AIR TRAVEL TIPS
Traveling TO AND FROM USA
SECURITY RULES ON CHECK-IN BAGGAGES:
Effective by order of the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), the following security measures are implemented to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports:
1. If you need larger amounts of liquids, gels, and aerosols such as toothpaste or shampoo, pack them in your checked baggage.
2. Pack valuables such as jewelry, cash, electronics, as well as fragile items, in your carry-on. This will speed up the screening process.
3. Avoid wearing accessories that contain metal, which will set off the metal detector.
4. In addition to liquids, gels, and aerosols many other potentially dangerous items such as knives, lighters, and tools are not permitted in carry-on baggage.
5. For carrying a firearm, please check with your airlines for appropriate procedures.
6. For a short trip you are permitted to carry-on 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag holding 3 ounces or less of containers with liquids, gels or aerosols. Gallon sized bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Limited to one bag per traveler. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
7. Exceptions include: baby formula/breast milk/baby food while traveling with a small child, medications, liquids (to include water, juice or liquid nutrients) or gels for diabetics or other medical needs. If you have these exceptions, you need to perform the following:
a. Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and
zip top bag.
b. Declare you have the items to the Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
c. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items
are subject to additional screening.
8. Any liquid, gel or aerosol, such as coffee or soda, purchased in the secure are beyond the security checkpoint and is allowed aboard your plane. Please note that if you have a layover and are re-screened at your connecting airport the above rules for carry-ons apply.
9. The traveler may take Duty Free items on board which he/she has purchased on the day(s) of the journey in a Duty Free shop within security restricted area at airport or on board an aircraft. But these items must be packed in a sealed plastic bag that is both tamper-evident and displays satisfactory proof.
10. All footwear, jacket, and belts must be removed for X-ray screening. Wearing footwear and jackets that can be easily removed helps this process.
11. To facilitate screening and avoid a cluttered X-ray image, such plastic zip-top bags containing liquid, gels, or aerosol containers should be presented apart from other carry-on baggage, jackets, footwear, or laptops for X-ray screening.
COME TO THE AIRPORT EARLY & BE PATIENT
Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines and time at security checkpoints. Passengers are advised to have minimal hand–carry baggage.
All passengers are advised to arrive at the airport earlier, at least 3 hours prior to the flight departure. Generally the check-in counters are closed forty minutes prior to the flight's departure.
Skyliner Internation holds no responsibility for any changes made by TSA. Before you go, visit www.tsa.gov for all the latest security policies.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – CHINA & VIETNAM
VISA REQUIREMENT
A visa is needed for all tourists entering China & Vietnam. The visa must be obtained prior to arrival . In order to obtain a China visa or Vietnam visa, you need a valid passport at least 6 months prior to return, 1 passport photo, and a visa application, available at the Consulate. If you prefer to have Skyliner International obtain your visa for you, please submit everything 4 weeks prior to departure. For further information regarding your passport and visa, please contact the travel agency.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Passport must be valid for at least six months from the return day of your trip. Resident Aliens need both a passport and an Alien Resident Card for re-entry into the States. Please bring the name, phone number, and address of the person you wish to contact in case of emergency. We suggest you make copies of all your travel documents and keep them in a safe place. Also, we recommend that your passport, air tickets, cash and other travel documents not be kept together, so in case something happens, you will not lose everything. Make sure you have everything before leaving for the airport.
TRAVEL INSURANCE, HEALTH, AND MEDICAL MATTERS
1. Travel Insurance will be provided at no additional cost to your when full payment is received by Skyliner International for a scheduled group series at least 60 days prior to departure. Exceptions : some tours operated by other companies or any other promotions.
2. We also offer an optional protection plan at your own expenses when we receive your final payment within 60 days prior to departure.
3. You may consider getting more insurance coverage based on your personal situation.
4. Due to the length of the trip and local traveling conditions, it is advised that you consult your doctor for existing medical/dental conditions before departure. If you are taking prescription medicine, please fully label and pack (in your hand luggage) a sufficient quantity for the duration of the trip. It may also be useful to bring aspirin, over-the-counter medicine for flu, indigestion, motion sickness, etc. In case of illness during the trip, please immediately notify your tour conductor and local guide for assistance.
CLOTHING
We suggest your bring comfortable, casual clothing and two pairs of good walking shoes for the trip. A raincoat, and umbrella and a light jacket are useful for traveling in all seasons. Check websites or newspaper for weather conditions before you go, and pack accordingly.
THINGS TO BRING
• Contact lenses solution, sunglasses, hat, shavers, hair dryer, electrical converter and adapter. Books, magazines, snacks, music tapes and a walk-man, notebooks, etc.
• Camera, video recorder, extra quantities of films tapes, and battery
• Since you may not have time during the tour to replace something or finding the brands you like, it may be worthwhile to bring extra quantities of certain items.
BAGGAGE
1. For your convenience, we suggest you bring one large suitcase and one carry-on small bag. Do not over pack, leave space for purchases in china. Since your suitcase will be transported frequently during the trip, be sure it is strong enough to withstand all the handling. Also be sure it has wheels and a lock.
2. Baggage allowance for USA-China flight may vary by6 airlines and is subject to change at any time. Travelers are required to check airline’s website before departure.
3. As of February 1, 2009 the standard free baggage allowance of all Airline is two pieces per person for checked baggage with size allowed (length + width + height) 62 in/158cm each, maximum free weight allowed 50lbs/23kgs each, carry-on baggage is limited to one piece.
4. For China& Vietnam domestic flight, each passenger is allowed one piece of check-in luggage, up to 44 lbs/20kg, and one carry-on bag. Checked luggage must have a lock (combination locks are recommended and a luggage tag showing the name and contact information of the owner. (Please use Skyliner tags for easy identification by our airport staff). Baggage without a lock may be refused for transport.
5. Consider packing one change of clothing, one set of underwear and toiletry in your carry-ons bag to avoid inconvenience caused by delayed or lost luggage.
6. Do not pack medicine, valuables and other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep them in your carry-ons bag.
CUSTOMS PROCEDURES
Foreign visitors are allowed to import, free of duty, one carton of cigarettes, and one 750ml bottle of alcohol. There are no restrictions on importing the following items for personal use: medicine, camera/camcorder, rolls of film, foreign currency, etc. Professional recording equipment is not allowed without an import permit. Pornographic magazines, weapons, inflammable and explosive items, books of a political nature and certain drugs are illegal and are not allowed to be taken into china & Vietnam. Merchandise labeled as “cultural relics” or “antique” may not be taken out of China & Vietnam without an official export license. Save all your currency exchange receipts and purchase receipts for possible Customs inspection.
MONEY MATTER
• Chinese currency is called Ren Min BI (RMB) Vietnamese currency is called Dong ( VND ). We suggest you bring a combination of cash (in various denominations) and travelers checks for your trip. You can exchange your money at the local hotel .
• Credit cards are not widely accepted in China & Vietnam but are becoming more popular in major cities. International hotels, department stores and shops frequented by foreign tourists generally accept them. Cash advance by credit card is not common and is only possible at a few assigned banks.
• As of February 1, 2009, the exchange rate apply:
US$1.00 = RMB 6.80, US $ 1.00 = VND 18500.00
TELEPHONE
For direct dialing to China, the country code is 86.To Vietnam the country is 84 please contact telephone operator for assistance. Hotel telephone operators can dial US numbers for you, but the cost is high. You may want to bring a calling card (AT&T, MCI etc). Prepaid local phone cards are available at hotel shops or reception. If you are T Mobile or Cingular customer you may bring your cell phone and purchase a Sims card at the local phone company, your tour conductor or local guide will assist you in this matter.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT
China’s electrical system operates at 220 volts. The electrical outlets are either for fat round pins or for flat angled blades. Please bring you own voltage converter and adapter.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Drinks in your hotel mini bar are extremely expensive. Do not take drinks & foods from the mini bar and try to replace them later. YOU WILL BE CHARGED ACCORDINGLY since the mini bar accounting takes place in the morning, before you can replace anything. Hotel stores generally carry a variety of soft drinks and bottled water.
GRATUITIES
Tipping is customary all over the world. It encourages and rewards quality service. Your tour conductor, local guides, drivers, and other service personnel do their best to make your trip smooth and pleasant. Gratuities are tokens of appreciation.
MISC. REMINDER
Please keep an eye on your valuables at all time. Watch out for pickpockets while sightseeing.
Bring name and phone number of an emergency contact
Read your itinerary and hotel information before departure. Leave a copy of the your itinerary and hotel list with your family.