FAQS

Click on one of the following questions:

Should I purchase travel insurance?
When should I check-in for my flights?
How can I check-in for my flights?
How much time to I need between connecting flights?
How much luggage can I bring?
Can I bring my child’s car seat on the airplane?
What electronic devices can I use on the airplane?
Will I be allowed to bring my medical syringes/needles on board the airplane?
Can I check-in my sporting equipment?
What types of items will be confiscated by security officials?
What do I need to know about airport security?
How can I make my air travel more comfortable?
How can ease the symptoms of jetlag?
Can I fly when I’m pregnant?
Are there tips for traveling with children?
What documentation will I need for my international travel?
Can my child travel alone?

Q. Should I purchase travel insurance?
A. Travel Guard insurance is highly recommended to protect you against losses due to trip cancellation, medical care, luggage loss or damage and provider default. In addition to this coverage, Travel Guard provides many other value added features. Please contact your Marathon Travel consultant for further details.

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Q. When should I check-in for my flights?
A. Guidelines for Checking In on Domestic Flights (including Hawaii)
Recommended arrival time for domestic flights is at least 75 minutes prior to departure. To ensure an on-time departure, reservations and advance seat assignments may be cancelled if the passenger has not checked in and received a boarding pass at least 30 minutes prior to departure and/or is not onboard the aircraft at least 15 minutes prior to departure. If you are checking luggage, you must do so no later than 30 minutes prior to departure for flights between the 50 U.S. States. All passenger reservations are subject to cancellation, and passengers may not be eligible for denied boarding compensation.

Guidelines for Checking In on International Flights (including Canada/Mexico/Caribbean/Puerto Rico)
Recommended arrival time for international flights is at least 2 hours prior to departure. All reservations and advance seat assignments may be cancelled if the passenger has not checked in and received a boarding pass at least 60 minutes prior to departure and may not be eligible for denied boarding compensation if they are not onboard the aircraft at least 30 minutes prior to departure. If you are checking luggage, you must do so no later than 60 minutes for international flights, including Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

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Q. How can I check-in for my flights?
A. Most major US air carriers offer e-ticket passengers two easy self-service check-in options:
On-line Check-In is available online up to 36 hours but not later than 60 minutes prior to flight departure. Please refer to your airlines web site or ask your Marathon Travel consultant for more information.
Self-service check-in kiosks are located at most airports throughout North America.
Passengers with paper tickets must check-in at the airlines ticket counter at the airport.

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Q. How much time to I need between connecting flights?
A. Be sure to incorporate connection time into your travel plans. When flying domestically, it's best to allow at least 30 minutes to make your connecting flight. If your flight includes an international leg, 1 hour is the recommended connection time for most gateways, but your Marathon Travel consultant can provide exact requirements and will be able to provide you with specific information pertaining to the airport in which you will be making your connection(s).

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Q. How much luggage can I bring?
A-1. Domestic Free Luggage Allowance

Checked Luggage
For domestic travel on most U.S. carriers each ticketed passenger is allowed up to two pieces of checked luggage. Maximum weight for each bag is typically 50 pounds (23kg) and a maximum total linear dimension (length plus width plus height) of 62 inches (158 cm). Excess Baggage is subject to surcharges.
TIP: Do not lock your checked luggage. Security officials may have to open your bag in the screening process. Security officials are not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes
TIP: Avoid wrapping your gifts prior to travel. Wrapped packages must be opened for inspection by airport security.

Carry-On Luggage
When luggage is carried on-board the aircraft, it must be of a size and shape to allow for storage in aircraft overhead compartments, or underneath the seat in front of the passenger. Each person is allowed to carry on-board the aircraft one piece of luggage. This piece of luggage must not exceed 45 linear inches (9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches) and also must not exceed 40 pounds. In addition to this one piece of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry on-board a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, or other special items such as:
- Crutches Cane Brace Prosthesis Collapsible manual wheelchair
- One stroller Infant car seat Infant diaper bag Reading material
- Camera/film Coat Umbrella
Luggage not meeting these specifications must be transported as checked luggage.
All items not needed in-flight should be checked. Passengers should carry on medicine, keys, important papers, and travel documents (passport).

A-2. International Free Luggage Allowance
Checked Luggage
For international travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico), most airlines will accept up to two pieces of checked luggage weighing no more than 50 pounds (23kg) and a maximum total linear dimension (length plus width plus height) of 62 inches (158 cm) per bag.

For all other international travel to/from the United States/Canada, most airlines will accept a total of two pieces of checked luggage, subject to maximum weight limitation, which is 70 lbs. (32 kgs) per piece and not more than 62 linear inches (158 cm) per piece. For international travel outside the United States/Canada (example: within or between other foreign countries), the maximum checked luggage weight limitation is 44 lbs. (20 kgs).

For information on charges for checking luggage that exceeds the free allowance, or that is over the weight and/or size limits outlined in the international free luggage policy above, please contact your Marathon Travel consultant.
TIP: Do not lock your checked luggage. Security officials may have to open your bag in the screening process. Security officials are not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.
TIP: Avoid wrapping your gifts prior to travel. Wrapped packages must be opened for inspection by airport security.

Carry-On Luggage
Most airlines will accept one carry-on item, with a maximum outside linear dimension of 45 inches (115 cm) and not more than 40 lbs. (18kgs). This piece must be of a size and shape to fit under the seat in front of the passenger, or in an enclosed overhead compartment. In addition to the one piece of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, or other special items such as:
- Crutches Cane Brace Prosthesis Collapsible manual wheelchair
- One stroller Infant car seat Infant diaper bag Reading material
- Camera/film Coat Umbrella
Luggage not meeting these specifications must be transported as checked luggage.
All items not needed in-flight should be checked. Passengers should carry on medicine, keys, important papers, and travel documents (passport).

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Q. Can I bring my child’s car seat on the airplane?
A. Most airlines accept car seats in addition to normal carry on or checked luggage provided approved space is available. When checking your car seat on a US Domestic or International flight you can bring your car seat to the gate to be loaded there. If checking a car seat as luggage the original box/packaging should be used. Liability release form must be signed.

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Q. What electronic devices can I use on the airplane?
A. Most airlines accept and allow in-flight use of the following electronic devices unless restricted by the Captain:
- Beepers
- Calculators
- Compact Disc Players
- Laptop Computers
- Electronic Games
- Electronic Shavers
- Tape Players
- Voice Recorders
All portable electronic devices must be used under their own battery power. All devices must be stowed during take off and landing.

Note: All laptop computers must be removed from the laptop case at the security checkpoint and the laptop and empty laptop case will be subject to x-ray and additional screening.

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Q. Will I be allowed to bring my medical syringes/needles on board the airplane?
A. Most airlines allow passengers to bring syringes/needles on board if the passenger also has in their possession medication that has a professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label. Flight attendants are not permitted to assist passengers with injections.
To properly dispose of a syringe/needle passengers may use the syringe disposal chute in the lavatories, available on some aircraft. If disposal chute is not available contact a flight attendant for proper disposal.

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Q. Can I check-in my sporting equipment?
A. Golf Equipment
Most airlines accept one set of golf equipment as check luggage only. One set of golf equipment consists of:
- 1 bag
- 14 clubs
- 12 balls
- 1 pair of shoes
When checking your golf equipment a hard shell case is recommended. When a hard shell case is not used the passenger must sign a liability release form. Passengers traveling with more than one golf bag must pay full normal excess charges for each additional golf bag. Golf bags must adhere to normal weight limits.

Archery
Most Airlines accept one set of archery equipment consisting of one bow, quiver, and set of arrows as checked luggage. Archery equipment is not permitted as carry on luggage.

Bicycle
Most airlines accept non-motorized single seat bicycles as checked luggage for an additional fee. Handlebars must be fixed sideways and pedals removed or wrapped with protective packing material. Bikes should be placed in a bike box. When packed other than in a bike box, liability release forms must be signed. Most airlines accept tandem bikes only for travel within/between the domestic US/Canada/Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands. Tandem bikes are also only accepted on certain types of aircraft. Tandem bikes are not accepted on International Itineraries. Your Marathon Travel consultant will be able to provide you with specific information pertaining to your flights.

Fishing Equipment
Most airlines accept one set of fishing equipment consisting of two rods, one reel, net, and boots and one sealed or locked tackle box as checked luggage only. Your fishing equipment will count as one piece of your free luggage allowance. Fishing pole containers must not exceed 160 inches. Passengers will be required to sign a liability release form. Normal excess luggage charges will apply if you exceed your free luggage allowance.

Ski Equipment
Most airlines accept one item of ski equipment as checked luggage only. Ski equipment is not permitted as carry on luggage.
An item of ski equipment consists of:
- 1 ski bag and 1 ski boot bag containing skis, poles, and bindings
- 1 pair of water skis
- 1 snowboard
Additional ski and boot bags will be subject to normal excess charges.
Hard shell cases are recommended when checking your ski equipment. A liability release form must be signed for plastic/soft ski bags.
Note: When travel is wholly within/between the US/Canada, most airlines will allow the ski/boot bag to contain more than one pair of skis/boots - but if the bag exceeds published weight restrictions normal excess charges will apply.

Firearms, Ammunition, and Handguns
Airlines do not accept guns or firearms of any kind in carry-on luggage.
Most airlines accept handguns/BB guns/rifles/shotgun type firearms as checked luggage, with certain limitations and requirements. Passengers must obtain and comply with regulations governing the transportation of firearms for all countries on the itinerary.
All firearms must be in a suitable container/crush proof container manufactured specifically for firearms or in a hard sided suitcase. Hard shell gun cases can be purchased at U.S. / Canadian airports. Passengers must verbally declare firearm is unloaded. Airlines will require firearm unloaded tag be signed by passenger and placed inside of luggage containing firearm. No exterior tag or notice of firearm may appear on case. Case must be locked and only the passenger may retain the key or combination. Airline personnel will not unload or handle firearms. Gun and ammunition may be in the same piece of luggage. However, ammunition must be within its own packaging.

International shipment of arms/ammunition
Passengers must obtain and comply with regulations governing the transportation of firearms for all countries on the itinerary. Passengers should check with their Marathon Travel consultant for current policies, requirements and restrictions on firearms and related items in checked luggage when traveling in the United States or internationally.

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Q. What types of items will be confiscated by security officials?
A. Do Not Pack:
- Fireworks: Signal flares, sparklers or other explosives, freon or helium
- Flammable Liquids, Gases or Solids: Fuel, paints, lighter refills, matches
- Household Items: Bleach, adhesives, linseed oil spray starch, insecticides, drain, bathroom or oven cleaners and solvents
- Pressure Containers: Spray cans, butane, fuel, scuba tanks, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, CO2 cartridges, self-inflating rafts
- Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, gunpowder; or items that contain gunpowder (Christmas crackers/Party poppers), mace, tear-gas, or pepper spray cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, see below for more information on traveling with firearms.
- Other Hazardous Materials: Dry ice, gasoline-powered tools, wet-cell batteries, camping equipment with fuel, radioactive materials (except limited quantities), poisons, infectious substances
- Miscellaneous Items: Knives of any length (except rounded blade butter knives and plastic cutlery), cutting instruments of ANY kind including carpet knives, box cutters and folding or retractable blades regardless of length, ice picks, straight razors (safety/disposable razors ARE allowed), and scissors (metal, with pointed tips)

Beware...
Common items used everyday in the home or workplace may seem harmless; however, when transported by air, they can be very dangerous. In flight, variations in temperature and pressure can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes or start a fire.

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Q. What do I need to know about airport security?
A. You must pass through a security checkpoint to access your departure gate. Security screeners will screen you and your carry-on baggage. Here are a few tips to make this process go as quickly as possible.
-Place all metal items IN your carry-on bag before you reach the front of the line.
-Take your computer OUT of its carrying case and place it in one of the bins provided
-Take OFF your outer coat or jacket so that it can go through the X-ray machine
-If you have a pacemaker or other device that is likely to alarm the metal detector, bring identification verifying the condition
-Carry all undeveloped film in your carry-on bag and ask for it to be hand inspected as the screening equipment will damage undeveloped film
-Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage
-Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread your contents over several bags.
-Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage
-Don’t stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage

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Q. How can I make my air travel more comfortable?
A. - Chewing gum, yawning or sucking on hard candies can help to relieve the pressure that builds up in your ears as the airplane ascends and descends. If you have a cold, talk to your doctor about using a decongestant or nasal spray before boarding to help relieve the pressure.
- Drink plenty of water while onboard the aircraft to avoid becoming dehydrated during the flight.
- Do light stretching exercises in your seat and walk through the cabin frequently (when safe to do so).
- Consult your physician if you suffer from airsickness; he or she may be able to prescribe medication for this.
The relatively low humidity in the cabin can make allergy or asthma symptoms worse; take preventative measures as necessary.

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Q. How can ease the symptoms of jetlag?
A. Try a few of these techniques for a natural way to reset your internal clock:
- Reset your watch to the destination's time as soon as you get on the plane. If it's daytime at your destination, try to stay awake during the flight. Walking around the cabin may help keep you alert. If it's nighttime, try to sleep. You may find it helpful to use earplugs and a sleeping mask to block out distractions on the plane.
- Eat before you get on the plane so that hunger does not prevent you from sleeping during the flight. Inform the flight attendant that you will not be eating so that you are not awakened for a meal.
- If you're using a blanket, buckle your seat belt over the blanket so that a flight attendant checking seat belts does not awaken you.

If it's daytime when you arrive but nighttime at home, don't sleep. Instead, try doing some light exercise like walking to help revive your body and stop it from producing sleep-inducing hormones.

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Q. Can I fly when I’m pregnant?
A. It is commonly recommended that women not fly at all during their last six weeks of pregnancy. Most major air carriers require that pregnant passengers traveling within 30 days of expected delivery must provide a doctor's statement dated within 72 hours of departure indicating the due date and indicating that air travel does not pose a health risk. Women in labor will be denied boarding for safety reasons.

Pregnant women should always consult their obstetricians or midwives before traveling. Traveling during the second trimester of pregnancy is often easier as morning sickness will most likely have subsided, energy levels are up and you are still a comfortable distance from your due date.

Here are some additional tips for staying comfortable on your flight:
- Reserve an aisle seat so that you can easily access the bathroom and move about the cabin. Getting up and walking regularly will help combat swelling and discomfort.
- Bring a copy of your medical records and ask your doctor for a referral in case of an emergency while you are away.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes. Wear layers if you are prone to body-temperature fluctuations.
-Keep your seatbelt low around your hips, not around your abdomen.
- Get a small pillow from the flight attendant and place it under your lower back to avoid back strain.
Drink plenty of water-at least one litre for every two hours in flight.

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Q. Are there tips for traveling with children?
A. The following tips should help both parents and kids arrive at their destination with smiles on their faces.
- If you have a long trip scheduled, "red-eye" flights may be best. This increases the chance that your youngster will be able to sleep through the majority of the trip.
- While any child under two is not required to have their own seat, they may be happier if they do. Purchase a ticket for your infant as well, and use a FAA certified car seat.
- If you do use a car seat, make sure it has been certified for air travel.
- Bring toys your children have never used -- the newness will hold their attention longer.
- Bring plenty of juice. Air travel can be dehydrating, especially for children.
- Wrap up "surprises" for your children to pull out when they get especially restless.
- Finger foods are a great distraction.
When traveling with your baby, give him/her a bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and landing. This will help equalize the ear pressure and keep your baby comfortable.

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Q. What documentation will I need for my international travel?
A. Documentation Requirements for US Citizens Traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean:
Visas are not required for U.S. tourists entering Canada, Mexico or most Caribbean islands from the U.S. for stays up to 180 days. You will, however, need (1) proof of your U.S. citizenship such as (a) your U.S. passport or (b) your certified copy of your birth certificate and government issued photo identification. (For information on obtaining a U.S. passport, check with your Marathon Travel consultant). If you are a naturalized citizen and do not have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate. A driver's license or Social Security card is not valid proof of citizenship. All U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. Alien permanent residents of the U.S. must present their Alien Registration Card, commonly called the "Green Card." If you have dual citizenship you should always present yourself as a citizen of the country that you are entering.

Any name changes due to marriage, adoption, divorce, etc. must be explained by providing a certified copy of the document authorizing the name change such as marriage license or divorce decree.
For further information on entry requirements travelers may reference www.travel.state.gov or contact your Marathon Travel consultant.

Documentation Requirements for Other International Travel
Most countries not listed above will require a passport and possibly a visa. Please refer to www.travel.state.gov or your Marathon Travel consultant for further information.
Will additional documentation be necessary if my child is traveling internationally alone or with only one parent?
International Travel with Minors (Including Canada & Mexico)

Due to international concern over child abduction, single parents, grandparents, or guardians traveling with children often need proof of custody or notarized letters from the other parent authorizing travel. (This is in addition to proof of citizenship as explained above.) For further information on entry requirements travelers may reference www.travel.state.gov or contact your Marathon Travel consultant.

If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent must provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide a court order of child custody to airlines and international authorities.

If a minor child is traveling alone or in someone else's company, both parents (and the sole, documented custodial parent) must provide notarized consent. Please click here for a sample document providing the required consent.
If a child traveling has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared to provide evidence to airlines and official authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, to prove that they are the parents.
If one parent is deceased, a death certificate is required.
If the birth certificate shows that the minor only has one parent, it will be sufficient to hold only a notarized copy of the birth certificate.

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Q. Can my child travel alone?
A. Unaccompanied minors are restricted from traveling on some flights. Unaccompanied minors booked in violation of these restrictions will be denied boarding and/or be subject to additional fees for re-routing. Your Marathon Travel consultant can provide you with these restrictions.
To ensure a safe, comfortable and fun trip for the unaccompanied child traveler, the following policies have been established:
(An unaccompanied minor fee is assessed at the time of check-in at the airport)
- Any child ages 5-14 traveling without an adult 18 years of age or older must participate in the Unaccompanied Minor Program. All rules and fees apply.
- Children ages 5 through 17 may fly unaccompanied on nonstop, direct or connecting flights. Children ages 5 through 14 will not be accepted on the last connecting flight of the day, or red-eye flights.

Red-eye flights are defined as departures between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. local time. The following are exempt from the red-eye restriction:
o International Flights
o Domestic short-haul flights (2 hours or less)
o Flight to and from Alaska and Hawaii

- Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted for international travel if their itinerary includes a connection to a different carrier.
-Reservations must be confirmed to the child's final destination.
- Most airlines require unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-14, but it is optional for children ages 15-17.
- An airline representative will provide supervision for children accepted under the program from the time of boarding until the child is met at the final destination.
- Up to four children (related or not related) traveling together will be assessed only one service fee. Exception, more than four related children traveling together will be assessed only one service fee.
-Children under the age of 5 are not eligible for unaccompanied minor services and must be accompanied on the same flight and in the same compartment by a passenger at least 18 years of age.
- Unaccompanied minors must be checked in with an agent. They are not eligible to use the self-service check-in devices
For more complete details, please contact your Marathon Travel consultant.

*Marathon Travel and Cruise Shops is not responsible for any inaccurate information provided in this site. Travel policies, guidelines, and regulations change on a regular basis. Please contact your Marathon Travel and Cruise shops travel consultant for the most accurate information.

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