How to breeze through airport security checks

originally published in GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc The Philippine Star, July 24, 200

Airport security checks can be a hassle, but not if you know what to do. Dan Tardecilla of the Office of Transportation Security says they want passengers to cross the checkpoints easily, onto safe flights. Officers in the country’s 84 airports are trained to screen efficiently. But travelers too must help simplify the process by familiarizing themselves with it. Dan’s tips:

Pre-departure

• Know your terminal. NAIA has four. Terminal-1, the old MIA, serves all international airlines, except PAL and Cebu Pacific. Terminal-2, or Centennial, has only PAL, in separate wings for domestic and international flights. Cebu Pacific domestic and international fly out of Terminal-3, the newest, along with PAL Express and Air Philippines. Zest Air and Sea Air operate from the Domestic Terminal.

• Allow enough time before departure for security screening and check-in. For international, two to three hours before departure is best. All airports have two security checkpoints, at the terminal entrance and before the boarding gates. Airline check-in personnel also follow international standards in screening passengers and baggage.

• Have the airline ticket and acceptable ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.) ready before entering the terminal.

Baggage

• Before using, look inside all pockets and remove items prohibited in air travel (firearms, bladed weapons, etc.). Pack carryon and checked luggage yourself, so you know what’s inside in case of questions.

• Organizing a bag’s contents by layer facilitates visual checks. Screeners take more time checking and clearing cluttered bags. Pack smart; innocuous items can appear as threats in an X-ray image. Load your bags one foot apart on the X-ray conveyor belt.

• Do not wrap gifts; screeners may unwrap them for inspection. If flying to international destinations, follow the rules on duty-free items, like liquor and wine. Shop personnel will assist you on destinations that have restrictions on certain items.

• Security officers are on the lookout for liquid explosives. To avoid delays, pack all liquids in your checked luggage. If you must carry liquids, aerosols, creams or gels, the containers must not exceed 10 ml, packed inside a 20 x 20 cm transparent re-sealable plastic bag. Only one bag per passenger, this must be separately placed in the service tray for X-ray. Declare any exempted liquids (medicines, breast milk, etc.) to the screener.

• Screeners may request you to switch on laptops, digital cameras, and other electronic devices.

• Ask your airline customer service about items disallowed on board aircraft. When in doubt, leave it out. Bringing banned items not only may delay you and other passengers, but also require a police investigation.

Clothing

• Dress plainly. Screeners need to identify metals detected at checkpoints. If the metal detector alarms as you pass through, you will be required to undergo further screening, by hand wand or frisking.

• Before entering screening area, put loose change, keys, mobile phones, jewelry, and other metal objects inside the pocket of your jacket or carryon (that will pass through X-ray).

• At final checkpoint, travelers are required to remove shoes (aside from metal objects) and place these on the tray for X-ray. Slip-ons are easier to take off and put back on without having to sit down.

• Wearing bullets, dud or live, as amulet or lucky charm is barred.

• Avoid wearing bulky clothes, boots with laces, and other apparel that will make it difficult for the security officer to screen you properly.

• Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate bomb jokes, and threats will not be tolerated. You might miss your flight if taken in for questioning.

* * *

E-mail: jariusbondoc@workmail.com

Explore Down Under Australia

EXPLORE DOWN UNDER AUSTRALIA
USD2175/PAX

GrandCanyon at the Blue Mts. National Park

Departure Date: APRIL 6 -13 2009

Adult Single Room                $2500
Child with Bed                      $1722
Child Half Twin Sharing         $1840
Child without Bed                 $1546

Code: RAK-DUAUS-8D7

Day 1: DEPART MANILA

Day 2: ARRIVE IN BRISBANE (L/D)

Arrive in Brisbane, meet and greet coach captain and transfer to half day city  sights–INNER CITY BEACH, PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CHINATOWN, SOUTHBANK PRECINT and more. Then transfer for your BBQ lunch at DREAMWORLD and enjoy your unlimited rides. At 2PM, transfer to your hotel for check in. Evening, transfer to HARD ROCK CAFÉ for your dinner.

Day 3: GOLDCOAST (B/L/D)

After breakfast, proceed to full day tour to MOVIE WORLD. In the evening, drop off at GOLDEN FORTUNE RESTAURANT for your dinner.

Melbourne by the Yarra River

Day 4: GOLDCOAST.MELBOURNE (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to Airport. Upon arrival in Melbourne, meet and greet coach captain and proceed to your HALF DAY CITY SIGHTS of MELBOURNE. Continue tour after lunch at PHILIP ISLAND for the Penguin Parade. Evening transfer to your HALF LOBSTER dinner.

Day 5: MELBOURNE (B/L/D)

After breakfast proceed to your half day tour – first stop DOMAIN CHANDON, then to the SPARKLING WINE TASTING and enjoy cheese platter to taste and transfer to WARROCK CATTLE FARM for sheep sheering, Hayride around the farm, Hand Milking Dairy Cow, hand feeding baby lambs and calves. Transfer to your buffet dinner at local restaurant.

Day 6: MELBOURNE/SYDNEY (B/L/D)

After breakfast transfer to airport. Upon arrival at Sydney, meet and greet coach captain and transfer to your LUNCHEON CRUISE and continue to your half day city sights which includes – VIEW WITH THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, HARBOUR BRIDGE, THE ROCKS & more. Then

Day 7: SYDNEY/BLUE MT (B/L/D)

After breakfast, proceed to your full day tour at BLUE MOUNTAINS. First stop ECHO POINT where you can view the THREE SISTERS ROCK FORMATION, and continue to KOALA PARK SANCTUARY, meet and greet local staff and PAT THE KOALAS, FEED THE KANGAROOS and enjoy BBQ Dinner.

Day 8: SYDNEY/MANILA (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your departure flight back to Manila.

**itinerary and rates are subject to change without prior notice**

***********************

Inclusions

• RT airfare via QANTAS
• Hotel accommodations
• Private chartered vehicles with English speaking driver or guide for transfers and sightseeing (transfer based on SIC)
• Tours, transfers and admission fees as per itinerary

Exclusions:

- Foreign tax                          $399 (stc)
- PTT                                     Php1620
- Visa processing Fee              Php1000
- Visa Fee                              Php3600
- Courier Fee                         Php600
- Tips for the guide and driver $5/day/pax

***SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

FLIGHT DETAILS:
QF020 MNL BNE 1840 0355+1
QF5431 OOL MEL 0915 1125
QF414 MELSYD 0800 0925
QF19 SYD MNL 1120 1720

For reservations and availability, please contact Vikky 0928-614860
or email vikkycab at skydsl.com.ph

IMAGES BELONG TO VIRTUAL AUSTRALIA

Discount Cruise Ship Vacations: Do They Exist?

In today’s society, we live for deals, discounts, and other savings. If given the opportunity to save money, just about everyone would take it. The need to save may be apparent in your daily shopping habits. Many shoppers, maybe even yourself included, shop at discount stores or use multiple coupons. These actions may save you thousands of dollars each year. Do you know that in addition to saving money on your groceries, you could be saving money on your next cruise?

Discount cruise ship vacations are often viewed as a myth by many individuals. These individuals are most likely infrequent travelers. If you are interested in scheduling your next vacation aboard a cruise ship, you are encouraged not to believe this popular myth. Automatically assuming that cruise ship discounts do not exist can cost you a large amount of money and it may even prevent you from making a reservation.

When it comes to booking a discount cruise ship vacation, you have a number of different options. These options vary; therefore, you are encouraged to examine each and every one of them. You never know where cruise ship discounts may be found, that is until you begin searching for them. To get started, you are encouraged to visit a number of online discount travel websites.

Discount travel websites are a popular and easy way to obtain discounts on a wide range of vacations, including cruises. With a simple click of the mouse, you could easily compare prices and make your reservations. If you happen to come across additional discount websites, you are encouraged to fully research the website before providing them with your personal information.

In addition to viewing the discounts obtainable through an online travel website, you are also urged to contact cruise lines directly. In the event that you decide to take a last minute cruise, you may find a number of deals and discounts offered to last minute travelers. Last minute cruise ship discounts are often offered in a final attempt to fill empty cabins. These deals and discounts can easily be found online or by directly contacting a cruise ship representative.

It is also advised that you considered any membership clubs that you belong to.  AARP is a membership club that regularly offers travel discounts to its senior members. These discounts often include airline tickets and cruise ship reservations.  Other membership clubs may offer discounts. The only way to determine if discounts are available is to ask a club representative.

One alternative to researching cruise ship discounts yourself is to obtain the services of a professional travel agent. Travel agents operate online and locally. You may be able to obtain the services of a low-cost travel agent. Travel agents are popular. In addition to researching and suggesting particular cruise ships, they are often offered discounts that are not available to the general public.

With a small amount of time and research or professional assistance, you can easily obtain discount cruise ship tickets. Why avoid cruises altogether or pay full price for a reservation that can be obtained for a discount?

Disneyland Vacations 2: For toddlers

Disneyland was designed for kids of all ages – and toddlers are no exception! There are many activities that you can enjoy with your toddler – so many things in fact, that unless you will be staying for several days, you won’t have time to do them all.

Start with Toon Town. Here is where you will find your toddler’s favorite Disney Characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse. All of the Characters have homes in Toon Town, full of things that will amaze your toddler, and make them laugh.

Your toddler will definitely enjoy the Disneyland Railroad. This is a great way to get around the park, because there are stations in New Orleans Square, Toon Town, Tomorrowland, and on Main Street. This will amuse your toddler, and give you a chance to see some sights and rest a bit.

Its A Small World is very appropriate for toddlers.  Music and colors will keep your child mesmerized while you enjoy a relaxing ride across the water. The Storybook Land Canal Boats is another good choice, as it will take you through the miniature villages that your child will be quite familiar with from their story books.

Rides that you and your toddler must not miss include all of the rides in Fantasyland, King Arthur’s Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Circus Train, and the Mad Tea Party. Rides that are appropriate for youngsters, but that may cause a little fear are the rides that are dark. These include Peter Pan’s Flight, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Alice in Wonderland, and Snow White’s Scary Adventure.  Buzz Lightyear is a popular ride for all toddlers.

There are other areas of the park that have attractions and rides that are appropriate for toddlers. Remember that Disneyland is a place for kids of all ages. Pay attention to the height and age requirements for each attraction, and avoid taking your toddler to rides that they will not be able to enjoy. This will only cause your child disappointment.

Stick to the areas where the toddler appropriate attractions are located as much as possible. As an adult, you realize that some rides are simply not safe for small people – but your small person may not comprehend this! Your Disneyland vacation should be enjoyable for everyone, and Disneyland has made sure that there is something for everyone at the park. It is up to you to keep your child happy, and to keep them interested in the rides and attractions that they are meant to enjoy.

Hong Kong Disneyland Package

Ease for parents

As a parent, you already know that you don’t want to have to carry your child around in your arms all day. You couldn’t possibly make it through the day! You also can’t expect your child to walk all day long.  The obvious choice is to have a way to transport your child – without wearing you or the child completely out.

Strollers are not only welcome at Disneyland, they are highly recommended. In fact, Disneyland rents strollers for a reasonable fee. Strollers can be rented for less than $10 for the day, and you can get a huge discount on a second stroller if it is needed. The strollers are clean and well-maintained, but they do all look alike. Tie something on the stroller, such as a brightly colored ribbon, to help identify it from all of the other strollers in the park.

Never leave your child unattended in the stroller, and never leave any material items of any value in the stroller either. Even if you bring your own stroller, you should have some easy way to identify it – there will be other strollers that look just like it at Disneyland.

Hong Kong Disneyland Package

Watch out for future articles on Disneyland packages on this site.

Disneyland Vacations 1: Planning Tips

For many people, planning a Disneyland Vacation is part of the fun of the vacation itself! For others, however, it can be a headache. Before you start planning your vacation, determine whether or not you are really up to planning the trip yourself or not.

If you don’t want to plan your own trip, you have several options. Of course, you can have a travel agent make all of the arrangements for you, but for the best Disneyland experience, you might be better off using the Disney Vacation Planning Services.  Either way, you can have every single aspect of your trip planned for you.  Once you get there, all you will need to do is follow your Itinerary.

The best time to go

If you prefer the fun involved in planning your Disneyland vacation yourself, there are some things that you absolutely must not leave out of the planning stage. Before you can decide what you will be doing at Disneyland, you must determine which dates you will be there. The parks offer a different themes with a wide variety of activities, features, and rides at different times of the year.  You can check these out at the Disneyland website.

The days that you choose to be there will depend greatly on whether you are more interested in attractions or entertainment – or both. For instance, Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, and Thursday’s are the days when you will have shorter lines for the attractions, because there will be fewer people there. On the other hand, the entertainment on those nights cannot compare to the entertainment that is offered on the weekends. If entertainment is important, plan your visit to Disneyland for the weekend.

If you will be at Disneyland for several days, however, plan to ride the attractions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and then enjoy the entertainment, as well as the other things the park has to offer on the other days. If you are visiting during the off-season, you should note that entertainment usually isn’t offered on weekdays. Also remember that the park really fills up as the day wears on, so try to ride the attractions in the morning if possible!

Once you know when you will be at Disneyland, the next step is to figure out what you will be doing each day that you are there. Once you’ve set up your travel arrangements and your hotel reservations, there are a few more things you must consider.

Food is one thing you might want to arrange in advance.  Disneyland is a very popular place, and having reservations at some of the more popular restaurants is recommended. These  reservations can be made well in advance – before you ever leave home.

When planning which attractions at Disneyland you want to visit, use a map of Disneyland as a guide. This will make it easier to schedule time for attractions that are near each other. You want to see and do as much as possible, so as much walking or travel time as you can.

Keep your budget in mind. Often, by making arrangements through travel agents or through the
Disneyland Vacation Planning Services, you will be able to get better deals – which can save you money. Look for these deals, and save as much money as you can on your hotel and food.  If you have small children with you, keep their priorities in mind – they have less interest in where they will sleep and the food that they will eat, and more interest in what they will see and do!

Hong Kong Disneyland Package

Watch out for future articles on Disneyland packages on this site.

Philippine Airlines Econolight Class

from the Philippines Airlines website

Get great value from our “NO-FRILLS” to ALL PAL Domestic flights and selected Asian Destinations. For selling immediately and for traveling effective 10 November 2008.

Published international EconoLight fares are valid for sale, ticketing and travel until 18 March 2009, while domestic EconoLight fares are valid until further notice.

Only available for purchase through the PAL website.

Below are the applicable routes and fares:

INTERNATIONAL ROUND TRIP FARES excluding taxes, surcharges and airport terminal fee

• For as low as US $48 (with PBWEB Fare Basis)/Minimum 2 days and maximum 8 days of stay
  Between MANILA and BANGKOK /HO CHI MINH* / HONG KONG /JAKARTA / MACAU / SINGAPORE / TAIPEI

*Not available for HO CHI MINH to MANILA.

• For as low as U S $128 (with PBWEB Fare Basis)/ Minimum 2 days and maximum of 14 days stay
  Between MANILA and BEIJING/ SHANGHAI

Note: International fares will be quoted in the currency of the country of departure except for Philippines and Indonesia where fares are quoted in USD.

Learn more about the PAL Econolight Class

Pictures sourced from Philippine Pictures

Double your Asia Miles

Celebrate the New Year in style with Double Asia Miles when you stay at any participating Raffles hotels and resorts for two or more consecutive nights at Best Available Rate!

Indulge yourself in the splendour of Raffles hotels and resorts where luxury and refined elegance await you. From exotic destinations to vibrant cities, Raffles combines gracious service with residential charm.

Book during the promotion period and enjoy other great benefits!

Participating hotels:

• Raffles Hotel, Singapore.
• Raffles Beijing Hotel, China.
• Raffles Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• Raffles Canouan, The Grenadines.

Promotional period
01 Jan 2009 – 31 Mar 2009

Preparing for Your International Flight

Each year, millions of people worldwide make the decision to travel out of the country — some for personal reasons, others for business. Whatever your reasons for flying, you will find that international flights are not like most domestic flights, and you will need to prepare for an international flight differently.

The first  step is to arrange your basic travel documents.  Surely you will need a passport,  which your government issues as your identification document.  Most countries will require that your passport is  still valid 6 or 7 months after you complete your trip.

Traveling to another country also may require you to have a visa to enter it.  Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality.  Don’t hesitate to ask your travel agent if in doubt.  Or search the country’s website, which will normally have a page for visa requirements.  If online visa application is available, go ahead, apply and request an interview schedule if this is required.  This act can save you a lot of commuting and waiting.  Take note of visa processing fees and if they have to be paid ahead of time.

Nationals from ASEAN member-countries are not required to get visas to get these countries — Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnamm and Burma (Myanmar).  But the same nationals will need to acquire a visa to travel to the USA ahead of time, sometimes 3 months ahead.  They too need visas to enter Japan, Korea and India.

Once your national identification and entry documents are being processed and assured, you can start start searching for your flight tickets and booking your accommodations. Don’t forget your airport shuttle arrangements, since not all hotels provide shuttle service.  Consider too any arrangements for visits to friends or relatives in the destination country, possible tours, as well as the oft-forgotten plan for meals.

Some people start packing weeks ahead of their planned international trip. Airport security rules will only allow you to bring small containers (30 oz) containers of drinks, shampoo, gels, medication, lotion, mouthwash in a 1-quart resealable sea-through bags.  (We recently discovered a company that supplies your favorite toiletry brands in these approved travel sizes. Order them at traveltoiletrykits.com and get them delivered to your home or destination hotel.)  It is also important to note that all explosive and flammable objects are completely banned from airplanes, including your checked baggage.

You will also need to know the actual check-in luggage allowance unless you’re openly willing to be charged for excess luggage.  Your online booking engine or airline should give you this information.  If not, feel free to ask.  Most airlines have lowered their baggage allowances, and will charge extra for the 2nd bag. Some airlines, like United, will charge $15 for even the first piece of checked-in bag.

Familiarize yourself with the items that are banned aboard an airplane in the United States, you should also familiarize yourself with the bans enforced in the country that you will be flying to. This is extremely important because not all areas of the world are the same.  Essentially, this may mean that although a certain item may be allowed in your carry-on luggage in the Untied States, it may not be in another country. To prevent a problem from arising with airport security, you are advised to examine the most commonly banned items, throughout the entire world. Here’s a good support article on these items.

Try to  familiarize yourself with the international airports in which you will be flying in and out of.  You may want to print  or request a map of each airport, as well as familiarize yourself with all airport screening procedures.  Although airport security is heightened all across the globe, even in domestic airports, you will find that the security at international airport is more intense.

The security measures taken at each airport will vary depending on the preference of the airport in question. Despite the fact that specific airports can add in their own precautionary measures, there are some rules that be must followed. These rules often involve the proper screening of all passengers and bags. Since this screening may take some time, you are advised to arrive at the airport as early as you possibly can. For international flights, it is advised that you arrive no latter than three hours before your flight is set to take off. In the event that a problem should arise, three hours should give you enough time to, hopefully, get the problem straightened out.

Keep the above points in mind, so you can successfully prepare for your next international vacation or business trip.  When it comes to international travel, nothing is more important than the proper planning.

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Surviving Airport Screening Checkpoints

In recent years, as well as recent months, air travel rules have changed.  If you are planning on flying, you will find that most of these changes have occurred right at airports, particularly airport security checkpoints.  Before you head off to catch a flight tomorrow or  in two weeks, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with these new air travel rules.

Most passengers think there is only one checkpoint at the airport, but the reality is that there are three and sometimes four.  The first checkpoint in several airports is upon entering the airport building, as in the Manila International Airport.  Only passengers are allowed to enter, and guards ask for one’s passport as identification.

At most airports though, security points starts at the airline Check-in counter, where the passenger checks in for a flight.  Here, the passenger is given his seat assignment and is issued his boarding pass.  He also hands over any baggage to be check-in.  In addition to handing over your plane tickets or requesting your boarding passes, you will need to show the proper forms of identification such as  a driver’s license or a government issued identification card or passport.

Once you have received all of your boarding passes, for all of your flights, you will need to hand over your luggage that you will be loaded in the plane’s cargo hold. These bags are commonly referred to as checked baggage or checked luggage.  As with your carry-on luggage, your checked baggage will need to be checked for prohibited items. In the past, only a small number of bags were hand checked, but now almost all are.  Many of these checks are quick look-overs, but you may be subject to a random, extensive search. This search often includes the checking of all baggage compartments, as well as the wiping of a cloth, which is looking for powdery substances.

When you have been cleared to the next stage, you will need to go through the main airport security checkpoints. This point is where you will be required to have your carry-on luggage scanned by an x-ray machine. You will also need to walk through a metal detector.  the past, only random travelers were asked to remove their shoes for checking.  However, after 9-11, all air travelers, with the exception of those with a disability or hindering medical condition, are required to remove their shoes. Your shoes will be x-rayed, along with the rest of your carry-on luggage.

Unnecessary incidents can be prevented by familiarizing yourself with the items that are banned aboard an airplane,  for both checked luggage and carry-on.  In the event that you are found carrying a prohibited item, certain steps will be taken. Depending on the item in question, you may be required to return the item to you car, discard it, mail it to your home, or turn it over to airport security.  Ensuring that you leave all prohibited items at home is the best way to prevent this unnecessary tie up, which may cause you to miss your flight.

Once you have been cleared at the main security checkpoint, you will need to go through one more final security checkpoint before being able to board your airplane.  When entering the airport terminal, after your airline has granted permission for passengers to board, you will need to present airline officials with the appropriate boarding pass.  As this time you may need to show your identification again; however, it isn’t always necessary. Most travelers are easily able to board their airplane, but you may be pulled aside in the event that you are acting suspicious or drawing unwanted attention to yourself. That is why it is best that you stay calm during all airport checkpoints, including the final boarding stage.

Perhaps, the best way to ensure that your next flight is as pleasant as it can be is to follow all air travel rules.  Knowing these rules ahead of time, including the screening process, you should ensure that you are able to board your plane and make it to your intended destination without incident.