You should allow at least two hours prior to your departure for flight check-in and security when you're traveling within the borders of your home country. If you are traveling outside the borders of your home country, you should allow at least three hours prior to your departure for flight check-in and security. If you have questions regarding your specific travel plans, please contact your travel arranger.

A valid photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) is required when you check in. If you are traveling internationally, you will need your passport and visa, if a visa is applicable. Your e-ticket receipt or your paper ticket is also required. Keep all of your documentation easily accessible as it may be requested at various points throughout the airport.

Check with the travel agent or airline involved with your travel plans. They are the best resource for obtaining information and getting advice about changing your flight.

These rules, which vary from airline to airline, are not new. Most of them have been around for quite some time but weren't rigorously enforced. The new checked baggage-screening rules make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for airlines to allow passengers to check in "just under the wire." Depending upon the airline, you could possibly lose your confirmed seat. Be sure to check with your travel arranger and/or airline to confirm exactly how early you should be checked in at the gate.

In addition to the stringent inspection measures in place for carry-on bags, effective January 18, 2002 under standards set by the U.S. government and the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, each piece of checked baggage must be screened. Means of screening may include explosive detection, a bag-match program, a manual search and other means of technology approved by the government. Airlines and airports are working diligently to minimize, if not eliminate, any delays that may be caused by these new standards. You should keep a detailed list of the items packed in your baggage, even your carry on baggage. Keep a copy of this list with you on your trip as well as in a safe location at your home or office.

The best thing to do is to hold onto your baggage claim checks. Stricter security and bag matching may require that you produce your baggage claim checks in order to obtain your bags. Policies may vary from airport to airport.

E-tickets, now offered by most major airlines, allow you to travel without a paper ticket, eliminating the worry of leaving your tickets behind. A partial list of airlines which offer e-tickets: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Alaska Airlines, America West, American Airlines, American Transair, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Midway Airlines, Midwest Express, National Airlines, Northwest Airlines, SAS, Sun Country Air, United Airlines, and US Airways. In order to qualify for e-tickets, all segments of your trip must be flown on the same airline. Note that while all of these airlines offer this service, e-tickets may not be available for every flight. This list will be updated as e-tickets become available on more airlines. If you do not wish to use e-tickets, or if e-tickets are not available for your flight, there will be an additional shipping and handling charge for paper tickets.

No one can guarantee the lowest fares all the time. Our airfare booking engines search for the lowest possible airfares, which are also accessible by other major online travel sites. Remember airfares change momentarily, with millions of price changes by airlines worldwide on a daily basis.

Airfares are subject to momentary change, based on reservations that are actually paid for. It is prudent to book immediately if you find a price that fits your needs, before it can change!

E-Ticketing is an electronic airline ticket booked with verification sent to your e-mail address. Most airlines now use electronic ticketing, eliminating the need for paper. It is important that you retain a copy of this invoice to present to the airport security checkpoint; and when checking in for your flight at either the ticket counter or gate. If you are not checking baggage, you may proceed directly to the security checkpoint. Present your printed confirmation/receipt of an E-ticket and your government issued photo ID at security and proceed to your flight gate. Your boarding pass will be issued at your flight gate. Only ticketed passengers or those with proof of e-ticket purchase will be permitted beyond the security check. RL-For More Information On E-Tickets, go To The Travel Tools Section of This Website.

All discount certificates for air may only be utilized through the appropriate email or toll free

Yes, our airline booking engines have worldwide real-time access. You can originate your air quote from anywhere in the world, but many international airports require you to have paper tickets. If paper tickets are required, you will be notified during the booking process and must allow enough time for delivery.

Many discount fares require that you make a reservation 7, 14 or 21 days before your trip depending on the fare. Flights on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday usually offer the lowest fares; and a Saturday night stay is generally required to satisfy discount restrictions.

Most published non-refundable fare tickets permit you to apply the value of the ticket (if wholly unused) toward the purchase of a new itinerary on the same airline. However, there is usually an airline imposed change fee (usually $100). You will need to call the airline directly to process the exchange at the same time you book a new reservation with them over the phone.

Typically, airlines charge $100 for domestic fares and $150 for international fares to change your reservation for a restricted ticket. These fees are charged by the airline for making a change to a ticket you have purchased and the amount may vary by airline. No travel company, including The Travel Center has the authority to waive these fees. If you have purchased an unrestricted coach, business, or first class fare there is normally no fee for altering your itinerary

You have access to several of the world's largest hotel consolidators. These hotel consolidators have significant buying power. With some reservations, you can save up to 70% on hotel rooms, with the exception of holidays and convention dates.

In most cases, hotel booking engines will allow price quotes and payments for multiple rooms. Some hotel consolidators will provide you with a toll free number for booking more than one room.

Yes, in most cases all major hotel chains are represented for your booking convenience.

You will receive a confirmation of your hotel reservation to your email address. This email will include the dates of your reservation and the price.

To change hotels, always cancel your original reservation and rebook at the desired hotel RL-using our online programs. When you receive your e-mail confirmation, a customer service phone number RL-or email address will be provided for changes and cancellations.

The minimum age rental requirement is 21 (except for the State of New York where the minimum age is 18). All customers between the ages of 21 and 24 renting at corporate rental car locations will normally be charged an additional daily fee of at least $25.00 (except in New York, where the daily fee is at least $43.00). All Young Renters and Young Renter Additional Drivers must have a major credit card and a valid driver's license. Young renters can use discounts and coupons except in New York State. Young renters also can generally rent only economy through full size cars. Check with your specific car rental company for complete restrictions and policies.

Car rental companies will not rent to anyone traveling with a child under the age of 5 unless that child is in a federally approved child restraint seat. These car seats can be rented from car rental companies or provided by the renter. If you don't have your own, one must be reserved with the car rental company ahead of your travel date.

An expired driver's license is not acceptable. A valid Driver's License from your home state (U.S.), country of residence or International Driver's Permit is required and must be "in hand" at time of rental. If the renter is from outside the country of rental pick-up, a valid passport is required and must be "in hand" at time of rental. No Learner Permits or photocopies are accepted and a valid photo ID is required. Temporary licenses are accepted only for change of residence or replacement of lost or stolen license.

Most worldwide car rental companies are represented, including all known U.S. brand names.

In most cases, you can save up to 20% on car rentals, sometimes more if specials apply.

You have available at your fingertips complete information on the cruise ship, amenities, dining and comparisons. And, you have the ability to shop virtually every cruise line in the world!

Many cruise companies now employ Free-Style dining, whereby you have upwards of 6-8 different restaurants available on board, with no pre-arranged dining.

Some of the things you need to consider in your decision: Price, itinerary of the ship, length of cruise, passenger interests and ages of family and friends you are traveling with on the cruise. If you are a first time cruiser, you might consider a 3 or 4 night cruise to see if you like the experience.

Yes, in most cases. Our cruise travel supplier is perhaps the largest seller of cruises in the world. They have direct links to all major cruise lines; consequently you will have access to the latest and lowest cruise line pricing based on your specific needs. Remember, one price does not represent multiple sailings. Different sailings can mean different prices.

Most cruise companies provide shipboard amenities and facilities for families. Check the on-board activities section within the cruise section of our website for specific ships.

Tour packages are vacation packages that generally include airfare and hotel/resort accommodations. In many cases, you save significantly by booking packages versus individual components with our preferred vendors.

Vacation resorts offering for one price, hotel accommodations, and meals and in some cases unlimited beverages. Many Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii resorts provide this plan to vacationers.

First Click on the VACATION STATION link. This will take you to a page of many different vacation/tour companies as well as multiple search engines. After you have selected a vacation/tour company, determine the price by entering your departure city and date. Most of these companies will have specials also listed that you can take part in. Then you may book online simply by clicking on the "Book" button. You may also book a tour by contacting one of our Tour Consultants. You can feel free to contact this person with any questions or concerns; our Tour Consultants are happy to assist you in any way they can.

Due to limited space, most of our passengers make their reservations 10-12 months in advance of their departure. We sell any unsold space back to airlines, cruise lines and hotels, so reserving early secures the best prices. After 90 days before cruise and customized vacations depart and 70 days before land vacations, any reservation is considered late. Late reservations will be subject to a $75 processing fee plus any additional costs that are incurred from our suppliers. Full payment must be made at the time of booking. If you would like to join a tour with a late reservation, please contacting one of our Tour Consultants.

When you reserve your vacation with The Travel Center, you are dealing directly with our . This means that you avoid paying extra fees or commissions and we are able to pass these savings directly on to you. We will make every attempt to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your vacation, and if you have any special requests, please contact our Tour Consultants.

Yes! We have a department that specializes in Group Travel and Group Coordinators can earn significant discounts and even a free vacation. For any guided land tour, with ten paying passengers the eleventh person travels for free. For cruises, cruise-tour combinations and city stays, please contact our Group Department or call 1-877-685-6516 for more details. If you have any questions about our group program or would like to learn more about the benefits of organizing a group, please read our Travel For Free section for more information.

A city stay is a way to enjoy one or two cities at your leisure, with plenty of free time. We take care of all the details of your trip including flights, airport transfers, hotel stays, and breakfast every morning and you can explore the city at your own pace. City stays with eight or more travelers will be provided with an Activity Coordinator. This person will be on hand throughout your stay to answer questions, assist with transfers and make recommendations.

As soon as you book your first tour with The Travel Center, you automatically become a member of The Travel Center Vacations World Traveler Club. Membership entitles you to an array of special benefits, which increase the more you travel! For more information on our World Traveler Club, contact a Travel Consultant.

Most countries do not require US or Canadian citizens to purchase an entry visa. Some exceptions include Russia, Turkey, China, Australia, Kenya, and Tanzania. For more visa information, please go to our Travel Tools section.

Groups always consist of 10 or more people traveling together.

Generally the airlines, hotels and resorts provide additional discounts for groups.

Group travel requires exceptional detail and very professional reservation agents providing detail for all the members of a group. The Travel Center has contracted with a highly reputable supplier to service our member group bookings.

We offer Medical Insurance, Baggage & Property Insurance, and Cancellation & Interruption Insurance. Each of these is available separately or you may choose to purchase the complete insurance package, which combines all three with significant savings. The cost of travel insurance depends on the total price of your vacation and the amount of coverage. If you would like travel insurance, please call 1-877-685-6516 for a complete travel insurance quote. Please note that changes to your vacation (i.e. adding or deleting an extension) may affect the cost of your insurance.

The Travel Center accepts checks, money orders and credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and American Express. For all online reservation deposits and payments, a credit card is required.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact one of our Travel Consultants.