Hi Everyone,
Smarter Travel published an article this week about Passports. Here are the key takeaways: that I found interesting:
- In 1996, the US Government issued5.5 million passports. Every year since then the number of passports issued has risen, with the exception of 2020, when we had a pandemic related shutdown of the passport office. Last year the US issued 24 million passports! Even factoring in population increase, that’s a log of passports.
- When it’s time for renewal and you have to send in your old passport, the Department of State recommends a trackable shipping method like Priority Mail Express. Use a strong Tyek envelope.
- Don’t wait too long to renew your passport. Many counties require six months remaining on your passport to allow entry.
- If your passport was issued after August 2007, you most likely have a chip in the back cover that stores your passport info and a biometric identifier based on your photograph. There are also metallic elements embedded in the cover making it impossible for the passport to be read until it is open.
- If your appearance has changed, you may need a new passport. If you’ve gained or lost a great deal of weight you may need a new passport. The same is true if you’ve undergone significant facial surgery or trauma or if you have added or removed large facial tattoos or piercings.
- When you apply for a passport it is important to know the rules: You must take your photo within 6 months of your application date and the photo must reflect your current appearance. You must look straight into the camera with a neutral expression on your face. Applications with exaggerated expressions are forbidden as well as any type of uniform.
- Passports come with 28 pages. You can request one with 52pages at no additional charge. If you do use up all 52 pages you will have to apply for a new passport.
- Normal wear and tear is okaybut if you have a damaged passport, water damage, or unofficial markings on the date page, you will need to get a new passport.
- Finally, if you are running low on blank pages you may need a new passport. Some countries require that a certain number of empty pages remain. If you are planning a trip to multiple countries make sure you check to see what the rules are in the countries you’ll visit –Smarter Travel 4/16/24
The Department of Transportation issued new rules this week that actually spells out what airlines must do if they significantly change or cancel flights. Airlines must now tell passengers what refund is due them and the refunds must be made within a specified amount of time. It cannot be in the form of a voucher but must be an actual refund. These rules also include timeliness of bags
The Department of Transportation issued new rules for airlines. These rules address delayed or cancelled flights, delayed or missing baggage, and the way refunds must be handled. The full article can by seen on the website of the Department of Transportation: http://Transportation.gov
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