The airline industry is constantly changing, making traveling sometimes frustrating and challenging. To make it a bit easier, below are some helpful travel nursing tips to remember before you hop on the plane.
Travel Healthy
Eat lightly during your flight, stay hydrated while you fly, wear loose comfortable clothing and shoes for your flight, and, if conditions permit, walk around the cabin occasionally.
Itinerary
Review your itinerary to make sure it is correct. Itineraries can be viewed at www.viewtrip.com. You will need your reservation number (also known as record locator) to access the itinerary. You must take the itinerary to the airport to get through security, unless you check-in online.
Boarding Pass
Check in online, usually up to 24 hours in advance (varies by airline). To do this, go to the web site for the airline on which you are traveling. Print your boarding pass. You will need this to get through airport security.
Destination Information
Obtain information on your destination city, including restaurants, shopping, where to do your laundry, weather and much more, at www.citysearch.com.
Acceptable Identification at the Checkpoint
Adult passengers (18 and older) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. These IDs include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Military ID
- Permanent Resident Card
- Border Crossing Card
- DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
- Driver’s Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID benchmarks (All states are currently in compliance.)
- Native American Tribal Photo ID
- Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Baggage
Most airlines are charging a fee to check bags. If your luggage weighs more than 50 pounds, the airline will charge an additional fee. If your bag weighs more than 50 pounds, you can remove some things from your bag and carry them onto the plane to avoid the penalty fee.
Airport Security
- 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. A 3 oz. container size is a security measure.
- Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.
- 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.
Traveling With Pets
Here are some travel nursing helpful tips when traveling with pets. The pet must meet the travel requirement of the airline and the nurse will be responsible for all pet-related travel expenses. Pets are allowed only in specific hotels negotiated by Fastaff. The Travel & Housing department will advise the nurse of all pertinent details. No pets are allowed in Fastaff-leased apartments or hospital-provided housing.
- WHEN THE RECRUITER AND/OR NURSE NOTIFIES the Travel & Housing department that he or she is traveling with a pet, we confirm what type of pet, the pet's weight and size, and if the pet has a current veterinarian certificate stating the pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations and health.
- CERTAIN AIRLINES MAY ALLOW A SMALL PET IN THE CABIN of the aircraft or in the cargo area of the aircraft. The restrictions and requirements for pet travel vary by airline, so the Travel & Housing department will verify the details specific to the carrier.
- The Travel & Housing department bases its choice of airline on cost of travel to the company. We will accommodate requests for animal travel when possible.
