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Welcome to the National Seniors Travel Noticeboard where we will be pinning up some notes for you.

Travel Companions Sought

• South Ameriaca is calling all single travellers - are you interested in travelling to South America but can't afford the Single Supplement. Several other single travellers have registered their interest to share with you. Please contact Cindy on 1300 883 750 or email cindy@nationalseniors.com.au.

Travel Agent Advice - 21st July 2008

Important changes for travel to the United States of America.

Pre-approval for travel to the USA 

This is an extract from the Smartraveller website please click here for full details.

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 using an online system here. The US government recommends that travellers use the online system no later than three days before departure. 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 Jan 09 will be denied boarding or can experience long delays. Please click here for full details. 

New domestic baggage fees in the USA

American, Northwest, United and US Airways will begin charging a fee of $US15 each way ($US30 roundtrip) for the first piece of checked luggage on domestic flights. Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways will begin charging a $US25 charge each way ($US50 roundtrip) for passengers checking in a second bag on domestic flights.

United Airlines is applying the fee to economy tickets purchased on or after 13 Jun 08 for flights departing on or after 18Aug08 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.