navigating TSA and customs 101

So you're getting ready to go. Exciting! But with the excitement comes the anxiety of packing. What can I bring? How do I pack? What about all those restrictions?

I'm here to help!

Prepare for security BEFORE you go the airport!
Nothing slows down the security lines (and causes more frustration for everyone) than people who aren't prepared or don't know the rules. Wear comfortable shoes that you can slip into and out of. Do not wear shoes that you will have to loosen laces, tie, etc. You will need to remove sweatshirts, blazers and outerwear. So maybe that pull over sweatshirt isn't the smartest idea. You need your photo ID so have it out of your wallet and in your hand. You will have to empty your pockets....that includes your wallet. You will have to remove your electronics from bags. This includes laptops, many times tablets/ipads too, video game players, etc. No sharp objects. No lighters. No bottles of water, even if you bought at the airport. You can buy them once you're inside security. All liquids and creams must be 3oz. (or 100ml) or less. That means leave your big bottle of shampoo or hairspray at home or they will take it. The only real exception is baby formula and prescription liquid medication. It's been more than a decade since 9/11 and though I have always thought by now, this was all pretty basic, I find people holding up the line for infractions ALL THE TIME!!!

Make your life easy. Pack all of your toiletries in your checked luggage. How long will you possibly be without it? Take a small clear ziplock bag (yes, it can be as large as quart size) but keep it light. I can certainly last more than 24 hours without much more than a travel size tube of toothpaste.
When packing liquids, even in your checked bags, you may want to keep them in a plastic bag or makeup case or alternative pocket in your bag. Very frequently bottles will open or leak and you don't want it to ruin your clothing.

You are allowed one carry on bag (no more than 21"in height) and one personal item. Personal items include a purse, a computer bag, a backpack, a shopping bag.
In most instances, you will be charged for check bags and fees can add up quickly.  The fees vary by airline and generally increase with the number of bags or weight you check. If you have a bag that is borderline in size (about 21-25 inches) and you want to save the fee, take it with you through security as if you are going carry it on. (but remember, this means it can't contain liquids, sharps, etc). Then when you get to the gate, ask them to check your bag for you and they will generally waive the fee.

If you are headed overseas, you will need a valid passport, an in some cases a VISA. Do your homework ahead of time. The process can take a bit of time. You will need to have 6 months remaining in your passport so check your expiration date. You will also need 4 remaining blank pages. Passports are good for a period of 10 years. VISAs are only required when visiting certain countries but always check if yo need a VISA. If you require one, the process and requirements will vary from country to country and differ if you are traveling as a tourist or on business.

You can apply for a passport directly from the State Department or at some US Postal Service offices.

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/apply.html

If you require a VISA, the process becomes a bit more complicated. Some countries, such as Australia, require US citizens to obtain a VISA before entering Australia, but the VISA is applied for and obtained on line. For most countries that require a VISA, you can google the US embassy for that particular country and send your passport to the embassy, along with all applications, photos and fees. Always make a photocopy of your passport before you send it anywhere and make sure you have a tracking number from your postal carrier. There are services out there that will assist you in obtaining passports and VISAs though they do tend to be expensive but can make the process much easier! I use Capitol Visa Services out of Silver Spring, MD. They have been incredibly helpful and they can expedite the process (for an additional fee) but it certainly makes the process much easier and takes the stress away.

http://www.capitolvisa.com/

One last piece of advice on the international travel. Currency.

Check with your bank and credit cards before you travel. I say this for a few reasons. It's inevitable that you may need some local currency. You have options. You can typically get currency for other countries from your own bank, but there will be a transfer fee and many banks require some advance notice. You can also get currency at the airport, either here or on arrival in other countries but again, they will charge you commission fees. Many times these fees can be high but if you decide to get larger amounts of cash, sometimes the fees are waived. An alternative is to use an ATM on arrival and money will be dispersed in the currency of the country. You will still likely encounter a fee from your bank but it is often times less then the commission at the travel currency desk. Also make sure you check the policy on your credit card. Many credit cards charge a fee for international use and often it's a percentage. You also want to let your credit card company know that you will be traveling and where. Often times, credit cards are declined in international destinations, not because the account is insufficient, but rather the charge outside the US is questionable. It's done to protect you but can be embarrassing and inconvenient when it happens. So do yourself the favor and address it before you leave.

You may also want to visit the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website before you leave and read the restrictions on what you can and can't bring home from your trip abroad. For instance, there are limits to the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/

So now you're all set. Board the plane, go explore, keep an open mind and ENJOY the adventure!

Robin