Cruise Travel Tips
Travelers Aid will be adding helpful tips that can make your cruise travel efficient and more enjoyable.
Arrive Early
Many cruise lines suggest that travelers arrive at least
Luggage
Before you begin packing, confirm with your cruise line their restrictions and limitations.
- Weight limits on checked luggage vary
- Also check the size and number of permitted items.
Family and Friends
Areas may be limited for drop off and pick up
- If you do need assistance, please contact for travel agent or cruise line for special arrangements.
- When you return, make arrangement to be met.
Wheelchair Assistance
Make arrangements ahead of time. Be sure to make similar arrangements for wheelchair assistance at your destination and also when you return home.
Pets and Service Animals
Rules vary for traveling with your pet and with service animals.
- Pets need to
- Permits dogs and other service animals used by persons with a disability to accompany a person on a flight. It is good to contact your carrier so you are familiar with how they will assist you and your service animal.
- Pet relief areas for service animals. Check with your cruise line ahead of time.
Traveling with Small Children
special tips on traveling with small children on the use of child seats, child restraint systems for toddlers and strategies on buying tickets. Also check with your cruise lines on their policies before you make your reservations.
Security Screening
The TSA maintains a detailed list of suggestions, directions and prohibitions.
- Basically, everyone will be screened at the security checkpoints.
- You are encouraged to remove all items from your clothing. Unless you a child or over 75, you will need to remove your shoes that will then be screened along with any carry-on items.
- Review the TSA website videos ahead of time so you know what to expect.
3-1-1 Liquids Rule
You are allowed to bring a quart-size, zip-lock bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes though the checkpoint in carryon luggage.
- These combined items need to be less than 3 ounces.
- More information from the TSA.
- So the 3-1-1 rule is the TSA’s quick reminder: 3 ounces, 1 quart bag and 1 bag per traveler.
- Note that food items, such as peanut butter, sauces or beverages need to fit within this 1 bag and larger items will be confiscated and discarded. If you are buying food items as gifts or to eat at your destination, then pack them in your checked suitcase.
Medications / Travel Challenges
The TSA does allow travelers to carry medications with them while traveling and these medications do not need to be packed in you 3-1-1 bag.
- Medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening.
- It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process.
- Bring evidence verifying a medial implant or device if it is likely to set off an alarm while being screened. This is not a TSA requirement, but it may ease the process. TSA has extensive guidance on this topic.
Prohibited Items
Many household items, sports equipment or tools are not permitted in the cabin while flying because they could be used as a weapon.
- The TSA has an extensive list on permitted and prohibited items.
- In addition, the FAA has a list of products that can be considered hazardous while flying. The list includes some batteries and most aerosol products.
More Info
To get more advice, contact you airline and airport along with the TSA, FAA and Customs and Border Protection. These organizations all have tip sections on their websites along with information as to how to contact them directly.
