Cultural Note 1 - At the Airport
If you're planning to travel to the US, plan way in advance to book for your Visa interview at the American Embassy and Consulate.
When you pack and are ready to go, be sure to dress appropriately for your trip. It might seem strange to be talking about that, but remember that after 9/11, security issues are an issue in every single airport in the US.
So, consider the following:
- Wear comfy shoes that can be easily taken off at the Security Check when you enter the US.
- Don't overload yourself with accessories. Guards will ask you to take off belts, accessories, everything!
- Act naturally at the security check point.
- Have your passport ready to show the guards. There will be two stages: First, you'll show your passport and boarding pass, the guards will check them. Then, you'll put all your belongings in a tray to go through the x-ray and you'll also be checked. Hold your boarding pass.
- If you are carrying your laptop, be sure to take it out of the case and put it in a separate tray.
- Remember that you can only take liquids that can fit in a ziploc bag. Don't take perfumes, shampoos with you. You might have to leave them behind!
- You cannot have any kind of bottles with you, not even water. Hold your thirst for later. Once you go through the security check, there are places to buy food and drinks.
While planning your trip, don't forget to have at least 3 hours apart from one flight to the other. Flights are delayed all the time, and if you have to go throught the security check, it will take some time to get to your gate for the next flight.
I promise I'll take more notes during my trip back to Key West to keep you informed about other procedures during the trip.
Any questions about planning your trip abroad?
