Luggage Allowance
For flights that originate in the U.S:
To reduce the risk of damage to your luggage, please do not lock your bags when checking in for flights that originate in the U.S. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the responsibility for screening every piece of checked luggage at commercial airports throughout the U.S. According to the TSA, baggage-handling agents may require access to the contents of your luggage and will break locks as required. There are some locks available from retailers that are "accepted and recognized" by TSA. TSA screeners have tools for opening and re-locking bags using those locks, thus avoiding damage to the lock or bag if a physical inspection is required. For a list of TSA-accepted locks, visit their website at www.tsa.gov/public.
For flights outside the U.S.:
On all flights outside of the U.S., we strongly recommend you lock your luggage.
Also, remember to pack extra rolls of film in your carry-on bag, as screening equipment will cause film damage. Placing film in a lead-lined bag will only subject luggage to further scrutiny, as baggage handling agents will not be able to see the bag's contents. For more suggestions from the TSA, visit www.tsa.gov/public.
Important note: Airport porters are NOT allowed in the customs hall area. On arrival, you must take your luggage off the baggage carousel and load it onto a complimentary cart, which you then will move through customs. When you exit the airport building, your motor coach driver will load your luggage onto your motor coach.
SPECIAL LUGGAGE LIMITATIONS
Due to the limitation of space aboard your cruise vessel, you'll be restricted to one piece of checked luggage and one carry-on per person. Keep your bags light-they will be easier to handle and you'll have room to bring souvenirs home.
The restrictions on baggage weight and size for your international flights vary between airlines. Some international carriers strictly restrict carry-on luggage to ONE piece only, which is unlike the standard allowance of one piece, plus a purse or personal effect. In addition, restrictions on what can be included in your carry-on bag vary by airline. To verify your luggage allowances and carry-on restrictions, please contact your airline directly when you receive your final air itinerary.
Packing Your Carry-On Bag
Use your daypack as your carry-on bag for your flights. We strongly urge you to pack in your carry-on case at least one full change of clothes, your camera gear, all medications, changes of socks and underwear, your important travel documents, and other irreplaceable items, in case your checked bags are delayed. Store camera gear and important papers in plastic bags to protect them from dirt and moisture.
NOTE: Restrictions on what can be included in your carry-on luggage change frequently. To avoid inadvertently packing any restricted items in your carry-on luggage, we strongly suggest that you consult the Transportation Security Administration website, at www.tsa.gov which keeps a current list of restricted items. From the main website click on Our Travelers, then Air Travel, and then you will see a link for Prohibited Items.
Recommended Travel Gear
Traveling in foreign countries brings you into new and strange situations, and though it's often fun to do things as the locals do, it can be irritating when simple daily habits, taken for granted at home, are upset. An ample supply of your favorite toiletries and health remedies are crucial for your personal comfort. To help make your vacation as convenient and pleasant as possible, please review our lists of suggested travel gear, and pack accordingly.
We advise you not to pack aerosol cans; they tend to leak during air travel. Also avoid packing glass bottles; use plastic containers instead. Leave at home checkbooks and any credit cards not essential for your trip, valuable jewelry, and, in general, anything that you would hate to lose.
