MANDATORY from 12 January 2009

 

 

1) Pre Approval for travel to the USA

2) Changes to domestic baggage in the USA

 

 

1) PRE APPROVAL FOR TRAVEL TO THE USA

 

This is an extract from the Smartraveller website

 

From 1 August 2008, travellers eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program will be able to apply online for an ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY (via Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)).

 

The ESTA system is available on a voluntary basis from 1 August 2008 and is expected to be MANDATORY from 12 January 2009.

 

To obtain a travel authorisation, travellers will need to apply themselves using an online system.

 

 

The US government recommends that travellers use the online system no later than three days before departure.  WOW! Travel recommends you apply for the visa as soon as you receive your travel documents!

 

If their application is refused, travellers will need to apply for a visa for travel to the US.

 

When the ESTA system becomes mandatory, passengers wishing to travel to the US will

NEED to have either a valid ESTA travel authority or a valid visa. 

 

Anyone that does not complete this and travels to the United States after 12 January 2009 will be denied boarding or can experience long delays.

 

 

 

 

Please refer to smartraveller.gov.au for full details

 

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zwcgi/view/Advice/United_States_of_America#Entry_and_Exit_Requirements

 

 

 

 

2) New DOMESTIC baggage fees in the USA

 

American, Northwest, United and US Airways will begin charging a fee of USD $15.00 each way (USD $30.00 roundtrip) for the first piece of checked luggage on domestic flights.

 

Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways will begin charging a USD $25.00 charge each way (USD $50.00 roundtrip) for passengers checking in a second bag on domestic flights.

 

United Airlines is applying the fee to economy tickets purchased on or after 13Jun08 for flights departing on or after 18 August 2008 within the United States, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Canada.

 

The following passengers are exempt from this fee: First class, Business class, First Award, Business Award, Mileage Plus 1K, Premier Executive, Premier Associate, Star Alliance Gold, Star Alliance Silver, Global Services members and military personnel with orders.

 

(We recommend that you advise the airline that you are travelling from Australia, which allows you 2pieces of luggage. Not a sure bet, but certainally worth a try!)

 

Fees are payable on check-in

 

For further details, contact the relevant airline