I don't like to repeat information in this column unless significant time has elapsed between similar questions. However, we had direct feedback from an entire family that was denied boarding a week ago because of insufficient identification for their three children on a planned Disney excursion. Given that it is the time of year when we may be taking our young ones on that special trip south, I felt that highlighting the most recent policies regarding travelling by air with children warranted one more mention. I hope this will serve as an important reminder for those considering family travel.
Q. What identification do my children require for travelling into the United States by air?
A. Quoting directly from the website www.passengerprotect.gc.ca and on to a link called New Entry Requirements to the United States, the WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) requires Canadian citizens entering or transiting the United States by air to present a valid Canadian passport -- (this) applies to all Canadian citizens, regardless of age, including children. If you have not prepared ahead of time and are leaving for the U.S. soon, call or go to the passport office.
From reader feedback, they often do seem to have the ability and willingness to process passports very quickly to address circumstances like this. In the case of domestic flights, all passengers who appear to be 12 years of age or older must present a valid piece of government-issued ID that shows name, date of birth and gender, or two pieces of valid government-issued ID (without a photo, one of which shows name, date of birth and gender).
Q. What is the latest in carry-on rules in England?
A. The latest carry-on restrictions in the U.K. are nothing short of the proverbial dog's breakfast. The Department of Transport there, in some form of unique wisdom that nobody can fathom, is allowing two items of hand luggage for carry on at 22 U.K. airports while allowing only one carry-on bag at others. Heathrow, for example, will accept two items of hand baggage that can be carried on-board, while Gatwick, another airport frequently utilized for Canadian flights, will accept only one carry-on piece. British Airways will allow passengers to carry two bags where permitted by the airport. Others, like BMI and Virgin, will allow one bag and a small bag, whatever that means. But if you are going through one of the new restrictive airports, recognize that one bag is it -- period. It is important to check both with your airline and the airport websites you will be flying to or through. Apparently confusion reigns, so if you are not satisfied with the information you are able to gather, the best advice may be to carry only one bag on-board.
Q. Given the rough shape of the U.S. economy, are we likely to see better deals for Canadians in places like Disney World?
A. Perhaps the best deal we could have hoped for is the new buying power of the Canadian dollar. For so long, we looked at viewing some holidays as a 50 per cent increase for us, over the U.S. quoted rate. Even with the powerful attractions the United States had to offer, Canadians abandoned destinations like Hawaii, Florida and California in comparative droves. But now we think about U.S. travel in completely different terms. Hawaii, for example, has seen huge increases out of Manitoba, even without a non-stop flight. So far, Disney World in particular seems not to have been affected by the economic crunch. Over the Christmas holidays, they actually had to close the gates of the Magic Kingdom because of crowding for a few hours at least three times during that week. Likewise, SeaWorld had to divert traffic to overflow parking lots almost every day, but still managed to serve all guests without having to shut for any period. While high-end hotel properties nearby seemed to have operated at almost maximum capacity, it is reported that some of the nearby hotels that cater to middle-income visitors were not full and rates were cut to as low as $30 a night. This suggests the next months may see much more discounting, at least in the mid-to-low categories. When it happens, accommodation pricing wars will not likely be confined to the mega tourist regions. From areas that are not seen as prime attractions -- because they are without big theme parks nearby or are not hosting big draw events -- we may see the emergence of huge discount offers ahead. Golfers and sun worshippers may find exceptional savings even as spring nears, and certainly into fall and next winter if the economy to the south continues to deteriorate.
Forward your travel questions to askjourneys@journeystravel.ca.
Ron Pradinuk is president of Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre and can be heard Sundays at noon on CJOB. Previous columns and tips can be found on www.journeystravel.ca.
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