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lClick on one of the following questions:
Should I purchase travel insurance?
When should I check-in for my flights?
How can I check-in for my flights?
How much time to I need between
connecting flights?
How much luggage can I bring?
Can I bring my child’s car
seat on the airplane?
What electronic devices can I use
on the airplane?
Will I be allowed to bring my medical
syringes/needles on board the airplane?
Can I check-in my sporting equipment?
What types of items will be confiscated
by security officials?
What do I need to know about airport
security?
How can I make my air travel more
comfortable?
How can ease the symptoms of jetlag?
Can I fly when I’m pregnant?
Are there tips for traveling
with children?
What documentation will I need for
my international travel?
Can my child travel alone?
Q. Should I purchase travel insurance?
A. Travel Guard insurance is highly recommended to
protect you against losses due to trip cancellation,
medical care, luggage loss or damage and provider
default. In addition to this coverage, Travel Guard
provides many other value added features. Please contact
your Marathon Travel consultant for further details.
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Q. When should I check-in for my flights?
A. Guidelines for Checking In on Domestic Flights
(including Hawaii)
Recommended arrival time for domestic flights is at
least 75 minutes prior to departure. To ensure an
on-time departure, reservations and advance seat assignments
may be cancelled if the passenger has not checked
in and received a boarding pass at least 30 minutes
prior to departure and/or is not onboard the aircraft
at least 15 minutes prior to departure. If you are
checking luggage, you must do so no later than 30
minutes prior to departure for flights between the
50 U.S. States. All passenger reservations are subject
to cancellation, and passengers may not be eligible
for denied boarding compensation.
Guidelines for Checking In on International Flights
(including Canada/Mexico/Caribbean/Puerto Rico)
Recommended arrival time for international flights
is at least 2 hours prior to departure. All reservations
and advance seat assignments may be cancelled if the
passenger has not checked in and received a boarding
pass at least 60 minutes prior to departure and may
not be eligible for denied boarding compensation if
they are not onboard the aircraft at least 30 minutes
prior to departure. If you are checking luggage, you
must do so no later than 60 minutes for international
flights, including Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the
Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
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Q. How can I check-in for my flights?
A. Most major US air carriers offer e-ticket passengers
two easy self-service check-in options:
On-line Check-In is available online up to 36 hours
but not later than 60 minutes prior to flight departure.
Please refer to your airlines web site or ask your
Marathon Travel consultant for more information.
Self-service check-in kiosks are located at most airports
throughout North America.
Passengers with paper tickets must check-in at the
airlines ticket counter at the airport.
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Q. How much time to I need between connecting
flights?
A. Be sure to incorporate connection time into your
travel plans. When flying domestically, it's best
to allow at least 30 minutes to make your connecting
flight. If your flight includes an international leg,
1 hour is the recommended connection time for most
gateways, but your Marathon Travel consultant can
provide exact requirements and will be able to provide
you with specific information pertaining to the airport
in which you will be making your connection(s).
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Q. How much luggage can I bring?
A-1. Domestic Free Luggage Allowance
Checked Luggage
For domestic travel on most U.S. carriers each ticketed
passenger is allowed up to two pieces of checked luggage.
Maximum weight for each bag is typically 50 pounds
(23kg) and a maximum total linear dimension (length
plus width plus height) of 62 inches (158 cm). Excess
Baggage is subject to surcharges.
TIP: Do not lock your checked luggage.
Security officials may have to open your bag in the
screening process. Security officials are not liable
for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened
for security purposes
TIP: Avoid wrapping your gifts prior
to travel. Wrapped packages must be opened for inspection
by airport security.
Carry-On Luggage
When luggage is carried on-board the aircraft, it
must be of a size and shape to allow for storage in
aircraft overhead compartments, or underneath the
seat in front of the passenger. Each person is allowed
to carry on-board the aircraft one piece of luggage.
This piece of luggage must not exceed 45 linear inches
(9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches) and also must
not exceed 40 pounds. In addition to this one piece
of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry on-board
a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, or other special
items such as:
- Crutches Cane Brace Prosthesis Collapsible manual
wheelchair
- One stroller Infant car seat Infant diaper bag Reading
material
- Camera/film Coat Umbrella
Luggage not meeting these specifications must be transported
as checked luggage.
All items not needed in-flight should be checked.
Passengers should carry on medicine, keys, important
papers, and travel documents (passport).
A-2. International Free Luggage
Allowance
Checked Luggage
For international travel between the United States
and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean (including Puerto
Rico), most airlines will accept up to two pieces
of checked luggage weighing no more than 50 pounds
(23kg) and a maximum total linear dimension (length
plus width plus height) of 62 inches (158 cm) per
bag.
For all other international travel to/from the United
States/Canada, most airlines will accept a total of
two pieces of checked luggage, subject to maximum
weight limitation, which is 70 lbs. (32 kgs) per piece
and not more than 62 linear inches (158 cm) per piece.
For international travel outside the United States/Canada
(example: within or between other foreign countries),
the maximum checked luggage weight limitation is 44
lbs. (20 kgs).
For information on charges for checking luggage that
exceeds the free allowance, or that is over the weight
and/or size limits outlined in the international free
luggage policy above, please contact your Marathon
Travel consultant.
TIP: Do not lock your checked luggage.
Security officials may have to open your bag in the
screening process. Security officials are not liable
for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened
for security purposes.
TIP: Avoid wrapping your gifts prior
to travel. Wrapped packages must be opened for inspection
by airport security.
Carry-On Luggage
Most airlines will accept one carry-on item, with
a maximum outside linear dimension of 45 inches (115
cm) and not more than 40 lbs. (18kgs). This piece
must be of a size and shape to fit under the seat
in front of the passenger, or in an enclosed overhead
compartment. In addition to the one piece of carry-on
luggage, customers may also carry a purse, briefcase,
laptop computer, or other special items such as:
- Crutches Cane Brace Prosthesis Collapsible manual
wheelchair
- One stroller Infant car seat Infant diaper bag Reading
material
- Camera/film Coat Umbrella
Luggage not meeting these specifications must be transported
as checked luggage.
All items not needed in-flight should be checked.
Passengers should carry on medicine, keys, important
papers, and travel documents (passport).
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Q. Can I bring my child’s car seat on
the airplane?
A. Most airlines accept car seats in addition to normal
carry on or checked luggage provided approved space
is available. When checking your car seat on a US
Domestic or International flight you can bring your
car seat to the gate to be loaded there. If checking
a car seat as luggage the original box/packaging should
be used. Liability release form must be signed.
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Q. What electronic devices can I use on the
airplane?
A. Most airlines accept and allow in-flight use of
the following electronic devices unless restricted
by the Captain:
- Beepers
- Calculators
- Compact Disc Players
- Laptop Computers
- Electronic Games
- Electronic Shavers
- Tape Players
- Voice Recorders
All portable electronic devices must be used under
their own battery power. All devices must be stowed
during take off and landing.
Note: All laptop computers must
be removed from the laptop case at the security checkpoint
and the laptop and empty laptop case will be subject
to x-ray and additional screening.
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Q. Will I be allowed to bring my medical syringes/needles
on board the airplane?
A. Most airlines allow passengers to bring syringes/needles
on board if the passenger also has in their possession
medication that has a professionally printed label
identifying the medication or a manufacturer's name
or pharmaceutical label. Flight attendants are not
permitted to assist passengers with injections.
To properly dispose of a syringe/needle passengers
may use the syringe disposal chute in the lavatories,
available on some aircraft. If disposal chute is not
available contact a flight attendant for proper disposal.
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Q. Can I check-in my sporting equipment?
A. Golf Equipment
Most airlines accept one set of golf equipment as
check luggage only. One set of golf equipment consists
of:
- 1 bag
- 14 clubs
- 12 balls
- 1 pair of shoes
When checking your golf equipment a hard shell case
is recommended. When a hard shell case is not used
the passenger must sign a liability release form.
Passengers traveling with more than one golf bag must
pay full normal excess charges for each additional
golf bag. Golf bags must adhere to normal weight limits.
Archery
Most Airlines accept one set of archery equipment
consisting of one bow, quiver, and set of arrows as
checked luggage. Archery equipment is not permitted
as carry on luggage.
Bicycle
Most airlines accept non-motorized single seat bicycles
as checked luggage for an additional fee. Handlebars
must be fixed sideways and pedals removed or wrapped
with protective packing material. Bikes should be
placed in a bike box. When packed other than in a
bike box, liability release forms must be signed.
Most airlines accept tandem bikes only for travel
within/between the domestic US/Canada/Puerto Rico/Virgin
Islands. Tandem bikes are also only accepted on certain
types of aircraft. Tandem bikes are not accepted on
International Itineraries. Your Marathon Travel consultant
will be able to provide you with specific information
pertaining to your flights.
Fishing Equipment
Most airlines accept one set of fishing equipment
consisting of two rods, one reel, net, and boots and
one sealed or locked tackle box as checked luggage
only. Your fishing equipment will count as one piece
of your free luggage allowance. Fishing pole containers
must not exceed 160 inches. Passengers will be required
to sign a liability release form. Normal excess luggage
charges will apply if you exceed your free luggage
allowance.
Ski Equipment
Most airlines accept one item of ski equipment as
checked luggage only. Ski equipment is not permitted
as carry on luggage.
An item of ski equipment consists of:
- 1 ski bag and 1 ski boot bag containing skis, poles,
and bindings
- 1 pair of water skis
- 1 snowboard
Additional ski and boot bags will be subject to normal
excess charges.
Hard shell cases are recommended when checking your
ski equipment. A liability release form must be signed
for plastic/soft ski bags.
Note: When travel is wholly within/between the US/Canada,
most airlines will allow the ski/boot bag to contain
more than one pair of skis/boots - but if the bag
exceeds published weight restrictions normal excess
charges will apply.
Firearms, Ammunition, and Handguns
Airlines do not accept guns or firearms of any kind
in carry-on luggage.
Most airlines accept handguns/BB guns/rifles/shotgun
type firearms as checked luggage, with certain limitations
and requirements. Passengers must obtain and comply
with regulations governing the transportation of firearms
for all countries on the itinerary.
All firearms must be in a suitable container/crush
proof container manufactured specifically for firearms
or in a hard sided suitcase. Hard shell gun cases
can be purchased at U.S. / Canadian airports. Passengers
must verbally declare firearm is unloaded. Airlines
will require firearm unloaded tag be signed by passenger
and placed inside of luggage containing firearm. No
exterior tag or notice of firearm may appear on case.
Case must be locked and only the passenger may retain
the key or combination. Airline personnel will not
unload or handle firearms. Gun and ammunition may
be in the same piece of luggage. However, ammunition
must be within its own packaging.
International shipment of arms/ammunition
Passengers must obtain and comply with regulations
governing the transportation of firearms for all countries
on the itinerary. Passengers should check with their
Marathon Travel consultant for current policies, requirements
and restrictions on firearms and related items in
checked luggage when traveling in the United States
or internationally.
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Q. What types of items will be confiscated
by security officials?
A. Do Not Pack:
- Fireworks: Signal flares, sparklers or other explosives,
freon or helium
- Flammable Liquids, Gases or Solids: Fuel, paints,
lighter refills, matches
- Household Items: Bleach, adhesives, linseed oil
spray starch, insecticides, drain, bathroom or oven
cleaners and solvents
- Pressure Containers: Spray cans, butane, fuel, scuba
tanks, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, CO2 cartridges,
self-inflating rafts
- Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, gunpowder; or items
that contain gunpowder (Christmas crackers/Party poppers),
mace, tear-gas, or pepper spray cannot be packed in
carry-on luggage, see below for more information on
traveling with firearms.
- Other Hazardous Materials: Dry ice, gasoline-powered
tools, wet-cell batteries, camping equipment with
fuel, radioactive materials (except limited quantities),
poisons, infectious substances
- Miscellaneous Items: Knives of any length (except
rounded blade butter knives and plastic cutlery),
cutting instruments of ANY kind including carpet knives,
box cutters and folding or retractable blades regardless
of length, ice picks, straight razors (safety/disposable
razors ARE allowed), and scissors (metal, with pointed
tips)
Beware...
Common items used everyday in the home or workplace
may seem harmless; however, when transported by air,
they can be very dangerous. In flight, variations
in temperature and pressure can cause items to leak,
generate toxic fumes or start a fire.
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Q. What do I need to know about airport security?
A. You must pass through a security checkpoint to
access your departure gate. Security screeners will
screen you and your carry-on baggage. Here are a few
tips to make this process go as quickly as possible.
-Place all metal items IN your carry-on bag before
you reach the front of the line.
-Take your computer OUT of its carrying case and place
it in one of the bins provided
-Take OFF your outer coat or jacket so that it can
go through the X-ray machine
-If you have a pacemaker or other device that is likely
to alarm the metal detector, bring identification
verifying the condition
-Carry all undeveloped film in your carry-on bag and
ask for it to be hand inspected as the screening equipment
will damage undeveloped film
-Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on
top of other contents in your luggage
-Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener
will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened
for inspection. If possible, spread your contents
over several bags.
-Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage
-Don’t stack piles of books or documents on
top of each other; spread them out within your baggage
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Q. How can I make my air travel more comfortable?
A. - Chewing gum, yawning or sucking on hard candies
can help to relieve the pressure that builds up in
your ears as the airplane ascends and descends. If
you have a cold, talk to your doctor about using a
decongestant or nasal spray before boarding to help
relieve the pressure.
- Drink plenty of water while onboard the aircraft
to avoid becoming dehydrated during the flight.
- Do light stretching exercises in your seat and walk
through the cabin frequently (when safe to do so).
- Consult your physician if you suffer from airsickness;
he or she may be able to prescribe medication for
this.
The relatively low humidity in the cabin can make
allergy or asthma symptoms worse; take preventative
measures as necessary.
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Q. How can ease the symptoms of jetlag?
A. Try a few of these techniques for a natural way
to reset your internal clock:
- Reset your watch to the destination's time as soon
as you get on the plane. If it's daytime at your destination,
try to stay awake during the flight. Walking around
the cabin may help keep you alert. If it's nighttime,
try to sleep. You may find it helpful to use earplugs
and a sleeping mask to block out distractions on the
plane.
- Eat before you get on the plane so that hunger does
not prevent you from sleeping during the flight. Inform
the flight attendant that you will not be eating so
that you are not awakened for a meal.
- If you're using a blanket, buckle your seat belt
over the blanket so that a flight attendant checking
seat belts does not awaken you.
If it's daytime when you arrive but nighttime at
home, don't sleep. Instead, try doing some light exercise
like walking to help revive your body and stop it
from producing sleep-inducing hormones.
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Q. Can I fly when I’m pregnant?
A. It is commonly recommended that women not fly at
all during their last six weeks of pregnancy. Most
major air carriers require that pregnant passengers
traveling within 30 days of expected delivery must
provide a doctor's statement dated within 72 hours
of departure indicating the due date and indicating
that air travel does not pose a health risk. Women
in labor will be denied boarding for safety reasons.
Pregnant women should always consult their obstetricians
or midwives before traveling. Traveling during the
second trimester of pregnancy is often easier as morning
sickness will most likely have subsided, energy levels
are up and you are still a comfortable distance from
your due date.
Here are some additional tips for staying comfortable
on your flight:
- Reserve an aisle seat so that you can easily access
the bathroom and move about the cabin. Getting up
and walking regularly will help combat swelling and
discomfort.
- Bring a copy of your medical records and ask your
doctor for a referral in case of an emergency while
you are away.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and flat
shoes. Wear layers if you are prone to body-temperature
fluctuations.
-Keep your seatbelt low around your hips, not around
your abdomen.
- Get a small pillow from the flight attendant and
place it under your lower back to avoid back strain.
Drink plenty of water-at least one litre for every
two hours in flight.
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Q. Are there tips for traveling with children?
A. The following tips should help both parents and
kids arrive at their destination with smiles on their
faces.
- If you have a long trip scheduled, "red-eye"
flights may be best. This increases the chance that
your youngster will be able to sleep through the majority
of the trip.
- While any child under two is not required to have
their own seat, they may be happier if they do. Purchase
a ticket for your infant as well, and use a FAA certified
car seat.
- If you do use a car seat, make sure it has been
certified for air travel.
- Bring toys your children have never used -- the
newness will hold their attention longer.
- Bring plenty of juice. Air travel can be dehydrating,
especially for children.
- Wrap up "surprises" for your children
to pull out when they get especially restless.
- Finger foods are a great distraction.
When traveling with your baby, give him/her a bottle
or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and landing.
This will help equalize the ear pressure and keep
your baby comfortable.
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Q. What documentation will I need for my
international travel?
A. Documentation Requirements for US Citizens Traveling
to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean:
Visas are not required for U.S. tourists entering
Canada, Mexico or most Caribbean islands from the
U.S. for stays up to 180 days. You will, however,
need (1) proof of your U.S. citizenship such as (a)
your U.S. passport or (b) your certified copy of your
birth certificate and government issued photo identification.
(For information on obtaining a U.S. passport, check
with your Marathon Travel consultant). If you are
a naturalized citizen and do not have a passport,
you should travel with your naturalization certificate.
A driver's license or Social Security card is not
valid proof of citizenship. All U.S. citizens entering
Canada from a third country must have a valid passport.
Alien permanent residents of the U.S. must present
their Alien Registration Card, commonly called the
"Green Card." If you have dual citizenship
you should always present yourself as a citizen of
the country that you are entering.
Any name changes due to marriage, adoption, divorce,
etc. must be explained by providing a certified copy
of the document authorizing the name change such as
marriage license or divorce decree.
For further information on entry requirements travelers
may reference www.travel.state.gov or contact your
Marathon Travel consultant.
Documentation Requirements for Other International
Travel
Most countries not listed above will require a passport
and possibly a visa. Please refer to www.travel.state.gov
or your Marathon Travel consultant for further information.
Will additional documentation be necessary if my child
is traveling internationally alone or with only one
parent?
International Travel with Minors (Including Canada
& Mexico)
Due to international concern over child abduction,
single parents, grandparents, or guardians traveling
with children often need proof of custody or notarized
letters from the other parent authorizing travel.
(This is in addition to proof of citizenship as explained
above.) For further information on entry requirements
travelers may reference www.travel.state.gov
or contact your Marathon Travel consultant.
If a minor child is traveling with only one parent,
the absent parent must provide notarized consent.
If only one parent has legal custody, that parent
should be prepared to provide a court order of child
custody to airlines and international authorities.
If a minor child is traveling alone or in someone
else's company, both parents (and the sole, documented
custodial parent) must provide notarized consent.
Please click here for a sample document providing
the required consent.
If a child traveling has a different last name from
the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared
to provide evidence to airlines and official authorities,
such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, to
prove that they are the parents.
If one parent is deceased, a death certificate is
required.
If the birth certificate shows that the minor only
has one parent, it will be sufficient to hold only
a notarized copy of the birth certificate.
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Q. Can my child travel alone?
A. Unaccompanied minors are restricted from traveling
on some flights. Unaccompanied minors booked in violation
of these restrictions will be denied boarding and/or
be subject to additional fees for re-routing. Your
Marathon Travel consultant can provide you with these
restrictions.
To ensure a safe, comfortable and fun trip for the
unaccompanied child traveler, the following policies
have been established:
(An unaccompanied minor fee is assessed at the
time of check-in at the airport)
- Any child ages 5-14 traveling without an adult 18
years of age or older must participate in the Unaccompanied
Minor Program. All rules and fees apply.
- Children ages 5 through 17 may fly unaccompanied
on nonstop, direct or connecting flights. Children
ages 5 through 14 will not be accepted on the last
connecting flight of the day, or red-eye flights.
Red-eye flights are defined as departures between
9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. local time. The following
are exempt from the red-eye restriction:
o International Flights
o Domestic short-haul flights (2 hours or less)
o Flight to and from Alaska and Hawaii
- Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted for international
travel if their itinerary includes a connection to
a different carrier.
-Reservations must be confirmed to the child's final
destination.
- Most airlines require unaccompanied minor service
for children ages 5-14, but it is optional for children
ages 15-17.
- An airline representative will provide supervision
for children accepted under the program from the time
of boarding until the child is met at the final destination.
- Up to four children (related or not related) traveling
together will be assessed only one service fee. Exception,
more than four related children traveling together
will be assessed only one service fee.
-Children under the age of 5 are not eligible for
unaccompanied minor services and must be accompanied
on the same flight and in the same compartment by
a passenger at least 18 years of age.
- Unaccompanied minors must be checked in with an
agent. They are not eligible to use the self-service
check-in devices
For more complete details, please contact your Marathon
Travel consultant.
*Marathon Travel and Cruise Shops is not responsible
for any inaccurate information provided in this site.
Travel policies, guidelines, and regulations change
on a regular basis. Please contact your Marathon Travel
and Cruise shops travel consultant for the most accurate
information.
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