Effective January 23 of this year, U.S citizens must carry passports to enter back into the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.  Due to these regulations, the board predicted a 2.2 percent decrease in tourism revenues, but the opposite happened.  Tourism in Mexico increased 20.2 percent in the first half of this year, compared to 2006.  As of January 31, 2008, travelers will need to present a government-issued I.D (e.g. driver’s license) and a proof of citizenship (e.g. birth certificate) or a green card, in order to re-enter the Country after travel.  Even though they had this increase, the new regulations still caused a stir.

 First, the US citizens flooded the congressional offices with calls complaining because the Department of State couldn’t keep up with the passport applications.  With over 1,200 inquiries within a four-month period between March and June, the turnaround time went from an average four to six weeks to a considerably longer 12 weeks or longer.  18.4 million Passports were issued for 2006, ending September 30.

 But the complications have been resolved, and in September the State Department announced that the processing times were back to normal, after bringing in 400 new people and continuing to hire more.  But the complaints will not end, as in no later than 2009, they may pass a requirement for travelers by land and sea to also carry passports.  There may be light at the end of the tunnel though, as the DHS has proposed a plan for the REAL ID; an enhanced driver’s license/identification card that will include the security features needed into the application process and the card itself.

 U.S. airlines expect 27 million passengers this Thanksgiving week.  The three busiest air travel days are expected to be this Wednesday, and the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving, when the number of passengers daily as expected to be more than 2.5 million.  The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is expecting a 6 percent increase over the holiday period, while they expect to be up 4 percent over last year overall throughout all airlines.  Sea-Tac expects 102,000 passengers on Wednesday, 97,000 on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and 95,000 on the Monday after that.

 With the airline’s on-time performance through September having a weak 73 percent of flights arriving on time (the worst in 13 years), many are striving to help raise this percentage, along with other aspects to flying this holiday season.  The Bush administration is having the U.S. military make more airspace on the East Coast available for commercial airlines from Wednesday through the 25th of November.  But you can also help yourself by following a few guidelines for making your traveling as quick and easy as possible.

 First, you should prepare by checking in and printing your boarding pass at home from your airline’s website.  You should also double check to make sure you any important documents such as your driver’s license and other government-issued ID.  Another good idea is to arrive at the airport two hours before your flight to allow for traffic delays, time to find parking, and other unseen delays.

 Second, you should pack right and conveniently.  Try to travel with carry-on luggage only, but if you must check a suitcase, be sure to follow these tips.  First, be sure to pack your valuables (such as cameras, jewelry, laptop, etc.) and medications in your carry on, incase there are any complications with your checked luggage.  Also, don’t over pack as most airlines allow each passenger to take only two checked bags weighing no more than 50 lbs each.  Also be sure to luck your luggage with a TSA-approved lock which security screeners are able to open and relock.  And last, if taking any liquids or medicines, be sure to check the list of banned items to make sure you can take them along (you can do this online).

 An extra tip is to be sure to check your flight status and delays and weather problems (which you can do online).  So good luck traveling this Thanksgiving holiday, here’s hoping for few delays and minimal complications.

            MAXjet has made itself one of the most appealing airlines from the US to London .  As the first all-business-class airline on the North Atlantic , MAXjet accommodates their passengers above and beyond the call of duty.  They accommodate you even before you arrive at the airport, providing you with complimentary arrival guides online which offer detailed maps and latest happenings on either end of your journey and are updated often.  But once you arrive at the airport, the real pampering begins.

They start off by presenting you with your MAXjet invitation to the departure lounge.  The lounge at JFK offers a full-business center with free wireless, self-serve cappuccino machines, bar service, real leather loungers and plasma screens.  Next, you would board your flight, sitting into your 160-degree, real leather seat, and look around and realize you have leg and elbow room, room for you to take out your laptop and work, and storage space for your briefcase.  Next you dine with a four-course meal that starts off with champagne and salami canapés with smoked salmon China .  Then you get a choice of three entrees or the healthy, reduced calorie alternative.  You can choose between a New York strip steak with bliss potatoes, pan-seared halibut with cilantro-lime rice pilaf or wok-seared chicken breast.  And after your meal, if your still hungry or feel like snacking, they welcome you to raid the special “Chef’s Pantry,” where you can get from it - at any time during your flight – both healthy and non-so healthy snacks.  MAXjet also offers a commendable wine selection. 

And to end your journey with them (though you may never want it to end), you arrive at Stansted Airport in England .  This airport is the fastest growing airport in the United Kingdom .  There you will be offered a special room rate at the Radisson SAS Hotel which is just minutes away from the airport.  There, whether you plan to spend the night or not, you can indulge in a complimentary full SAS Super Buffet Breakfast and access to the Tadisson SAS Health Club for a shower or sauna.

Currently MAXjet flies from London to New York , Washington D.C and Las Vegas to England .  For more information visit www.maxjet.com.