Tips For Travel During War in Iraq

Issued/Released by American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)

Before you go …
Work with a professional ASTA travel agent. Agencies can provide personalized information on flight changes, cancellation and refund policies as well as re-booking flights without long waits on hold. They have airline, hotel, bus, train and car rental information at their fingertips and can offer options and expert advice.

Charge it. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, credit card customers have the right to refuse paying for charges for services not rendered, such as a cancelled flight, giving travelers some peace of mind. Details can be found at the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fcb.htm.

Purchase travel insurance. Some travel insurance policies may offer varying degrees of protection during a military conflict. Consumers should check with their ASTA member travel agent to determine what policy best meets their needs.

Stay connected. Leave your e-mail address with your travel agent so that they may pass along whatever knowledge they have of the situation. Also, get the address and telephone number of the U.S. embassy or consulate for each country. In case of difficulties, contact U.S. authorities promptly.

Paper tickets or e-tickets? Travelers should discuss with their travel agents the pros and cons of paper tickets and e-tickets. While airlines typically charge fees for paper tickets (around $25), they are more easily transferred to another airline for rebooking in the event your original airline isn't flying. On the other hand, with e-tickets, travelers can often avoid long check-in lines at airports. Talk to your travel agent to decide what’s best for you.

Do your homework
ASTAnet. ASTA’s Web site (www.ASTAnet.com) provides a direct link to the State Department’s Web site as well as regularly posted travel news and updates.

Center for Disease Control. The Traveler’s Health section (www.cdc.gov/travel) gives information related to health and travel.

Transportation Security Administration. This site (www.tsa.gov) gives travel tips, information on security procedures, lists of what you can bring with you on flights, latest news, etc.

U.S. Customs Service. Visitors to www.customs.gov will find regulations and information related to leaving and entering the United States.

U.S. State Department. Get travel updates via the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov for up-to-the-minute information, including any worldwide alert or advisories.

At the airport …
Allow extra time. Arrive at the airport two hours early.

Ask your travel agent. Check with your travel agent to regarding any changes in airport security procedures, e.g. has curbside check-in been temporarily discontinued.

Keep your I.D. handy. You may be asked after entering the gate area to produce a picture I.D. such as a driver’s license, passport, or government-issued identification for airport or airline personnel. Make your reservation in the exact name that appears on the identification you plan on presenting at the airport. If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different, bring documentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order).

Get a boarding pass. At many terminals, passengers now are required to present both a boarding pass and government-issued photo ID to pass through the security checkpoints. Tickets, itineraries and e-ticket receipts are not sufficient. Boarding passes can be obtained at airline ticket or curbside check-in counters, or self-service check-in kiosks, and in some cases can be printed from airline Web sites. Ask your travel agent for the latest regulations.

Watch your belongings. Keep your luggage and carry-on luggage with you at all times prior to arriving at the airport and while in the terminal.

Packing "do’s and don’ts." Do carry medications in your carry-on bags. Don’t accept any packages or materials from strangers or carry any sharp instruments (i.e., letter openers, knives, box cutters, scissors, etc,) in carry on luggage. They will be confiscated at airport screening stations. See www.tsa.gov for more information.

Group travel tips. If you are traveling with a tour group or cruise group, you may encounter special security procedures. Please ask your travel agent or tour operator for more information.

Report suspicious behavior. If you see any suspicious activity or see unattended bags, contact airline or airport personnel immediately.

At your destination …
Know your surroundings. Learn the location of stairways, fire escapes, exits and alarms.

Dress comfortably and inconspicuously. Don’t draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive-looking jewelry.

Get your things. When deplaning, claim your baggage immediately and leave the airport quickly.

Don’t panic. If you find yourself near a civil disturbance or other dangerous situation, move away quietly and inconspicuously. Do not run. If this is not possible, take cover behind the nearest shelter and stay there until danger passes.

Carry a cell phone. If you have a cell phone, carry it. If you’ll be traveling abroad, talk to your travel agent about renting a universal cell phone that works overseas.

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