with ease. Make sure that each suitcase has a name tag securely affixed to it. Verify possession of a government-issued photo identification card or passport. Customers will not be allowed to check-in without proper identification. Bring E-Ticket confirmation to the airport.

Getting to the Airport Confirm flight status. Before proceeding to the airport. Expect restricted airport parking. Arrive early. Customers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours before scheduled departure for domestic flights, and at least two-and-one-half hours before international flights.

Upon Arrival at Airport Leave no vehicle or baggage unattended. Aircraft security will be completing thorough sweeps of airport properties. Expect to see an increased presence of law enforcement personnel outside and inside the terminal building. Proceed inside the terminal with luggage. Curbside check-in and off airport checked baggage options are unavailable. E-Ticket customers without luggage may check in at an E-Service Center. (Some airports may not provide this option.) E-Ticket and paper ticket customers with luggage to check may proceed to the ticket counter. Maintain baggage receipts for verification at destination.

At the Security Checkpoint Access beyond security restricted to passengers and employees only. Have ticket paperwork available, along with 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. Comply with all security instructions. Expect increased passenger and baggage security screening. Wand checks and full-body hand searches may be expected.

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.

Onboard the Aircraft 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.

Upon Arrival at Destination 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.