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Travel Tips

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January/February 2008: According to Northwest Airlines (nwa.com), passengers are no longer allowed to carry loose lithium batteries in their checked baggage. For packing instructions and to learn more about this new regulation enacted by the Department of Transportation and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, click this link: http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html


December 2007: Give snowplows room. Winter driving is hazardous enough without adding in annual accidents with snowplows. Be extra cautious and give them lots of space. The front plow extends many feet in front of the plow, and often, reaches into the neighboring lane. Don’t pass them unless you have to. Snowplows must turn and exit often, and can throw up clouds of snow, reducing your visibility to zero. Plus, the driver can’t always see you.




November 2007: Heading on a road trip? Research your travel path before heading out, so you’re not blindsided by a closed road, terrible construction, or other unexpected road conditions. Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration website for national road and traffic information, including links to other helpful sites and resources. www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo




October 2007: Have you had a terrible airport experience recently? Not sure which airlines to trust? Make an informed decision next time by consulting FlightStats Ratings. Search by airline, route, flight or time/date and you’ll get a star rating and detailed stats on average delays, cancellations, and much more. Hassle-free travel isn't guaranteed, but at least your potential for easy-riding is raised.




September 2007: The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport has issued many warnings that parking is typically exceptionally high on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the Lindbergh Terminal. Consequently, travelers are encouraged to allow for extra time (30 min.) to park at the Humphrey Terminal and take a free shuttle back to Lindbergh. To check up-to-the-minute parking space availability before you head to the airport, call 1-877 FLY PARK or visit www.mspairport.com.

August 2007: Due to record-breaking demands for passports, The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced: "U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007." For more details, visit  http://travel.state.gov.

June/July 2007: Use your iPod for more than a little museum music. When traveling (or planning a trip), head to the iTunes store for downloadable guides to whichever new city, country or continent you’re navigating. Look for free Lonely Planet podcasts or even audio tours that will take you step-by-step through your favorite city.

Costs are free or minimal.



May 2007: Cancelled flights, missed connections, delays... They're a traveler's nightmare. And unfourtunately, they're commonplace. But now you can do something about it.  Declare rule 240.  It's a little known, but very powerful, airline ordinance that declares passengers' rights. Most notably, it requires airlines to book you (at no extra cost) on the earliest flight to your destination, even if it's on another airline. Check out mytravelrights.com for more details and links to each airline's (if they have one) specific rule 240.



March 2007: Although airlines are restricting liquid allowances, you may pack as much baby formula or breast milk in your carry-on as you want as long as you are traveling with a child. If the milk or formula are in containers larger than three ounces, separate them from your quart-size bag of other liquids and notify a security officer at the checkpoint. They require additional inspection (although no one will be asked to ingest the liquid).




February 2007: Save yourself some time and worry by calling the TSA Contact Center toll-free with your airport security questions. They’re ready and willing to answer calls to 1-866-289-9673 on Monday thru Friday from 8am - 10pm (EST) or Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10am - 6pm (EST).

Not rushed for an answer? Email them at tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov

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