Health and Travel Safety Tips for Airline and Cruise Passengers

Most travelers expect a carefree vacation, leaving worries and troubles behind. The loss of personal property, a minor illness or accident, however, can turn a great vacation into one that you would rather forget. By becoming a well-informed traveler and planning ahead, you will be better prepared to protect your health and safety when traveling.

When planning a cruise vacation or air travel, consider the following:

• Do not carry large quantities of cash. Travelers checks provide personal security and can be replaced. Also, carry only credit cards you will use on vacation. Cancelling lost or stolen credit cards is inconvenient and sometimes difficult on a vacation.
• When traveling to a foreign country always consult your Travel Agent regarding required travel documents such as passports, visas and tourist cards. It is a good idea, however, to always carry proof of citizenship, preferably a passport.
• Pack a photocopy of your passport separately from the original. This will expedite the replacement process if the original passport is lost or stolen.
• Mark all luggage with your name and address, using an employer's address if possible. Burglars may often case airports and use luggage address tags to identify potential targets.
• With advance notice, most cruise lines and airlines can accommodate special dietary needs. Your Travel Agent can make those arrangements.
• Travel insurance can cover unexpected expenses including lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellation, emergency medical needs and missed flight connections. For answers to travel insurance questions, call your Travel Trip Assistant at: 1-800-478-2434.

Air travelers can reduce delays and inconvenience in the wake of tighter security by taking some simple precautions:

• Passenger and luggage check-in now takes longer due to more thorough security procedures and the elimination of curb-side check-in. For domestic flights, arrive at least two hours before departure - or three hours for an international flight, to allow more time and reduce the risk of missing a flight.
• Carry identification. Many airlines will verify that the person checking in is the person to whom the ticket was issued. Therefore, carry at least one government-issued photo I.D. such as a drivers license or passport. A second photo I.D. is required at some airports.
• Don't ever leave your luggage or carry-on items unattended, they could be stolen or be a potential target for someone to sneak an illegal item on board the airplane. Also, luggage that appears to be abandoned could look suspicious and be confiscated by airport personnel.
• Pack your own luggage so you will be able to answer questions about the contents. Airline personnel will asks if you packed you own luggage. If you say you did not, your belongings are subject to a search.
• You will help to reduce time at the security check-in if you take only personal and carry-on items that are truly necessary for your flight or for your security. Also, laptop computers and other electronic devices must be hand checked by security personnel and may require additional time to clear security.

A few more hints...

• If you have special physical needs including the need for wheelchair access when boarding the aircraft, ask your Travel Agent to make these arrangements when making flight reservations.
• To avoid theft of your valuables, don't pack them in luggage that will be checked. Medication, cameras, eyeglasses, jewelry, home door keys, important documents and passports are items to carry on board with you.
• To avoid dehydration on long flights, drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.

Before leaving on a cruise, consider the following:

• Have medical and dental checkups just prior to departure to head off any potentially uncomfortable or harmful occurrences.
• If you have special health needs, ask your Travel Agent to supply you with information about the ship's medical facility, what type of equipment is available and if a doctor or nurse will be on board. Your Travel Agent will be happy to refer you directly to a contact at the cruise line or inquire on your behalf.
• Have an existing medical condition? Ask your doctor for a letter explaining the condition, treatment or procedure for you to follow. Make the ship's medical staff aware of your condition at the start of the cruise.
• Concerned about motion sickness? Consult a physician before you leave on vacation. A number of prescription and over-the-counter aids are available to control motion sickness.

Have you packed everything?

• Pack an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and/or contact lenses, all prescription medicine, the instructions and dosage amounts. Take a copy of your prescriptions in case you need to replace the eyeglasses or medication.
• If traveling to a cold area, pack clothes that can be worn in layers for warmth. Include gloves and a hat.

Once on board the cruise ship...

• Put valuables in the ship's safe deposit box or room safe.
• Never leave cabin keys unattended. If you plan to be at the pool, check keys with the ship's steward.
• Use dead bolt and other locks provided by the cruise line. Make sure the door to the adjoining cabin is locked.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat.

When disembarking the ship for a land tour...

• Follow the directions of your tour guide. If a self-guided tour is planned, ask authorized ship personnel which areas of town to avoid and if any special precautions should be taken when driving a rental car or using public transportation. Walk only in well-lit areas.
• Crooks prey on vacationers who have let their guard down. Therefore, walk with a sense of purpose, as if you know where you are and where you are going. If you do get lost, don't act like it. Find a police officer or go into a hotel, restaurant or shop and ask directions. To avoid losing belongings, never leave luggage, purses or cameras unattended, even for a moment.

For more specific travel health and safety questions, the following organizations can offer additional information:

• Airline safety record information questions can be directed to the Federal Aviation Administration Airports Division: 310-725-3620
• Passport information questions can be directed to the United States Passport Agency: 310-235-7070
• Cruise line cleanliness ratings questions can be directed to the Centers for Disease Control: 404-332-4555

This page contains some suggestions to help travelers be responsible for protecting their own health and safety. Additional tips are welcome. Please direct your correspondence to the Alaska Guide Travel Trip Assistant, or call 1-800-478-2434 if you have any questions.