Passport and Flying:  
  • A valid Passport Book is required for all international air travel
  • A Passport Book with less than six months remaining until expiration may not be accepted ​by all countries (even though it technically has not expired); confirm entry requirements for your destination country several months in advance in case you are required to renew yours
  • While a valid Passport Book is not required for domestic air travel, it is an acceptable form of identification
  • Get Your Passport Book for International Travel
  • Passport Cards are not acceptable for international air travel
Avoid Bad Airline Seats:  SeatGuru
Bulkhead Seats:  Myths and Truths - Read our blog before you book
Airline Passenger Rights - USA
  • https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights
  • Passenger compensation is only required by law if you are bumped from a flight because it is oversold.  For domestic itineraries airlines are not required to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled.
  • Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport; there are no federal requirements when flights are delayed due to bad weather, air traffic delays, or mechanical issues.
Flight Tracking:
The most up-to-date information for upcoming flights, gates, and inbound flights; includes real-time maps.  

​Download the app(s) to your smartphone and/or tablet before you travel.  It's a must for peace of mind and effortless air travel.
Download Your Airline's App for Free Flight Info and Entertainment on the Plane
"Where is my arrival gate?"  "What is the gate for my next flight?  Is it on time?"  "Which baggage claim is mine?"  
  • This and other useful flight information is free via the airline's app or website during your flight.
  • Available on all major airlines when WiFi / wireless Internet is accessible onboard your aircraft.
  • Most airlines now have free video and audio entertainment onboard through your device.
IATA Travel Centre:  https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/

Detailed tool to check each country's requirements for...
  • Passports
  • Visas
  • Health
  • Customs
  • Pets
  • Currency
  • Airport tax
Expedite Your Entry into the USA - US Citizens/Residents
Mobile Passport:  Breeze through US Customs and Border Protection as fast as the Global Entry folks, but without the cost or hassle
  • Dedicated lanes for passport inspection and customs/baggage inspection
  • No application paperwork, interview or fees required
  • Download the app to your device before you depart the USA
  • Complete all the CBP details on the app before you land in the USA
  • Submit the completed form online as soon as you land and get Internet access
  • Simply show your Mobile Passport approval code and passports for immigration and customs/baggage inspection
  • https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control
Global Entry:  This was a great option for frequent international travelers before Mobile Passport was developed
  • Dedicated lanes for passport inspection and customs/baggage inspection
  • Also serves as one's Known Traveler Number (KTN) for TSA PreCheck in the USA
  • Application:  Requires application form and hefty fee, in-person interview and hyper-sensitive background check
  • ​https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
Rules for Entering the United States
US Customs and Border Protection:  Everything you need to know about entering the United States from abroad
  • Shopping Abroad
    • What items are prohibited or restricted to bring back?
    • What are the limits on bringing duty-free items into the US?
  • Canada and Mexico Travel Specifics
EU Travel Information and Authorisation System
  • ​This will affect US passport holders and anyone else from an EU visa-waiver country wishing to visit a Schengen country.  
  • It is expected to begin sometime in 2021. 
  • It is not a visa, but rather an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) much like the ESTA program for international visitors to the USA from visa-waiver countries.
Resources
Health & Wellness:  US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Europe and the Schengen Area:  https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/
  • What is the Schengen free-travel area/zone?
  • Which countries are part of Schengen?  Just because a country is an EU trade member does not mean it participates in Schengen.
Do I Need a Electrical Plug or Power Adapter?
https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Get Past the Language Barrier
  • Download the Google Translate app to your smartphone or tablet that you'll carry with you
  • Select the country and download the specific language for that country
  • Super Cool:  You can point your device's camera at any printed text and see a translated version appear directly on your device's screen over the top of the existing image.

LGBTQ Travel

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brandonmatt@hillguystravel.com
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