Talk About Travel

New passport requirements, Ryanair, L.A. stopovers and more

The Post's Travel Section Flight Crew will take your comments, questions, suspicions, warnings, gripes, sad tales and happy endings springing from the world of ... the world. Of course, the Flight Crew will be happy to answer your travel questions -- but the best thing about this forum, we insist, is that it lets travelers exchange information with other travelers who've been there, done that or otherwise have insights, ideas and information to share. Different members of the Crew will rotate through the captain's chair every week, but the one constant is you, our valued passengers.

We know you have a choice in online travel forums, and speaking for the entire Flight Crew, we want to thank you for flying with us.

Joining the Flight Crew today is Ambassador Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. Harty joined the Foreign Service in 1981, and has served overseas in Mexico City, Bogota, Madrid, and most recently as the U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay.

You may also browse an archive of previous live travel discussions.

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KC Summers: Hi everyone! It's a big week in the travel world -- in fact it's officially the Worst Travel Week of the Year. If you're one of those unfortunate souls traveling on Wednesday and/or Sunday, you have our condolences. In fact, let's see if we can make it better. Send us your Thanksgiving travel sob story when you get back -- either in next week's chat or email it to travel@washpost.com -- and the person with the biggest/funniest/most horrifying tale of woe gets a prize from our box of promotional junk.

Today, though, we want to hear all about your experiences and questions about passports, State Department travel warnings and other aspects of international travel. If you're confused about the new passport requirements, you came to the right place: Our guest today is Ambassador Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. The rest of the Flight Crew is also here for all your travel needs: Cindy Loose, Andrea Sachs, Anne McDonough, John Deiner, Steve Hendrix and me, your captain of the day, KC Summers.

Today's prize is actually quite nice: a big fluffy beach towel from a fancy Fla. resort, and a cute tote bag to carry it in. It goes to the chatter who we deem the most helpful during the next hour.

And we're off....

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Anne McDonough: This is from a poster who chimed in after last week's chat:

I have lived in Brazil for 8 years, eons ago, and as a translator of Portuguese I go there about once a year or so.

The thing about visas - for American citizens they cost $100 "because that's what the US charges Brazilians." A prominent sign in the Brazilian Consulate points out the difference without giving the reason. The visas are

good for 5 years, but that doesn't help the people who'd love to see Igua¿u from the Brazilian side. Citizens of other countries are charged only $35.00. Reciprocity, they call it.

When the US started fingerprinting and photographing all arriving foreign travelers, Brazil immediately did the same. I silently cheered because I feel that Americans should not expect privileged treatment everywhere they

go around the world...if we want to make life more difficult for arriving foreigners, they can do so too. Anyway, I know the paper covered the story of the American Airlines pilot who was jailed briefly for making an obscene gesture when photographed or fingerprinted when arriving - I forget which - he also lost his job, I believe. Reciprocity.

They're not mad at us.

When I went thru last Spring, they said I didn't need to do the "secondary" (I asked, because I saw I was being sent on thru) but my 30-something son and other men did have to go through it, no big deal.

I've been to Igua¿u three times, but it was so many years ago - at the time, the Argentine side wasn't really ready for tourists, no nearby hotels then.

But tourists were allowed to cross over for the day or a few hours, they just didn't stay over there. The Brazilian side has the lovely old colonial (pink stucco) Hotel das Cataractas and lots of lesser accommodations on the

way into the national park that is Igua¿u Falls. Only Hotel das Cataractas is right AT the falls.

Brazil is losing tourists at Igua¿u, no doubt, but they are unlikely to change their visa policy at that one point.

I had to renew my visa last year and my son was getting his first one - LUCKILY I read on their website that only US Postal money orders are accepted - I quickly called my son, who otherwise would have bought his at Shoppers Food Warehouse. All countries have specific rules about the form of payment for their visas when you go in person. Which is why I checked. I think Brazil is being unreasonable but that's their prerogative.

And I was very pleased with the vastly improved service at the Brazilian Consulate over what it used to be.

Donna H. Sandin

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Silver Spring, Md: It looks like I may be going to Haiti on a mission trip. Where can I find out what immunizations are recommended?

Steve Hendrix: Go here SS:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/caribean.htm

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TSA BWI Thurgood Marshall: As a screener, I mean Transportation Security Officer (bigger title since no raise in over four years), the most common mistakes are the following:

No plastic baggie: needs to be quart size and sealable and not bulging at the seams.

Containers over 3 ounces: It doesn't matter if a six ounce container clearly has less than an ounce, we have to read the label.

What is a liquid: If you're not sure treat it as one such as: toothpaste, white out, hand sanitizer, lotion, peanut butter, carmax, but most of all don't carryon your expensive colognes! I've had more irate passengers lose their expensive cologne than anything else.

Let's try to be nice to one another and suffer together under a poorly implemented policy.

Happy Holiday! See you at the airport.

KC Summers: Thank you, Mr. or Ms. Screener, for that public service announcement. You sound like a nice person. Also, sorry about the raise.

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Arlington, Va: This is in response to a question last week about bringing wrapped gifts on the plane. Has no one heard of this new fangled thing called THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE? Every time I head home for the holidays, I get my shopping done EARLY (before thanksgiving), get the package insured, with a tracking number, so I can be sure the package arrives on time and intact. Or, I buy presents online, and have them shipped to the home where I am spending Christmas, and wrap them when I get there. People who bring wrapped presents on the plane shouldn't be allowed to travel alone.

Anne McDonough: The problem with the Post Office is that you have to be organized enough to get your gifts in time in order to go there before leaving for the airport...and if you folks are anything like me it's Last Minute City. But you're totally right, of course shipping ahead is an option (though it can add a hefty price tag on to a gift, and you should leave extra time for it to arrive just in case).

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New York, NY: I'll be visiting my boyfriend's family in London for an extended visit over Christmas. His mum has expressed a desire for "real New York bagels." Could I bring some in my carryon luggage, or will I incur the wrath of airport security?

Cindy Loose: Bagels are fine, but don't bring on board the jelly and cream cheese. (it's liquids and gels that are strictly limited.) Your only restriction is the size of your carryon, which varies by airline but common sense is a pretty good guide--for one thing it has to fit in the overhead compartment.

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Bethesda, Md: Hey Crew!

My family's winter holiday falls on December 22 (the Friday before Christmas) this year. I'd like to take everyone skiing in Pennsylvania for the day. We were thinking of Ski Liberty. Will the traffic on that day be so terrible that we couldn't drive up in the morning, enjoy a day on the mountain, and be home by a reasonable hour?

Thank you, and whatever holiday you celebrate, I hope it's a happy one!

Steve Hendrix: That's going to be big driving day for sure, Beth, but I predict you'll be okay if you leave first thing. The mass wave will take some time to build, and the only really dicey part for you is a little bit of Beltway and then I270. Once you get past Frederick, Ski Liberty is close and easy. Coming home, ditto. Most of the heartache will be on the inbound lanes.

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Washington, D.C.: Traveling on Wednesday through National - flight is at 6pm. How early should I get there? I travel fairly regularly and have found that the lines have been much longer since the 3oz rule has been implemented. I am expecting a nightmare, but hoping for the best.

Also, I am an Elite member of Continental and in theory, should have a "special" security line, but I have never seen anyone actually police it - do you think they will have someone there on Wednesday?

Thanks so much!

John Deiner: Hey, DC. Consensus here is that if you have bags to check, play it safe and get there about 2.5 to 3 hours early -- you're heading right into the peak there, we think. If all you need to do is get through security, we'd be there two hours early. Yeah, I know: You may end up waiting an hour on the other side, but better safe than sorry. Just be sure to check ahead of time to see if you're flight is leaving on time (though that far out, it may not be too dependable.)

Anyone out there have to deal with National last Thanksgiving Eve? We playing it TOO safe? I wouldn't count on those special lines being up, either.

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Washington, D.C.: Does Amtrak have any of the restrictions on liquids in carry on luggage? Also, how early should I get to Union Station for a Wednesday night train to New York?

Andrea Sachs: Go ahead and pack your shampoo, conditioner, lotion, pudding and anything else that jiggles or swishes--Amtrak has no liquid ban. But don't forget the limit on bags: Two carry-ons and three checked.

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Missouri at Christmas...: Hi Crew,

A domestic question: so it looks like I'm going to be in the middle of Missouri for Christmas. What to do, what to do? Will have a car. Anything fun, interesting, special, to do, anything cool here that can't be done elsewhere? (Cheap would be good...) Looks like 2 weeks or so at the moment.

Any and all suggestions most welcome!

KC Summers: Go to Laura Ingalls Wilder's house! It's an amazing experience if you know or love the Little House books. It's called Rocky Ridge Farm and it's really wonderful -- in the town of Mansfield, south-central part of the state. You can see where Laura and Almanzo moved after their South Dakota years, where Rose grew up, the house Almanzo built by hand, etc. Very moving.

But I realize everyone might not be as enthralled with LIW as I am, so I'm throwing this out to the clicksters. What else is there to do in the middle of Missouri in December?

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Silver Spring, Md: I'm a long time reader, but this is the first time I've submitted a question to the chat.

My boyfriend and I want to take a trip to Montreal over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. I've found wonderful hotel rates - simple, nice hotels for $70 a night!

However, I'm having difficulty finding a cheap flight. The cheapest I've found is around $350 round trip. Do you think this is reasonable? I frequently fly to upstate New York for to see family for only $150 round trip. An extra $200 for an additional forty-five minutes on a plane seems crazy. Does the flight cost more because it's technically international?

Steve Hendrix:

Let's not get greedy, SS. $350 seems pretty decent to me (i've paid more to Montreal). Remember, airline pricing has little to do with such pedestrian concerns as distance and geography (I think they use phases of the moon and some kind of elvin necromancy instead).

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Susquehanna Township, Pa: Question concerning current TSA rules on medications. Do all medications have to come in the original container or does that rule only apply to liquids? Since I am a kidney transplant patient, my medications are usually ordered in 3 month quantities, which means any bag full of the original containers is very bulky. Also, would a doctor's note be sufficient with an Epi-Pen, which my wife must carry because of severe food allergies?

Cindy Loose: Even if they are in liquid or gel form, medicines are exempt from the rule saying you can't take more than 3 ounce containers and all your containers must fit in a one quart bag.

The TSA website (www.tsa.gov) "recommends" that you bring supporting documentation, like a letter froma doctor, and "recommends" that the name on the prescription label match the name on the boarding pass, but to avoid major hassle I'd follow the recommendations even though they aren't technically mandatory. It's like the shoe thing---you aren't forced to take your shoes off, but if you don't, woe is you.

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Holiday baked goodies: Help! Can we carry baked goods for Thanksgiving on an airplane or do they have to be "checked"? thank you for answering this last minute question!

Cindy Loose: Cookies--and bagels--are fine. Liquids and gels are the problem.

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More security questions: I know - these are getting old, but who else can we turn to but the experts on The Flight Crew??

I am traveling with my dog in the cabin over Christmas. I need to pack some 6 oz cans of soft dog food. It is not liquid, but I'm afraid it will be thrown out at security anyways. I'm also worried that putting it in checked bags will cause problems since the cans are metal and may look suspicious on X-ray. Ideas? I've considered buying it at my destination but it can be difficult to find.

Andrea Sachs: Most likely dog food falls into the solids category, unless your dog is drinking his Purina. To be safe, you could always pre-package it in three-ounce containers, though they will have to fit a quart-size bag. You will also have your dog with you, so if security pulls you aside to inspect your cans, then you have pooch proof for the dog food.

Finally, you could send them through in your checked bag. If they look suspicious on the X-ray, security officials will simply hand-inspect your bag (so don't lock your bag).

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Dupont Circle, Washington, DC: My wife and I will be living in Cambridge, England for 2-3 years and want to take great advantage of Stansted's airport ridiculously cheap fares with Ryanair and Easyjet. Any words of advice or recommendations for obscure Europeam cities they fly to that should not be missed (especially when it costs $20 each way). Ryanair just started flying to Montpellier in southern France, example.

Anne McDonough: Hey Dupont, you lucky duck! From Stansted, I would try to get to Palma (Majorca), Ljubljana, Tallinn and Copenhagen on EasyJet, and Alghero on Ryanair, since I've never been to any of them! Posters, where should Dupont go first?

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Travel on Wednesday: We are driving to Buffalo for Thanksgiving for the first time this year, usually we stay in town. Unfortunately, I have a meeting on Wednesday morning I can't miss so we can't leave until early afternoon. How bad will it get on 270? I'd just like to be prepared (and to prepare my husband!).

John Deiner: Yow. My guess: Real bad. As always, the earlier or later you can leave, the better. Leaving before noon would be mucho better, of course, but you have a long haul there. Any thoughts out there? (I HATE traffic, so I'd probably, perhaps stupidly, opt to leave after dinner and just drive into the wee hours)

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks for having these chats!

I will be transporting a friend to Dulles for a 8:00 am domestic flight on Thanksgiving Day. We generally fly from National, and we have heard absolute horror stories regarding the security lines at Dulles. Could you provide any guidance as to how far in advance one should arrive at Dulles for a domestic flight???

Thanks!

Steve Hendrix: Dulles security really can be a nightmare, depending on when you hit it. I've had it take 40 mins to get through and heard of worse. (It's the same line for international and domestic.) Add on the slowness of the mobile lounges and the parking busses at Dulles, and you really need to maximize your time margins. I usually arrive at Dulles five or days before boarding time and live in the mens room on Concourse D.

To find out how the wait USUALLY shakes out for the day and time you're traveling, go to this TSA site and click through to Dulles:

http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov/index.html

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Arlington, Va: For the Montreal questioner, you do end up paying lots of taxes to travel between the USA and Canada. I guess both of our governments want to make sure they are getting their share out of us. I think a trip to Canada typically has at least $70 worth of taxes and fees, sometimes more.

Steve Hendrix: True fact, Arlington. Thanks.

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Wed Traveling Question: I'm leaving Laguardia on Wed morning (8:30 flight) on the Delta Shuttle to National. Do you think things will be hectic that early in the morning? Also, just to be sure I'm understanding the TSA-double speak: I can take eye drops with me in my purse, and they do NOT have to be in a ziploc? Thanks!

John Deiner: As always, the earlier the better. And if Laguardia has a special check-in for the Delta Shuttle the way National does, it shouldn't be too awful. We believe bottles of eyedrops DO have to be in that ziplock. I use drops all the time, though, and I haven't had any trouble -- I just stick a few of those single-use tubes in my pocket use them as the flight progresses.

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Somewhere, USA: To the State Department person: Are the new chips in all new and renewing passports yet? Thank you for your assistance.

Ambassor Maura Harty: Good afternoon, and thank you so much to the Washington Post for having me, and thank you for your question.

Two of our passport agencies are already producing 100% e-passports - the passports with the electronic chips. We're also ramping up production in our other 15 agencies around the country, and by the middle of next year all U.S. passports produced in this country will be e-passports.

You can tell if you have an e-passport, by the way, by a rectangular icon on the front cover.

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Re: Ryanair: We went from Dublin to Glascow three years ago for 7 euro round trip--in May there's a Robert Burns (My love is like a red red rose) festival featuring performances by the Scottish philharmonic (Think NSO in kilts with bagpipes) and fireworks--absolutely unforgettable! To make it really out of this world, spend the money you save on flights at the westin turnberry--super $$$, but some of the best golf (and views) in the world!

Anne McDonough: A reound-trip flight for less than the SuperShuttle to Dulles counts? Count me in!!

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Southington, Conn: At the risk of sounding like Goldilocks, how do I find out how soft or hard hotel beds are before I end up stuck in one for the night? Because I have arthritis, too hard a bed can keep me awake all night, make me sick and ruin the remainder of a trip. For me any more, Marriott-property beds are too hard, but Hilton-property beds are "just right." However, as much as I love the Hampton Inns, if I didn't have to fork over so much money for a hotel, I'd travel more often. But a miserable night is even costlier in the long run for me. Still, who wouldn't like to save a buck and hit the road more frequently? So, how do I find out which of the two-star chain hotels have beds that suit my needs? Thank you, oh wise Flight Crew and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

KC Summers: Boy that's a new one. I think if the bed quality was that important to me, and I already knew I liked HIlton beds, I'd just pay the extra money for peace of mind. You could try raising the issue in a travel forum online -- at your service! -- but the question is so subjective, and your needs sound so specific, I'm not sure anyone else's recommendation would do you any good. I guess I'd just say to call the chains directly and try to describe what it is you're looking for.

Chatters? any ideas?

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Flight Crew-

I know that airfares have gone up in the last year. Do you have any insight into what months of 2007 can be considered off peak times to travel with lower airfares? I have a friend that wants to visit me in DC early next year. She thinks coming in February is ideal because fares should be lower. Any advice for finding low fares from LA to DC? Thanks.

Cindy Loose: Martin Luther King's birthday,being a three-day holiday, probably wouldn't be a great time, but otherwise I think she should shop around for the month that most appeals. There is a ton of competion, especially if she's willing to fly into any of the D.C. area airports and consider flights out of not only LAX but Long Beach or Santa Ana, depending which is cheapest on a given day.

In addition to shopping at sites like orbitz, travelocity and expedia, she should also check southwest airlines and jet blue. Any ticket in the neighborhood of $250 with tax is good---that means you're paying about $100 each way, and that's a lot cheaper than a bus or even gas money.

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Georgetown, DC: I'm traveling over Thanksgiving with my pet crocodile in the cabin, and I need to bring his baby pool on board, with the water in it...I know these questions about liquids are getting old but....JUST KIDDING.

Real question: is trying to leave DC to head south on I-95 going to be total disaster on Wednesday morning? When should I leave?

KC Summers: Cute, G'town. Real cute! Re the nightmare that is I-95, if I were making that drive, and thank God I'm not, I would be on the road by at least 6 a.m. Course, it depends how far south you're going, and what time dinner is, but I'd be out of here by daybreak.

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Alexandria, Va: My husband and I were thinking of doing 10 days in Europe next fall -- specifically southern Germany, Austria, Prague, and Switzerland. Is it a better idea to stay in one central location (say, Munich) and rent a car or take trains, or stay 3 nights each in Germany, Austria, and Prague?

Steve Hendrix: You could certainly do that, the driving and navigating are easy. But that would be a little too much time backtracking every day for me. Plus, even though I like getting familiar with my base neighborhood, you'd be missing a chance to bag additional hotels and nightspots (and you'd probably be so late getting back each night that you woundn't even be able to take advantage of Munich too much).

I'd consider changing cities at least once or twice in a ten-day period.

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Buffalo for Thanksgiving: Do yourself a favor and either (a) leave about 9 PM Wednesday, resigning yourself to an all-night drive, or (b) have a nice leisurely dinner here in the D.C. area on Wednesday, then go home, set the alarm for 3 a.m., and start driving then. The third choice, (c) leave in the early afternoon, means you'll spend hours in horrible traffic.

John Deiner: Yep, I'm with you. Just sitting there for hours is a horrible waste of time, and watching other folks scowl is no fun at all.

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Clarification of post last Monday: Last week when I described how my trips to the Azores have lived up to the State Department's description of a general absence of gang activity and pickpockets there, my point was that when I read this before my first trip, I thought it SOUNDED TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE -- and we all know the corollary to that saying! -- so I was extremely wary at first. You can imagine my amazed pleasure at finding the Azores safe even for a woman alone after dark. Also, I recall reading a warning (dont'recall where any more) re livestock blocking traffic on rural and semi-rural roads in the Azores, and having the right-of-way -- so true, although the upside is that it's afforded me some great candid snapshots!

Ambassor Maura Harty: I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to the Azores! Our consular information sheets provide information that every traveler should check before heading overseas. And the photo of the livestock will be priceless.

Can you link to the story in the Post's Travel section yesterday about our travel information program?

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Washington, D.C.: Re Passport Advice: We are travelling to Jamiaca this xmas and just got a passport for our 6 year old (although we actually return on January 7, the day before the passport requirement kicks in, we aren't taking any chances--last year we did the same trip and the counter agent at dulles told us we needed a passport for our then 5 year old. After 20 minutes of sheer panic over possibly losing a paid for vacation and our son on the verge of tears, we finally located a supervisor who correctly knew the passport requirements.) We applied for our passport at the Ben Franklin post office on Pennsylvania ave and the woman in charge couldn't have been nicer. It took all of five minutes and we received the passport in the mail in less than 4 weeks (though we were told it could take up to eight). My advice is to have all your paperwork filled out before you go, take your child/ren and spouse with you (or have spouse fill out a waiver)and go to the post office tuesday through thursday, the days we were told are the least busy. The participating post office locations are listed on the state department website. Very easy, and WELL worth avoiding a potential problem at the airport.

Ambassor Maura Harty: That's great ... I'm glad you had a good experience getting your passport. You're right: the requirement that travelers have a passport when returning from travel abroad kicks in early next year. And it's as easy as you say--there are more than 8,000 passport application acceptance facilities nationwide.

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Silver Spring, Md: I have an 11am flight at BWI tomorrow and Supershuttle's coming to get me (in downtown SS) at 8am - I'm assuming we'd arrive around 9 or 9.30. I've already checked in online, but I do need to check bags. Do you think that's enough time?

Steve Hendrix: You should be fine. Straight to security with a boarding pass at BWI, I'm comfortable walking through the doors an hour before flight time. A little extra time on Thanksgiving week is probably a good idea.

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Ashburn, Va: I will have one day layover in Hong Kong on my way back from Vietnam. Can I leave my luggage in the airport somewhere so that I don't have to lug it to my hotel in HK? Are there lockers in the HK airport that will fit a big luggage? What are some other options available to me.

Anne McDonough: Hi Ashburn, according to the Hong Kong International Airport Web site, there is indeed a left luggage option, located at the Level 5 Arrivals Hall. Between 3 and 24 hours, the charge is HK$50, which is about US$6.40; the service is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. For more info, go to http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/aguide/baggage.html

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Washington, DC: Is there anyway to combine frequent flier miles from different carriers? I have 70,000 from United, 30,000 from Delta, 30,000 from Continental, and 20,000 from USAirways. The only way I see them combined is if they are all merge into one mega carrier!

Cindy Loose: Before you fly you can specify that you want your miles put into another airline's account IF the two airlines in question are partners. But once you've earned the miles, you can't transfer them even to a partner airline. The idea is that they give you miles in hopes you'll be a loyal flyer and you'll book them cause you're collecting miles. If they just let you move em around from airline to airline it would no longer be a "loyalty program."

But you could just wait until they all merge into one big airline.....

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Arlington, Va: Hi, Flight Crew!

I was on vacation in Paris last week (first time to Paris... amazing city... loved the history, architecture, museums and food), and I noticed a difference between the security at Dulles compared with Charles de Gaulle, in terms of flying out of both airports.

At Dulles, I had no problem with my little Ziploc bag and trial-size shampoo and toothpaste in my carry-on bag. I just had to remember to take out my camera. Then again, I was on the 10:20 PM Air France flight, missing most of the foot traffic at the airport.

Flying back home from Paris, it took a lot longer, as foreigners aren't familiar with TSA's requirements. So, even though I didn't have any shampoo or toothpaste in a Ziploc baggie when boarding at Charles de Gaulle, it took me quite a bit longer to go from the ticket counter where I checked my suitcase to the gate. And, once I went passed through the metal detector and x-ray machine, they still checked my bag (and most people's bags, for that matter). My recommendation would be to get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight when you are abroad.

KC Summers: Thanks for that ground-level report, Arl. We don't usually hear praise for Dulles. Lots of complaints about them and CDG. Anyway, I would get there at least THREE hours before my flight, maybe even earlier.

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re: beds: You have to check in advance, but may Radissons have the "sleep number" beds that let you adjust firmness according to your needs. That may help.

KC Summers: Ah, that's right. Thanks for the tip -- hear that, bed person?

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Formerly of mid-MO: For the poster who is going to be in mid-Missouri-- that ia a big area.

I can recommend Columbia-- a nice college town and with Thanksgiving break, take the opportunity to eat at Shakespeare`s Pizza`s original 9th Street location. The campus is beautiful and there are usually nice cultural events at Jesse Hall on campus and in the Missouri Theater downtown (I believe it is the oldest theater west of the Mississippi.)

There is an interesting Iron Curtain museum at Westminster College over in Fulton.

KC Summers: Hey, that sounds fun! Thanks so much for the input.

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The Emporer has no Clothes, USA: Uhm, So I have always thought the liquids ban was insanely dumb, not because of the potential threat, just because the rule could be thwarted so easily by anyone wanting to 'smuggle' liquids. Now, with the amount of baggage checked increased and a corresponding loss baggage rate increasing, when will anyone stop this madness?

I am pretty sure most asian airports don't enforce the bans either. Why is this happening and how long can it go on?

Cindy Loose: It's happening because a terrorist plot involving mixing liquids on board a plane was thwarted, and I think it's going to last a long, long time.

Any rule can be thwarted, like you could print fake I.D. and buy a ticket under the fake name, but I think the idea is to create rules to make it as difficult as possible to do bad.

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Washington, DC: Hi, I'm temporarily on crutches. I'm going to be flying soon. What do I need to know about issues re:security checkpoints? And what about seeing if it's possible to re-accomodate my seating assignment. Should I just do that when I get to the airport or should I call ahead. I know my flight is completely full. Thanks.

Steve Hendrix: You just definitely tell an agent you're on crutches in advance. They'll put you toward the front if it all possible. Otherwise, just allow yourself extra time. They'll want to examine your crutches, but they don't require any special early registration.

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Arlington, Va: In a few weeks I will be flying from Bangkok through Singapore, on my way to Sydney. I checked out the Singapore customs regulations for visitors transitting Singapore. It appears one does not need a visa if you plan on staying less than 4 days (I have an overnight stay) and have at least 6 months time left on your current passport. I fit all the criteria except the passport. Mine expires in 5 months. Any experience on how strict Singapore customs officials are?

Ambassor Maura Harty: Arlington - we have the official rules for entering foreign countries on our travel.state.gov consular affairs website. I'd be interested to hear if any other readers have experiences about entering particular countries.

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for Middle of Missouri . . .: My goodness, there are many options, depending on what kinds of things you like to do. Near the "middle" of the state is Columbia, which is the home of the University of Missouri and has quite an interesting film and alternative arts scene -- of course, things may be a bit quieter over school holidays, but you should be able to find something.

Hermann, Missouri, also near the "middle", is home to a number of decent wineries -- some would be cozier than others for a winter visit.

Along with the Laura Ingalls Wilder suggestion, Hannibal, Missouri has a lot of Mark Twain/Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn memorabilia and attractions -- a little touristy, but if these happen to be favorite childhood novels, kind of a hoot.

One good thing about being in the "middle" though, is that you can drive in all directions, particularly to St. Louis or Kansas City. St. Louis is my home town, and many of its most famous cultural attractions are free (e.g., the Zoo, the Art Museum) or nominal charge (the Gateway Arch, ice skating in Forest Park). There are also a number of fun neighborhoods to explore, and there should be a large variety of holiday-specific activities and arts performances througout the city. In the past, they have had a very fun "First Night" festival near the downtown area, don't know if that's on the books for this year.

KC Summers: More Missouri insider tips. Wineries, who knew? Thanks much!

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Philadelphia: For the Silver Spring reader - have you checked flights into and out of Burlington, VT? It's not a bad drive over the border into Montreal from there (renting in Bulrington and driving to Montreal may be faster than flying over the border, actually). Quite often Montreal is cheaper for people to fly into/out of (according to my Vermont relatives), but if you're looking only to reduce prices, a quick Expedia search turned up one-stop flights w/ one stop for under $300 from Washington, and non-stop for about $330-$340.

Steve Hendrix: Good tip, Philly. (Extra points for actually exploring the fares)

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Silver Spring, Md: Any advice for driving the 270-70 corridor to the PA turnpike west for the Thanksgiving weekend? Does traffic die down enough to depart by 7 or 8 on Wednesday? Most importantly, when does the traffic get heavy on Sunday for the return to DC? Is 70-270-the beltway a parking lot from 12-6?

John Deiner: I think you answered both of your questions there, SS. After 8 p.m. or so, traffic should definitely diminish, and 12-6 is most likely the worst time to arrive back in this area, though I imagine it's worse in mid to late afternoon.

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Gaithersburg, Md: My family is in Philadelphia and we have made the trip from Gaithersburg to Philadelphia every year for Thanksgiving since 1992. We leave the house at 7:00 on Wednesday night and arrive in Philadelphia three hours later. The only place we hit congestion is in Delaware where some traffic continues on 95 and the rest goes over the bridge. If you wait until after dinner, it is fine.

John Deiner: Hey, Gaithersburg. Thanks for the report. And that darned Delaware...it mangles a lot of plans, I imagine. That I-95/Delaware Memorial Bridge divide can be a real mess.

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Washington, DC: I enjoyed your article about the Magritte exhibit going on in LA. I have a 5-hour layover there on my way to New Zealand in December. Would that be enough time to go see the exhibit and make my flight? If not, are there any good things to do in the airport you'd recommend? I haven't flown through LA in ages and have no idea what's there.

Thanks!

Andrea Sachs: LACA is about a half-hour by cab from the airport, so as long as you leave enough time for check-in and security, go have yourself a surreal time. To reduce your stress level, see if you can check your bags beforehand (can you check them through in D.C.?) and get your boarding pass. If not, leave yourself at least two hours. For other outings, a shuttle run from nearby aiport hotels to Manhattan Beach, a great place to shop, eat and hang by the beach (plus, it's within earshot of LAX). In the airport itself, you can view public art, eat at Wolfgang Puck and shop for California goods.

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Anonymous: I once worked for the State Dept. Their warnings have to be on the conservative side since the uproar over allegedly downplaying dangers ("I went to Booga Booga because you said it was safe, and we were assaulted!") is worse, and more likely to lead to angry calls from Congress, than overstating dangers (if a foreign country is incensed, Congress is less likely to get involved).

Steve Hendrix: I tend to agree. There's huge institutional pressure to err on the side of caution in those warnings. That's not bad, except to the degree that it paints a falsely dire picture of many countries. Ultimately, it's the traveler's job to sort through the alarming stuff.

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Cubicleville: Hoping you have some words of wisdom. While visiting us from a foreign country my mom got sick and had to cancel her flight home. We are told her particular form of ticket "expires," which means that if she cannot reschedule her departure by a certain date (which is prior to the end of her treatment) she loses the ticket altogether- unless we go to the airport and beg the airline counter employee to be gracious and grant her a voucher for the "out-of-time" return. Though we have one, a medical note will not suffice to allow her to change the return (even if we pay any difference in ticket price). The airline, if it matters, is American. Is this really true in the case of an unexpected medical condition? If so, do you know any way around losing her entire return? Thanks in advance.

Cindy Loose: I'm afraid you don't have any alternatives except, as you say, pleading for mercy. Non-refundable tickets are just that--non-refundable, and the reason why you aren't going on the day you said you'd go really doesn't matter. That's why travel insurance is a good idea. American isn't different in this respect---the rules would be at the airline's website in its contract of carriage, and no airline I know of makes an exception to the rules for illness.

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Silver Spring, Md: Hey. I'm going to be in Kansas City during the first week of December for work. Are there any things that I should not miss, given that any sightseeing will have to be done after 5pm? Thanks!

KC Summers: Our Kansas City knowledge is limited but we did run a nice piece on K.C. jazz and the American Jazz Museum there. Link coming up. And anyone with other tips, please chime in.

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NorthEast: To the person on crutches: Get to airport early and request wheelchair assistance to get to your gate. I wore a stabilization boot for four months and had to fly twice during that time. If you're in a wheelchair, they will bypass the security line and get you through security faster. You will likely have extra security checking, but it sure beats that line!

Steve Hendrix: You'll bypass security, but may have to wait for at the other end to be carted off the plane. Tough call...

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washingtonpost.com: In K.C., the Vine's Second Act, (Dec. 12, 2004)

KC Summers: For the Kansas City-bound. Thanks Kim!

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Pittsburgh, Pa: On my first trip with my first passport a few years ago, I checked in at my lovely tourist hotel, where the desk clerk asked for my passport. I obediently handed it over, and they explained that because they were backed up just then, they would need to keep it a little while in order to photocopy the main page (the one with the photo, home address, etc.). Being an inexperienced foreign traveler -- not to mention distracted and tired -- I forgot all about my passport, because I didn't need it for anything else during my stay at that hotel. When I moved on to my next destination, that hotel's clerk requested my passport, which -- panic! -- I realized I no longer had. It gradually dawned on me where I'd left it, and it took much phoning and some expense to get the infernal document messengered securely to my new location (this was all negotiated in a foreign language I didn't speak terribly well, adding to the trauma). The only lucky thing was that, before I'd left home, I'd read a travel advice column recommending that one take along a few photocopies of the main page of one's passport's, for ID purposes or in case of loss. But you can believe that I not only take along photocopies of my passport every time, but I've anor never, ever again let my passport out of my sight, no matter how backed-up a desk-clerk claims to be -- I just insist politely that I'll wait, and miraculously they manage to make their own copy quickly!

Ambassor Maura Harty: Great travel tip. Just wanted to add that having a photocopy of your travel and identity documents will help if you need to replace a lost or stolen passport.

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Rockville, Md: re: Goldilocks

I have one word: thermarest. I NEVER travel without mine! It's been to hotels of all grades and gives my arthritic back a wonderful night! Lightweight, easy to pack.

sweet dreams!

KC Summers: Sounds great, Rock. But... what is it?

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Philadelphia, Pa: I have a question for the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs. I have never lost a passport, yet I know I am supposed to go to an American consulate if I ever lose or have one stolen. What actually happens then? What is done to prove who I am, what paperwork is involved, and about how long do these cases take to resolve?

Ambassor Maura Harty: It's always a good idea to be sure you know where your nearest embassy or consulate overseas is when you're traveling. If you are unfortunate enough to lose your passport, we'll do our best to help you.

We'll record your passport as having been lost, so no one else can reuse it. We also will be able to use an electronic version of your passport application to verify your identity and citizenship so we can issue a new passport. Normally, we'll send a new passport from the U.S. within a week. If you have immediate travel plans, in some situations we can also issue emergency passports (limited in validity) directly from the embassy or consulate.

Good luck with your travels!

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270 to Buffalo: We live off of 270 and will be driving to Binghamton, NY via 270-15-81. The plan is to leave around 8pm Wed night. Regardless of when in the afternoon/evening we leave, we usually arrive about 3am. Good luck with the drive!

John Deiner: Great stuff there. And the point, really, is that we all arrive in one piece ready to eat as much pie as possible. Thanks for chiming in!

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Washington, D.C. - hotel beds: My favorite hotel bed is the Westin Heavenly Bed. Although, I stayed at a Hampton Inn recently and they have a new "sleep system" like every other hotel nowadays. It was actually quite comfy.

KC Summers: Hear that, Goldilocks?

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Pittsburgh, Pa: We are planning to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my parents in Richmond. My mother suggested that we spend one day visiting colonial Williamsbug, which is only a hour's drive from her home. I would love it, but I wonder if my 4 year old daughter would get anything out of it. My memory of the place was that it would be of more interest to older children. Can anyone comment?

Cindy Loose: She'll not remember enough for the trip to be of any help on her 4th grade colonial history test, but I think she'll have fun, as long as you don't spend more time than she has energy. Williamsburg will look at sparkly and smell nice and there's plenty of room to run around outside. If you would love it, you should do it---for her it won't be about history but about seeing a horse and buying a cookie, but what the heck. Just plan it around nap time so she's not cranky, and if she gets cranky drop any rules you have about eating junk food---that's from personal experience that I speak.

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Password tales: When I was working in France, I went to the laundromat to do my laundry. Halfway through, I look at the washer, and there's my passport going around and around. Of course, it was a front-loader, so there was no way to stop the cycle and get it out. Wash, rinse, spin...

A lot of the cool stamps washed out, but the passport itself made it pretty much intact. The US passport official didn't really give it a second glance when I came home.

KC Summers: LOL. My kid just did that with his cellphone with a less happy ending.

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Passport question: Hi there. After I got married, I had to get the named changed on my passport. All they asked was for me to send the passport along with a copy of my marriage certificate. Then weeks later, I got back the passport. The only thing that was different was that in the very back, my new name was printed. Does that sound right? Should anything more be done? Thanks!

Ambassor Maura Harty: How long ago did you get married? This used to be the way State reflected name changes, through amendments to passports.

Today we now will issue you a new passport to reflect any name changes. In part, this is because the data chip in the new electronic passport cannot be changed (a security feature), so you'll need a new chip in a new passport to go along with your new name.

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Shipping: Wdo you do with large souvenirs you want to bring home from anywhere across the globe? I'm talking about small pieces of furniture, unwieldy pieces of pottery and stuff you wouldn't want to change in the underbelly of a plane. I generally travel light but sometime I see something I just have to have. Is shipping to the US from overseas insanely expensive? How do you generally arrange it especially when you are buying from local artisans who may not have their own store? I've never done it, and I was just wondering in case I came across something I had to bring back from Central America next month.

Steve Hendrix: This is a hobby of mine! I once checked a sizable antique colonial chest from Guatemala on American, and a huge living room rug from Mongolia and a case of ceramic tiles from Mexico.

It's a fun challenge that my wife, for some reason, describes as a pain in the ***. (But I notice that she walks on that rug without complaining). Otherwise, you ship it, which typically erases any aspect of bargain in the final price.

The key is getting the person you brought it from to pack it up, as tightly and securely as possible. For the chest, they braced the legs with wood and wrapped the whole thing in plastic. Get them to fashion a carrying strap as well.

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International Security: I had a similar experience as the CDG traveller - I went to Croatia through Hamburg, Germany (love those cheaper inter-Europe Airlines) and on the way back, my friend and I were surprised how rigorous the security was. We went through the regular security (metal detector & x-ray machine) to get to the terminal and then to get to our gate, had to re-scan our carry ons, which were then also searched, and everyone was wanded. They also asked us those ridiculous questions about your baggage, and if it had been with you at all times, and who packed it, etc. Which, I must say, is a bit unnerving because they don't always speak the clearest English (not that I'm judging, it's waaaay better than my German!) and it almost made me paranoid to answer the questions!

KC Summers: Yeah, unnerving for sure. I never know quite what persona to put on, either.

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Minneapolis, Minn: RE: International flexible date searches.

Just a little info to share. There are 2 sites where you can still do an international flexible date search: www.zuji.com is travelocity's Asian site but it still has the flex search, and www.farecompare.com which is a little more cumbersome, but has those great maps which show the prices from one origin city to an entire continent.

KC Summers: Thanks for the recs. Farecompare is a good site to check out for those who aren't familiar with it.

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To Gaithersburg - WARNING DELAWARE: The nightmare is Delaware is much worse at the moment. Immediately after the toll going nothbound and immediately before going southbound there is major construction. Two lanes are closed in either direction. I have traveled 95 twice in the last two weeks and it is awful. I waited in almost 45 minutes of back up yesterday and hit back ups at noon last Friday for almost 30 minutes. I cannot imagine how horrific this is going to be over the holiday weekend. Marc Fisher and Dr. Gridlock are posting work arounds on their blogs. Good luck!

John Deiner: Ack. Good point. Heck, even I knew that (stuck in it myself a few weeks ago). Check a blog or grab a map and take the side roads if you can, but I imagine even the work-arounds will be bad.

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Alexandria Va: There was a thought provoking piece this morning on the radio. One third of foreign visitors say they won't visit the US again because of our USVISIT procedures. This whole program seems like a major blunder. Having worked with international college students, I know the impact that post 9/11 hysteria had on our exchange programs.

Is there any evidence that the alleged security gains from this program have been substantial enough to outweigh the negative effects on tourism and cultural exchange?

Ambassor Maura Harty: Today is my fourth anniversary in this job, and we have been getting better and better at administering the policy of Secure Borders, Open Doors.

While I can't comment specifically on US-VISIT, since it is a program of the Department of Homeland Security, we certainly regret if anyone has felt uncomfortable. We have a rock solid belief that no one should ever feel demeaned or diminished as a result of their interaction with us.

While changes to the visa and entry process following September 11 resulted in a precipitous dip in the number of international visitors to the United States, I'm happy to report that visa demand is roaring back. Last year, the Department issued more than 590,000 visas for international academic and vocational students and exchange visitors to study or conduct research in the United States - an all-time record. This figure is 14% higher than last year, and over 5% above the previous high in 2001. The numbers are particularly notable from countries like China and India, but we've seen increases over the past several years from every region in the world.

While the survey you probably heard mentioned on the radio was based on 2,000 responses, we interviewed 7.6 million people last year for visas, and the overwhelming majority of them came to this country. We couldn't be happier about that.

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For KC-bound: The Plaza is very nice, especially at night around the holiday season. It's built to resemble Seville so has the terra-cotta tiles on the roofs of the buildings. It has pretty good shopping and lots of fountains and will be lit up because of the holidays.

KC Summers: Good to know. Thanks!

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Lost Passpo, RT: Just a quick thanks for the fast turnaround on my husband's passport. His was lost in a house fire a couple years ago and we just got around to replacing it. The USPS/Passport staff member who processed the new application was very helpful and the new passport arrived about 4 weeks later. And the new passport is the new format with additional security features - very cool! (I was bummed, my renewed/name change passport was the old style.)

Ambassor Maura Harty: Another good news passport story. As more and more people are applying for passports, we've hired more people and expanded facilities so that you will still get a fast turnaround in time for your travels.

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Passport Q: Which 2 passport centers are already issuing the new e-

passports?

Ambassor Maura Harty: Colorado, and what we call the Special Issuance Agency, where we process diplomatic and official passports.

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Overnight Parking at Metro: Hi crew! In order to save some stress, I would like to take Metro to DCA from the Franconia-Springfield station Wed night to catch a flight. Unfortunately, I won't be back until Sunday. Does Metro enforce the no more then 24 hour parking rule? I know the Franconia lot has like 15 spaces for overnight parking, but I fear that there won't be any available when I get there. Should I just suck it up and park at DCA?

Steve Hendrix: I think trying to bag one of those 15 spaces on one of the busiest travel of days of the year is way to ADD to your stress, not reduce it. For that matter, getting a place at National will be challenge by Wednesday night. If you can't bum a ride, might a good time to spring for a cab, at least to the Metro station.

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LA layover: You could zip out of LAX and head to the museum during your layover, but there are several things to consider:

1. Time for the immigration lines. They're long at LAX, even for US citizens.

2. Getting your bags. If you're one of four 747s that arrives at the same time, it will be a while before you find your bag.

3. Time for the Customs line. They're especially interested in agricultural products, so if you've checked "food" on your Customs form, expect a separate inspection.

4. Finally, traffic. In an ideal traffic situation, the trip to the museum will take no less than 30 minutes. If you're going to be returning during rush hour, it's a different story. On weekends, however, you might be in luck and have a smooth ride.

LACMA is a great museum (and next to the la Brea Tar Pits, if you do have extra time) and well worth seeing, but probably not at the expense of missing your connection.

Andrea Sachs: Thanks for the reality check!

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Regarding e-passports: What type of information is stored electronically on an e-passport? What steps have been taken to ensure that this information cannot be read by an unauthorized person? If the RFID chip is found to present a significant security flaw (and there has been some very disheartening research on this recently), what steps will the State Department take to protect citizens with the new passports?

I'm going to have to get a new passport next month (I'm in the process of changing my name after a marriage, but had to wait until after an imminent international trip.) I really, really, do not want one of these chips in my passport. What are the odds that I'll be stuck with one anyway?

Ambassor Maura Harty: Want to get this quickly, so let me say that it's an exact mirror of the information you see on the data page (name, passport number, photograph, and so on). It's another way to verify at the border that this information has not been altered when you're traveling.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Ambassador Harty: What are the current rules on travel to Cuba? What is required for entrance into Cuba for American citizens?

Ambassor Maura Harty: I don't have enough time to give this one justice, but you can start by looking at our consular information sheet: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1097.html

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Takoma Park Md: Hi Flilght Crew,

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm certainly thankful to you for doing these chats.

We have a 19 year old daughter that wants to go to Acapulco for spring break with 35 of her closest friends. This is a charter one-week vacation.

According to the State Department, the State of Guerrero, where I beleive Acapulco is, has been experiencing a wave of violence and kidnappings Should we be so concerned about this that we should tell her she can't go? The destination is an all-inclusive beach resort.

We would weigh your opinion heavily. Thank you very much.

Cindy Loose: That's a tough question, mainly because people's comfort levels for risk taking vary so much. When it comes to my daughter I have a VERY low tolerance for risk, and I'd probably let her go at age 19 if I felt she would take seriously my advise not to venture outside the all inclusive at night, to avoid anyone who offers anything, particuarly drugs, and I'd also want to check out the resort--does it appear to be pretty nice, or a dive? If a dive I'd say no. There is drug-related violence there, no question, but if you think these are level-headed kids and you think they're going to have plenty to do at the resort without running all over town--well I can't tell you what to do, but I'd let my daugther go despite the fact I'd be worrying.

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scheduling time in Italy: Hi. I'm going to Italy for the first time and am VERY excited. My husband and I are going with his mother, who has never been and is getting older. This is my question: We have about 10 days (leaving here on Wed., coming back on a Sat.). I've apportined Thur-Sat at Rome, Sunday at Siena, Mon-Wed at Florence, and Thur-Fri in Venice. Does this sound about right, or should we drop Siena? There are just so many wonderful things to choose from . . . Thank you!

KC Summers: I think this itinerary sounds like a bit much for a younger traveler, not to mention a senior. Might be a good idea to drop Siena, especially since it's just one day there, and chill in Florence for an extra day.

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North Bethesda, Md: Passport question: will making a tin foil bookcover keep my epassport safe from unofficial technology trying to read my chip? Will it cause problems with the official folks?

thanks!

Ambassor Maura Harty: The e-passport already has metallic shielding material built into the cover to prevent unauthorized access to your data.

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Arlington, Va: My flight to Toronto was delayed by 5 hours last Thursday because the bad weather here prevented the aircraft coming down to get us from landing and it had to be diverted to Pittsburgh to wait out the weather. I assume that the people on that plane were not allowed to get off. I can only imagine how horrible that must have been. Then because Air Canada only has one gate at National that plane also had to wait to come in behind the one that usually arrives around dinner time. Luckily they kept us well-informed about what was going on. Have any of you ever been stuck for hours sitting in a plane on the ground like that? At least Air Canada now has a personal entertainment system in their planes so those folks had movies and things to watch to while away the hours. I would guess that makes it more bearable.

On another note have any of you ever returned to DCA from Toronto? The extra super dooper security they make you go through at Pearson is ridiculous and way more over the top than at any other airport I have flown from. They do a hand check of all checked bags in your presence just past immigration and before the regular security lines. Then of course there is the usual Xray and metal detection screening that all passengers and their carryon bags go though. Then the gate they use for DCA bound flights is about a mile walk to an isolated end of the terminal. Once you get there you go through a further screening in which your carry-on luggage is all gone through by hand and you are once again subject to a wanding and show check. The people behind me in line at the gate were openly grousing about how stupid it was that we had to go through yet another check. I silently agreed with them. Is this Air Canada only? Or do the other flights to DCA also do this?

Cindy Loose: On occassion I've been forced to sit within a roped off area after going through security if flying into Reagan, but what you've described I've not noticed before. I guess I'd figure there must be some reason and be glad for the inconvenience. Then again, it might be for nothing, but who knows? I'm a rather safe than sorry sort of person.

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Washington DC: Starting Jan. 9, Americans will need a passport to travel to Mexico. Do you feel this will decrease the number of American visitors, particularly college students on spring break?

Ambassor Maura Harty: This will increase the security of those traveling into and out of the United States. We're encouraging all travelers who plan to visit Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, in particular, to apply now for their passports.

You should expect your passport back in 4-6 weeks... so you still have plenty of time before spring break. We're doing our part through our outreach publicity campaigns in hopes that even more travelers will continue traveling abroad.

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Washington, DC: I was confirming our flights with Air Alitalia for December and found out they cancelled the flight. Luckily I am a few weeks away from the trip and can hopefully get different flights. How come the airlines do not have to notify you if they cancel a flight? I found out by accident.

Cindy Loose: My experience has been that airlines do tell you, and this is a bad and unusual thing. I've heard about this a few times when people bought the tickets through a third party, and the third party said the airline should have told the passenger about a cancellation, and the airline said the business that sold the ticket should have told them.

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KC Summers: Well we were really overloaded with questions today -- sorry if we didn't get to yours. Our thanks to Ambassador Harty for taking the time to answer our readers' questions. Today's prize goes to LA Layover for helping out with the LAX question. LA, send your contact info to summersk@washpost.com and we'll get the prize right out to you. Have a happy T'giving, everyone, and we'll see you next week!

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