Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for travel safety
UK Eyes Travelers
By Linda Tancs
Corresponding to yesterday’s report about the ESTA registration process for travelers to the US, the Sunday Times reported that the UK will keep its own database concerning the travel habits of its citizens. Amidst a host of privacy concerns, the Home Office deems the action necessary in its continuing fight against terrorism, illegal immigration and other crimes. In an unrelated move, the country’s environment czar has proposed limits on Brit travel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Pity the wanderer among you!
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Do CPAP Machines Cause Baggage Woes?
By Linda Tancs
Statistics indicate that over 12 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from sleep apnea, an obstructive sleep disorder. So it shouldn’t be surprising that travelers want to take their CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines onboard to use during long flights or at their final destination. Needless to say, one must determine in advance of flight whether the device will be considered part of normal carry-on items. FAA regulations, for instance, permit medical devices as an additional piece of carry-on luggage. But if you can bring it on board, can you use it? International carriers’ policies can vary widely on the subject. Some airlines may permit, or prefer, battery-operated devices and not require medical clearance. Others may require medical clearance by their experts in advance of flight regardless whether the device is powered electrically or by battery. Best not to leave this one up to chance, as any delay in flight arrangements may not be recompensed by insurance when it’s the passenger who is delayed rather than the plane.
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Bag That Laptop
By Linda Tancs
In a move to be embraced by many, the Transportation Security Administration is allowing “checkpoint friendly” laptop bags through screening without the need to remove the laptop. Acceptable bags include butterfly, trifold and sleeve designs. Nix the accordions and backpacks. If these (hopefully) accelerated measures have the absent-minded leaving their bags behind, don’t discount the lost-and-found department at TSA. Like the airport police, TSA maintains its own department at airports to catalog and safekeep lost items, usually for 30 days. Thereafter, it’s likely to get donated. Harried travelers, take note.
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Hurricane Preparedness is Key
By Linda Tancs
As the first hurricane of the season rolls across the Caribbean, now is a good time to think about your level of preparedness for a hurricane. Whether you’re tucked away at home or traveling, think about what you would do in the event of an evacuation. If you had just moments’ notice to pack and run, or hide, what would you bring with you? It’s better to prepare in advance rather than bank on a clear head in the midst of an emergency. Keep a small bag full of useful items that you can use while you ride out the storm, such as paper plates, utensils, non-perishable foods, medications, flashlights, batteries, extra cash, pet supplies, clothing, bedding–you get the idea. Need more hints? The National Hurricane Center has guides to help you.
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Whole Body Imaging Coming to An Airport Near You
By Linda Tancs
Following a successful pilot phase in Phoenix, the TSA has reported that it will expand its whole body imaging technology testing to JFK and LAX in the near future. Whole body imaging is an alternative to a security checkpoint pat-down search. The technology captures an image of the whole body (hence the name) and is hailed as a more reliable method of detecting and resolving anomalies in the passenger screening process. Needless to say, critics dub the process intrusive despite the fact that the image is transient and cannot be viewed by any other member of the public at the screening area. Readers, what say you–for or against?
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Pirates of Somalia
By Linda Tancs
We usually think of pirates as the stuff of history–and some glossy movie-making–but right now, real pirates are holding a luxury yacht captive off the coast of Somalia. Since April 4, the crew of a French-owned liner heading for its summer season in the Mediterranean have been sidetracked while authorities attempt to negotiate with the swashbucklers. This isn’t the first time an attack of this nature has occurred around Somalia. In 2005, another luxury liner came under attack by would-be looters sending shots and rockets. Luckily, the ship’s crew was able to overrun them. Granted, cruise travel is generally safe, but these seafaring shenanigans should remind us that vigilance during travel extends as much to the high seas as to the high skies.
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Dealing with Air or Sea Emergencies
By Linda Tancs
Ever wonder who helps air or sea crews deal with passenger emergencies–besides other passengers with medical training? One emergency service provider is MedAire, whose services came to light recently when an air passenger died on a flight from the Caribbean to New York. According to their Web site, MedAire provides an array of services, including real-time medical assistance, medical training (including physiology as well as CPR) and medical equipment. Not all commercial carriers subscribe to their services, however. So before you travel, maybe another question you should get answered is how your carrier is prepared to deal with medical emergencies beyond standard crew training.
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Passport Cards Offer Convenience for Travelers
By Linda Tancs
Marketed as a less expensive and more portable form of passport book, the passport card gives U.S. travelers returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean a wallet-sized form of entry at seaports and land borders to meet the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The card does not, however, replace the need for a passport when traveling by air. Like a traditional passport, the card is expected to have anti-counterfeiting features. Each card will also have an embedded radio frequency chip linking non-personal information to a secure government database at border stations. Applications for the card commenced on February 1, 2008 and delivery is expected in the spring. You can apply at any passport application facility. Find the one nearest you at http://travel.state.gov.
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New Rule in Effect for Lithium Batteries
By Linda Tancs
Travelers should note the modified rule on lithium ion batteries (commonly found in consumer electronics) for carry-on and checked baggage. The new rule provides that lithium ion batteries installed in equipment may be brought on board, together with two additional loose batteries that are kept in their original packaging or stored in plastic bags. In checked baggage, any such batteries must be installed in equipment. In the past, the rule placed no particular parameters on the carrying of lithium ion batteries beyond a certain wattage per battery and except to permit two additional loose, oversized batteries (extended life batteries). The new rule is intended to prevent fires or short circuiting by addressing methods for the safe carry of these batteries.
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Prepare Against Food Perils in Weather Emergencies
By Linda Tancs
Travelers should remember that, in addition to packing adequate clothing and supplies for weather and potential weather emergencies at your destination, it is equally important to guard against foodborne illnesses that could arise when good weather goes bad. The USDA guidelines for keeping food safe during an emergency provide good tips for travelers, too. Go to http://www.fsis.usda.gov.
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