Travelling in China? What you need to know about new luggage restrictions

Over the March 15-16 weekend, the Chinese Aviation Authority (CAA) began implementing a new restriction against carrying liquids aboard flights. Hand luggage is subject to increased scrutiny and is being searched more often. According to recent news reports, the move is causing a lot of confusion and delays at China’s airports, and frustration for unaware passengers.

Planning to travel in China soon? Here what you need to know to avoid problems:

• Liquids are now banned from being carried on board (but can be carried in checked luggage).
• Cosmetics are allowed – but only 100 ml (3 ounces) of each and each one must be carried in a separate, clear plastic bag.
• Anyone travelling with a baby must let the airline know ahead of time so baby food can be provided onboard. (The good news is the baby food is free)
• Liquid medications must be turned over to a flight attendant who will bring it on board.

According to the news reports, this restriction is the first of many security measures that will come into place before the 2008 Olympics in August. Keep your eyes open for future changes.

Sources:

ASI Hotspots

China View

More Black Diamonds coming soon to U.S. Airports

No, we're not talking about expert ski hills, but the familiar coding system will soon be visible in more airports across the U.S.

The Transport Security Administration (TSA) announced March 5 that it is expanding its “Self-select Lanes” pilot program to six addition airports by April 30. The lanes are designed to better meet the needs of different types of travellers based on their requirements, experience and knowledge.

Here are the three types:

• Expert (designated by a black diamond) – for business travellers who fly several times a month and often carry very little with them. The lane allows them a quicker and easier experience.
• Casual (blue square) for the average traveller with some knowledge of security procedures.
• Family/Special Needs (green circle) – This lanes allows extra time and space for families with young children, seniors and other people with special needs.

In its press release, TSA reports that the selective lanes reduce wait times and “a calmer checkpoint, happier passengers and significantly lower wait times for the most experienced travelers”, according to Salt Lake City Federal Security Director Earl Morris.

Currently the program is in place in Salt Lake City and Denver International Airports. No word yet on who will be next to get the program, but no doubt passengers will be watching with interest.

For more information, see the TSA press release.

Heathrow worst for delays in 2007

More bad news about air traffic woes: The Association of European Airlines just released its figures for 2007 and European airlines saw their performance fall for the fourth year in a row. Approximately 23% of departures were delayed by more than 15 minutes. Not surprisingly, the worst months for delays were June and July.

But how do individual airports differ in performance? The numbers reveal who is the best and worst:

The worst offenders – Of the 27 major airports surveyed, London-Heathrow tops the list with a whopping 35% of flights delayed. Rounding out the top five are London-Gatwick, Rome, Dublin and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Looking for the airport with the fewest delays? For the second year in a row, Brussels was the most punctual where only 17% of flights were delayed. Rounding out the top five are Dusseldorf, Vienna and Oslo (also top ranking airports from last year) and Milan-Linate.

The good news? Good things are on the way for 2008. The AEA is hopeful that new legislation will help open up the skies – meaning less delays and less impact on the environment.

To see the full statistics, read the press release European Airlines’ 2007 Delays Highlight The Need For ATM Reform (pdf).

An expert's advice on flight safety

What can you do to improve your safety when flying? Listen and pay attention to instructions, according to expert George Bibel. Citing the surprising statistic that passengers are more likely to survive an accident (five times more likely, in fact) than die, Bibel warns travellers to follow the instructions of flight attendants for their own safety. Even something as simple as fastening your seat belt can prevent serious injury during turbulence.

In addition to citing examples of crashes where passengers and crew were successfully evacuated, Bibel also discusses some interesting points about the structure and design of airplanes. For instance, did you know that Federal Aviation Association regulations require that a plane can be evacuated within 90 seconds -- even with unprepared passengers and half the exits blocked?

Want to see more? Read the full article: “Fasten your seatbelt. Yes, YOU” from the International Herald Tribune.

What does your airline think of your purse?


Tote bags, “hobo bags” and large purses are one of the latest fashion trends, but you might be surprised to learn that some airlines consider them to be a carry-on bag. With limits to carry-on luggage, it pays to do a little research.


For example: Many airlines allow two pieces of carry-on luggage: usually one standard article and one personal article (such as a briefcase, laptop bag, pillow or purse). But watch out for size and weight restrictions – the limits are even smaller for that personal article.



Luckily for travellers to the UK, that country recently lifted its restriction on the number of carry-on bags to fall in line with other airlines and airports.



Your best bet for avoiding problems: Go directly to your airline’s website for information on luggage restrictions. If you consult other sources, be sure to check the publication date and confirm the information with your airline (some articles date back to before 9/11).



Travelling with a purse? Make sure it will fit into one of your carry-on bags.

How to pack a hockey stick

Cycling through Europe? Golfing at your resort? You’ll want to check with your airline about luggage restrictions, packing instructions and extra costs you might face on your trip. Many items are oversized, and if packed separately will count as excess baggage. There are even limits to how an item can be packed.

For instance: most equipment must be packed in hard shell containers. Golf bags can contain no more than 14 clubs, 12 balls and a single pair of shoes. Skis and boots should be packed together to avoid additional fees. Scuba equipment can be especially tricky as each piece (empty tank, harness, safety vest, etc) are considered individual items.

Your best bet at avoiding hassles and expenses? Find out all you can from your airline, but keep tabs on changing policy. Air Canada, for example, requires passengers to register their sports equipment for travel after January 7, 2008. British Airways banned some sports items in November 2007, causing some confusion as to what was allowed. Information on what items it allows (and will carry for free) can be found on their website.

A little know-how can save you time and spare you hassle at the airport.

Un”fare” air travel rates

Wondering how to get the best air fare online? It’s more difficult than you might think.

Think you know all the tricks when it comes to finding the best airfare online? Be aware that some websites don’t offer all the best fares, and some may even mislead unwary buyers.

According to an article on Aviation.com (http://www.aviation.com/travel/071113-airlines-best-deals.html ), many airlines only offer their best fares on their own websites. That means that online travel agencies and booking engines such as Expedia, Kayak, and Travelocity often don’t see the best deals. Contrary to what many travellers assume, not all airlines are represented on many sites. In fact, many low-cost carriers only sell through their websites rather than through agents or aggregators.

But are airline websites the way to go? Not necessarily. According to an article on BBC news (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7091950.stm) , the European Commission found that at least half of all European airline websites were misleading and did not complying with EU law. Some violations included flights advertised as “free” that weren’t free at all and advertised prices that did not include taxes and other charges, such as new fuel surcharges. Some websites even require the purchase of other services, such as travel insurance.

The solution? Be prepared to put in some extra time searching for fares and consult a variety of sources. Look for “hidden costs” like taxes, service charges and fuel surcharges. Look for websites that offers alerts when deals become available. (Hint: Look for RSS feeds – they won’t clog your inbox).

Packing the TSA way

Did you know those pies and cakes may be subjected to additional screening at the airport? That gravy, cranberry sauce and creamy dips must be packed in checked luggage? Or that disorganized packers make life more difficult for security screeners?

This holiday season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is working to educate travellers on how to pack for the holidays. The reason? To “simpliFLY” the security screening process and prevent delays during the busiest travel time of the year. According to a recent press release, TSA is asking travellers to become “active partners” in the security experience by knowing about luggage restrictions and being more organized.

TSA's recommendations reiterate carry-on restrictions applying to liquids and gels (especially where holiday foods and gifts are concerned), and emphasize that travellers should pack neatly – preferably in layers – to facilitate the screening process. “Loose” and “cluttered” items make x-rays more difficult to read – and more likely that TSA may have to pull bags aside for a search, reports USA Today Travel.

Some of the advice is drawing jokes and scepticism from many sources. You be the judge: visit TSA's How to Pack Food and Gift Itemsand SimpliFLY for more information.

Up, up, up and away with fuel surcharges

The price of oil is soaring, and it could affect your trip.

Think rising fuel costs won’t affect your cruise or air travel? Think again. Higher fuel prices are increasing the costs of providing travel services – and companies are passing along the increase to their customers just in time for Christmas.

For instance, a recent article on the BBC reports that British Airways travellers can expect higher fares as of November 15, with charges ranging between £10 to £15 for long haul flights and £2 to £10 for short-haul. United Airlines also announced a $5.00 per trip increase for domestic flights in a recent press release.

Many cruise passengers will also feel the pinch – even if they have already booked their cruise. According to the San Francisco Chronicle passengers can expect a bill in the mail or from their travel agents for this “fuel supplement.” Travellers can expect to pay an extra $5.00/per person per day for cruises after February 1.

No doubt consumers will be keeping an eye on fuel prices and hoping a dip in price may mean lower fares.

Watch out for extra holiday weight!

According to a note on TravelPress.com, November 1 marks the date of Air Jamaica’s new luggage restrictions for the holiday travel season. The new measures mean that passengers are limited to two bags weighing no more than 50 pounds each. Bags that weigh over 50 pounds (but less that 70) will be subject to a USD$50 fee.

In additional, traveller should watch out for a ban on excess baggage during certain periods, such as the month of December for some routes or Dec. 16-26 for others.

The article advises that anyone who needs to travel with excess baggage need to make arrangements with Air Jamaica Cargo well ahead of time. For full details, see the article here. http://travelpress.com/NEWS/index.php?sid=3018.

Stay off your cell phone – for now

Traveling in the U.S.? Don’t plan on making any calls during your flight.

Despite other airlines such as Qantas and Emirates Airlines lifting their bans on cellular phone use, travellers on U.S. airlines will still have to keep their mobile devices turned off. According to NEWS.com.au, the U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) announced in April that it will not be lifting its ban anytime soon.

The reason: Lack of research and technical information to prove whether or not cell phones and other personal electronic devices have an affect on communications and navigational systems.

The article reports than while many travellers are frustrated with the news, others oppose lifting the ban because cell phone users could disturb other passengers.

Who lost the most luggage?

Has your suitcase gone missing in action? You’re not alone. Every year millions of bags go missing in Europe’s airports – 5.6 million bags to be exactly, according to a recent article on BBC News that reports on data released by the Association of European Airlines (AEA). That’s an average of 16 bags per 1000 travellers among the 24 major airlines. Not all major airlines and low-cost carriers submitted statistics.

The year’s worst offender? British Airways with an average of 23 bags lost per thousand travellers. Germany’s Luftansa, Italy’s Alitalia and Air France also had below-average performances. Increased security measures and increased volume reportedly add to the problem.

The good news? About 85% of bags are returned to their owners within 48 hours.