MAKING MAGICAL VACATIONS -
WITH LYNNE MITCHELL
610-965-2151
FAQ
The Answers You Need
(for the questions you don't know you have yet)
Question: What If I Lose my ID, How do I fly Home?
What do I do if I've lost my photo ID, how do I fly home from Disney?
First of all, you are not the first person to misplace or have your ID go missing. It does happen. Here is what to do should it happen to you. It starts with preparation BEFORE your trip. Then plan to arrive to the airport SIGNIFICANTLY early before your flight as you will have to be patient, calm and have to explain your situation repeatedly.
*** Before you leave, make sure you have a digital photo of your ID (driver’s license and/or passport photo page)***
Then when you can’t find your wallet/ ID …..
Step 1
Get a police report with the details of when and how the ID disappeared. Even if your ID was simply misplaced, a police report establishes when it went missing and verifies your identity. You will also need a file id. This will help show the airline representatives and TSA officers that you are who you say.
Step 2
Arrive at the airport early to leave time for extra interviews and security checks. Try to check into your flight as soon as it opens. If you miss your flight because of a lost or stolen ID, the airline will not cover the cost of a new ticket.
Step 3
Explain your situation to the airline representative at check-in. Some airlines also require their passengers to show ID, so let the agent see the police report and whatever materials you have that help establish your identity. This can include non-photo IDs like credit cards, library cards, business cards and voter registration cards. Even a family photo with you in it can help if you are traveling with your family. If the representative is satisfied, he will give you a boarding pass with a notation that you don't have ID.
Step 4
Proceed to the security area and explain your situation to the TSA officers. Show the officers any other type of ID that you have.
Step 5
Cooperate with the TSA officers and stay calm. Passengers whose behavior seems nervous, angry, or otherwise suspicious can be kept off the plane, especially if they don't have proper identification. If your identity is established to their satisfaction, you will be asked to undergo more intensive security procedures, such as detailed interviews, a physical pat-down and a search
Tips
Take a photo with your phone or make a photocopy the front and back of your photo ID card before you travel, or scan a digital copy into a laptop or other digital storage device. Keep the copy separate from your original identification. A copy of your ID on its own is not always enough to get on a plane, but it can help you establish your identity.
Send a digital copy of your photo id to someone who can also vouch for your identity.
Purchase your ticket with your credit card. It's easier for airlines to track credit card purchases and you can show them your credit card. Tickets purchased in cash might alarm security personnel and make it harder for you to get on the flight.
Buy a round-trip ticket whenever possible. One-way tickets can raise red flags. If your ID is lost or stolen while you're traveling, airline and security personal will feel more comfortable letting you on the plane because your identity was established when you initially departed.
If your wallet is stolen or lost, it’s a good idea to call your credit card companies. Put a 48-hour hold on your credit cards at least if you think you merely lost your wallet. It is better than waiting the 10-days for a new card to appear.
Question: Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Click here for the reasons why. And to find out about a specific type of travel insurance that covers your theme park tickets and other non-refundable parts of your vacation. You can’t use travel insurance if you don’t have it.
Question About Passports
How Do I Get or Renew a Passport?
A passport is more than an internationally recognized legal document. It’s your ticket to explore the world. If you’re reading about passports, you most likely fall into one of two groups: either you’re renewing your passport or you’re applying for a new one.
Depending on a host of factors, applying for a passport can be a long, tedious process. But we’re here to make it easier. And once you have it in hand, passports are valid anywhere from five years for minors to 10 years for those 16 years and older.
As you’ll find out, the best time to get a passport is most often before you need one. For the Ultimate Guide on Getting or Renewing a Passport…contact me and I will send you the details.
Question About Traveling Tips
What are the Traveling Tips I Need to Know?!
Traveling can be complicated - but it doesn’t have to be.
Here are tips, tricks and shortcuts to make your next travel experience a cheaper, smoother and more relaxing one.
Flying Tips:
BOOK EARLY
Booking a trip well in advance can save money and also have big psychological benefits. That’s because once you have your plans set (or even in motion) you have something to look forward to! By booking early, you gain that excitement and anticipation of your upcoming trip.
WHEN TO BOOK
A good rule of thumb is that Tuesdays are usually the cheapest days to book air travel. Generally the best fares are advertised 50 days ahead of departure, with the most expensive being three days beforehand. Cheaper flights are going to be evening flights that take off between 6pm and midnight, Fridays are the exception.
A STOPOVER CAN SAVE MONEY
If you can pick flights that have a stop-over versus non-stop, can potentially save you money.
SANDWICH YOUR SEATS
If you're travelling as a pair, always book “sandwich” seats - the aisle and the window seats in a row of three. Unless it’s a full flight, it’s unlikely that anybody will then pick the middle seat, ensuring you have the entire row to yourselves. If somebody does end up between you, simply ask to switch seats so you can sit next to your partner.
Packing:
DITCH THAT WHEELIE BAG
If you are planning on bringing your carryon bag (20-21” piece of luggage to put in the overhead bin) you need to know that duffels make better cabin luggage than wheelie bags. Many budget airlines are now getting stricter with their carry-on rules, and wheelie bags are always the first to get checked. This means a soft-sided duffel-type bag is much more flexible when it comes to onboard storage. The real trick is to invest in a one with hidden wheels, to make it easier for you when getting through the airport from gate to gate.
ROLL YOUR CLOTHES
Fit more in your luggage and maximize your suitcase space roll your clothes when packing. It also helps to decrease wrinkles. Packing your clothes this way also gives you places to tuck in more fragile items and protect them in transit….like electric toothbrushes, chargers, etc.
CAP YOUR SHOES
Whether your shoes are dirty when you’re packing them - or they get muddy during your trip – there is an easy way to prevent them from marking the clean clothes. Simply grab a cheap shower cap and place on the soles of your shoes/sneakers. Also, pack a dryer sheet for a fresh smell in your luggage once you arrive and open your bag.
PRE-MAP YOUR DESTINATION
Download the area you're travelling to from Google Maps before you leave home. With a downloaded map you'll always be able to navigate your way around an unfamiliar area once you arrive.
At The Airport:
READ BETWEEN THE LINES AT SECURITY
If you’re in a hurry, don’t just look at a line’s length - look for the scanners that seem to be filled with frequent travelers, like businesspeople. These are people who travel often and will have mastered the art of getting through quickly. Likewise, try to avoid any lines filled with families with young children, and with people who will undoubtedly take more time.
CARRY ON YOUR DEVICE CHARGER
Pack your device charger in your carry on bag. You will need to charge your phone if there is an unexpected delay with your flight. Another reason not to pack your charger in your suitcase is in case the airline misplaces your luggage. If you have it with you, you can plug it into the USB port on the back of your hotel TV.
STAY HYDRATED WITHOUT LEAKING MONEY
Invest in a reusable water bottle. Just take one to the airport empty and fill it up once you’re past security. (Something like BRITA’s fill&go Active bottle is ideal: it even improves the quality and taste of tap water). You need to stay hydrated when flying, especially on long flights. Airplane air filtration systems might ensure a clean environment for passengers, but they also ensure parched throats, dry out your nostrils and skin. Plus being well hydrated helps to fight off the risk of jetlag.
NEVER ORDER THE TAP WATER ON A PLANE
A study by the Wall Street Journal tested tap water on 14 international and domestic flights. They found everything from salmonella to tiny insect eggs. Likewise, don’t ask for ice if you’re flying from a country with a suspect water supply. The trays will have been filled there, not at home.
In Air:
STAY AWAY FROM THAT PESKY COLD
Flying can dry out the membranes in our nose - which, when moist, help keep germs moving to flush them out of our system. This can be easily solved with a saline spray you can find in most drugstores - as well as making sure you stay hydrated. Even getting in some of the steam by having a good whiff of your pre-flight coffee is worth a try.
And while we are on that subject…bring hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. At your seat wipe down the armrest and the tray table…basically anything you touch on a plane (that includes the lavatory handles). Would you believe that tray table has more germs than you will find in the lavatory?! Also, always wear your shoes when getting up and walking to and in the lavatory.
(Excerts from:
http://www.fashionbeans.com/content/travel-hacks-to-save-you-time-money--stress)