Travel Tips

#1 Travel Tip

* USE A TRAVEL AGENT! *

Real ID:

The Real ID act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production.

After October 1st, 2020:

You will not be able to board an airplane without the Real ID compliant driver's license or a passport.

To obtain the Real ID compliant license, take the following documents to your local DMV office:

- birth certificate or passport

- Social Security card

- two documents proving address (must be less than 30 days old)

The cost of the Real ID compliant license depends on the current license class you have been issued and the state you reside in.

Click below for a current chart from the Missouri Department of Revenue:

Fee Chart

Passports:

A valid passport is required for all international travel unless you are on a closed loop cruise from the US.

However, we recommend that a passport book be used for all international travel in case you need emergency air transport.

For international air travel, a passport book with at least 6 months validity past travel dates is required.

For land border crossings or cruises, a passport card with at least 6 months validity past travel dates may be used.

This makes passports valid for only 9 1/2 years, so it is a good idea to renew when you get close to that time.

To apply for a new passport, take the following documents to your local acceptance facility: (click here to search in your area)

- completed DS-11 form (for new applicants) Use this Form Filler or print the PDF to complete by hand

- original or certified copy of your birth certificate

- driver's license or state photo ID

- marriage license to show name change from birth certificate (if applicable)

- recent 2x2 color photograph (can be taken at most CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart stores)

- passport fee via check ($110 per adult - $80 per child under 16 years old)

- execution fee via cash ($35 per applicant regardless of age)

If you need to renew your passport (can be done by mail, only for applicants aged 16 or older):

- completed DS-82 form Use this Form Filler or print the PDF to complete by hand

- recent 2x2 color photograph (can be taken at most CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart stores)

- marriage license to show name change from birth certificate (if applicable)

- passport fee via check ($110 per adult, print full name and date of birth on front of check)

- most recent current or expired passport

Routine passport processing time is 6 - 8 weeks.

If you need your passport sooner, you can expedite the process for an additional $60 per applicant to receive your passport in 2-3 weeks.

We are always here to answer questions or to assist in the application process!

Packing for air travel:

Packing for a trip can be daunting, but these tips will help make it a little easier.

TSA Liquids Rule:

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

What Can I Bring?

Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport.

Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all

Medications:

TSA lists the following as guidelines for traveling with medications:

It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).
Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subjected to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for an inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.

For more information on traveling with medical conditions or disabilities, contact the following:

TSA Contact Center

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 11 p.m EST

Weekend and Holidays 9 a.m - 8 p.m EST

1-866-289-9673

TSA Cares Help Line

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 11 p.m EST

Weekend and Holidays 9 a.m - 8 p.m EST

1-855-787-2227

TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov.

Baggage Limits and Size:

For most airlines (domestic or international), you are allowed one personal item (must fit under seat in front of you) and one carry on (must fit in the overhead bin) per person.

Whether the carry-on is free or will incur a charge depends on the airline itself or the class of service booked.

Checked baggage charges also depend on the specific airline policy and what destination you are traveling to.

For most airlines, checked baggage is limited to 50lb per bag and 62 linear (total) inches in size.

At the Airport:

What (Not) to Wear:

Navigating the airport can sometimes be a stressful process, but wearing the right attire can help things go smoothly.

Wear comfortable shoes that can be removed easily during security screening.

Bring socks if you don't want to be barefoot after removing sandals or slip on shoes!

Dress in layers so you can add and remove as needed depending on the temperature of the airport/plane.

Avoid wearing excessive metal jewelry, hair pins, or clothing with metal closures/details/belts.

Wear bottoms with minimal pockets More pockets = more things to remove from pockets

Arrival Times:

It is recommended that you arrive to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least 3 hours before your international flight.

You must be checked in to your flight at least 1 hour before departure or you will be denied boarding.

Allow enough time for traffic, parking, shuttle/transport, and check in.

Check In:

Most airlines allow you to check in 24 hours prior to your flight time.

In some cases, this is time you assign seats or get your boarding position.

For domestic flights, you can print your boarding passes at this time or use them via app on your device.

For international flights, you must verify your passport with a ticketing agent at the airport and receive your boarding pass at least one hour prior to your flight.

As a part of our services, we take care of your 24 hour airline check in for you!

Security Screening:

Be sure to start planning smart before you get the the airport by referring to the TSA 3-1-1 Rule and "What Can I Bring?" catalog which will ensure you encounter no issues with your baggage during screening.

Pack your liquid bag and large electronics in an outside pocket or another easily accessible place to avoid unzipping your whole suitcase at the scanner.

When you enter the line for security screening, have your passport/ID and boarding pass ready for scanning.

Collect all the loose items on your person (besides identification and boarding pass) and place them in your personal item for a quicker process once you get to the scanner. Don't be the person emptying their cargo pants and holding up the line!

Once your passport/ID and boarding pass have been scanned, place them in your personal item (or hold them) and remove all other loose items from your person.

Remove your liquids bag and all large electronics (bigger than a cell phone) and place them each in a separate bin.

Remove your shoes and place them in a bin as well.

Once all your items are in bins and on the conveyor, step over into the line for the body scan and wait until your belongings have passed through before you enter.

Once you and your baggage has been cleared, collect your items and move out of the security line to put on shoes, jewelry, etc.

You can then proceed to your gate!

Customs (International Travel):

When you enter a foreign country by air, you must go through Customs and Immigration in the airport.

When required, you will fill out a customs form on the plane or once you enter into the customs process at the airport.

You will be required to show your completed form and your passport to be stamped.

Keep all forms that are given back to you by the customs official as you will need them to exit the country.

Once you clear customs, you will then proceed to your transportation or other arrangements.

Arriving back into the United States is the same process.

Travel Insurance:

We always recommend travel insurance as an important part of your trip.

The benefits of having travel insurance are:

- cancellation insurance in case you need to cancel your entire trip due to a covered reason

- medical coverage that provides financial support in a medical emergency or illness while abroad

- emergency evacuation coverage if you need to be airlifted back to the US or another medical facility

- trip interruption coverage if you have to end your trip abruptly and return home

- reimbursement for lost or damaged baggage/personal belongings

- traveler assistance and 24 hour emergency services

Since most travel arrangements such as airline tickets, all-inclusive resorts, and cruises are non-refundable after the final payment is made, it is always a good idea to cover your entire trip.

We are always here to answer any other questions you have!