Q. Should I purchase travelinsurance?
A. Travel Guard insurance is highly recommended to protect you against losses due to trip cancellation, medical care, luggage loss or damage and provider default. In addition to this coverage, Travel Guard provides many other value added features. Please contact the WAICU Travel Desk for further details.
Q. When should I check-in for my flights?
A. Guidelines for Checking In on Domestic Flights(including Hawaii)
Recommended arrival time for domestic flights is at least 75 minutes prior to departure. To ensure an on-time departure, reservations and advance seat assignments may be cancelled if the passenger has not checked in and received a boarding pass at least 30 minutes prior to departure and/or is not onboard the aircraft at least 15 minutes prior to departure. If you are checking luggage, you must do so no later than 30 minutes prior to departure for flights between the 50 U.S. States. All passenger reservations are subject to cancellation, and passengers may not be eligible for denied boarding compensation.
Guidelines for Checking In on International
Flights (including Canada/Mexico/Caribbean/Puerto
Rico)
Recommended arrival time for international flights is at least 2 hours prior to departure. All reservations and advance seat assignments may be cancelled if the passenger has not checked in and received a boarding pass at least 60 minutes prior to departure and may not be eligible for denied boarding compensation if they are not onboard the aircraft at least 30 minutes prior to departure. If you are checking luggage, you must do so no later than 60 minutes for international flights, including Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
Q. How can I check-in for my flights?
A. Most major US air carriers offer e-ticket passengers
two easy self-service check-in options:
On-line Check-In is available online up to 36 hours but not later than 60 minutes prior to flight departure. Please refer to your airlines website or ask the WAICU Travel Desk for more information.
Self-service check-in kiosks are located at most airports throughout North America.
Passengers with paper tickets must check-in at the airlines ticket counter at the airport.
Q. How much time do I need between connecting flights?
A. Be sure to incorporate connection time into your travel plans. When flying domestically, it’s best to allow at least 30 minutes to make your connecting flight. If your flight includes an international leg, 1 hour is the recommended connection time for most gateways, but the WAICU Travel Desk can provide exact requirements and will be able to provide you with specific information pertaining to the airport in which you will be making your connection(s).
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Q. How much luggage can I bring?
A-1. Domestic Free Luggage Allowance
Checked Luggage
For domestic travel on most U.S. carriers each ticketed passenger is allowed up to two pieces of checked luggage. Maximum weight for each bag is typically 50 pounds (23kg) and a maximum total linear dimension (length plus width plus height) of 62 inches (158 cm). Excess baggage is subject to surcharges.
TIP: Do not lock your checked luggage. Security officials may have to open your bag in the screening process. Security officials are not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.
TIP: Avoid wrapping your gifts prior to travel. Wrapped packages must be opened for inspection by airport security.
Carry-On Luggage
When luggage is carried on-board the aircraft, it must be of a size and shape to allow for storage in aircraft overhead compartments, or underneath the seat in front of the passenger. Each person is allowed to carry on-board the aircraft one piece of luggage. This piece of luggage must not exceed 45 linear inches (9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches) and also must not exceed 40 pounds. In addition to this one piece of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry on-board a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, or other special items such as:
Luggage not meeting these specifications must be transported as checked luggage.
All items not needed in-flight should be checked. Passengers should carry on medicine, keys, important papers, and travel documents (passport).
A-2. International Free Luggage Allowance
Checked Luggage
For international travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico), most airlines will accept up to two pieces of checked luggage weighing no more than 50 pounds (23kg) and a maximum total linear dimension (length plus width plus height) of 62 inches (158 cm) per bag.
For all other international travel to/from the United States/Canada, most airlines will accept a total of two pieces of checked luggage, subject to maximum weight limitation, which is 70 lbs. (32 kgs) per piece and not more than 62 linear inches (158 cm) per piece. For international travel outside the United States/Canada
(example: within or between other foreign countries), the maximum checked luggage weight limitation is 44 lbs. (20 kgs).
For information on charges for checking luggage that exceeds the free allowance, or that is over the weight and/or size limits outlined in the international free luggage policy above, please contact the WAICU Travel Desk.
TIP: Do not lock your checked luggage. Security officials may have to open your bag in the screening process. Security officials are not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.
TIP: Avoid wrapping your gifts prior to travel. Wrapped packages must be opened for inspection by airport security.
Carry-On Luggage
Most airlines will accept one carry-on item, with a maximum outside linear dimension of 45 inches (115 cm) and not more than 40 lbs. (18kgs). This piece must be of a size and shape to fit under the seat in front of the passenger, or in an enclosed overhead compartment. In addition to the one piece of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, or other special items such as:
Luggage not meeting these specifications must be transported as checked luggage.
All items not needed in-flight should be checked. Passengers should carry on medicine, keys, important papers, and travel documents (passport).
Q. Can I bring my child’s car seat on the airplane?
A. Most airlines accept car seats in addition to normal carry on or checked luggage provided approved space is available. When checking your car seat on a US Domestic or International flight you can bring your car seat to the gate to be loaded there. If checking a car seat as luggage the original box/packaging should be used. A liability release form must be signed.
Q. What electronic devices can I use on the airplane?
A. Most airlines accept and allow in-flight use of the following electronic devices unless restricted by the Captain:
All portable electronic devices must be used under their own battery power. All devices must be stowed during take off and landing.
Note: All laptop computers must be removed from the laptop case at the security checkpoint and the laptop and empty laptop case will be subject to x-ray and additional screening.
Q. Will I be allowed to bring my medical syringes/needles
on board the airplane?
A. Most airlines allow passengers to bring syringes/needles on board if the passenger also has in their possession medication that has a professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer’s name or pharmaceutical label. Flight attendants are not
permitted to assist passengers with injections.
To properly dispose of a syringe/needle, passengers may use the syringe disposal chute in the lavatories, available on some aircraft. If a disposal chute is not available, contact the flight attendant for proper disposal.
Q. Can I check-in my sporting equipment?
A. Golf Equipment
Most airlines accept one set of golf equipment as checked luggage only. One set of golf equipment consists
of:
When checking your golf equipment a hard shell case is recommended. When a hard shell case is not used the passenger must sign a liability release form. Passengers traveling with more than one golf bag must pay full normal excess charges for each additional golf bag. Golf bags must adhere to normal weight limits.
Archery
Most airlines accept one set of archery equipment consisting of one bow, quiver, and set of arrows as checked luggage. Archery equipment is not permitted as carry on luggage.
Bicycle
Most airlines accept non-motorized single seat bicycles as checked luggage for an additional fee. Handlebars must be fixed sideways and pedals removed or wrapped with protective packing material. Bikes should be placed in a bike box. When packed other than in a bike box, liability release forms must be signed. Most airlines accept tandem bikes only for travel within/between the domestic US/Canada/Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands. Tandem bikes are also only accepted on certain types of aircraft. Tandem bikes are not accepted on International Itineraries. The WAICU Travel Desk will be able to provide you with specific information pertaining to your flights.
Fishing Equipment
Most airlines accept one set of fishing equipment consisting of two rods, one reel, net, and boots and one sealed or locked tackle box as checked luggage only. Your fishing equipment will count as one piece of your free luggage allowance. Fishing pole containers must not exceed 160 inches. Passengers will be required to sign a liability release form. Normal excess luggage charges will apply if you exceed your free luggage allowance.
Ski Equipment
Most airlines accept one item of ski equipment as checked luggage only. Ski equipment is not permitted as carry on luggage.
An item of ski equipment consists of:
Additional ski and boot bags will be subject to normal excess charges.
Hard shell cases are recommended when checking your ski equipment. A liability release form must be signed for plastic/soft ski bags.
Note: When travel is wholly within/between the US/Canada, most airlines will allow the ski/boot bag to contain more than one pair of skis/boots – but if the bag exceeds published weight restrictions normal excess charges will apply.
Firearms, Ammunition, and Handguns
Airlines do not accept guns or firearms of any kind in carry-on luggage. Most airlines accept handguns/BB guns/rifles/shotgun type firearms as checked luggage, with certain limitations and requirements. Passengers must obtain and comply with regulations governing the transportation of firearms for all countries on the itinerary.
All firearms must be in a suitable container/crush proof container manufactured specifically for firearms or in a hard sided suitcase. Hard shell gun cases can be purchased at U.S. / Canadian airports. Passengers must verbally declare the firearm is unloaded. Airlines will require the firearm unloaded tag be signed by passenger and placed inside of luggage containing the firearm. No exterior tag or notice of firearm may appear on case. Case must be locked and only the passenger may retain the key or combination. Airline personnel will not unload or handle firearms. Gun and ammunition may be in the same piece of luggage. However, ammunition must be within its own packaging.
International Shipment of Arms/Ammunition
Passengers must obtain and comply with regulations governing the transportation of firearms for all countries on the itinerary. Passengers should check with the WAICU Travel Desk for current policies, requirements and restrictions on firearms and related items in checked luggage when traveling in the United States or internationally.
Q. What types of items will be confiscated
by security officials?
A. Do Not Pack:
Beware…
Common items used everyday in the home or workplace may seem harmless; however, when transported by air, they can be very dangerous. In flight, variations in temperature and pressure can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes or start a fire.
Q. What do I need to know about airport security?
A. You must pass through a security checkpoint to
access your departure gate. Security screeners will screen you and your carry-on baggage. Here are a few tips to make this process go as quickly as possible:
Q. How can I make my air travel more comfortable?
A. Try the following suggestions:
The relatively low humidity in the cabin can make allergy or asthma symptoms worse; take preventative measures as necessary.
Q. How can ease the symptoms of jetlag?
A. Try a few of these techniques for a natural way to reset your internal clock:
If it’s daytime when you arrive but nighttime at home, don’t sleep. Instead, try doing some light exercise like walking to help revive your body and stop it from producing sleep-inducing hormones.
Q. Can I fly when I’m pregnant?
A. It is commonly recommended that women not fly at all during their last six weeks of pregnancy. Most major air carriers require that pregnant passengers traveling within 30 days of expected delivery must provide a doctor’s statement dated within 72 hours of departure indicating the due date and indicating that air travel does not pose a health risk. Women in labor will be denied boarding for safety reasons.
Pregnant women should always consult their obstetricians or midwives before traveling. Traveling during the second trimester of pregnancy is often easier as morning sickness will most likely have subsided, energy levels are up and you are still a comfortable distance from your due date.
Here are some additional tips for staying comfortable on your flight:
Q. Are there tips for traveling with children?
A. The following tips should help both parents and kids arrive at their destination with smiles on their faces.
Q. What documentation will I need for my international travel?
A. Documentation Requirements for U.S. citizen traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean:
Visas are not required for U.S. tourists entering Canada, Mexico or most Caribbean islands from the U.S. for stays up to 180 days. You will, however, need (1) proof of your U.S. citizenship such as (a) your U.S. passport or (b) a certified copy of your birth certificate and government issued photo identification. (For information on obtaining a U.S. passport, check with your Marathon Travel consultant). If you are a naturalized citizen and do not have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate. A driver’s license or Social Security card is not
valid proof of citizenship. All U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport.
Alien permanent residents of the U.S. must present their Alien Registration Card, commonly called the
“Green Card.” If you have dual citizenship, you should always present yourself as a citizen of the country that you are entering.
Any name changes due to marriage, adoption, divorce, etc. must be explained by providing a certified copy of the document authorizing the name change such as marriage license or divorce decree.
For further information on entry requirements, travelers may reference www.travel.state.gov or contact the WAICU Travel Desk.
Documentation Requirements for Other International Travel
Most countries not listed above will require a passport and possibly a visa. Please refer to www.travel.state.gov or the WAICU Travel Desk for further information.
Q. Will additional documentation be necessary if my child is traveling internationally alone or with only one parent?
A. International travel with minors (including Canada & Mexico)
Due to international concern over child abduction, single parents, grandparents, or guardians traveling with children often need proof of custody or notarized letters from the other parent authorizing travel. (This is in addition to proof of citizenship as explained above.) For further information
on entry requirements travelers may reference www.travel.state.gov or contact the WAICU Travel Desk.
If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent must provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide a court order of child custody to airlines and international authorities.
If a minor child is traveling alone or in someone else’s company, both parents (and the sole, documented custodial parent) must provide notarized consent. Please click here for a sample document providing the required consent.
If a child traveling has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared to provide evidence to airlines and official authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, to prove that they are the parents.
If one parent is deceased, a death certificate is required. If the birth certificate shows that the minor only has one parent, it will be sufficient to hold only a notarized copy of the birth certificate.
Q. Can my child travel alone?
A. Unaccompanied minors are restricted from traveling on some flights. Unaccompanied minors booked in violation
of these restrictions will be denied boarding and/or be subject to additional fees for re-routing. The WAICU Travel Desk can provide you with these restrictions.
To ensure a safe, comfortable and fun trip for the unaccompanied child traveler, the following policies have been established:
(An unaccompanied minor fee is assessed at the time of check-in at the airport)
Red-eye flights are defined as departures between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. local time. The following are exempt from the red-eye restriction:
For more complete details, please contact the WAICU Travel Desk.
*The WAICU Travel Solutions Program is not responsible for any inaccurate information provided in this site. Travel policies, guidelines, and regulations change on a regular basis. Please contact the WAICU Travel Desk for the most accurate information.
