Exploring The Registered Traveler Pilot Program

To help combat incidents of unsafe airline travel, various airports introduced The Registered Traveler Pilot Program in 2005. First added as a pilot project, the program now appears in various airport terminals throughout the United States.

The program will present an additional cost to travelers, but airlines claim that extra security is well-worth the investment. As a result, passengers will pay a fee to join the program, which will then require them to have a background check conducted. If the traveler is accepted into the program, they will be given a smartcard to use at the airport. This smartcard will contain all of their relevant information and allow them to get through the process faster and more easily.

To encourage passengers to join the program, a dedicated lane will be available to cardholders. This lane will allow travelers to pass through the checkpoints quicker than regular passengers, in addition to a few other perks. Smartcard users will not have to remove their jackets and footwear to be scanned and changes may be made to laptop regulations as well.

In order to join the program, a passenger must have reached the age of majority in the United States. With parental consent, youth between the ages of 12 and 18 can also apply for a smartcard, to help simplify family travel. As an additional security measure, the Transportation Security Administration department will use regular screening practices for the cardholders and may subject them to a second screening, if necessary. This will help to deter potential criminal activity by subjecting questionable passengers to the same practices as everyone else.

While the smartcard technology will not stop a passenger and their baggage from being scanned, it may just speed up the overall process. With a list of details about a particular passenger stored on the card, airlines will be able to pass travelers through at a faster rate. No one wants to be held up at the airport for an excessive amount of time and, hopefully, the smartcard will help to lessen that possibility. Smoother security measure make for better vacations, which is something we can all appreciate.

Making the Most of Your Flight

No matter how much you love to fly, airplane travel can wreak havoc on your back, your sleep patterns, and your schedule. Even if you are the most seasoned of travelers, you may be unaware that there are ways to make the flight experience much more enjoyable. It’s easy to take a new approach to airline comfort, but how do you combat the other changes that come along with air travel?

To help make the trip as comfortable as possible, it’s important to address your back. Not surprisingly, back pain is one of the most common complaints of airline passengers, due to the shape of the seats. Also found in office workers who spend most of their day sitting at a desk, chronic pain can easily develop in the lower back as a result of poor posture. To encourage you to keep your back straight during airline travel, use some type of support behind your lower back. Roll up a shirt or jacket, or bring a small towel or back support apparatus, to add comfort to the seat.

It also helps to keep your feet firmly planted on the floor, which will promote the straightening of the spine as well. When you are able to do so, take advantage of any opportunity to stretch your legs. Even a quick walk to the back of the airplane will loosen your muscles and help make your flight experience more enjoyable.

Another common complaint of flight passengers is receiving an unpleasant flight partner. Some people like to use their travel time to unwind, take care of unfinished business, or nap. If someone sits next to you who talks incessantly, elbows you while watching a movie, or takes over your arm rest, it can make the entire flight stressful. Of course, switching seats is one option, so be sure to ask the stewardess if another other seating is available. If not, you have no choice but to make the most of the trip. Don’t be afraid to politely tell your counterpart that you are ready to have a rest, or that you need to address some work-related issues. By using a gentle tone, you will be able to avoid confrontation and enjoy the rest of your trip.

How to Prevent Discomfort When Traveling By Plane

Airline travel, as convenient as it may be, can leave many of us feeling uncomfortable after the fact. In fact, even a short trip in the car causes back pain, muscle stiffness, and fatigue for some travelers, and a flight is no different. The seats on an airplane are not meant to cause discomfort, but unfortunately, they may not cater to perfect posture as much as flyers would like.

Airplane seats are commonly arched, with the headrest protruding slightly for a better viewing experience. However, holding your head forward – even slightly – can result in headaches and neck strain. If there is no way to adjust your headrest so that your neck remains straight, you may want to place a rolled up item of clothing or towel behind your neck. This way, your neck will be supported, helping to better align your body.

The same technique can be very helpful when it comes to lower back pain as well. By placing a rolled item or cushion of some kind in the small of your back, your spine is encouraged into a more natural position. Posture is key: if your spine is misaligned for the duration of the trip, you will no doubt feel the pain afterwards. All too often, travelers rave about a comfortable flight, only to wake up in the morning feeling stiff and unpleasant.

To help keep your spine in its natural position, place your feet flat on the floor. If you are on the shorter side and you have trouble comfortably reaching the floor, you may want to bring along something small to place underneath your feet, such as an angled wedge typically placed under the desk of office workers.

Also remember to hold your head back, since it can be all too easy to jut your face forward to watch movies or look out the window. This is of particular concern for travelers with poor vision. Last but not least, bring a small pillow for a more comfortable nap, as our heads have a tendency to roll to the side when unsupported.

How To Find Cheap Airline Fares Online

Everyone loves to take a vacation, but hefty transportation prices can often put a dent in the plans. Fortunately, by performing an online search, you can find travel deals and cut your ticket costs significantly. With so many providers current available, there is no reason to pay full price for your airline, bus, or train fare, and it pays to act fast. Usually, the earlier you book, the better the deal; however, some travel groups offer great last-minute savings.

The Internet is the best place to find discounted fares, regardless of your method of travel. A variety of sites are available that will produce cheap rates for accommodations, rental cars, transportation, or any combination of the three. Some of the more popular sites, such as Expedia.com or tripadvisor.com, will also show reviews from other travelers, truly allowing you to make an informed decision.

When searching for cheap ticket prices online, it is wise to stick to the better-known websites. Read through any discount airline tickets FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) or customer service information before making a purchase, to ensure that the transaction will be secure and confidential. Also research any additional costs, such as service charges or taxes. While you may not be able to escape the burden of taxes by shopping online, you will dish out less in tax if you spend less on your ticket.

If you’re not comfortable providing your credit card information online, you may choose to book your vacation through a travel agent. Travel group representatives can also give you a great deal and help you book an entire vacation with ease. Planning a getaway can be stressful – especially when dealing with children – and a travel agent will eliminate the anxiety by assuming responsibility for most of the decisions.

The next time you plan a vacation or make arrangements for a business meeting or to visit family, do your research. Don’t take the first price given to you by the airline or hotel, and remember that packages always mean savings. Even some airlines offer vacation packages, so take a careful look through each website before subjecting yourself to expensive travel arrangements.

Vacation Packages Can Save You Money

If you’re thinking about taking a vacation, you can usually stretch your travel dollars by shopping for a package deal. This type of condensed vacation not only helps you save money, but also simplifies the planning process. A package trip is less expensive because, in most cases, a group of hotels, airlines, and car rental companies have joined forces to bring savings to travelers. By offering a deal that includes major trip expenses, these businesses are guaranteed to receive your business.

If you have a favorite airline, for example, you may refuse to travel with any other flight provider. When a last-minute business trip pops up, you don’t have the time to shop around for accommodations and tickets to a nearby attraction. By performing a simple online search, a variety of packages are created, all with significant savings. You may narrow the selection down by choosing a few that work with your preferred airline and take the hotel and car rental that is included. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

A package vacation is also a great way to save money after the vacation begins. Often, by selecting a particular package, you can secure discounted event and attraction tickets, in addition to receiving helpful information about the hotel and surrounding area. Packages may include other perks as well, such as upgraded flight tickets or free concierge service at the hotel.  You can even find packages that offer better deals on car rentals, and while you won’t likely be getting a free Bentley convertible, it will still be well worth it.  Every little bit counts when it comes to getting the best value for your money while on vacation.

Vacation packages are especially helpful for families. Planning a trip is hard enough for one person, let alone a family with children. In addition, taking a vacation with your family can become very expensive, very fast. Don’t hesitate to search around for your best package options, whether via an online method or through a local travel agent. Regardless of the route you take, a package vacation will definitely save you money in the long run, allowing you to spend more on fun activities and souvenirs. A combined deal may also help you make the most of your travel plans, by providing reviews of the hotel, car rental group, and nearby activities.

Avoiding the Hidden Costs of Airline Travel

Even if you travel on an airplane regularly, you may still be surprised to learn that some airlines harbor hidden charges. While many airline companies charge for meals and certain movies, these costs have been widely accepted as standards over the years. Passengers may not agree with the expenses, but they realize that airline needs to tap into many opportunities to increase their revenue and help to make the flight experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Before you book your flight, find out what the rules are regarding reservations. Several of the top airlines will charge you to book a flight, especially if you require the assistance of a representative. In the United States, a call to an airline runs between $5 and $15, on average. Usually, securing a seat online will cost you less – or nothing at all – depending on the airline.

Many travelers take advantage of frequent flyer miles to assist with the cost of their flights. However, if you apply your miles when booking a flight and have to cancel, you may be charge to reload the miles back onto your card. This is standard practice among many points providers, although passengers fail to realize that they may be subject to a fee, should they call off the trip.

It also pays to act fast when it comes to frequent flyer miles. Again, depending on the airline, you may have to trade in your miles a specific amount of time before the flight takes place. For example, some airlines will require you to cash in your miles at least a few days before you are due to travel, leaving you unable to obtain a last-minute fare for free. Other airlines will allow you to make hasty flight plans, as long as you pay a service charge. Be sure to research ahead, however, as some fees could take a rather large chunk out of your wallet.

Other costs worth checking into ahead of time include pet surcharges, fees for checking luggage (yes, even your carry-on), refund and standby charges, and additional expenses for traveling with an infant. Although you may suspect that many of these items are free, it’s better to confirm the price with the airline than to be surprised as you attempt to board. Keeping vacation expenses to a minimum requires a lot more than just good research though. So if you want to know how to travel the world on a budget, you will need to get a good basis in basic budgeting.

Airport Security Screening: What Can They See?

The debate continues as to whether or not advanced airport screening is an invasion of privacy. While airports continue to argue that these measures are necessary in order to protect the safety of passengers, those awaiting a flight worry that the airport staff may be seeing too much. When your luggage passes through an airport scanner, do you know what objects become visible to the screeners?

We’ve come a long way from the 1970s, when sky marshals were hired to travel on-board flights to address potential hijackings. A few years later, the airlines realized that this was not an efficient way to tackle the problem and introduced the first screening system. By the mid-70s, all passengers and carry-on items were screened for safety purposes, with the screening itself performed by various sub-contracted security companies.

Following the 2001 attacks, airlines began limiting the items allowed on an aircraft and implemented stricter identification practices. The following year, airline security became responsible for using its own screening methods, with new explosive detection technology added a few years later. The GE company seized the opportunity to create a new airline system and so started the Secure Registered Traveler System. The system not only scans baggage, but also uses an advanced full body scan to check passengers for concealed weapons.

If you will be taking a carry-on, airport security will get a peek into everything you’ve packed. Of course, this is the only way for them to make sure you are not carrying any weapons, prohibited liquids, food or drink, or any other troublesome items. With weapons being the main concern, airlines suggest that you lay out electronics and other metal objects between two layers of clothing to make the process quicker and easier.

One of the newest technologies to appear is the Backscatter X-Ray machine, which uses radiation waves to search passengers for weapons. The machines cost approximately $100,000 and make use of a technology that reflects off of travelers and permeates right through their clothes. In essence, the passengers making their way through the Backscatter will appear unclothed to specially-trained airport security staff, causing many individuals to lash out at the concept. However, airlines argue that this is the most effective and time-efficient method available, and that the images behind the screen will only be viewed by a select few.

What Not To Pack in Your Suitcase

While everyone is happy to see airport terminals taking extra precautions against security threats, traveling has since become a pain in the neck. With a new list of permitted items, it can be hard to know what to pack and what to leave home. The rules aren’t as complicated as they sound, as long as you perform some research before leaving home.

Not surprisingly, sharp objects of any sort are prohibited, including small items like nail clippers. Should you accidentally arrive at the airport with a makeup bag or shaving kit that includes nail clippers, they will likely be confiscated by airport security. As for the razor or shaver itself, it’s best to leave the cartridges at home. There’s a good chance you will not be allowed to board your flight with a row of razor blades.

Perhaps the most confusing of the rules deals with liquids. While you can carry a drink of water with you, it won’t be much more than a few mouthfuls, thanks to a 3.4 ounce cap currently in place. Other liquids, such as facial wash or shampoo, must be packed in plastic, zip-locked bags. Again, the size is limited, so it may be much easier to buy travel sized beauty and grooming products and use those on your travels. Better yet, in most cases, you can buy new shampoo when you arrive at your destination.

Larger liquids, such as medications, do not have to be carried in a zipped bag. They can also exceed the accepted 3.4 ounces. Remember, each bottle you pack that fails to meet airport standards will slow down the line and potentially cause your vacation to be delayed.

Most importantly, don’t pack a Driver’s License and expect to travel outside of your country without any problems. Once considered the ultimate form of identification, a Driver’s License cannot give any indication as to whether another traveler is a citizen. Passports are now required for almost every type of travel and act as evidence that a person belongs to a certain country. Take the time to research the necessary documents before leaving for your vacation, to avoid any undue delays.

How To Move Up A Class

Even if you’re a frequent flyer, you might not be aware of the perks associated with airline travel. Most travelers think it’s only possible to upgraded to First-Class in the event of an airline error, but the truth is, it’s easier to find extra bonuses than you may think. Regardless of your destination or flight experience, it’s easy to take advantage of a few hidden opportunities.

If you consider a great lunch to be the epitome of a successful flight, it may be time to set your standards higher. For economy travelers, there are a variety of new options being explored that could make airline travel a much more comfortable experience. To help combat the fatigue and discomfort that result from improper posture and ergonomically incorrect seating, a French airline plans to introduce bunk beds to its economy passengers. While the project is still in the planning stage, it shows the potential for a relaxing night that will also help to make the transition through time zones a little bit easier.

It may come as a surprise to some that airlines offer any perks to the economy class at all, as First-Class has always been known for its superior seating and treatment. However, one French airline provides free champagne to the passengers traveling in coach. Other air providers have succumbed to the stereotypes of terrible airline food, offering healthier, more appealing options. Although there is usually a charge for the meal, at least some passengers are now able to choose from a variety of tasty dishes, instead of the usual microwaved dishes.

Imagine settling into a bunk, after finishing a delicious dish for dinner. It’s too bad you can’t spend your flight in an upgraded class. Or can you? Certain airlines offer Y-Ups, a code present on first-class tickets that allows economy passengers to move into the seat. In order to make a free move to First-Class, perform an online seating search, choose a ticket that contains a special code, find a coach seat that can be upgraded and take note of the code, and phone the airline to book your no-cost upgrade by using the two codes. It’s easier than it sounds. If you use an airline that offers Y-Ups, be sure to research the possibility of moving from economy to First-Class at no additional charge.

There’s so much more than just the food and all that extra room that make First-Class appealing. Higher class seats offer better restrooms and will even give you some free cosmetics and toiletries to make your flight more enjoyable. If you hate getting off of a flight with that stale “airplane smell”, First-Class can definitely help you out there. You will probably get your own little cosmetic bag filled with everything from designer perfume and cologne samples to hand lotion and a sleep mask. And that’s only one of the many perks that First-Class has to offer. So take advantage and move up to a more enjoyable flight!

Using a Travel Agent to Get a Better Deal

Planning a vacation or quick getaway can be frustrating and stressful. Most of us prefer to leave the finer details up to another party, whether through an online search program or local travel agent. It pays to seek dependable assistance when creating a trip because it will help you make a more informed decision. Whether you want to go on a family vacation or fly to a relative’s wedding on a budget, a travel agent can likely decrease your travel costs.

Travel agents are trained to provide planning assistance by shopping around for a great deal. These agents have connections with many of the major airline companies, hotels, and car rental groups, allowing them to search for pre-packaged deals on your behalf. If you would like to take a trip with added personality, a travel agent can also plan a custom trip.

While hiring a travel agent will cost you financially, the expense is well worth it. Representatives in the travel field are often familiar with the most popular destinations, even if they haven’t visited a particular city or country themselves. In many cases, a travel agent checks in on a traveler when they arrive home, to see how the vacation worked out. As a result, travel agents hear all of the wonderful (and not-so-wonderful) things about many resorts, vacation hot spots, and even attractions and events.

They will also be able to help you find the best deals on more obscure airlines. For example, you might have no problem booking a cheap flight from Newark to Toronto, but if you are flying to Manila, a travel agent will be more familiar with the discounts available from the Philippine Airlines. And if you are looking for something special, like round the world plane tickets, then you will definitely want to use a travel agent.

Travel agents can also provide you with important information about the area you will be visiting. This is a great way to learn about dangerous insects or animals, what type of weather to expect, or what kind of food you can expect to eat. Hiring a travel agent takes some of the guesswork out of vacationing, aside from offering travel perks. Many times, a travel agent will develop a vacation itinerary that works seamlessly with you or your family.

Although a countless number of great deals are available online, many travelers are reluctant to provide their credit card number online. For these individuals, a travel agent will eliminate this requirement and produce a set of discounted rates so your vacation can go off without a hitch. The next time you need to plan a trip, give your local travel agent a call and make the most of your vacation.