Dr. Tom's Traveling News and Trivia

Divers find Caesar of 46 B.C.

2008-05-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

An incredible find of statuary has been unburied near Arles, previously hidden by the muddy bottom of the Rhone river. If the date of 46BC for the bust of Caesar is correct, then this is the oldest image of Julius Caesar we have.

From SFGate.com: Divers find Caesar bust that may date to 46 B.C.

For an image of the bust, showing an aging Caesar, visit Physorg.com

Tom

Grad Students a ‘Security Threat’?

2008-05-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

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

Best Tartines in Paris and Other Culinary Travel Delights

2008-04-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Best Tartines in Paris ~ Bon Appétit Editor's Blog at Epicurious.com

Ever on the lookout for new culinary experiences and gastronomique delights, these tartines, or open-faced sandwiches, are a special treat to enjoy the next time you travel to Paris, France.

Here are some other culinary discussions to assist in planning your next culinary travel itinerary!

Chocolate & Zucchini Blog - Clotilde Dusoulier
Chocolate & Zucchini is a blog written by Clotilde Dusoulier, a Parisian woman who lives in Montmartre and shares her passion for all things food-related -- thoughts, recipes, musings, cookbook acquisitions, quirky products, nifty tools, restaurant experiences, ideas, and inspirations.

Ms. Dusoulier's new book, Edible Adventures in Paris, is available on Amazon.com

Living the Sweet Life in Paris - David Lebovitz

David received much of his training at Alice Waters' world-famous restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. He spent over twelve years in the pastry department. David was named one of the "Top Five Pastry Chefs in the Bay Area" by the San Francisco Chronicle, and he's received critical acclaim in such publications as Bon Appétit, Chocolatier, Cooking Light, Food and Wine, Gourmet, Condé Nast Traveler, Cook's Illustrated, Newsweek, the New York Times, People, Saveur, Sunset and USA Today. David has appeared on both local and national television programs on PBS, the Discovery Channel and NBC's Today Show.

His culinary education includes learning the art of chocolate at Callebaut College in Belgium and advanced coursework in baking and the art of confectionery at the renowned Ecole Lenôtre in Paris.

David's books can be found on Amazon.com

A Foodie in Paris
Written by a Parisian woman obsessed with good food and hidden treasures in Paris, this is an excellent resource for a French culinary travel planning.

Orangette by Molly Wizenberg
Molly is an award-winning blogger, featuring the food and lore of her travels.

Ancient Gold Necklace Discovered in Peru

2008-03-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ancient Gold Necklace Discovered in Peru
SFGate.com (San Francisco Chronicle Online)

Gold necklace proves to be 4000 years old, making it the oldest found in the Americas. It was found in Perú near Lake Titicaca.

Vatican Art on U.S. Road Show

2008-02-26T17:53:00.000-08:00

Vatican Road Show: Papal Art Treasures Touring U.S. Museums
Centuries
-Old Art Now on Display in St. Petersburg, Fla.

This eighth century mosaic from the oratory of Pope John VII with the image of the apostle Peter is seen Friday Feb. 8, 2008 at the Florida International Museum in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla. . The "Vatican Splendors" exhibit opened the first of a three city tour in St. Petersburg. (AP Photo/Craig Litten)

Ancient Roman Glue Sticks Around

2008-02-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

Ancient Roman Glue Sticks Around

EDP24 - Norfolk skeleton unearthed

2008-02-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

EDP24 - Norfolk skeleton unearthed

Právo: Treasure hunters plundering archaeological sites - Prague Daily Monitor - 17.01.2008

2008-02-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

Právo: Treasure hunters plundering archaeological sites - Prague Daily Monitor - 17.01.2008

timesofmalta.com - Cistern found to have been ancient tomb

2008-02-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

timesofmalta.com - Cistern found to have been ancient tomb

An Altar Beyond Olympus for a Deity Predating Zeus - New York Times

2008-02-15T08:20:00.000-08:00

An Altar Beyond Olympus for a Deity Predating Zeus - New York Times

Does a cave prove Romulus and Remus are no myth? - USATODAY.com

2008-02-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Does a cave prove Romulus and Remus are no myth? - USATODAY.com

The Comet - Digging up daily life of the Romans

2008-02-15T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Comet - Digging up daily life of the Romans

Abelard and Heloise: The Love Affair

2008-02-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

Abelard and Heloise: The Love Affair (About.com)

Paintings by Four Masters Stolen in Zurich - washingtonpost.com

2008-02-13T21:17:00.000-08:00

Paintings by Four Masters Stolen in Zurich - washingtonpost.com

Zeugma: City and Figure of Speech

2007-08-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

Mention the names of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates and many people today will immediately think of Iraq and the strategic location of Baghdad.

Of course, the importance of these rivers, if we remember well into our past, is biblical, mythological and legendary.

Along the two rivers, many important cities have risen, thrived and been destroyed. Ancient Babylon is not so very far away from modern Baghdad.

But a city that shares its name with a figure of speech has lost its match with human destiny.

Ancient Zeugma (or more properly, the twin cities of Seleucia and Apamea) was the literal link between cultures. The Romans built a bridge between the two cities--the only bridge over the Euphrates built in ancient times--and called the union Zeugma; Greek for a band, yoke or bridge, or a yoking or a joining. The new city became the garrison town of legio IV Scythica of the Roman army.

The ancient city eventually faded into memory, buried by Turkish sand; now it has been drowned. The need for water is a never ending need for humans, and one of our favorite structures is a dam. A dam can supply badly needed water for irrigation and for domestic use. The enormous lakes that result behind the dam can become popular recreation sites.

And it can (and often does) mean the drowning of past towns, cities and villages. Such was the fate of Zeugma when Turkey undertook to build a dam at Birecik. The flooding caused by the dam is significant, but archaeologists were able to persuade authorities to let them excavate as much as possible up to the flooding moment. Fortunately, there are some areas of Zeugma that now have a lakeside view and are giving up some fantastic ancient artifacts.

Finds at Zeugma before the flooding and currently have included Roman bronze armor, enormous mosaics, figures of Aphrodite and Mars.

While the ancient city lives no more, the figure of speech continues to survive, though we'd be hard pressed to find many who could call it by its name of the top of their heads.

A zeugma is when one word, such as a preposition or a verb, is used with two other words in different senses. For example, (slight variation on Shakespeare), "Lend me your ears and some money."

For an overview of the mosaics and archaeology at Zeugma, visit Nova and PBS.

Tom

Travel Tips: Passports (IV)

2007-06-16T23:32:00.000-07:00

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)

2007-06-11T09:56:00.001-07:00

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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Paris Sewers Redux

2007-06-09T18:04:00.001-07:00

Sometime ago, I wrote about the sewers of Paris and the fascinating tour you can take through them (Exploring the Sewers of Paris). Once again I have thrilled at taking uncertain travelers through les égouts.

At first, everyone seems a bit put off. "You want me to do what?" I try to enchant them with the idea. First, I tell them that all the water that comes into Paris has to get out somehow, and ask them to imagine how many miles of underground streams there must be. I then tell them that the now-famous district, the Marais, is so named because it was a swamp. That swamp, thanks in part to the sewers, is now livable.

But the final clincher that really gets travelers in the mood is when I tell them that the Jean Valjean of Les Misérables used the sewers to move about Paris.

Then they go in.

Once in, and once over the sometimes obvious stench, they become as fascinated as I am. The smell isn't bothersome for too long and before we reach the exit, the conversation is filled with amazement and wonder.

So, have some fun next time you are in Paris and visit the sewers!

Tom
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Travel Tips: Travel Insurance

2007-06-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

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

2007-02-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

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

Internet Phone and VoIP Resources

Vonage

Skype

Seven Wonders of the Modern World

2007-01-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

Most of us have heard of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. And perhaps we have even been to visit them.

Now you can add your vote for the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. There are some pretty incredible new wonders that are worth listing.

Click on the image below to become a part of this historic event.

You will need to register an email before you can vote, but it is worth it. Also, you only get to vote once, so make your choices wisely and then make a final submission.

Tom

PS. What are the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?

They are the Pyramids of Giza, The Lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria, The Colossal Statue of Zeus in Olympia, the Colossal Statue of Helios guarding the harbor of Rhodes, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

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

2007-01-15T12:05:00.000-08:00

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 w ww.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

2006-12-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

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:

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

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

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.