Grad Students a ‘Security Threat’?

Problems arising from use of the homeland security's Transportation Worker Identification Credential. Large difficulties loom for students at MIT and elsewhere.

Government Declares Some Grad Students Are ‘Security Threats’ - The Tech

From MIT's paper.

DOT doubles compensation available for bumped fliers

Starting in May 2008, new DOT rules affecting air travel take effect. A summary of the changes includes:

• Travelers forced onto another flight that takes them to their domestic destination more than two hours after their original arrival time will be paid the full price of their fare up to $800.
• If bumped passengers arrive less than two hours after their original arrival time, the new compensation limit for domestic flights is $400, according to the new rule.
  
• The arrival time limit is four hours for international flights.

The new bumped fliers rule also applies to more planes, covering most aircraft that carry more than 30 passengers instead of 60.

The agency also announced several initiatives Wednesday intended to decrease air travel delays, including a plan to reroute planes through Canadian air space to avoid summer storms.

More Travel Tips discussions.

Safe travels!

-Tom

Travel Tips: Northwest and Delta Airlines Merger

The jury is still out on the benefits of the Northwest and Delta merger. It may bode well for the two airlines and it may just as likely bode ill for employees (namely, job cuts) and consumers (namely, higher fares industry-wide) . Many stories are appearing discussing the pros and cons. See more below. In any case, be sure you understand what will happen to your miles, privileges and the like.

From NPR

From The Enquirer of Cincinnati

From SmartMoney

Travel Tips: Passports (IV)

Just a few days ago, I mentioned that the Government has decided that US citizens who had applied for passports but had not received them could still travel between the US and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda with proper government issued photo identification (such as a driver's licenses) and a Department of State official proof of application for a passport. (See Travel Tips: Passports (III).)

Now the Government is willing to go a step further.

If you paid the extra fee for expediting your applications but still did not receive the passport, you may be able to receive a refund of that expedite fee.

However, the Department of State has been slow to inform citizens about the refund. As of today, there is no notice of the refund prominently available on its site; even so you can read about it on the site here: Expedite Fee Refund.

If you believe you are entitled to a refund, you should send a refund application to the Department of State's refund office in Washington (see below for address). Be sure to include your passport number (if you know it), your name, your date and place of birth, the date (or approximate date) you applied for your passport, and your mailing address and phone number.

There is no word yet how long you will have to wait for your refund.

The government is insisting that the the requirements for passports for travelers driving between the US and Mexico or Canada (to be in-hand by January 2008) is not expected to change.

Address to write for a refund (note that the decision is made on a case-by-case basis and there is not set 'entitlement' to the refund).

Department of State
Passport Services/PPS/Refunds
2100 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20037-3202

Tom
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Travel Tips: Passports (III)

By now, we should all know that passports are required for travel by between the US and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

However, just when we were getting used to the requirements, things have changed slightly. Because of the backlog in processing applications, the US Departments of State and Homeland Security have decided to allow those US citizens who have already applied for a passport but not received it, to travel by air without the passport.

Does this mean it is like the 'old days?' Can I just use my driver's license?

No.

You must have a government issued photo identification (such as your driver's licenses) and a Department of State official proof of application for a passport. It is expected that processing should return to normal by September 30, 2007. For more, see the US Department of State's site: Temporary Travel Accommodations for those with Pending Passport Applications.

Tom
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Travel Tips: Travel Insurance

We are probably a lot a like. We don't really think about insurance until we need it.

But since I have been working with large numbers of travelers and taking them around the world, I have learned the value of travel insurance.

The recent case of Andrew Speaker traveling with tuberculosis makes the idea of having travel insurance particularly relevant.

Travel insurance has many facets it to it, and whatever company you use to purchase it, make sure you understand the details. But the basic coverage is this: trip delay and cancellation, travel accident, and medical expenses and evacuation.

It is this last point that applies to Andrew Speaker. Depending on the insurance he bought and a few other factors, he may have received emergency medical evacuation. This might have only been to a hospital in Italy that could have helped him, but in any case, he would have had no worries about cancelling his honeymoon travel plans. He could have cancelled, potentially received a refund of (most) of his travel costs and had assistance in seeking medical attention. In fact, his bride-to-be may have also received a refund due to his cancellation and medical emergency.

This is an extreme case, but it is in the extreme that the value of travel insurance proves itself. For a few hundred dollars, he could have saved himself and a lot of other people a big headache.

Whatever you do, be sure to shop around. Your own policies may cover you, but most do not cover you once you leave the country.

Most travel insurance companies base their policies on a number of factors, including age, length of the trip and the cost of the trip. Some do not consider the cost of the trip.

Some travel insurance companies to consider: AIG Travel Guard, Travel Safe, and Access America. You can also purchase it from STA Travel. Again, be sure to read all the details. Some have coverage for pre-existing conditions, but require purchase of the insurance within a certain time frame after the trip purchase, and in the case of STA Travel, the exception applies only if the trip is bought through them.

Travel Guard also offers a full year of coverage. If you travel often throughout the year, this makes great sense. The coverage cannot be found on their website, you need to call them.

And if you don't like having to call each and everyone to find out premium amounts, you can try a comparison site such as InsureMyTrip.com.

Tom
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Travel Tips: Cell Phone and Internet Phone Guide for Travelers

Cell phones have become a staple of American life. From kids to grandparents, nearly everyone has a cell phone. Whether it is used for convenience, social interaction or emergencies, we have become accustomed to having quick and easy access to family and friends. The utility is no different and perhaps even greater when traveling internationally.

Whether you need to notify a friend that you are running late for dinner or that your train is delayed, it can be useful. It is especially helpful if you are lost and need to call your travel companions or hotel for directions!

Use Your Current Cell Phone and Wireless Carrier Outside the US

If you have a cell phone, it may be possible to use your current phone when traveling outside the US. This is true of “tri- or quad-band” phones that work on multiple types of cell phone networks including GSM, TDMA and GPRS. These types of phones are sometimes called “international” or “world” phones because of their ability to be used internationally.

Having a tri- or quad-band international phone does not mean that your wireless service provider offers service in other countries. An example includes Verizon Wireless, which uses a proprietary transmission system (CDMA) that is only available in the US. Your Verizon phone may work in Europe, but Verizon does not provide wireless service outside of the US.

Other wireless carriers, including Cingular “The New AT&T”, Sprint and T-Mobile all provide international roaming with international phones. These services, however, are not without additional roaming fees, including calling charges of $1 to $4 per minute for both incoming and outgoing calls.

Some wireless carriers offer special discounts for international travelers. Cingular, for instance, allows subscribers to add an international calling plan prior to travel. Please visit http://www.cingular.com/international for more information.

Your cell phone number remains that same – friends in the US can call you using your local number but you will pay a per minute fee for the incoming call. Additionally, callers from outside the US will have to dial the US number and pay associated international long distance fees.

Use Your Current Phone and Purchase Foreign Wireless Service

Another option if you have Verizon Wireless or you just want a foreign wireless number for your travels is to purchase a pay-as-you-go plan at your destination. Virtually every wireless service provider offers this option. Purchasing the service is quick and can be completed easily at many electronics and wireless service stores available in most cities.

Be sure to ask about plan options, per minute costs for voice calls and SMS text messages, and other fees associated with roaming during your travels if you will be traveling through multiple countries.

After completing required paperwork documenting your name and address, (your passport may be required for proper identification) you will be given a SIM card. This card is placed in the phone, typically in a slot located under the battery. The SIM card connects your phone to the wireless carrier and provides your international phone number. SIM cards typically cost about 20 to 60 euros (€).

The pay-as-you-go service can be a little more expensive, but it offers the advantage of paying only for the minutes you need. Minutes can be recharged by calling the wireless provider, visiting a website or by purchasing a refill card available through many retailers.

Each wireless carrier has different requirements for keeping the number active. Typically, you have to use the phone credits within 6 to 18 months and keep the card “charged” with talk time or minutes.

Purchase or Rent International Phone

If you do not currently own a wireless phone or you are not able to roam internationally with your current wireless phone, another option is to purchase an inexpensive mobile phone. These can be purchased in the US prior to departure (see Phone Resources below) or once you arrive at your destination.

Internet Phone – Skype, Vonage, VoIP

For the tech savvy traveler, consider using Skype or Vonage services. Both services require a computer with a broadband or high speed internet connection. With Skype, you can communicate freely on the internet with other Skype users or you can “Skype-out” and use Skype to dial phone numbers around the world. International rates are very inexpensive.

Vonage offers a new service via a small device plugged into the USB-port on your laptop computer. For a low monthly fee, users can travel with phone access and place calls for low rates. Calls from the US to many European countries are free with unlimited calling plans.

International Travel with Your Phone

If you are planning to use your current phone while traveling, be sure to visit your wireless carriers website or call to confirm that your phone and service plan are set up for international roaming. You may need to add international service or adjust your phone settings.

Do you have other travel tips or suggestions? Please provide your feedback!

Safe and pleasant travels!

Thomas Talboy, PhD Classics, Director of Ubiquity International and Certified Destination Specialist for Italy and European Culture & Heritage.

E-mail Tom or visit http://www.ubiquityinternational.com/

Phone Resources

US Wireless Service Providers

Verizon

Cingular

Sprint

International Wireless Service Providers

GSM Operators & Coverage Maps

Purchase an International Phone in the US

Cingular

Mobal

Telestial

Rent Phone an International Phone

World Cell

Telestial

Planet Omni

Cell Hire

Internet Phone and VoIP Resources

Vonage

Skype

Travel Tips: Travel Items For Your Carry On and for International Travel

Recent TSA restrictions limit the volume and quantity of liquids and gels allowed in carry on luggage. However, that does not mean that you have to check your carry on luggage or leave your favorite shampoo or conditioner behind. Many products are now available in travel sizes and packaged in travel kits. There are also some “solid” alternatives to typical liquid carry on items to consider.

The Basics - Toothpaste, Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, Facial Cleanser

The shopping aisle containing rows of trial-sized items has become amazingly popular since the TSA began allowing 3-ounces of gels and liquids in carry on luggage. A variety of toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner meeting the 3-ounce required can be purchased in a trial size. It is going to be your favorite brand? Maybe not, but you will have the basics with you. This can be especially helpful on long international flights and for those who have experienced overnight delays with connecting flights and unavailable luggage.

If your favorite health and beauty products are not available in the TSA-approved 3 fluid ounce travel size (89 mL for everyone outside the US using the Metric system), consider this an opportunity to try something new! Here are some suggestions for your carry on or next international flight:

Kiehl’s offers a variety of products in trial size. There is no need to leave home without your favorite product! Just ask for samples and you are ready to take flight. Visit your local Kiehl’s store or www.kiehls.com for samples.

Bliss travel-sized six-pack of bath and skin care products: Travelers who have stayed at the W Hotel know the sheer bliss of Bliss products. The Bliss foaming face wash, lemon-sage soap, supershine shampoo and conditioning rinse are all available in convenient 1-ounce travel sizes. Visit www.blissworld.com/ to purchase your Bliss six-pack ($25 for travel kit).

Aveda rejuvenation on the go! The Aveda travel kit includes the tingly rosemary mint shampoo and conditioner in a travel friendly size. Available at Aveda salons and online at www.aveda.com/ ($35.75 for travel kit).

Kerastase K Kit: If you are a “K” addict, no need to leave your Special K at home! Fred Segal carries a travel kit for those in need of a “K” fix on the go. Check out shop.fredsegalbeauty.com under “Kerastase” ($44 for travel kit).

Caudalie Paris, Frédéric Fekkai, & L’Occitane: Need a French fix? These are all available in just your travel size! Explore www.sephora.com/ to purchase ($25 to $40 for travel kit).

Philip B Travel Kit: There is something for everyone in this kit - choose from Peppermint & Avocado shampoo or African Shea Butter Shampoo or use Nordic Wood One Step Hair & Body Shampoo. Then finish off with Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse. It’s all included in the Philip B Travel Kit, available at www.philipb.com/ ($30 for travel kit).

Phytopetites by Phyto: Travel pack for hair and face, these petite Phyto products are ready for flight. Check out www.sephora.com/ for these Phyto favorites ($40 for kit).

Bigelow Chemists “Whole Lotta Lemon” gift set as a travel option, which includes lemony body wash and body scrub. Visit www.bigelowchemists.com/ for details ($22.50 for set).

Korres “Best of Korres” -- Get the very best of Korres natural products with this travel kit. A variety of shower gels and creams are available ready for travel. Available online at www.sephora.com/ ($25 for kit containing 6 items).

Menscience Androceuticals has created a special travel kit just for men. The kits includes their shave formula, daily face wash, shampoo, deodorant, a sleep mask and ear plugs in a convenient travel bag. All liquid products are under three ounces and fit comfortably in a one-quart zip-top plastic bag which is included. Visit www.menscience.com/ to order ($78 for travel kit).

Jack Black On The Road Travel Pack for men. This kit includes everything a guy needs to look his best in the air and on the road. Available at www.sephora.com/ online ($55 for travel kit).

There are some solid, non-liquid alternatives to consider for your next flight. Why not pack a solid toothpaste? There are no restrictions on carry-on solids. Deodorants are an easy choice for solids (avoid gels and liquids or aerosols when traveling). Here are some suggestions to make your carry on travel needs less restrictive.

Travelon Powdered Toothpaste: In the days before tubes of toothpaste, powder ruled. Now it is back! Available online at www.drugstore.com/ ($4.99 for 1 ounce).

DentaKit Dry pre-Pasted Disposable Toothbrushes: Available online at www.dentakit.com/ ($5.99 for 10).

Oral B Brushups: If you have a finger you have a toothbrush with these textured finger sleeves that leave your breath fresh. No water? No problem. Available at health and beauty stores and pharmacies.

Listerine PocketPak Strips - fresh breath in a dissolving strip. It doesn’t clean your teeth, but you arrive with fresh, minty-cool breath. Available at convenience stores.

Everything Else - Things You Didn’t Know You Needed Until Now

You have the basics, but what about other non-essential items that you might have overlooked? Here are few extra items that are travel friendly and useful.

Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder -- dry hair cleaner, volumizer and colorant all-in-one! Available in five shades from white, blonde, red and brown to black, it’s a powder, but also an aerosol - tricky with those TSA rules on liquid, gels and aerosols. However, it is available in a 1 ounce size so you are safe! Search www.google.com/ for this one (about $15 for 1 ounce size)

J.R. Liggett Travel Soap - It’s labeled “multitasking” and suitable for hair, body, shaving, clothing and dishes. It comes with a special carrying case that allows the soap bar to dry between uses and it looks really cool! Check out www.jrliggett.com/ for more information ($13.99 includes bar soap, travel carry case and travel washcloth).

Supersmile Single Dose Whitening Mouthrinse: just add water to the packet, swirl and rinse. Available online at www.drugstore.com/; select Bath & Body Works stores ($16 for 24 packets).

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil Free Sunblock Stick SPF 30: It’s a solid so you can carry as many of them in carry on as you want and there is no need to worry about messy liquid spills in your carry on or checked luggage. Sun smarter. Visit www.walgreens.com/ or www.drugstore.com for details ($8 online).

Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelettes Single Towel Pack: Who knew? Tanning towelettes for those who can’t be without self-tanning on the road or in the air! Visit www.beautysak.com/ to order this and other equally amazing Comodyne products!

Bvlgari Green Tea Refreshing Towels (unisex fragrance for women and men): For those long international flights or a coast to coast flight, these will leave you feeling and smelling fresh and ready to go! Check out www.sephora.com/ ($25 for a pack of 15).

Coretex Bugx Insect Repellent Towelette: Traveling someplace buggy? Don’t leave home without these compact singles. Available online at www.amazon.com/ ($1 per packet)

Go to All Travel Sizes for everything else! Whether you want antibacterial towelettes (better than alcohol hand gel that can be confiscated or leak), pocket Duct tape strips or travel size foods, they’ve got it! They even provide the TSA specified zip lock bag with your travel order. Available online at www.alltravelsizes.com/

TSA Carry On Restrictions - Review Before Traveling

As a reminder, the TSA liquid restrictions apply to liquids, gels and aerosols. The term “solid” is loosely defined. You are probably safe traveling with “solid” deodorant whereas many hair and skin products are ambiguously solid. A hair wax or pomade could go either way. To be on the safe side, put your expensive “ambiguous” items in your checked luggage if necessary to avoid an expensive confrontation with the TSA security personnel.

If you happen to be in Chicago at O’Hare, they are testing a new Mail Safe Express kiosk system that will allow you to ship your unauthorized carry on items to your hotel or home. It beats tossing the bottle of Chanel No. 5 in the trash.

In the US, carry on liquids are restricted to 3 fluid ounces (89mL) whereas in the EU, the allowable amount is 100mL (3.4 fluid ounces). Hopefully this discrepancy will be fixed sometime in the future.

Finally, all carry on liquids, gels, and aerosols must fit “comfortably” within a single 1-quart sized clear plastic zip-lock bag. Please visit www.tsa.gov for updates

Do you have other travel tips or suggestions for carry on items? Please provide your feedback!

Safe and pleasant travels!

Thomas Talboy, PhD Classics, Director of Ubiquity International and Certified Destination Specialist for Italy and European Culture & Heritage.

E-mail Tom or visit www.ubiquityinternational.com/.

Travel Tips: Frequent Flyer and New TSA Carry On Restrictions Still Causing Confusion at Many Airports – Plan Ahead for Holiday Travels

A recent month-long tour of several U.S. airports including Boston Logan (BOS), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and SeaTac (SEA) as well as smaller airports in San Diego (SAN), Orange County (SNA), Phoenix, AZ (PHX), Portland, OR (PDX) and Boise, ID (BOI) has revealed that travelers have not yet adapted to the TSA’s new carry on restrictions, particularly the liquid carry on policy.

Larger airports, including O’Hare, SFO and LAX seem to be more streamlined in dealing with the changes, placing video screens, staffed table displays and TSA “3-1-1” posters emphasizing the new requirements. Despite these efforts, delays are still evident.

The initial restriction of all carry on liquids resulted in more efficient security screening and faster aircraft loading as passengers shifted carry on luggage to checked luggage. While security screening and aircraft loading were faster, the increased burden in checked luggage resulted in a spike in lost luggage claims the month the liquid ban was announced.

With relaxed restrictions, travelers can now carry 3-ounce containers of liquids and gels in a single 1-quart sized clear plastic zip lock bag. The liquid containers must fit comfortably in the quart-sized zip lock bag and only one quart-sized zip lock is allowed per passenger.

For U.S. travelers, 3-ounces might make sense. However, the volume allowed in the UK is 100 mL or 3.4-ounces. The U.S. would do well to adopt the 100 mL volume and one airport modified the TSA signs to indicate that 3.4-ounce volumes are acceptable.

The exception to the 3-ounce restriction is liquid prescription medication, baby milk and formula, which must be declared at the security checkpoint. Prescription medications should be in your carry on baggage. If you are unsure about other liquids, place them in your checked luggage. This includes wine and other large items.

Beverages, including your Peet’s coffee and bottled water, are not allowed through the security checkpoint. These items are best purchased once you have cleared security. Any liquids purchased once you have cleared security are allowed as carry on. (NOTE: For international travelers, carry-on guidelines differ by region and country. Please visit http://www.tsa.gov/ or your destination country’s travel website to learn more.)

Some airports provide the zip lock bag for those who forget. Others are out of luck unless a fellow passenger happens to have an extra zip lock bag to share. I keep several extra zip lock bags in a pocket of my carry on bag for fellow travelers – I want to keep travel karma in my favor.

The confusion surrounding the new requirements and the resulting delays are lessened if you are lucky enough to have “status” with an airline frequent flyer program. Many airlines have priority security lines for frequent flyers—these travelers are more familiar with TSA requirements and are more efficient at quickly removing shoes, belts, jackets and laptop computers for security screening.

A recent flight from SeaTac, an airport known for security screening delays, highlighted the continued confusion as people arrived with larger volumes of liquids and gels, too many containers to fit into the single quart-sized zip lock or no quart-sized zip lock at all.

Tom's Frequent Flyer Recommendations:

• Allow plenty of time for check in and security screening. For domestic flights, you should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure.



• Check in online and print your boarding pass at home if possible. When checking luggage, use curbside check in. The convenience is worth the $2 or $3 per bag charge plus tip.
  Try flying dry. Pack all non-essential liquids and gels in checked luggage in zip lock bags in case of leaks.



• Review and follow TSA guidelines for essential carry on liquids and gels and medications (always keep prescription medications in the original container with the pharmacy label with you in carry on bags).



• If you are traveling for the holidays and do not have the benefit of frequent flyer status, review the TSA’s carry on requirements at http://www.tsa.gov/ and then pack plenty of patience in your carry on bags.

For more Dr. Tom's Traveler Tips see:

Traveler Tips: Plan Ahead to Avoid Delay at Airport Check in and Screening

Traveler Tips: RFID Passports (Update)

Traveler Tips: Overcharging Tourists is Nothing New--How to Protect Yourself

Information from the TSA at http://www.tsa.gov/:

With certain exceptions for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula and breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, the following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols you want to carry through a security checkpoint.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers there are no limits on the amounts of the following liquids, gels and aerosols you may carry through a security checkpoint:

• Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling;



• All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;



• Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;



• Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;



• Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and, Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

You are not limited in the amount or volume of these above items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. However, if these items are in containers larger than three ounces, please perform the following:

1. Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.


2. Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.


3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.

SOURCE: http://www.tsa.gov/311 accessed 12-1-06. Please visit http://www.tsa.gov/ for more details.

Travel Tips: Passports II

It seems that the passport issue for entering the US is constantly changing. Just when you thought you had to have it to leave and re-enter from Canada, it seems that the Government is now working on a plan to allow the use of driver's licenses. The new rules would apply to both US and Canadian citizens.

See the story, Driver's License Instead of Passports, from Embassy: Canada's Foreign Policy Newsweekly.

There is likely to be some dissension from US states because they issue the licenses. But the US Government is broadening its powers to tell the states how to make the cards comply with federal rules.

More on this in a future post.

Tom
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Travel Tips: Passports and PASS Card

In several previous posts (RFID Passports and Protection, Traveler Tips: RFID Passports (Update)), I have discussed the changes in US Passport rules, including the introduction of the RFID chip.

Some important date changes have been announced that should be kept in mind.

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all US citizens traveling into or out of the US to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda by air will be required to have a valid passport by January 8, 2007.

The rule is to be applied to travel by sea and land, but there are few criteria that Congress is requiring the Department of State and Homeland Security to meet before that rule can go into effect. As of now, the rule will be applied to sea and land travel on June 1, 2009. However, Congress has also allowed the departments to meet their criteria and move that date back.

While having the passport seems fairly cut and clear, the waters have become slightly muddied. Instead of having a passport, the departments are developing a so-called PASS Card that could be used in place of a passport for western hemisphere travel.

As of yet, there are few details about this new card, but the primary motivation seems to be offering a 'more economic' alternative to the passport.

Most of you have probably been to Mexico or Canada with only your driver's license. Those days are over. Visit the US Department of State passport site to learn more.

Tom
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Travel Tips: RFID Passports (Update)

In a previous post, "RFID Passports and Protection" (March 16, 2006), I discussed the issues with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to be used in US Passports. There is no consensus on the security of this technology, but the US Government is going ahead with its plan for RFID requirements in US Passports.

Read "RFID passports arrive for Americans" (August 14, 2006) on CNet/News.com for more details.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has issued its concerns (read the report here in PDF format) about this technology to the Department of Homeland Security. EPIC noted that "personal data contained in hi-tech passports [is] vulnerable to unauthorized access." EPIC also cites the Department of Homeland Security's own report indicating that deficiencies in the scanning process may actually keep guards from focusing on the person entering the country. Security expert, Bruce Schneier, commenting on the same technology proposed for I-94 immigration forms, warns that "travelers carrying around RFID passports are broadcasting their identity."

The Government argues that RFID passports are 'passive'. That is to say, they must be activated by a scanner. Therefore, it continues, no one is simply 'broadcasting' sensitive information. Unfortunately, such a scanner can easily be created and used inappropriately. Recall the clip from my previous post showing the ease of hacking (a Dutch TV show; hacking occurs at about 6:40 in the video; the explanation is that the numbers are sequential and connected to the expiration date).

What to do?
While you may still need to comply with the government regulations, remember that you can still protect yourself from unauthorized access to the sensitive information stored on the chip. In my previous post, I mentioned ways of protecting yourself, including a specially designed wallet or portmanteau or even using duct tape.

For the Government's official position see, US Department of State: The US Electronic Passport.

Tom

Travel Tips: Plan Ahead to Avoid Delay at Airport Check in and Screening

Just as travelers began to adjust to security changes following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the TSA started to streamline screening, a whole new set of regulations has been implemented.

In the wake of the London terrorist threat, the TSA implemented a stringent new set of criteria. These include a ban on almost all carry on luggage.

On ABC's "This Week", Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said, "I don't see us moving to a total ban on hand baggage at this point." Presumably, that means that there may be a reprieve on some restrictions.

To find the latest on allowed carry-on items, please
visit: http://www.tsa.gov/ to download the "Prohibited Items Brochure."

Here is a summary from the TSA.gov website:

Liquids, gels and lotions cannot be taken through the security check point, but they can be purchased and then discarded before boarding the aircraft. This restriction on "liquids, gels and lotions" includes anything with a liquid consistency or component: shampoo, toothpaste, perfume, hair gel, suntan lotion, gel deodorant, etc. Exceptions to the "no liquid, gels and lotions" policy include: Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket; up to 8 oz of liquid or gel insulin and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications.

All aerosols are banned unless it is a prescription medicine. Note: Make sure your asthma or COPD inhaler has a complete prescription label attached to the plastic case! If you don't have a label, go to your pharmacy to get one before flying.

Lighters are still banned and you still have to take that laptop out of the case for security screening.

Some banned items that may surprise you: Alcohol gel hand sanitizer , baby teething ring with gel, gel candies, gel capsule medications, gel shoe inserts, lip gloss, and mascara.

It is important to remember that bringing banned items to the security check point, even by accident, is "illegal" according to the TSA. Also, shoes MUST be removed and screened by the x-ray machine. While most airports have encouraged travelers to remove shoes, it has not been mandatory until now.

Traveling to the UK? Be aware that passengers traveling to the United Kingdom will be subject to more extensive security screening processes, including a physical inspection of baggage at the departure gate.

Tips to avoid frustration--here is what I do:

1. I plan ahead
2. I allow myself plenty of time to get to the airport. The changes are new for the TSA security screeners and they are having to adjust to a more intense screening process and they are as frustrated as we are! For domestic flights, I check in online and print my boarding pass from home. Even if I have luggage to check, this can expedite the check-in process. Also, I arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to the departure of my flight. Take a book or an iPod and enjoy any spare time you may have once you get checked in and through screening.
3. I review the items in my carry-on and only pack essentials To avoid last minute shuffling of things from my carry-on, I make sure I review the list of banned items and place banned items in my checked luggage. This saves frustration and embarrassment at the security line.
4. I am prepared for increased scrutiny at security check points. The TSA personnel are going to be scrutinizing carry-ons very closely so I expect them to rummage through my personal effects.
5. I am prepared to remove my shoes. It is now mandatory! I wear shoes that I can easily slip on and off with socks so that I don't have to walk barefoot!

Other considerations

If you wear contact lenses and have problems with dry eyes, you may want to wear your glasses during the flight. Contact solution and lens wetting drops are prohibited.

For travelers with medical conditions, ensure that all medications and devices are labeled properly by your pharmacy. All prescriptions must be labeled by the pharmacy and include the name of the ticketed passenger. Frequently asthma inhalers, nitroglycerin sublingual and other medical devices such as insulin syringes and blood glucose test strips and lancet are not labeled or the box with the label is discarded. To be on the safe side, check with your pharmacy and ask them to label all medications and devices before you fly.

If you have a medical condition that require that you eat frequently or that you drink fluids to prevent dehydration, you can still purchase food and drinks beyond the security check point. However, these items must be consumed before boarding the aircraft. Notify aircraft personnel upon boarding of any special needs you have.

For travelers to the UK, restrictions are much more stringent and currently all carry on baggage (including electronics such as laptops, cell phones, iPods and music players) is restricted (varies depending upon airline and airport). You are allowed to have a clear plastic bag containing your travel documents. This is likely to ease up in the next several days so check with your airline website prior to departure to get an update list of restrictions.

Finally, despite all these restrictions that can make flying a hassle, remember that there is a big, wonderful world out there waiting to be explored! Do not let these restrictions or fear prevent you from flying. Whether you are flying to spend time with family or traveling to see the world, be safe and have fun!

Tom
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Travel Tips: Overcharging Tourists is Nothing New--How to Protect Yourself

One of the greatest horrors of travel is to sit down to what seems a casual, comfy café for a quick little meal only to find yourself with a bill that is way beyond what you had budgeted. It happens frequently. Sometimes, we just don't pay attention to the location or the menu. But sometimes, it is because we have been spotted as a tourist and we will be charged higher tourist prices.

"No," you say. "That cannot be, not in a modern Europe." "That only happens in places like China or South America."

Sorry.

It can happen anywhere and does.

Cases in point:

Madrid, Plaza Mayor

Ah, the lovely Spanish summer has begun and as my companion and I make our way through the streets to the famed Plaza Mayor, we feel the desire to sample those famous tapas--little nibbles of food for a good price. Warmly invited to a café, we sit down and say, "Oh, we'll just have some shrimp, some mushrooms, some olives...." You get the picture. Then, one hour later, the bill arrives and it is nearly $100. "What!" We scurry through the menu and realize that we were given the most expensive type of each item. (And, by the way, don't bother with tapas in Madrid--they are always overpriced. Enjoy them in Seville. They originated there and the prices are far more reasonable. To make your own at home, see my "Tapas made simple".)

Rome, Piazza Navona

Again, a major tourist location, so you should expect to pay higher prices anyway. But be careful of the overfriendly waiters inviting you to sample a 'tourist' menu. Sometimes these can be a value, but in this case, it was anything but. The food was good, but by the time we had finished, we were out well over $100 per person. (And, by the way, there is a small, welcome relief from excessive prices near here: gelato at Tre Scalini is very good and decently priced. See my post: Where to Go for Gelato in Rome?)

Prague, Staromestske Namesti

The Old Town Square has charm. No doubt about that. It's got that famous clock that has the interesting skeleton chiming the bells, and it has hoards of tourists. But it also has excessive prices and separate menus for tourists.



Sitting down for a comfortable dinner you find the menu is littered with glitzy pictures and English, German, French and Italian (and more). They will follow the menu all right, but bets are good that the table just down two from you where the locals are dining (if they are at all) will pay half as much as you do.

Ok, enough examples...

Some among you may want to point out that the places I have listed above are tourist traps. They are the most well-known and most well-visited places in each of these cities. Very true. But the point is that you can still get a good priced meal in those places without being taken for a ride.

Read more about this situation in a recent article: New York Times, "Diner Beware: Turisti Pay More in Roman Restaurants".

How can you protect yourself?

1. Ask your hotel personnel for recommendations and be clear that you want a place that will not overcharge.

2. Ask around, use the internet or use a guidebook to get some feel for what price you should expect to pay.

3. Insist on seeing the menu. True, you may get a 'tourist' menu that has higher prices, but at least you can then make sure the prices compare to what is on your bill.

4. If the bill comes with only numbers, ask for an explanation of each charge.

5. Watch out for hidden cover charges and gratuities--read the fine print!

6. Make a list of what your table has ordered so that by the time the bill does come you can quickly compare. (One place I sometimes go really appreciated it when I had a large group of travelers: they used my list for the orders!)

Some other considerations when dining while traveling:

• If you do not speak the language well, do not insist on speaking louder or acting exasperated. Try your best to communicate calmly and ask for an explanation of the charges. If it fails, pay the bill and then tell your hotelier. They may very well pass the word of disappointment on.
• Remember that by sitting down for a meal instead of taking it away, you are going to pay more.
• 'Hot spots' for tourists are always going to cost more. If you are exhausted after a morning of walking and 'just don't care, I just want to eat', then be prepared for the higher prices.
• You do not need to feel compelled to eat in the most popular locations. Often just around a corner is a place with as good or better food for lesser price and a place that won't overcharge.

In the end, some places are just out to make the quickest money possible. There will always be places that overcharge tourists, and, though it is hard to admit, all of us will, at one time or another, be caught by the trap. Perhaps we were with a large group that was unruly due to hunger or perhaps we had a magnificent moment in front of a Renaissance painting and were too overwhelmed to question the restaurant. Remember that next time and try not to let it happen again.

Most of all, don't let this stop you from enjoying your travels! It is part of the adventure and one of those memories that we can recount for a very long time to come!

Tom
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Passport 'almost' expired-watch out!

Days before leaving on a three week holiday to Italy, you casually look at your passport and notice that your it is due to expire the week after you return. 'No problem,' you think.

Guess again.

Border controls are becoming much stricter on how much time is left on your passport before you are allowed to enter a country.

Reports are filtering back about the worst scenarios in countries such as Singapore, Brazil, Hungary and Indonesia. These countries are requiring that your passport has at least six months before expiration even if you explain that you will be returning to your home country.

Most European countries, if they are checking, require three months.

It might have once been enough to show your return ticket, but it may not be any more.

As always, check your passport well in advance of your departure and return dates. Complete all necessary changes and renewals in good time in case of any errors.

See the US Department of States website for passport information, including how to renew by mail.

Tom

RFID Passports and Protection

New requirements for US passports are being implemented. The US Government requires that the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) device be installed and by the end of October 2006 all new US passports should have the devices.

There is a great deal of discussion about the ethics and safety of using RFID and the potential for abuse by government or criminal entities. I have listed some suggested reading links (both sides of the issue) below.

Here I want to draw your attention to a wallet or passport portmanteau that can be used to protect your credit cards, passports or other items that already contain RFID devices. The wallet is a simple design, lined with material that prevents the transmission of radio frequencies.

An RFID signal is continuously available, making personal information available to any nearby reader device. The company that makes the protective wallets suggests such protections is valuable to prevent snooping criminals from obtaining your personal information unlawfully.

Check out the wallet at DIFR Wear. (I do not make any claims to the reliability of the product or the company. They are on backorder; when available, I might try one myself.)

Note that RFID is used regularly in industry and may make manufacture and transport more efficient. Inventory control at grocery stores is commonly cited as a good use of the device. Tracking lost bags at airports and across the world might be another good reason. For a discussion of the myriad uses, see Tag Production, Inform Customers How RFID is Used, RFID Gets under My Skin and SFO Prepares for RFID.

But the one question that burns in my mind though, is: "Are we prepared to be scanned like supermarket items?"

For the ongoing controversy over the use of RFID, read the following articles.

RFID Journal: On the benefits of RFID technology in industry, manufacturing and so forth.
Amherst Times: On the use of RFID technology in medicine and helping non-responsive patients
Computerworld: EU concerns about the use of RFID technology
Engadget: US issues first RFID passports
Engadget: Dutch passport with RFID cracked and decrypted (Watch the Dutch TV show--the cracking occurs at about 6:40; the explanation is that the numbers are sequential and connected to the expiration date)
CNet News: A Montana Supreme Court judge muses on the dangers of tracking information

One last note. If you feel that you really do need a prophylactic sort of wallet, you might take the advice of Dustin Kirk's homemade approach using the ever-present and now, seemingly, ever-necessary, duct tape.

For traveler information, including US Department of State Passport information, check out my Travel Links.

Tom
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