Monday, August 14, 2006
Latest Update on Airport Security
8/14/2006 -
Here’s the latest information on travel policy changes and itinerary updates related to last week’s airline terrorism incidents in London:
U.S. officials issued further changes to airport security rules over the weekend. Please read the updated rules at this link today: www.tsa.gov. Among other changes, passengers will now be absolutely required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints, and they’ll notice more canine searches and random bag searches at the airport. The rules can be confusing; for example, mascara is now prohibited, while solid lipstick is allowed, and separate gel inserts in shoes are prohibited while built-in gel supports in shoes will be allowed. The best advice? Pack as much as possible in checked luggage, and carry on as little as possible for your flights.
Almost one-third or flights from London/Heathrow were canceled yesterday, and many other passengers missed their flights due to very lengthy security lines. Airlines like Ryanair asked the British government to bring in police units and army reservists to help the airport speed up its security checkpoints. If you are traveling through British airports this month, allow plenty of time -- at least three to four hours before their departure time -- to clear airport security.
Numerous cruise lines -- including Holland America and Windstar -- changed departure times for sailings departing late last week and this week. Passengers cruising in the near future, please check with the cruise lines directly for any last-minute changes in schedules, itineraries, and boarding rules.
Many travel insurers are treating last week’s incident as a “carrier delay,” not a terrorism incident, under the rules of their coverage. In other words, you may not be covered for expenses incurred if they missed a cruise or tour connection. If you purchased travel delay/travel interruption coverage, that part of the policy will likely kick in. Check directly with your travel insurance provider if you have any questions about coverage exceptions.
Several luggage delivery firms, including Luggage Forward (whose site is currently down) and Luggage Free, have reported sharp increases in business since new airline luggage screening rules have been introduced. If you use a luggage delivery service , remember to allow extra time this summer and fall for pickups and deliveries.
Here’s the latest information on travel policy changes and itinerary updates related to last week’s airline terrorism incidents in London:
U.S. officials issued further changes to airport security rules over the weekend. Please read the updated rules at this link today: www.tsa.gov. Among other changes, passengers will now be absolutely required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints, and they’ll notice more canine searches and random bag searches at the airport. The rules can be confusing; for example, mascara is now prohibited, while solid lipstick is allowed, and separate gel inserts in shoes are prohibited while built-in gel supports in shoes will be allowed. The best advice? Pack as much as possible in checked luggage, and carry on as little as possible for your flights.
Almost one-third or flights from London/Heathrow were canceled yesterday, and many other passengers missed their flights due to very lengthy security lines. Airlines like Ryanair asked the British government to bring in police units and army reservists to help the airport speed up its security checkpoints. If you are traveling through British airports this month, allow plenty of time -- at least three to four hours before their departure time -- to clear airport security.
Numerous cruise lines -- including Holland America and Windstar -- changed departure times for sailings departing late last week and this week. Passengers cruising in the near future, please check with the cruise lines directly for any last-minute changes in schedules, itineraries, and boarding rules.
Many travel insurers are treating last week’s incident as a “carrier delay,” not a terrorism incident, under the rules of their coverage. In other words, you may not be covered for expenses incurred if they missed a cruise or tour connection. If you purchased travel delay/travel interruption coverage, that part of the policy will likely kick in. Check directly with your travel insurance provider if you have any questions about coverage exceptions.
Several luggage delivery firms, including Luggage Forward (whose site is currently down) and Luggage Free, have reported sharp increases in business since new airline luggage screening rules have been introduced. If you use a luggage delivery service , remember to allow extra time this summer and fall for pickups and deliveries.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Packing For Your Cruise
Friends, remember you are on the ship to have a good time. You should travel light. There are no baggage weight or size limits as long as the baggage fits in the stateroom, however, baggage must also meet any restrictions of the airline or train you may be arriving on.
Clothing Casual attire (shorts, slacks, sundresses, blouses, etc.) is the best option during the day. You will have a chance to dress up in formal wear two nights during a 6-day or longer cruise (one night on shorter cruises). Formal wear or a dark suit is suggested. The dress code for other evenings ranges from sport coat and tie to casual resort wear. Shorts and t-shirts are not permitted in the dining room during dinner. Sweaters, lightweight jackets, and raincoats are suggested for Alaska and Canada/New England cruises.
For those not wanting to dress up, the buffets are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code. All passengers should bring a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
Clothing Casual attire (shorts, slacks, sundresses, blouses, etc.) is the best option during the day. You will have a chance to dress up in formal wear two nights during a 6-day or longer cruise (one night on shorter cruises). Formal wear or a dark suit is suggested. The dress code for other evenings ranges from sport coat and tie to casual resort wear. Shorts and t-shirts are not permitted in the dining room during dinner. Sweaters, lightweight jackets, and raincoats are suggested for Alaska and Canada/New England cruises.
For those not wanting to dress up, the buffets are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code. All passengers should bring a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
