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Accessibility 2
Age Requirements:
• 5-7 years: Some airlines don't accept, others require direct flights only
• 8-11 years: Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service required
• 12-14 years: UM service optional (varies by airline)
• 15-17 years: Usually can travel as adult
Unaccompanied Minor Service Includes:
• Dedicated airline staff escort
• Priority boarding
• In-flight monitoring
• Handoff to designated guardian at destination
Requirements:
• Advance booking (usually 48+ hours)
• Completed UM forms with guardian info
• ID verification at check-in
• Guardian must wait until plane departs
• Recipient must show ID at arrival
Fees: Typically $100-$150 each way (varies by airline)
• 5-7 years: Some airlines don't accept, others require direct flights only
• 8-11 years: Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service required
• 12-14 years: UM service optional (varies by airline)
• 15-17 years: Usually can travel as adult
Unaccompanied Minor Service Includes:
• Dedicated airline staff escort
• Priority boarding
• In-flight monitoring
• Handoff to designated guardian at destination
Requirements:
• Advance booking (usually 48+ hours)
• Completed UM forms with guardian info
• ID verification at check-in
• Guardian must wait until plane departs
• Recipient must show ID at arrival
Fees: Typically $100-$150 each way (varies by airline)
Types of Assistance Available:
• WCHR: Wheelchair for ramp - can walk short distances
• WCHS: Wheelchair for steps - can walk to/from seat
• WCHC: Wheelchair for cabin - cannot walk at all
• Hearing/Visual assistance
• Oxygen equipment
How to Request:
1. Request when booking (preferred)
2. Call airline at least 48 hours before
3. Arrive early (2+ hours domestic, 3+ international)
4. Confirm at check-in
What's Provided Free:
• Wheelchair and attendant service
• Priority boarding
• Assistance through security and boarding
• Help with carry-on luggage
Your Own Mobility Device:
• Manual wheelchairs: Free in cargo
• Electric wheelchairs: Free, but notify airline
• Batteries: Specific rules for lithium batteries
• WCHR: Wheelchair for ramp - can walk short distances
• WCHS: Wheelchair for steps - can walk to/from seat
• WCHC: Wheelchair for cabin - cannot walk at all
• Hearing/Visual assistance
• Oxygen equipment
How to Request:
1. Request when booking (preferred)
2. Call airline at least 48 hours before
3. Arrive early (2+ hours domestic, 3+ international)
4. Confirm at check-in
What's Provided Free:
• Wheelchair and attendant service
• Priority boarding
• Assistance through security and boarding
• Help with carry-on luggage
Your Own Mobility Device:
• Manual wheelchairs: Free in cargo
• Electric wheelchairs: Free, but notify airline
• Batteries: Specific rules for lithium batteries
Check-In 5
When to Check In:
• Online check-in opens: 24-48 hours before departure
• Best time: As soon as it opens for best seat selection
• Closes: 1-2 hours before departure
How to Check In:
1. Go to airline website or app
2. Enter booking reference and last name
3. Confirm passenger details
4. Select seats (if not already done)
5. Add any extras (bags, meals)
6. Download or print boarding pass
Benefits of Online Check-In:
• Skip check-in counter lines
• Early seat selection
• Digital boarding pass on phone
• Faster airport experience
When You MUST Check In at Airport:
• Traveling with pets
• Unaccompanied minors
• Oversized baggage
• Document verification needed
• International flights (some airlines)
• Online check-in opens: 24-48 hours before departure
• Best time: As soon as it opens for best seat selection
• Closes: 1-2 hours before departure
How to Check In:
1. Go to airline website or app
2. Enter booking reference and last name
3. Confirm passenger details
4. Select seats (if not already done)
5. Add any extras (bags, meals)
6. Download or print boarding pass
Benefits of Online Check-In:
• Skip check-in counter lines
• Early seat selection
• Digital boarding pass on phone
• Faster airport experience
When You MUST Check In at Airport:
• Traveling with pets
• Unaccompanied minors
• Oversized baggage
• Document verification needed
• International flights (some airlines)
Recommended Arrival Times:
Domestic Flights:
• Standard: 2 hours before departure
• Peak times/holidays: 2.5-3 hours
• With checked bags: Add 30 minutes
International Flights:
• Standard: 3 hours before departure
• First-time international: 3.5 hours
• Complex connections: 4 hours
Factors That May Require More Time:
• Traveling with children/pets
• Special assistance needed
• Large/oversized baggage
• Peak travel days (Friday, Sunday)
• Holiday periods
• Visa/immigration document checks
Cutting It Close?
• Check-in counters close: 45-60 min before departure
• Boarding gates close: 15-30 min before departure
• TSA recommends 30 min minimum at security
Domestic Flights:
• Standard: 2 hours before departure
• Peak times/holidays: 2.5-3 hours
• With checked bags: Add 30 minutes
International Flights:
• Standard: 3 hours before departure
• First-time international: 3.5 hours
• Complex connections: 4 hours
Factors That May Require More Time:
• Traveling with children/pets
• Special assistance needed
• Large/oversized baggage
• Peak travel days (Friday, Sunday)
• Holiday periods
• Visa/immigration document checks
Cutting It Close?
• Check-in counters close: 45-60 min before departure
• Boarding gates close: 15-30 min before departure
• TSA recommends 30 min minimum at security
What is TSA PreCheck?
• Expedited security screening program
• Keep shoes, belt, light jacket on
• Laptop and liquids stay in bag
• Shorter dedicated lines
How to Apply:
1. Apply online at tsa.gov/precheck
2. Schedule in-person appointment
3. Bring ID and documents
4. Pay $78 fee (5-year membership)
5. Receive Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Processing Time:
• Background check: 2-3 weeks typically
• Some get approval in days
Eligible Programs:
• TSA PreCheck: Domestic + some international
• Global Entry: Includes TSA PreCheck + faster customs ($100, 5 years)
• CLEAR: Biometric ID verification (separate program)
Tips:
• Add KTN to airline profile for automatic inclusion
• Not guaranteed on every flight
• Credit cards often reimburse application fee
• Expedited security screening program
• Keep shoes, belt, light jacket on
• Laptop and liquids stay in bag
• Shorter dedicated lines
How to Apply:
1. Apply online at tsa.gov/precheck
2. Schedule in-person appointment
3. Bring ID and documents
4. Pay $78 fee (5-year membership)
5. Receive Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Processing Time:
• Background check: 2-3 weeks typically
• Some get approval in days
Eligible Programs:
• TSA PreCheck: Domestic + some international
• Global Entry: Includes TSA PreCheck + faster customs ($100, 5 years)
• CLEAR: Biometric ID verification (separate program)
Tips:
• Add KTN to airline profile for automatic inclusion
• Not guaranteed on every flight
• Credit cards often reimburse application fee
Ways to Get Your Boarding Pass:
1. Mobile Boarding Pass:
• Check in via airline app
• Save to Apple Wallet or Google Pay
• Screenshot as backup
• Most convenient option
2. Print at Home:
• Check in online
• Print boarding pass PDF
• Good backup for international travel
3. Airport Kiosk:
• Use self-service kiosk
• Enter confirmation code or scan passport
• Print boarding pass
4. Check-in Counter:
• Agent prints boarding pass
• Required for some situations (pets, special assistance)
What's on Your Boarding Pass:
• Name, flight number, date
• Departure/arrival cities and times
• Gate and seat number
• Boarding group/zone
• TSA PreCheck indicator (if applicable)
• Barcode for scanning
1. Mobile Boarding Pass:
• Check in via airline app
• Save to Apple Wallet or Google Pay
• Screenshot as backup
• Most convenient option
2. Print at Home:
• Check in online
• Print boarding pass PDF
• Good backup for international travel
3. Airport Kiosk:
• Use self-service kiosk
• Enter confirmation code or scan passport
• Print boarding pass
4. Check-in Counter:
• Agent prints boarding pass
• Required for some situations (pets, special assistance)
What's on Your Boarding Pass:
• Name, flight number, date
• Departure/arrival cities and times
• Gate and seat number
• Boarding group/zone
• TSA PreCheck indicator (if applicable)
• Barcode for scanning
Before Security:
• Have boarding pass and ID ready
• Remove items from pockets
• Wear easy-to-remove shoes
At Security Checkpoint:
• Place items in bins: laptop, liquids bag, shoes, belt, jacket
• Walk through metal detector or body scanner
• Collect belongings and repack
Liquids Rule (3-1-1):
• 3.4 oz (100ml) containers max
• 1 quart-sized clear bag
• 1 bag per passenger
• Exceptions: Medication, baby formula (declare to agent)
TSA PreCheck Benefits:
• Keep shoes, belt, light jacket on
• Laptop stays in bag
• Liquids stay in bag
• Faster lines
Prohibited Items:
• Weapons, sharp objects
• Large tools
• Sporting equipment (check instead)
• Full-size toiletries
Tips:
• Arrive early during peak times
• Organize bag for easy screening
• Don't joke about security threats
• Have boarding pass and ID ready
• Remove items from pockets
• Wear easy-to-remove shoes
At Security Checkpoint:
• Place items in bins: laptop, liquids bag, shoes, belt, jacket
• Walk through metal detector or body scanner
• Collect belongings and repack
Liquids Rule (3-1-1):
• 3.4 oz (100ml) containers max
• 1 quart-sized clear bag
• 1 bag per passenger
• Exceptions: Medication, baby formula (declare to agent)
TSA PreCheck Benefits:
• Keep shoes, belt, light jacket on
• Laptop stays in bag
• Liquids stay in bag
• Faster lines
Prohibited Items:
• Weapons, sharp objects
• Large tools
• Sporting equipment (check instead)
• Full-size toiletries
Tips:
• Arrive early during peak times
• Organize bag for easy screening
• Don't joke about security threats
Flights 1
When You Can Select Seats:
• During booking (may cost extra)
• At online check-in (24-48 hours before)
• At airport check-in counter
• At the gate (limited options)
Seat Types & Fees:
• Standard seats: Often free at check-in
• Extra legroom: $15-$75
• Exit row: $25-$100 (must be able-bodied adult)
• Preferred/front seats: $10-$50
• Window/Aisle guarantee: Sometimes extra fee
Tips for Better Seats:
• Check in exactly when it opens
• Set fare alerts - prices may drop
• Elite status = free seat selection
• SeatGuru.com shows best seats on each plane
• Call airline for special requests
Can't Sit Together?
• Ask gate agent politely
• Other passengers often willing to swap
• During booking (may cost extra)
• At online check-in (24-48 hours before)
• At airport check-in counter
• At the gate (limited options)
Seat Types & Fees:
• Standard seats: Often free at check-in
• Extra legroom: $15-$75
• Exit row: $25-$100 (must be able-bodied adult)
• Preferred/front seats: $10-$50
• Window/Aisle guarantee: Sometimes extra fee
Tips for Better Seats:
• Check in exactly when it opens
• Set fare alerts - prices may drop
• Elite status = free seat selection
• SeatGuru.com shows best seats on each plane
• Call airline for special requests
Can't Sit Together?
• Ask gate agent politely
• Other passengers often willing to swap
Hotels 2
Standard Times:
• Check-in: 3:00 PM (15:00)
• Check-out: 11:00 AM (11:00)
Early Check-in:
• Request in advance or at arrival
• May be available if room is ready
• Early check-in fee: $20-$50 typically
• Elite members often get free early check-in
Late Check-out:
• Request at front desk morning of departure
• May be complimentary if hotel isn't full
• Late check-out fee: $20-$100
• 1-2 hours extension often free
Tips:
• Book directly with hotel for flexibility
• Mention special occasions
• Join loyalty program before stay
• If arriving early, ask to store luggage
• If leaving late, use the pool/gym first
• Check-in: 3:00 PM (15:00)
• Check-out: 11:00 AM (11:00)
Early Check-in:
• Request in advance or at arrival
• May be available if room is ready
• Early check-in fee: $20-$50 typically
• Elite members often get free early check-in
Late Check-out:
• Request at front desk morning of departure
• May be complimentary if hotel isn't full
• Late check-out fee: $20-$100
• 1-2 hours extension often free
Tips:
• Book directly with hotel for flexibility
• Mention special occasions
• Join loyalty program before stay
• If arriving early, ask to store luggage
• If leaving late, use the pool/gym first
Payment Options:
Pay at Hotel:
• Credit card hold at booking (authorization)
• Full payment at check-out
• Can change payment method at hotel
Pay Now (Prepaid):
• Charged when booking
• Often lower rates
• Usually non-refundable
At Check-in:
• Credit/debit card required for incidentals
• Hold: $50-$200 per night typically
• Debit cards: Actual hold on funds
• Released 3-7 days after check-out
Resort Fees:
• Mandatory daily fee at some hotels
• Covers WiFi, pool, gym, etc.
• $25-$50 per night
• Paid at check-out (not in advertised rate)
Taxes:
• City/state hotel taxes: 10-18%
• Tourism taxes in some cities
• Added to final bill
Pay at Hotel:
• Credit card hold at booking (authorization)
• Full payment at check-out
• Can change payment method at hotel
Pay Now (Prepaid):
• Charged when booking
• Often lower rates
• Usually non-refundable
At Check-in:
• Credit/debit card required for incidentals
• Hold: $50-$200 per night typically
• Debit cards: Actual hold on funds
• Released 3-7 days after check-out
Resort Fees:
• Mandatory daily fee at some hotels
• Covers WiFi, pool, gym, etc.
• $25-$50 per night
• Paid at check-out (not in advertised rate)
Taxes:
• City/state hotel taxes: 10-18%
• Tourism taxes in some cities
• Added to final bill
Cruises 1
Identification:
Closed-Loop Cruises (US):
• Start and end at same US port
• US citizens: Government-issued photo ID + birth certificate
• Passport recommended but not required
International Cruises:
• Valid passport (6 months validity recommended)
• Visas if required for ports of call
Other Documents:
• Cruise booking confirmation
• Boarding pass (complete online check-in)
• Credit card for onboard account
• Vaccination records (COVID, yellow fever for some)
• Travel insurance documents
Tips:
• Complete online check-in before arrival
• Upload documents to cruise line app
• Bring copies of all documents
• Check visa requirements for every port
• Passport gives flexibility if plans change
Closed-Loop Cruises (US):
• Start and end at same US port
• US citizens: Government-issued photo ID + birth certificate
• Passport recommended but not required
International Cruises:
• Valid passport (6 months validity recommended)
• Visas if required for ports of call
Other Documents:
• Cruise booking confirmation
• Boarding pass (complete online check-in)
• Credit card for onboard account
• Vaccination records (COVID, yellow fever for some)
• Travel insurance documents
Tips:
• Complete online check-in before arrival
• Upload documents to cruise line app
• Bring copies of all documents
• Check visa requirements for every port
• Passport gives flexibility if plans change
Booking Travel 1
Included in All Fares:
• One personal item (purse, laptop bag)
• In-flight entertainment
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Snacks on flights 2+ hours
• Safety and emergency equipment
Varies by Fare Class:
Basic:
• Personal item only
• Seat assigned at check-in
Standard:
• + Carry-on bag
• + Advance seat selection
• + Flight changes (with fee)
Premium:
• + Checked bag included
• + Priority boarding
• + Extra legroom
• + Free changes
Business/First:
• + Multiple checked bags
• + Lounge access
• + Premium meals
• + Full flexibility
Always Check:
Exact inclusions at time of booking as they vary by airline and route.
• One personal item (purse, laptop bag)
• In-flight entertainment
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Snacks on flights 2+ hours
• Safety and emergency equipment
Varies by Fare Class:
Basic:
• Personal item only
• Seat assigned at check-in
Standard:
• + Carry-on bag
• + Advance seat selection
• + Flight changes (with fee)
Premium:
• + Checked bag included
• + Priority boarding
• + Extra legroom
• + Free changes
Business/First:
• + Multiple checked bags
• + Lounge access
• + Premium meals
• + Full flexibility
Always Check:
Exact inclusions at time of booking as they vary by airline and route.
Bag Info 1
Adding Checked Bags:
When Booking:
• Add bags during checkout
• Usually cheapest option
• Automatically included in your itinerary
After Booking:
1. Go to 'Manage My Trip'
2. Select your booking
3. Click 'Add Baggage'
4. Select number of bags
5. Pay and receive confirmation
At the Airport:
• Can add at check-in kiosk
• Or at airline counter
• Usually most expensive option
• Subject to availability
Best Practices:
• Add bags at least 24 hours before
• Online prices are usually lower
• Check if bags included in your fare first
• Consider upgrading fare vs adding bags
Bag Tags:
• Print at home or airport kiosk
• Some airports have bag drop
• Keep receipt until you collect bags
When Booking:
• Add bags during checkout
• Usually cheapest option
• Automatically included in your itinerary
After Booking:
1. Go to 'Manage My Trip'
2. Select your booking
3. Click 'Add Baggage'
4. Select number of bags
5. Pay and receive confirmation
At the Airport:
• Can add at check-in kiosk
• Or at airline counter
• Usually most expensive option
• Subject to availability
Best Practices:
• Add bags at least 24 hours before
• Online prices are usually lower
• Check if bags included in your fare first
• Consider upgrading fare vs adding bags
Bag Tags:
• Print at home or airport kiosk
• Some airports have bag drop
• Keep receipt until you collect bags
Traveling Together 1
Traveling with Pets Guide:
In-Cabin (Small Pets):
• Dogs and cats mostly
• Must fit in carrier under seat
• Carrier max: ~18" x 11" x 11"
• Pet + carrier under 20 lbs usually
• Fee: $95-200 each way
• Limited spots - book early!
Checked Pets (Cargo):
• For larger pets
• IATA-approved hard kennel required
• Climate-controlled cargo hold
• Fee: $200-500+
• Temperature restrictions apply
• Not available on all routes
Pet Shipping Services:
• Door-to-door pet transport
• Professional handlers
• Best for complex itineraries
• Expensive but comprehensive
Preparation:
• Vet visit 10 days before
• Health certificate required
• Update microchip info
• Practice with carrier
• Don't feed 4-6 hours before
• Walk before check-in
Restricted Breeds:
• Snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs) often restricted
• Check airline pet policy carefully
In-Cabin (Small Pets):
• Dogs and cats mostly
• Must fit in carrier under seat
• Carrier max: ~18" x 11" x 11"
• Pet + carrier under 20 lbs usually
• Fee: $95-200 each way
• Limited spots - book early!
Checked Pets (Cargo):
• For larger pets
• IATA-approved hard kennel required
• Climate-controlled cargo hold
• Fee: $200-500+
• Temperature restrictions apply
• Not available on all routes
Pet Shipping Services:
• Door-to-door pet transport
• Professional handlers
• Best for complex itineraries
• Expensive but comprehensive
Preparation:
• Vet visit 10 days before
• Health certificate required
• Update microchip info
• Practice with carrier
• Don't feed 4-6 hours before
• Walk before check-in
Restricted Breeds:
• Snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs) often restricted
• Check airline pet policy carefully
Travel Requirements 2
International Travel: Know Before You Go
Customers are responsible for meeting ALL travel and entry requirements for their destination and any intermediate points.
Your Responsibilities:
• Valid passport
• Required visas
• Valid U.S. resident card (to fly back to the U.S.)
• Required health protocols
• Contact tracing requirements
Important Timelines:
• Check-in (with bags): 3 hours prior to departure recommended
• Flight closes: 60 minutes prior to departure - NO EXCEPTIONS
• Check-in method: Online or at airport check-in counters
Before You Travel:
1. Verify passport validity (6+ months)
2. Research visa requirements for destination
3. Check health requirements (vaccinations, testing)
4. Confirm you have onward/return travel proof
5. Download required apps or forms
Pro Tip: Use our online travel documentation tool to check specific requirements for your destination.
Customers are responsible for meeting ALL travel and entry requirements for their destination and any intermediate points.
Your Responsibilities:
• Valid passport
• Required visas
• Valid U.S. resident card (to fly back to the U.S.)
• Required health protocols
• Contact tracing requirements
Important Timelines:
• Check-in (with bags): 3 hours prior to departure recommended
• Flight closes: 60 minutes prior to departure - NO EXCEPTIONS
• Check-in method: Online or at airport check-in counters
Before You Travel:
1. Verify passport validity (6+ months)
2. Research visa requirements for destination
3. Check health requirements (vaccinations, testing)
4. Confirm you have onward/return travel proof
5. Download required apps or forms
Pro Tip: Use our online travel documentation tool to check specific requirements for your destination.
International Flight Check-In Times
Recommended Arrival Time:
• 3 hours before scheduled departure
• Especially important if checking bags
CRITICAL - Flight Closes:
• 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure
• NO EXCEPTIONS
• Must clear immigration and security at least 1 hour before departure
Allow Time For:
• Getting to the correct terminal
• Check-in for your flight
• Immigration processing
• Security screening
• Walking to your gate
U.S. Pre-Clearance Airports:
If traveling from these airports, check Customs closing times at US Customs & Border Protection website:
• Aruba (AUA)
• Bermuda (BDA)
• Dublin (DUB)
• Nassau (NAS)
• Vancouver (YVR)
Important: You must check in during Customs hours of operation (regardless of flight departure times or delays) or you will be denied boarding.
Recommended Arrival Time:
• 3 hours before scheduled departure
• Especially important if checking bags
CRITICAL - Flight Closes:
• 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure
• NO EXCEPTIONS
• Must clear immigration and security at least 1 hour before departure
Allow Time For:
• Getting to the correct terminal
• Check-in for your flight
• Immigration processing
• Security screening
• Walking to your gate
U.S. Pre-Clearance Airports:
If traveling from these airports, check Customs closing times at US Customs & Border Protection website:
• Aruba (AUA)
• Bermuda (BDA)
• Dublin (DUB)
• Nassau (NAS)
• Vancouver (YVR)
Important: You must check in during Customs hours of operation (regardless of flight departure times or delays) or you will be denied boarding.
Still Have Questions?
Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns.