Back to the Future

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Good Morning from Changi


We checked out of the Crowne Plaza Hotel around 5 AM January 25th and headed to the airport. Back home it was 3 PM on January 24th.  If our flights were on time, we would land in Chicago at 3:10 PM January 25th (5:10 PM Singapore time on January 26th).

Our flight wasn't until 8:20 AM, but we didn't know how long it would take to go through immigration and security. We also wanted to get something to eat before our flight.

Breakfast Choices

As is typical on international flights, we would be served multiple meals on our flight from Singapore to Tokyo.  We did want something light in the meantime, however.   A pastry shop was exactly what we were looking for.   Splitting a Palmier was just right.  It was ironic that we were thousands of miles from home and yet found a pastry which was one of our favorites back home.

There were several other choices including local favorites which you could purchase at Burger King or other locations.  Some of these Asian breakfast items can be seen in this photo.

At Our Gate

The immigration and check-in process went very quickly so early in the morning.  By 5:22 AM we were headed to check our baggage and get our boarding passes.  There wasn't anyone in line, so we were done quickly and on our way.

Less than 30 minutes later, we had already had something to eat and were sitting outside our gate.   The gate doesn't open until about an hour before the flight.

Waiting for our Flight

You might not be able to see from the photo, but the security screening occurs right at the gate.  We'd have another hour before the security and airline personnel arrived and started checking passports and hand bags.

Unlike airports in the states, once you pass through security you are now in a controlled waiting area.   There are rest room facilities there as well as limited charging stations.

We sat near one of the charging stations so that our phones were recharged before boarding the plane.  Boarding for our flight began at 7:50 AM.

Allowing 3 hours at the airport before our flight gave us plenty of time to leisurely have something to eat and get to our gate.  We'd rather be early than rushed and stressed.

Click on the image to the left for more Blog posts about this trip.

Related Album:

Changi Airport Singapore

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No Power No Travel

Attention iPhone, Android, and PC Users

Keep Those Devices Charged 
If You Are Flying

Last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States.

Inbound International Flights

In response to new threats of bombs in familiar devices, such as iPhones, Android phones, and laptops,  TSA has been instructed to carefully screen those devices.   It has always been the case that electronics, especially computers, were subject to careful scrutiny, but effective with the new instructions, closer attention will be given to phones as well.

Does the Device Power Up

According to TSA, "During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.

Know Before You Go

This is the most recent change in security procedures announced by TSA.  Not all procedures are announced in this fashion.  Security is obtained by several levels of visible and invisible monitoring.

The TSA's Traveler Information tab is a source of good information when preparing for a flight.  When traveling internationally, be sure to check with transportation sights of the countries you are visiting as well.   There are much different security measures in other countries.

For example we once had to fly home for an emergency and flew from Oslo, Norway.   All suitcases and carry-on bags must be unlocked because they will undergo a screening by hand before you even check-in.

Additional Useful Links

Department of Homeland Security Aviation Security

Australian Transportation Safety Bureau
Canadian TSA (CATSA) Security
European Commission Aviation Security

For more links, just use keywords like "security transportation aviation" and country name in your favorite search engine for information relevant to your itinerary.   Your Cruise & Vacation Specialist, airline, or cruise line may also have additional information on their websites.

Cruise Line Industry Enhanced Screening Guidelines

I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the enhanced screening guidelines the cruise industry is beginning to implement to continue ensuring the healthiest environment for all cruise passengers. It is important for you to know that the cruise industry is taking these proactive steps out of an abundance of caution to identify, isolate and treat any suspect cases as appropriate.

Under new CLIA member cruise line health screening procedures, All passengers scheduled to board CLIA member line cruise ships will be required to complete the new public health questionnaire prior to boarding at any port. Under the enhanced screening protocols, CLIA member lines will perform a secondary screening if a passenger reports on the questionnaire flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat, or contact with a confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) case. Medical personnel at each cruise line will make case by case decisions regarding the boarding of these passengers. Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they exhibit influenza-like-illness or meet the suspect case conditions for swine flu as defined by CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/casedef_swineflu.htm). All other passengers will be permitted to travel.

If you have questions about these procedures, contact your cruise specialist or the cruise line.

Further information on travel and the swine flu can be found on the CDC Web site at: www.cdc.gov/swineflu. CLIA will continue updating its communications as necessary and I will keep you apprised of any significant developments.

The cruise industry always takes your safety and health seriously, so I am confident that with passenger cooperation, you will be assured of a safe and healthy cruise vacation during these difficult times.

As I have said many times in this column, I stronly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. I offer my customers a customized Travel Guard policy which provides emergency assistance amongst the other benefits. Travel Guard has announced that it is Offering Free Assistance and Information on Swine Flu to U.S. and Canadian travelers affected by or concerned with the recent Swine Flu outbreak. They have the most up-to-date information for travelers seeking travel status updates, health warnings, prevention and treatment tips.