-
Why is double
occupancy less than single occupancy on air and hotel packages?
Room cost is divided between the number of people
staying in the room. If one person stays alone, that person
absorbs the entire room cost.
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Do
I really need to go to the airport two hours or more before my
flight?
After the events of 9/11, airport
check-in procedure is more strict than ever. Showing up at the
airport well before your flight allows ample time for clearing
security check points, initial ticket counter check-in, better
choice of seat assignments on charters, and less hassle overall.
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- Is it
true that if someone cancels their vacation, their trip is automatically
offered at a lower price to get rid of the space?
Packages and air only seats are only discounted
if there is an overabundance of space. These discounts usually
occur a month to two months prior to travel. Two seats are not
enough to bother with.
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- Is it
cheaper to fly out of O'Hare than Midway?
There is no concrete rule that flying out of
one airport versus another will guarantee a lower rate. The
best option is to be flexible in departure from both airports.
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- When
is the best time to go to the Caribbean or Mexico?
It depends. For lower prices, off-season for
both areas is considered summer and fall. Hurricane season,
however, also covers a portion of that period. Hurricane season
is traditionally late summer through the end of November. By
traveling in the winter months, you will usually avoid dangerous
weather, but conversely prices also go up as well.
For lower prices in the winter, early January is considered
a better time for travel; high season is mid-January through
April. May is often the beginning of off-season. Avoiding holidays
can also help to keep prices lower. Most people want to take
off near a holiday so as to avoid taking one less vacation day.
Holiday travel can drive up the price and significantly reduce
availability. Spring break, which runs from mid-March to mid-April,
is also a heavy travel period. Traveling during the week instead
of a weekend can help reduce prices too.
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- Do I need a passport
to travel to Mexico or the Caribbean?
Effective January 8th 2007, it is mandatory
for all U.S. citizens
traveling internationally to have a passport. As listed verbatim
by the
U.S. State Department: January 8, 2007
- Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada,
Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Prior to the above date, acceptable proof of citizenship is
a state certified copy of birth (not a hospital birth certificate)
along with a valid photo ID (drivers license or state ID). In
cases of women who are married or divorced, a marriage certificate
or divorce decree is needed to bridge the last name change between
maiden vs married.Is it HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
that you apply for a passport ASAP if you plan on traveling
internationally. For general information on applying
for a passport click here.
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- How
long will it take to receive my passport?
If you apply at a
passport acceptance facility or by mail (for renewal, additional
pages, and amendment) and choose routine service, you will receive
your passport within six weeks.* If you apply at a passport
acceptance facility or by mail (for renewal, additional pages,
and amendment) and choose expedited service plus overnight delivery
service for expedited service for sending your application and
returning your passport to you, it will be two weeks.
**Processing times can vary depending on workload
and occasional unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters.
During busier times, it is encouraged that customer expedite
their applications if traveling in less than 8 weeks.)
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- Where
can I find the nearest passport facility?
This website has a
searchable database to help you find the nearest passport facility. iafdb.travel.state.gov
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- Help!
I'm traveling within fourteen days and need a passport. What can
I do?
For Chicago or Illinois residents,
follow this link: http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/agencies/agencies_905.html. For non-Chicago residents, follow this link: http://travel.state.gov/passport/hurry/hurry_831.html. There is no charge for an appointment at a passport
agency. Customers should not pay anyone or any business making
such a charge. Passport Agencies assist customers with
urgent travel needs (generally if you are traveling within 2
weeks) and require proof of departure. Most Passport Agencies
are open by appointment only and require proof of your travel
date or need for foreign visas.
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- With
all the changes regarding allowed and restricted items, exactly
what can I bring and not bring?
The best way to stay aware of the
latest changes is to periodically monitor the TSA website. Here
is the direct link:
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information
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- What are the rules
regarding liquids, medication, etc. and luggage?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) adjusted its total ban on liquids, gels
and aerosols on September 26, 2006. There are
two significant changes: Travelers will be allowed to carry
travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably
in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through security
checkpoints. Travelers may also bring items, including beverages,
purchased in the secure, boarding area or on-board the aircraft.
Existing exemptions, including larger amounts of required medications,
baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments, must be declared
to security officers at the entrance of the checkpoint for screening.
For additional information and travel tips, please go to http://www.tsa.gov/.
TSA first implemented the ban on all liquids, gels and aerosols
on August 10 after U.K. officials uncovered a terrorist plot
involving transatlantic flights bound for the United States.
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- What are the rules
concerning lithium batteries in checked luggage?
Lithium Battery Limits in Carry-on Baggage Effective January
1, 2008
Summary: Passengers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium
batteries in checked luggage beginning January 1, 2008, once
new federal safety rules take effect.
US DOT Hazmat Safety Rule to Place Lithium Battery Limits
in Carry-on Baggage on Passenger Aircraft Effective January
1, 2008
Passengers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries
in checked luggage beginning January 1, 2008, once new federal
safety rules take effect. The new regulation, designed to reduce
the risk of lithium battery fires, will continue to allow lithium
batteries in checked baggage if they are installed in electronic
devices, or in carry-on baggage if stored in plastic bags.
Common consumer electronics such as travel cameras, cell phones,
and most laptop computers are still allowed in carry-on and
checked luggage. However, the rule limits individuals to bringing
only two extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries
(see attached illustration), such as laptop and professional
audio/video/camera equipment lithium batteries in carry-on baggage.
"Doing something as simple as keeping a spare battery
in its original retail packaging or a plastic zip-lock bag will
prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires," said
Krista Edwards, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department
of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration.
Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because
they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions. Safety testing
conducted by the FAA found that current aircraft cargo fire
suppression system would not be capable of suppressing a fire
if a shipment of non-rechargeable lithium batteries were ignited
in flight.
"This rule protects the passenger," said Lynne Osmus,
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assistant administrator
for security and hazardous materials. "It's one more step
for safety. It's the right thing to do and the right time to
do it."
In addition to the new rule, PHMSA is working with the FAA,
the National Transportation Safety Board, the Consumer Product
Safety Commission, the battery and airline industries, airline
employee organizations, testing laboratories, and the emergency
response communities to increase public awareness about battery-related
risks and developments. These useful safety tips are highlighted
at the public Web site: http://safetravel.dot.gov/.
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