Gateway Destinations » Travel Tips

Holiday Airline Travel

blog — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:54:01 +0000

A few reminders to minimize stress if you are traveling during the holidays…

Remember to check in for your flight 24 hours before departure
Make sure you arrive at the airport in plenty of time – 2 hours for domestic travel and 3 hours for international this time of year
Gifts should remain unwrapped as TSA may open them to check contents (regardless if in checked or carry-on bag)
Wear shoes you can easily slip off, and minimal or no jewelry to go through security quicker
Smile! You never know who may smile back!

Traveler’s Checks – Do I Need Them?

blog — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:42:34 +0000

Using Traveler’s Checks has become nearly obsolete for travel today, as the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) has made it quick and easy to get foreign cash in MOST tourist areas abroad. Of course, some areas you visit may not have an ATM or the network may be down, and they may not accept a credit card. In this case, you will need cash – this is where a Traveler’s Check may come in handy. Due to a lack of popularity, however, some businesses no longer accept them and younger clerks may not even know what they are, so be prepared to cash them at a bank if you decide to use them.

Value Added Tax Reimbursement

blog — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:47:03 +0000

When purchasing items in Europe, you will be charged a Value Added Tax, which can be significant (up to 25%). Foreign visitors can usually get reimbursed for this cost in several ways but you must request a form from the merchant where you purchased the item(s).

You will then need to complete it with your name, address and passport number and present it along with your receipt(s) to a Customs office at an international airport, port or border before departing Europe for the U.S. If the country is not in the European Union, you must get it stamped when leaving that country before traveling to the next. Otherwise, purchases made in the EU countries can be accumulated and stamped by one Customs officer in your country of departure. They may ask to see the unused item(s) so make sure you don’t put it in check luggage first. The Customs officer will stamp the form, which you then must take to a tax refund office at the airport, port or border OR mail it in the envelope provided.

If the amount of your purchase is large enough, this is worth taking the time – but be sure to allow some extra time at the airport.

Purchasing Airline Tickets

blog — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:37:16 +0000

I know many of you prefer to purchase your airline tickets directly. With the stricter TSA (Transportation Security Administration) requirements, be aware that they should be purchased in the exact same name as on your photo identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.) that you are using for the trip. They are currently more forgiving on domestic flights than international.

Your passport name may not be the same as your driver’s license, so be especially careful when you are purchasing international tickets. It is costly to have the airlines change/correct your name. You may even be denied boarding if they do not match. Of course, making airline reservations is one of the many services provided by Gateway Destinations.

Checking “Carry-On” Baggage

blog — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:45:20 +0000

Perhaps you have tried to carry on a bag and been told by the flight attendant that your bag will have to be “checked” due to its size or lack of space? If this happens to you, make sure you insist on receiving a claim check showing your final destination and claim check number. My son just experienced this situation with Southwest Airlines and was not given a claim check number and he didn’t think to ask for one. Unfortunately, his luggage did not arrive with him at his final destination.

After completing a “Lost/Delayed” Report with Southwest, he was told that it is difficult to trace luggage without a proper claim tag. After numerous phone calls and elevating the problem to a supervisor, his luggage finally surfaced after four days and was delivered in time for a wedding he was attending. Don’t forget to ask for a claim check, make sure it indicates your final destination, and keep it with you until you retrieve your luggage.

Mail Service While Away On Vacation

blog — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:58:10 +0000

Have you ever worried about mail piling up while you are traveling or had to arrange for someone to pick up your mail for you? The US Post Office has an easy solution. You can easily put your mail on hold by going to their website at www.usps.com. Click on “Receiving Mail” and select “Put mail on hold.” You can specify stop and re-start dates in one easy step, and hold mail for up to 30 days with this method.

Using a Travel Checklist May Save Headaches

blog — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:51:08 +0000

Taking some time to plan ahead before leaving for your trip will likely reduce stress and allow you to get your vacation off to a good start. Details can easily be overlooked if left to the last minute. Try using our checklist to ensure a smoother departure. Download a copy to keep on hand!

Southwest Airlines Mileage Program

blog — Mon, 16 May 2011 05:35:07 +0000

If you are already enrolled in Southwest Airline’s Rapid Reward program, you should be aware that they have dramatically changed their frequent flyer program for earning free flights. It is now on a point system versus credits, and they have partnered with other companies to earn points in your SWA program (hotels, car rental agencies, restuarants, etc.). There are no blackout dates for flights and your points do not expire. Obtain all the details at www.southwestairlines.com and click on Rapid Rewards.

Premium Economy Seating On Flights

blog — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 05:28:04 +0000

Tired of flying Economy Class on long-haul flights? Many airlines have introduced a new class of seating – Premium Economy, which is found primarily on international flights. No, it’s not Business Class or even close, but it does offer more legroom and sometimes other features such as a wider seat, greater pitch (for leaning back), personal video screen, electrical outlet, adjustable head or leg rests, or lumbar support. The additional cost varies considerably and may be as high as double the lowest Economy fare; however, it often drops closer to departure so it may end up being a good value on last minute bookings or upgrades.

Canada Entry Requirements

blog — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:18:43 +0000

Travelers planning to travel to or through Canada should be aware of heightened entry requirements by Canada customs. Almost all criminal convictions make a visitor inadmissable to Canada, regardless of how long ago they occurred, and include: DUI/DWI, Reckless Driving/Negligent Driving, Misdemeanor Drug Possession, Felony, Domestic Violence, Shoplifting/Theft, as well as more serious crimes. Entry can sometimes be approved by submitting a rehabilitation application.

Many Alaska cruises include a stop in Canada, which may mean that a traveler could be denied entry by the Canadian customs agent. For more information, we recommend that you go to:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/faq-inadmissibility.asp