Travel/Security Update
 


 

 Secure Flight Program Helps Assure Travel Safety

Beginning May 15, 2009, to ensure that your air travel plans proceed as smoothly as possible, we, your travel consultants are asking some new questions. Travel professionals have begun asking for clients’ full names, birthdates and gender information.

The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program now requires travel professionals to collect vital information on each air traveler to help ensure safety for all. One of the ways the TSA protects the traveling public is by checking passenger information against terrorist watch lists. The program now requires all air passengers to provide their full name exactly as it appears on identification to be used. In August, the TSA will require passengers to provide date of birth, gender and redress number (if applicable) when making a reservation to travel.

By collecting this detailed information in advance, travel professionals and their clients will help:
• Protect sensitive watch list data.
• Enable authorities to address security threats sooner and keep air travel safer.
• Reduce passengers’ chances of being misidentified.

Essentially, the Secure Flight program enables authorities to focus their efforts on any passengers who pose a security risk and to facilitate safe travel for other passengers. TSA will safeguard the privacy of all of the information collected through the Secure Flight program. If you have any questions about the Secure Flight program, talk with us or visit the TSA website at: www.tsa.gov.

 

 

Passports Now Required

Effective June 1, 2009, all U.S. citizens are now required to present a passport book, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document when entering the United States.

Please Note: Children under age 16 will be able to continue crossing land and sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or other form of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate.). The original birth certificate or a copy may be used. See the Department of Homeland Security's for more information on the changing travel requirements. 

The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.

U.S.PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS: 

  • U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea.
  • The Passport Card: The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
  • WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land and sea, as of January 31, 2008:

     
    • Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
    • State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)
    • Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
    • U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
    • U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
    • Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
    • Form I-872 American Indian Card

For further information see U.S. Customs and Border protection. 

Obtaining Proof of Passport Application-

  • Go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.
  • Select the link “To check your passport application status and to print out passport application proof”. Fill in the information and submit.
  • Print out the confirmation document; it will serve as official proof of a pending passport application.

Applicants will need to present this proof of application to airline representatives when entering and departing the United States and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers when re-entering the United States.

U.S. Citizens over age 16 must also carry a government-issued photo identification card, such as a driver’s license or military I.D.

For countries other than Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean and Bermuda, U.S. Citizens must still meet the entry requirements of the country they are visiting. Information on international entry requirements is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html#a.

Tips for New Passport Applicants

  • It currently takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks to process, issue, and deliver a passport.
  • If travel is within a twelve week timeframe, consider requesting Expedited Passport Service. If choosing Expedited Service, be sure to enclose the required fees and write "EXPEDITED" on the outside of the envelope.
  • Include in your application the dates and destinations for anticipated travel.
  • Fully complete the application and check it for accuracy before signing in the presence of the Passport Acceptance Agent.

Frequently Asked Questions for Americans with pending passport applications are available at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html.

For additional information on the pending passport applications go to the U.S. Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

 

 

 

3-1-1 for Carry-Ons main graphic

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

OTHER TIPS:

Arrive on time. Check with your carrier for suggested arrival times. You must have a boarding pass and valid government photo ID to enter the security checkpoint. Give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.

Dress the part. Metal in your clothing may set off the walk-through metal detector. Pack coins, keys, jewelry, belt buckles and other metal items in your carry-on bag. Shoes must be removed and screened by TSA, so wear shoes you can easily take on and off to speed the process. Winter coats, blazers, suit jackets and bulky sweaters also must be removed and put in the bin for screening. Learn more about the screening experience, dressing the part, and what to expect.

Be considerate and save jokes for after the checkpoint. Our security officers are working to keep bombs off of airplanes. Please follow their directions. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated, and will result in delays and possibly missed flights.

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