Back in 2000 when I went with my family I thought it was bad enough. My biggest memory entering customs off the plane was of a 50 something year old red-neck southerner yelling at passengers to line up in various lines depending on your nationality. He was a big fellow, rather scary if you were just a kid.
This time around I’m imagining it is going to be much worse - even flying into San Francisco rather than LA. Armed Guards and Police Officers, Sniffer Dogs and Undercover Secret Agents perhaps? I'll let you know...
Before we even think about getting on a plane there are a few thing to take care of first. For anybody living in a VWP (Visa Waiver Program) country a visa is not required if you plan to stay less than 90 days. But you must register yourself and passport online to let the US Government know you will be entering the country (this step needs to be approved - and this isn't a certainty). We had this done by our travel agent but if you want to do it by yourself head to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ - this site is free - some are not (the airport can do it for $30.00 if you don't have access to the internet).
The second thing you need to be aware of are the general rules and regulations for air travel, which seem confusing to my little brain but anyway! I've seen on the news travellers having to dump duty free perfume, beauty products and alcohol before they board because they didn't stick to the rules. I have done some research, so I hope it makes sense - if you stick to this info you (and I) should be sweet.
Prohibited Items (anyone who would carry these must be a weirdo)
- Sharp objects or cutting implements including (but not limited to): knives, box cutters, letter openers, scissors, tradesman's tools, screwdrivers, darts and knitting needles
- Sporting goods or club like items including (but not limited to): baseball bats, pool cues, golf clubs, lacrosse sticks, ski poles, brass knuckles, hammers, boomerangs and didgeridoos
- Lighters including butane, absorbed-fuel (Zippo type), battery powered and novelty lighters
- All liquids, pastes, aerosols or gels such as drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste, lip gloss and mascaras must be in individual containers not greater than 100ml in volume
- All containers must be carried in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag no larger than one litre (approximately 20cm x 20cm or 8 inches x 8 inches)
- Only one bag is permitted per passenger
- The plastic bag must be sealed and presented separately from all other carry-on baggage at the screening point
- Liquids in containers of more than 100mls can be packed in your checked in baggage
You may take on board liquid items of any size that are purchased after the security check in the Departure lounge (sometimes referred to as 'Airside'), including flights to the US (however retain receipts and ensure container lids remain secured including water /other drink bottles). Most duty free or similar purchases will be given to you in a special sealed bag. Do not open this bag until you have reached your final destination. You should also retain your proof of purchase throughout your journey. You will be required to show it at all transfer points.
Passengers travelling to an international destination who are not transiting, transferring or connecting to another flight can purchase Duty Free liquids in excess of 100ml (3oz) from New Zealand once they have passed through the security screening point (after Immigration).
When it comes to packing for any trip I like to think I’m always prepared for any situation - all those years at Girl Guides weren't spent baking and sewing. Firstly, and I would have thought obviously, when leaving your own country you must think about your destination, and what to expect when you get there. For one thing your power plugs ain't gunna fit in America without an adaptor. So far between me and Tahlia we have one. We are fortunate to be staying in hotels and be on buses with power outlets for the entire trip, but if you aren't remember to have your digital camera batteries charged whenever you have the chance - or take a spare all ready to go.
We also have to think about the weather - we are leaving New Zealand in May, which is going into America's summer and when we come home it will be the heart of winter. Our clothing shouldn't be too heavy on the way over - so more room for shopping. I won't be going without my Kathmandu puffer jacket for the 9am flight back to Nelson though. I'll try not to forget to buy a duffle bag (if not a suitcase) for all my new stuff on the way home because you are allowed an extra one from the USA - no excuses not to spend the rest of our USD before we come home. No regrets.
Basics should make up the majority of my suitcase, on a bus trip from New York to LA there will be a lot of sitting down, you want to be comfy. Of course I will spend lots of money on gorgeous things when I get there but no need to take it with me.
In Part 1: Planning I mentioned a few words that I would use to describe America. I thought I would elaborate on these somewhat with some facts, research* for myself + some useless info for you. I have asked a few people what words spring to mind when you think of the USA – Darci my partner said corrupt… I think if I went into that with detail my blog would be removed from the internet and the FBI might come to get me. Here is some stuff to bring up in the staff room:
- Barack Obama’s high school year book picture inscription thanks “Tut,” “Gramps,” and the “Choom Gang.” Choom is Hawaiian slang for “pot smoking.”
- Every month, approximately nine out of 10 American children visit a McDonald's restaurant.- In 1999, there were 28,874 gun-related deaths in the United States - over 80 deaths every day.
- 58 Million Americans are Overweight; 40 Million Obese; 3 Million morbidly Obese.
- The majority of Americans identify themselves as Christians (76%), while non-Christian religions (including Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and others) collectively make up about 4% of the adult population. Another 15% of the adult population identified as having no religious affiliation.
- It is estimated that 772,500 people in the US were members of gangs in 2000.
- When Walt Disney was younger he was hired to work at the Kansas City Star newspaper. He was later fired from the paper because of lack of creativity. Years later The Disney Company bought ABC which owned The Kansas City Star.
- 390,000 vehicles per day travel the I-405 Highway in Los Angeles, California.
Also randomly; did you know new New Zealand Passports come with your photo converted to black and white now? I just got a new one as mine didn’t have the required chip. I guess it’s just another security thing, you can’t steel a passport if you have blue eyes, the real person stated they had brown, and the pic is black and white…
Ok so I think I have rambled on long enough for one post. I definitely had fun writing this one, and learnt a lot too. Please leave some comments below, any questions or feedback!
* FYI all the random facts above come from Google – who knows if it’s bull or not!
