Medical Problems Pose Travel Insurance Headache

Pre-existing medical conditions make it difficult to find travel insurance at a reasonable price. What can you do…

Read article in the Financial Times

Lithium Batteries No Longer Alowed in Checked Baggage

 Since January 1, 2008 you may no longer carry litium batteries in your checked baggage.  But they are allowed in your carry on luggage…

To get the whole story read the article from SAFETRAVEL.DOT.GOV

Confused About All The New Travel Security Programs?

Travel Weekly senior editor Michael Milligan has made a glossary of some of the key security programs.

US Airways & United Implement a $25 Charge For Second Bag Checked

In an effort to offset higher fuel costs, US airways and United are planning to charge $25 for the second bag checked by coach class.  For more information read the article in Travel Weekly.

The TSA Initiates Program To Expedite Travelers Through Security Checks

The Transportation Security Administration and private industry developed the Registered Traveler (RT) program to provide Expedited Security Screening for passengers who volunteer to undergo a TSA-conducted security threat assessment (STA) in order to confirm that they do not pose or are not suspected of posing a threat to transportation or national security.  The benefits to this program are:

• minimized RT passanger wait times in security lines
• dedicated security lines for RT passangers
• concierge service for luggage
• parking privileges
• discounts for service or concessions

Qualifications for participating in the Registered Traveler Program

The following Sponsoring Entities are currently operating the RT program at their respective locations.

• Air France (operating out of Terminal 1 at JFK);
• AirTran Airways (operating out of the Central Terminal at LGA);
• Albany International Airport (ALB);
• British Airways (operating out of Terminal 7 at JFK);
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG);
• Denver International Airport (DEN);
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND);
• Jacksonville International Airport (JAX);
• Little Rock National Airport (LIT);
• Norman Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC);
• Orlando International Airport (MCO);
• Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO);
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO);
• Virgin Atlantic (operating out of Terminal B at EWR); 
• Virgin Atlantic (operating out of Terminal 4 at JFK); and
• Westchester County Airport (HPN).

SimpliFLY Your Carry-ons at the Airport

The TSA(Transportation Security Administration)/US Department of Homeland Security would like to help you get through security checkpoints quickly and have a safe flight. The idea is to pack and dress smart to FLY through Airport Screening.   Pack simply to FLY through Security. 

A Slowing Economy Highlights the Importance of Travel Insurance

Having travel insurance can protect you from monetary losses that you may not be able to cover.  What you get with travel insurance…

1.  Trip Cost Protection (refund if you can’t make trip)

2.  Financial Default / Banckruptcy   ( refund if travel providers goes belly up)

3.  Travel Delays / Missed Connections (pays costs of additional travel purchase

      and hotel rooms)

4.  Trip Interuptions   (covers cost of breaking itinerary)

5.  Illness or injury  (covers costs if your medical insurance doesn’t)

6.  Pre existing Medical Conditions (must be purchased within 7-21 days of initial

     travel deposit to be elegible)

7.  Medical Expenses & Emergency Medical Evacuation (covers costs of

     hospitalization and transportation)

read article from Fox Business.com

How to obtain a Visa

If you are traveling to a foriegn country you may need to obtain a Visa from that country.  To obtain information about obtaining that visa go to US Department of State.

How to get a Passport

If you will be traveling outside the US in the near future you must have a valid Passport.  Even short day trips into Canada or Mexico now require you to have a passport. The normal time to obtain a passport is between 4-6 weeks. This proccessing time can be cut to as short as 2 weeks.  For all the information you need and the proper forms go to US Department of State.    If you are planning a foreign trip in less than 2 weeks and you have not applied for your passport don’t panic.  There is a way to get a passport in 24 hours.  It will cost more.  You need to go to  Passport Visas Express.

What am I allowed to bring onboard an airplane?

Since 911 the rules for what you are allowed to carry on-board an airplane have changed.  Actually these restrictions continue to change.  Wouldn’t it be nice to know what the current restrictions are?  Knowing this could prevent serious problems at the airport security gate.  Here is a link to the US Government source for accurate and up to date information about travel.

Travel & Safety Administration