Saturday, January 3, 2009

Immigration pre-clearance for the united states

There are several countries that allow pre-clearance when entering the United States of America. These include, but are not limited to Canada and Ireland. What this means is that you go through immigration and customs rituals in those countries even before you arrive in the United States.

As a result, it is necessary to arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight's departure. I recommend at least 2.5 hours. This will give you enough time to check-in and go through the formalities. Usually most of the flights to the United States leave at the same time so there is usually long lines.

If your flight is delayed, you should still arrive at the airport the recommended 2.5 hours or better since your flight may leave earlier than the delayed time or the Immigration and Customs facilities may be closed when you get there. In which case, you have to wait for the next day in order to depart at your own expense.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Don't place your documents in your mouth

This is a really nasty habit, so don't do it.

Imagine that someone gave you something and it had their saliva all over it. Well, it is the same thing as you giving an agent your travel documents that were just in your mouth. Especially when you take it straight from your mouth and hand it to them. Not that you should not let them see it in your mouth mind you.

So keep your documents in your pocket, purse, travel bag, anywhere else but in your mouth.

It is funny when you see it happen, but it is really quite disgusting.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Public transportation

Posted while in Calgary, AB Canada

Whenever you travel, consider taking public transportation. Some cities have train and/or bus service from the airport to the city. Usually you have to have exact change, but you can get that at a local airport stall. At some airports you can buy the tickets on the train/bus or at a local airport store.

Just go to the Information booth once you arrive or you can check the airport's Web site before you leave for your trip.

If you have any ideas/suggestions for a particular airport, feel free to let my readers know.

As I'm in Calgary, AB Canada, you can take the #57 from the airport for 2.50 CAD to the Whitehorn train station. From there you can take the train into the City Center. The journey takes about an hour or so. You can buy the ticket from the Mac store at the airport or on the bus. You must have exact change in order to accomplish this on the bus. More information can be found at http://www.calgarytransit.com

Introduction

Welcome, to my new blog. As the title suggests you will get one travel tip each day. Feel free to leave a tip of your own or a comment.