The U.S. Consulate General advises that American citizens avoid downtown Pretoria at this time including the vicinity of the US Embassy. Reports of shots being fired from police and the army and a few cars have been set alight from protestors.
Monthly Archive for August, 2009
What are your rights if an airline delays or cancels your flight, or loses your bags? You might be surprised; each airline has their own set of rules. What protections are you afforded by European-based airlines? Use the links below and view the airlines rules and contracts of carriage. If you are uncomfortable about your rights, then you might want to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
Alaska Airlines Airtran Airways Allegiant Air American Airlines Cape Air Continental Airlines Delta Air Lines Frontier Airlines jetBlue Airways Midwest Airlines Northwest Airlines Southwest Airlines Spirit Airlines Sun Country Airlines United Airlines US Airways
International Airlines
Air Canada Air New Zealand Alitalia Austrian Airlines BMI British
Airways Easyjet European Economic Community Regulations Jet2
KLM Lufthansa Qantas Swiss International Air Lines Virgin Atlantic
If you’re stranded on the airplane, then there is very little you can do. Remain patient and get in line with all the other unfortunates. However, while you’re in line, call the airline and find out what other flights the airline has and the availability of seats. If you have one of our travel insurance policies, then call the 24 hour assistance telephone number and have one of the trained customer service representatives check other routes and airlines. They might be able to hold a seat on an alternative airline and help you rebook a new ticket. And if you are able to find an alternative route, than please remember to check that your luggage has also been properly redirected.
Starting September 14th, American Airlines will begin charging for a second checked suitcase on international flights on routes to, from, or through India, as well as the countries of Belgium, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. This could be an additional fee for mission teams traveling to Europe. I know every mission trip I have been on, we have used our checked luggage to pack supplies for orphanages, churches and missionaries. The first bag will still be free for international flights.
On a similar note Congressman Dan Lipinski, D-Ill is proposing a limit on the size and weight of carry-on luggage. I’ve personally noticed an increase in the amount of people carrying-on a small carry-on. I would assume the primary reason is the increased checked luggage fee. This month, American Airlines raised fees by $5, charging those with domestic, economy-class tickets $20 for a first checked bag and $30 for the second. American Airlines has recently reported a slight decrease in the amount of checked bags. Dropping from an average 1.1 bags per traveler to 0.8 bags.
Need delayed baggege or lost luggage insurance. Get a quote here.
I have to admit that I have decorated my suitcases with colored duck tape and tied fabric to the handle so I can distinguish my black suitcases from the other luggage spinning around the baggage carousel. When leading a mission trip, I might need to identify our team’s luggage on the tarmack for security and immigration. The easier I can account for every one’s bags, the quicker we can maneuver airports and ground transportation. I came across Label Daddy which creates custom decals with your group’s name in many colors and sizes. They are not cheap, but I’m sure there are less expensive alternatives which provide an easy way to distinguish your suitcases and hopefully prevent a lost bag.
We are not affiliated with Label Daddy. I have never bought any of their products, but I think they have a great idea.
The worldwide web has been an efficient platform to freely share and exchange ideas, opinions and knowledge; however, even though the web is worldwide, there are still countries that censor and set up barriers to regulate the flow of electronic information including limiting email access, web pages (especially news) and religious content. China, Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Syria, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, Iran are just a few countries which the governments restrict web access and censor web content.
An August 13, 2009 article in Reuters reports the U.S. is covertly testing a technology called feed over email (FOE) in China and Iran which bypass Internet barriers setup by the government. Currently you can use this technology with Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and Hotmail public email accounts.
Why is the US doing this?
“We don’t make any political statement about what people visit,” said Ken Berman, head of IT at the U.S. government’s Broadcasting Board of Governors, which is testing the system and whose agency runs Voice of America. “We are trying to impart the value: ‘The more you know, the better.’ People can look for themselves.” Berman reports the system is still being developed and tested and very few details are available since secrecy is important to avoid detection from the opposing governments.
If you currently travel or live in a country that censors web content, then you probably know you have no access to your email, most news reporting websites, religious content (including blogs) and even Facebook and Twitter. If you have a laptop and Internet connection, then I would recommend a SSL / Open VPN connection which is available for about any operating system including Windows, Linux and Mac systems. It provides encrypted secure access and Open VPN is free. Journalist for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing China arrived to find out that the “Great Firewall of China” prevented sending and receiving email but an SSL / Open VPN allowed them to access to all the usual web services without the Chinese Government monitoring their web connections. You can Google Search “SSL / Open VPN” for more information.
Please remember it can be a national crime to access unauthorized Internet content which can result in large fines, confiscation of your computer, deportation and possibly imprisoned. Know your risk and consequences.
148 domestic and international flights were delayed for at least 3 hours today at the Shuangli International Airport due to a power outage which caused aapproximately 10,000 passengers to be stranded.
Please contact your travel supplier for additional flight delay information
India reported screenings for H1N1 at 22 of it’s international airports. At the Indira Gandhi International Airport, four thermal scanners were installed last week. Please allow additional time for check-in and transit layovers.
Not an actual evacuation
We want to ensure our clients receive prompt assistance in a medical emergency. If you incur medical expenses, then here is what you need to do to file a claim:
1. If it’s not an emergency, then you must pre-notify any medical expenses or plan benefits by calling the 24 hour assistance telephone number which is listed on your ID card. You need to notify the Assistance Company in advance (within 48 hours for emergencies) for any hospitalizations or surgeries as well as other items listed on your identification card or in the policy description. You may pre-certify through Client Zone or by phoning 1-800-605-2282 (outside USA call collect 24 hours a day 1-317-262-2132).
It is very important to pre-notify. Failure to do so can result in a reduction of benefits. All medical evacuation and emergency transportation arrangements have to be pre-notified.
2. In the event you need medical attention, present the identification card to your attending physician. The physician is welcome to submit bills directly to us. You will need to submit a Claimant’s Statement. To file a claim, please submit the original, itemized bills and payment receipts to us along with a Claimant’s Statement and Authorization form. You may obtain a Claimant’s Statement here. Claims must be filed within 60 days of receiving medical care.
Please make sure your claim form is completed in full to prevent a delay in processing your claim. If you have questions regarding the form, then please call us at 1-800-605-2282 (outside USA call collect 24 hours a day 1-317-262-2132).
3. Make a copy of your completed Claimant’s statement and receipts and then mail the originals to:
Atlas / Day Tripper Claims
PO Box 863
Indianapolis, IN 46206
One last note, if you are injured or become ill while you are outside the US, then please have a doctor examine you and do not wait until you return home. Eligible illnesses or injuries initially treated or diagnosed overseas are also covered for any follow-up care after you return (subject to your deduductible and co-insurance).
Following these 3 steps will ensure your claims are processed efficiently. If you need assistance in completing a claim form or if you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact us via email or 1-800-605-2282 (outside USA call collect 24 hours a day 1-317-262-2132).
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This message is issued by the U.S. Embassy to alert American citizens in Jamaica concerning a police labor dispute that could cause a shortage of police coverage in Jamaica. An increase in street, robery and assalt has been reported. Read more at http://kingston.usembassy.gov/warden_information.html
If traveling to Jamaica, please take precautions. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to “A Safe Trip Abroad,” found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html
The recent news story of 23 passengers on Continental airlines being injured from turbulance reminds me that safety belts are important to wear on airplanes. I personally like to loosen mine up a bit after take off. I think people take for granite the safety of airplanes, but there are a couple health concerns travelers should be aware of. Check out the 7 Ways Doctors Stay Healthy While Vacationing from MSNBC.
I particularly heed the DVT warning. A family member received permanent lung and heart damage from blood clots that were a result of DVT from 10 years ago. If you travel frequently, then please take additional precautions to increase your blood circulation and stay hydrated. If you want more health and safety information regarding your destination, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 800.647.4589 for current travel alerts and warnings.