Tag: fly

Posted on by

Can I Drink on the Plane?

Drinking on Flights During Covid

Do you enjoy having a glass of wine or a cocktail when you fly?

Have you read that airlines are no longer serving alcohol on flights? Not a big deal to some. To others, it may be.

Since some flyers really enjoy it, they have wondered whether it’s okay to bring their own drinks, cocktails, etc. on the flight. Is it okay to buy a small bottle in the airport once you’re through security and open it on the plane? Is it okay to buy a cocktail in an airport bar and then bring it with you in a plastic cup? Are there any instances where you can drink on the plane?

According to the FAA you may not do that. Why? The serving entity has to be the one holding the liquor license. So, no alcoholic beverages on the plane unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to the passenger.

Keep in mind, this is for drinking only. Other rules apply to what you have in your carryon or checked luggage.

Maybe in time, rules will change and airlines will go back to serving alcohol. Until then…no wine on the plane.

for our daily newsletter

Top of Form

Posted on by

Planning Safe Family Travel During COVID-19

Planning Safe Family Travel During COVID-19

Guest Post from Jesse Clark

Soulful-travel.com :: Jesse@soulful-travel.com

“Not all who wander are lost” — J.R.R. TOLKIEN

How does a traveler cope with stay-at-home orders? In a word: creatively. Right now, it’s important for people to limit long-distance travel in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, as Travel and Escapes helpfully explains, there are ways for your family to satisfy wanderlust without doing too much actual wandering.

Here’s a look at how to plan a great — and responsible — family vacation.

Going Camping

Head to a nearby campground for a socially-distanced nature vacation.

Local Parks

You might be surprised by all that city and state parks have to offer.

Backyard Adventures

Don’t underestimate the staycation potential in your own backyard.

COVID-19 has complicated travel, yes, but you can still satisfy the urge to get away. Nature offers us tons of safe, socially distanced opportunities to unplug and recharge. There are hidden treasures all around you — now is your chance to discover the wonders right under your nose.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Posted on by

Snag Amazing Travel Deals With These Helpful Sites

Today’s guest post is from a fellow traveler and writer. Check out what he has to say about travel deals.

Image credit: Pixabay

Traveling is becoming more common with today’s ease of planning. From apps that help you bundle deals with booking flights, hotels and even renting cars, to agencies that convince you just how great of a trip you could have if you decided to see more of the world – it’s a game-changer. In today’s world, all you need to make an affordable trip happen is a good internet connection, a realistic budget, and a passion to pack your bags and leave home. 

Look for Online Deals

When you book through a trusted travel site like Priceline, you’re getting the best deals available, including offers on amazing cruises! Log in online or download the app to plan the trip of a lifetime. You can select your location and choose the dates that fit your schedule best. 

Your search will provide you with a list of the top-reviewed hotels and access to flights with multiple airlines to choose from, and it will help you determine which package discount offers you the best deal.

If you need to rent a car, look to a rental agency like Enterprise. They have many rentals to choose from and competitive rates, and there are a wide variety of deals available. You can save even more by using Enterprise coupons and promo codes. 

When it comes to buying travel items for your trip like luggage and clothing, look to save at big-box retailers. Not only can you find discounted items, but some retailers offer free gifts when you make a purchase. Stores with free gift offers include Macy’s Walgreens, and Sears.

Try EF Ultimate Break

EF Ultimate Break is made primarily for young adults looking to travel and experience a new culture without spending too much money. The company offers incredible opportunities with short- and long-term trips, including an easy payment plan system to allow travelers to pay when they can, as long as the trip is paid for 30 days prior to departure.

This pre-planned trip company takes care of everything from booking your flights to your buses, hotels and hostels, and even helps you with an itinerary. You’ll get a mixture of planned excursions that you can skip out on if you want, as well as free time to do what you wish. Each city will have a guide to show you around, and you’ll also have a tour director to ensure your safe arrival from location to location.

You’ll of course still need to bring a few travel essentials along (no one likes to be without their phone charger, for example), but if you’re looking for an adventure that includes all the big-ticket items at an affordable rate, then EF Ultimate Break may be just right for you. 

Wander Wisely With Couch Surfing

Different from any other way to save money on traveling, try your hand at couch surfing. You’ll have the option of staying somewhere safe and approved without the hefty payments of a hotel. Choose between the options of staying with somebody that literally only offers their couch, or pick a place where you can have your own room to get a full night’s rest at the end of the day. Your only worries will be actually getting to your destination, paying for food and outside adventures along the way, and having to leave when the trip ends! 

Make new friends that’ll last a lifetime through this option. You can choose who you stay with, talk to them long before the trip, and have a local tell you where all of the best places to go are. You’ll end up feeling like you’ve lived in the town forever while bonding over your new adventure. 

Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful. Let these suggested websites help you save money so that you have that extra cash to spoil yourself wherever you’re planning to travel. After all, who doesn’t love souvenirs? 

Posted on by

ETIAS Visa Waiver

Recently, I read this article in both the Wall Street Journal and from a trusted travel source.

U.S. citizens traveling to Europe will shortly need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa waiver which is the new travel authorization for Europe that will come into effect in 2021. Similar to other countries and regions in the world, Europe has recently decided to improve its security level to avoid any further problems with illegal immigration and terrorism.

This means that, by the end of 2021, all Americans traveling to a European country in the Schengen Zone will be in need of an ETIAS. The Schengen Area is composed of 22 European Union countries like France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, and Spain, as well as 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. ETIAS will permit travel to all Schengen countries for short stays during its validity.

HOW LONG CAN A US CITIZEN STAY IN EUROPE?

At the moment, there is no Europe visa waiver for U.S. citizens for periods of less than 90 days. However, this will change by the end of 2021, when American citizens traveling to Europe from the U.S. will require an ETIAS visa waiver to travel to any of the Schengen zone countries for short stays.

The ETIAS visa waiver for Americans is a multiple-entry travel authorization valid for a total of 3 years from the moment of approval. During the 3-year validity of the ETIAS for U.S. travelers, it is possible to enter any of the Schengen Zone European countries which apply to the travel authorization as many times as necessary.

The total stay allowed in a Schengen country with each entry with ETIAS is 90 days within every 180-day period. ETIAS permits travel to Schengen countries for short stays for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit purposes. To stay for longer periods of time or other purposes, American citizens are required to apply for a Schengen visa from an embassy or consulate.

Currently, there are 22 European countries that form part of the Schengen Area. They include:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Denmark
  • Lithuania
  • Latvia
  • Estonia
  • Poland
  • Slovakia
  • Hungary
  • Slovenia
  • Italy
  • Greece
  • Czech Republic
  • Malta

EITAS Required in Non-EU Member States include:

  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Norway
  • Switzerland

Also included are:

  • Monaco
  • San Marino
  • Vatican City

EITAS Non-Required include:

  • United Kingdom
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Romania
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus

WHAT DO AMERICANS NEED TO GO TO EUROPE?

To obtain the Europe visa waiver for Americans, U.S. citizens will need to have a valid passport, a credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee, and an email account. These are the main ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens which each applicant must have on hand when applying. Without the right travel document, applicants could have their application denied.

When applying for an ETIAS, applicants must ensure that the passport used is valid for 3 months beyond the period of intended stay of each person. It is possible that passports over 10 years old may not be accepted as a valid travel document.

Applicants with dual nationality, and so multiple passports, should ensure they use the same passport to complete the ETIAS application as that which they will later use to travel to the Schengen Area, as the ETIAS will be electronically linked to an individual passport.

When applying for an electronic visa waiver for Europe, it is necessary to provide a current email address at which to receive a copy of the approved ETIAS. As an approved ETIAS is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, it will not be mandatory to print a copy of the visa waiver, although travelers are nonetheless advised to carry a copy with them to Europe in case of any problems with the electronic system.

TRAVELING TO EUROPE FROM THE U.S WITH ETIAS

When submitting an ETIAS application, it is important to remember that all U.S. citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS to travel to Europe from 2021, including minors. It is necessary to submit a separate visa waiver for Europe application for all U.S. children under the age of 18. Parents or legal guardians are able to submit a European visa waiver application on behalf of a minor, although every child is required to have an individual approved ETIAS.

It is also important to note that an approved ETIAS for American citizens does not guarantee entry to Europe, it merely grants the holder permission to travel to Schengen countries. The final decision for entry will be made by an immigration officer at Schengen border control. The traveler may be asked to prove they do not intend to spend longer in Europe than the period allowed with ETIAS, by providing evidence of:

  • Return flight tickets to the United States or tickets to an onward destination
  • Proof of travel health insurance
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay

There will also be other regulations and restrictions to bear in mind when traveling to Europe from the U.S.A. which are similar to those in place at the moment, such as the right to carry weapons, importing and exporting large quantities of tobacco, alcohol or perfume, and declaring large amounts of currency.

Finally, it is important to note that an ETIAS may be revoked when the conditions for the issuing of the visa waiver for Europe are no longer met, particularly when there is reason to believe that the visa waiver for Europe was obtained by providing misleading or fraudulent information. For this reason it is essential to ensure that all of the information provided on the ETIAS form is correct before submitting the application, as even small errors may result in the revocation of an ETIAS.

Travelers whose passport expires during the validity of the ETIAS are also required to submit a new application for a Europe visa waiver from the United States in order to continue to travel to the Schengen Area, as an ETIAS is specifically linked to the travel document used to complete the original application.

DO AMERICAN CITIZENS NEED A VISA FOR EUROPE (SCHENGEN VISA)?

As the United States is one of the visa-exempt countries for Europe, American citizens do not currently require a visa for the Schengen Area for short stays up to 90 days. From 2021, however, they will be required to obtain an Europe visa waiver to stay in Schengen countries for any less than 90 days. There is no need to apply before every trip, as ETIAS permits travel to all Schengen countries during its 3-year validity.

American citizens who intend to stay in Europe for longer periods, or for purposes other than those permitted with ETIAS, will be required to apply for a Schengen visa. The length of a Schengen visa for Europe is determined on an individual basis, and it may be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa. Unlike ETIAS, a Schengen visa is issued for one specific Schengen country, and applicants are required to apply in person from an embassy or consulate in the United States of the country they wish to visit.

SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS

It is necessary to attend an consular appointment for a Schengen visa with the following documentation in order to guarantee approval of the visa:

  • A completed Schengen Europe visa application form
  • Copies of any previously issued Schengen visas
  • A valid US passport containing at least 2 blank pages
  • Any accommodation bookings the traveler has made for their stay
  • Round trip flight tickets, or tickets to an onward destination
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Europe
  • Travel insurance which covers medical care in the Schengen Area
  • A recent, passport-sized, photograph of the traveler, taken against a white background

American citizens who apply for a Schengen visa are required to submit the application at least 15 working days before the intended date of entry to Europe at the latest, to allow for sufficient time for the visa to be processed.

HOW CAN AMERICANS APPLY FOR ETIAS TO VISIT EUROPE?

U.S. citizens can apply online for an ETIAS by completing an online ETIAS registration. The enrollment will be a quick and simple process, similar to the ESTA for eligible citizens traveling to the U.S. and will take an average of 20 minutes to complete. Applicants will need to fill out an online form with their contact details and passport information, including:

  • Name and surname
  • Nationality
  • Date, place, and country of birth
  • Current address
  • Contact phone number
  • Email address
  • Passport number
  • Passport issue/expiry date

This process allows European immigration and customs authorities to pre-screen all travelers and confirm their status before permitting them entry or even to board a flight, thus dentifying any potential threats and improving security measures throughout the Schengen Area.

All of the information provided on the Europe visa waiver application is pre-screened against the databases managed by eu-LISA (European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice). eu-LISA is also responsible for the management of the ETIAS system, and will check applications against security information databases such as VIS (visa information database), SIS (shared European database to identify suspected criminals, missing people, and stolen assets), and EURODAC (fingerprint database).

It is also necessary to answer some basic security questions to submit the ETIAS visa waiver application, including about:

  • Criminal history
  • Employment history
  • Drug use
  • Human trafficking
  • Prior travel to conflict areas
  • Past European travel information

After answering all of the required security questions on the ETIAS form, it is necessary to pay the required ETIAS fee using either a valid credit or debit card. Once the travel authorization for Europe has been paid, the process is complete and the applicant will receive the confirmation for the ETIAS visa waiver via email. With an approved ETIAS visa waiver, applicants will be ready to travel to Europe.

For more information, check out https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias/

Let me know if you have more information.

Posted on by

I Need to Bring My…

Interesting Items to Bring With You

Did you know these are allowed by TSA?

Live coral and live fish? Sure. They have to be inspected by TSA, but you can bring them onboard.

How about your favorite coffee maker? It is carry-on friendly.

Your desktop computer can come with you as well. It has to go through the screening machines.

Bring your artificial skeleton bones only after you let TSA know they aren’t real.

Your bowling ball or bocce balls can be packed into your carry-on bag.

If you went to the beach and have to bring some sand home, it can be in your carry-on bag. Just don’t let it spill.

Same goes for rocks, as long as they aren’t from a National Park.

Do you need to bring your cymbals with you? Depending on the size of musical instruments, they may need their own seat. Cymbals should be okay to put in the overhead bin.

Don’t forget your selfie stick. It is allowed.

Thoughts?

Posted on by

I’m Ready to Go…I Think

First Time Abroad

If one of your resolutions for the new year include traveling abroad…that’s fantastic.

If this is the first time…that’s also fantastic. I’m sure you have read all the tips about what to pack, what to take in your carryon bag, when to book, and more.

In case you need a few more tips to remember…check out these useful suggestions.

Remember the outlets in Europe are different than here in the US. Check to see what country uses what types of plugs. Get the right one and take it with you if you want to use your own hairdryer, phone charger, etc.

Speaking of hairdryers, check the website of the hotel or vacation rental where you will be staying. Most times, there is one included in the room or apartment. You could save a bunch of room in your suitcase if you didn’t have to pack a bulky hairdryer.

Let your bank and credit card companies know you will be traveling. Also let them know the dates and places. No sense having a card declined because you are no longer in the US.

Take some cash with you. ATMs will often charge a hefty fee to take out cash. Also, know which banks and which machines are best to use for your bank.

Remember to dress accordingly in the country where you will be. Avoid wearing shirts with sayings that could be taken the wrong way, or clothes that look like they were made for working out. In the US we tend to wear our sneakers, sweatshirts, and yoga pants everywhere. That is not the case in many European countries.

Noise cancelling headphones are your friend on a long flight. Just remember to remove them when the flight attendant is talking to you.

Learn a few local phrases. Especially learn please and thank you. Even if the shop owner or hotel person speaks English, it’s still appreciated if you use their language.

Check your phone plan before you go. You may be able to use your phone, or it may cost too much. Check out something like an Orange card before you go. Remember to use WiFi at the hotel or apartment to save on usage.

Try the local foods. Eat at the same time the locals do. Why? Both will give you a much better experience in that country. You didn’t come all the way to Italy to eat a fast food burger, did you? I hope not.

Understand about tipping. This varies from country to country. It may be as simple as looking at your bill.

Be aware of your surroundings. Space may be limited in a restaurant or on a bus. Don’t take up more space than you need. The same goes for how loud you talk. Many countries speak quieter than you may be used to. Pay attention and try to follow their lead.

For more tips, check back regularly to read the latest from TSA, the State Department, and fellow travelers. Sign up for my website at https://.www.travelsandescapes.net to follow me wherever I go. Have fun traveling.

Posted on by

Can I Take Uber at LAX?

Have you read the news about LAX, Los Angeles International Airport, and the changes with taxis, Uber, and Lyft?

If not, this is what is happening. You will no longer be able to catch a ride with any of those on the arrivals level roadway. This is true for all terminals. Instead, you need to take a shuttle ride to a dedicated pick-up area for app-based rides.

Taxi, Uber, and Lyft can still drop you off at each terminal.

What about other airports? Some are doing similar things.

Austin, Texas moved their pickup area for all app-based rides and taxis to the ground level of their rental car facility.

San Francisco now has a certain area in the central parking garage for these rides. You will need to take a shuttle there.

Seattle also moved theirs to the airport parking garage.

Boston moved both drop-off and pickup to a special area in the central parking garage.

There are probably more airports making similar changes.

So…what do you do?

Check the websites of Uber and Lyft before you go. They will give you the most up-to-date information on where to go to catch a ride. They will also let you know if your ride can drop you at the terminal or if you will need to plan extra time to catch a shuttle.

Posted on by

Can I Take My Sleep Meds With Me? How About My Allergy Meds?

Did you know some popular prescription and over-the-counter medicines commonly used for things like pain relief, better sleep, allergies, or your common cold are illegal in some countries? That means you need to know what you can and cannot take into a country when traveling.

The United Arab Emirates and Japan, for example, are among the most restrictive nations. Many other countries ban or restrict importing narcotics, sedatives, amphetamines, and other meds you think are common. So…what should you do?

Plan Ahead

Laws vary by country and there is no central, up-to date repository. One travel consultant suggests asking your physician, travel medical insurance company, or local pharmacist four to six weeks before traveling. “When you inquire about your shots, ask about medications. Odds are they may not know off the top of their head, but they have the resources to find out.”

She also suggests checking with the embassy of your destination country. The US State Department website lists foreign embassies. It also lists insurance providers if you need one for health care abroad.

Label and Pack Your Medication Properly

Carry all your medication, from vitamins and supplements to prescription ones, in their original, clearly marked containers or packaging. You can put that in a clear plastic bag in your carry on luggage. Make sure the name on the prescription, the medicine container and your passport all match. If you lost the product information insert, ask the pharmacist to print a new one for you.

Also, check the TSA website for up-to-date rules and regulations on packing and carrying your medication when you depart. The standard rules for liquid carry-ons don’t apply to medications in liquid or gel form, but you need to inform them when you pass through security so they don’t confiscate it.

Obtain and Carry Necessary Documentation

Keep copies of your original prescriptions, if you can. Better yet, obtain a letter on official letterhead from your physician that lists the medicines you need and why they were prescribed.

Know the Names and Amounts of Active Ingredients

The documentation you carry should also indicate the generic and chemical names of the active ingredients, which determines permissibility, not brand names.

For example, the active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is banned in Zambia in over-the counter products. In Japan, it is allowed only if the amount in a tablet or injection is limited. However, a typical 25 milligram tablet of Tylenol PM in the United States exceeds the 10 milligram maximum amount in a tablet you can bring into Japan. Some countries restrict the overall total amount of an active ingredient an individual traveler can legally import, which may impact longer stays.

Bottom line…be prepared ahead of time.

Posted on by

Is Your Computer Going to Fly?

Recently I read a post on The Points Guy that bears repeating.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has banned select MacBook Pro laptops from being carried on, or checked into the cargo holds of aircraft. The FAA’s decision follows Apple’s announcement that some of the older MacBook Pro units posed a fire risk.

According to the FAA’s statement, the agency has alerted major US airlines to the recall, explaining that the affected laptops should not be allowed to fly as cargo or in passengers’ carry-on baggage.

The devices in question are some 15-inch MacBook Pros that were sold between September 2015 and February 2017.

Apple originally announced the recall in June, saying it had “determined that, in a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units, the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk.”

Affected units can be determined by the product’s serial number and checked online. To check if your 15-inch MacBook Pro is part of the recall and has been banned by the FAA, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select ‘About This Mac’.

2. Confirm your model is “MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)”.

3. If so, go to Apple’s dedicated recall page. Enter your device’s serial number to see if it’s eligible. If it is, you’ll be offered several options, such as getting the battery replaced.

According to a notice distributed in Canada in June, about 432,000 MacBook Pros sold in the US were part of the recall, and about 26,000 of the affected units were sold in Canada. The number of the devices part of the recall that were sold in Europe has not been disclosed.

In addition, four non-US based airlines introduced bans on these. Included are TUI Group, Thomas Cook, Air Italy, and Air Transat.

Laptops with replaced batteries will be allowed on board.

Posted on by

Can I Bring My Canoe Paddle and My Seashells on the Plane?

Traveling soon and wondering what you are allowed to take through security? Do you know what TSA requires you put in your checked bag?

TSA has a database where you can find an item you want to take with you in your carry-on bag. Check out https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all.

If you don’t find the item you’re looking for, you can tweet them at @AskTSA or send a Facebook message to AskTSA.

Here is a list of their permitted items and where you must place them.

Permitted as carry-on or checked

  • Knitting needles–sharp objects in checked bags should be securely wrapped to prevent inspector injury
  • Canes–must undergo X-ray screening, a TSA officer will inspect item if it cannot fit through a machine
  • Tents–check with airline, but tent stakes and poles must be checked in
  • Umbrellas–Allowed in carry-on bags
  • Insulin and insulin supplies–Notify TSA officer of your condition and that you are carrying supplies. Any forms or dispensers must be clearly identified.
  • Liquid medications–Liquids, gels or aerosol medications greater than 3.4 ounces must be declared to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
  • Sand, rocks, seeds, plants—OK in either
  • Medical marijuana/CBD–Not searched for but if illegal substance is discovered, TSA will refer to law enforcement
  • Yogurt–Must be less than 3.4 ounces
  • Small fishing lures–Large hooks should be wrapped in checked luggage. Expensive reels or fragile tackle may be placed in carry-on
  • Dry batteries—AA, AAA, C and D, but not lithium varieties

Only permitted as checked

  • Golf clubs (balls and tees can be placed in carry-on)
  • Canoe/Kayak paddles
  • Walking sticks

Only permitted as carry-on

  • Vape/E-cigarette
  • Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery
  • Disposable and Zippo lighters (no matches allowed in carry-on or checked-in)

And what about those small pets?

They are allowed through the checkpoints but don’t have to go through the scanner. A pet carrying case is required to go through the X-ray machine, but the animal must be walked through the metal detector.

Other advice

  • Don’t forget the 3-1-1 liquid rule and pack your liquids in the front pocket on your carry-on for accessibility. Liquids, gels and aerosols must be stored in 3.4-ounce containers or less, and fit in a quart size clear plastic zip top bag, one per passenger
  • Tape a card with your name and contact info to your electronics
  • Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)
  • Don’t forget your money at the checkpoint. In fiscal year 2018, travelers left behind over $960,000. (The TSA plans to use the unclaimed money toward checkpoint training requirements.)