Travel Tips From Sealand Travel Club
August 31, 2010
Traveling With Special Items
Travel by air has become more complex in recent years. In an effort to make your travels go more smoothly, Sealand Travel Club would like to offer some useful tips for you to review before you go. The more you know about the rules and regulations, the easier your vacation can be. In an effort to make you a more informed traveler, Sealand Travel Club would like to invite you to spend some time getting to know more about the rules of airline travel.
There are many times when traveling by plane when you may just not be sure of what you can and cannot bring with you. Items which may seem quite mundane may cause trouble when you are trying to get through airport security. Though a list of items which are allowed or disallowed is provided by the Transportation Authority, not everything can be covered on that list.
Obviously, weapons of any kind are not allowed on a plane for the average traveler, however, certain situations may require you to bring items such as hunting paraphernalia, and then what can you do? Below is a general list of items that you may find yourself needing to bring on a vacation and how you can prepare for the inevitable delays involved with traveling with special items. Get the facts and stay informed with Sealand Travel Club.
Camping and Hunting Gear
- Camp stoves – carry-on or checked – must be empty of all fuel. You are advised to ship fuel containers ahead of time or purchase at your destination.
- Gasoline – Not allowed -no exceptions.
- Aerosol insecticides – Not allowed
- Flares or Flare guns – No flares allowed. Flare guns must be in checked baggage, unloaded, and packed in a hard case.
- Knives or Tools – Must be packed in your checked luggage. All must be securely wrapped and sheathed to prevent injury to baggage handlers.
- Firearms – Must be declared during the ticket counter check-in process. Must be unloaded, in a hard sided container and locked. You must provide the key to screener. Ammunition must be packed securely. Violations may cost up to $10,000 per violation.
- Fishing Rods – May be carry-on or checked luggage.
- Tackle - Must be checked.
Other
- When carrying photography equipment – Pack film in carry-on bag. The screening process of checked luggage will ruin unexposed film.
- Lighters – Common lighters are allowed in carry-on luggage. No Torch lighters are allowed aboard.
Though this may all seem quite confusing, the Transportation Authority has done their best to simplify the process for you. Sealand Travel Club would encourage you to check any items in question with your airline to speed up the check in process and make your airline experience more pleasant for you and others. Be aware of the rules and follow all regulations for travel on your vacation. Have a great flight and enjoy your vacation with Sealand Travel Club.
New Passport Regulations
April 2, 2009
AIR TRAVEL
- All persons traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
- CURRENTLY:
All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea.Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
- LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.- CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security’s GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.
U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
- U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
- The U.S. Passport Card: We began production of the U.S. Passport Card on July 14, 2008. The passport card is only valid for re-entry into the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
- WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
- Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
- State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)
- Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
- U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
- Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
- Form I-872 American Indian Card
For further information see U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website Ready, Set…Go!
ABOUT WHTI
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.
The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.
Federal Regulations
- Final Rule - Air Phase (PDF)
- Final Rule - Passport Card (PDF)
- U.S. Land/Sea Document Requirements (PDF)
Other Relevant Links
Taken from Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Sealand Travel Club has experienced management and strong resources; a name unequaled for quality and innovation. From sourcing to fulfillment. rate negotiations and service, Sealand Travel Club is raising the bar for industry standards every day. We are an organization of talented, seasoned professionals representing many years of combined travel experience with a philosophy that says each owner deserves a quality vacation experience. Sealand Travel Club has mature resources to ensure excellence every step of the way. Our fulfillment is performed by certified and certificated industry specialists. Call 866-571-3694 to find out more about Sealand Travel Club.