Remember the 3-1-1 rule for travel

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Whether you’re traveling to Hawaii or anywhere else by plane this summer travel season being aware of what is expected of you as a passenger will make yours (and others) travel easier. One of the biggest things is the 3-1-1 rule. Here’s what TSA’s website has to say regarding this new standard:

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

Now don’t try and be crafty and grab your gallon zip top bags and fill it halfway to the quart level. Many a TSA agent will tell you this is a no go so just do it right the first time and avoid the hassle.

Also, with most airlines now nickel and diming charging for the privilege of your bag to accompany you not only in checked but some with carry ons as well, you need to check with your airline’s website about their policy on baggage now. Don’t forget that there are also heavy baggage fees as well. Don’t be surprised when you get to the airport if you have to end up shelling out close to an extra $100 in fees for a couple if you’re heavy packers or going away for more than 10 days.

For up to the minute info on air travel restrictions and policies, refer to the following websites:

www.tsa.gov

A list of most major airlines

Hawaii specific airlines: Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air and Go! Airlines

Pink Palace on hiatus…

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The Royal Hawaiian Hotel aka the “pink palace” on Waikiki Beach is closed for 7 months for $110 million renovations. The 400 employees have either transferred to other hotels or will take time off. It will be interesting to see the impact 582 less hotel rooms available in Waikiki will have. Under normal circumstances it may have driven the costs of hotel rooms up but seeing how the economy is tanking right now, people may luck out. Their website is refering people to Moana Surfrider (Westin), Sheraton Waikiki and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.

It is scheduled to reopen January 1 to ring in 2009.

Ocean safety a must

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As word gets out of another drowning at Hanauma Bay and with the summer vacation season approaching, now is a good time to familiarize yourself with local beaches and their hazards. The Hawaii Lifeguard Association and SOEST has a great website full of real time information such as jellyfish alerts, weather and surf conditions, safety tips and island by island breakdowns of popular beaches.

This website is a must visit whether you’re a local or visitor. Awareness is the key to knowing what to do when you may find yourself in a changing situation while in the ocean. To visit this wonderful resource, click below and add it to your favorites!

Stay safe everyone!