Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What form of identification do I need to present when I fly?

 

A:  All adult passengers, 18 years or older, will be required to show a U.S. federal or state issued photo    

      ID such as:

 

       * Drivers License

       * Passport

       * U.S. Military ID

       * Native American Tribal Photo ID

 

       For a complete list of accepted ID, please See,

       http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

 

      For International air travel, you must have a passport.  This includes travel to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. Now there is a Passport Card available which you may use for U.S. land and sea ports of entry if you are driving or sailing.  These rules can change.  To find the most current information, please see:

 

      http://www.travel.state.gov/passport

 

 

Q:  What are the restrictions on luggage?

 

A. You are allowed one carry-on piece and one personal item.  Your carry-on cannot exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + height).  The recommended size is 9” x 14” x 22”.  The personal items include a coat, purse, briefcase, camera case, diaper bag, etc.

 

You are allowed up to two checked bags. However, many airlines are now charging a fee for checked luggage. Each airline has their own fee structure, and these policies can change at any time. Please contact us or the airline for current rules and fees.  The checked luggage cannot exceed 62 linear inches and cannot weigh more than 50 pounds. International restrictions are different, so be sure to check with us or the airline you are flying.

 

 

Q:  Are tickets Changeable?

 

A:  Tickets are changeable with a fee.  Flight availability will determine how much additional you will have  to pay for the change.

 

 

Q:  Can I cancel my reservation after I purchase my tickets?

 

A:  Yes, as long as you cancel prior to flight time.  Your ticket will then remain active for 365 days from the date you purchased it.  You will be able to exchange the unused ticket for a new one on the same airline for the same person.  There is an airline fee for canceling and the remaining balance will be applied to the new reservation.  You may change where you are traveling to, but you will not be allowed to change the name on the ticket.

 

 

 

Q:  What can I bring in my carry-on bag?

 

A: As far as toiletries, anything that is liquid, gel, and/or aerosol can be carried in your bag.  They must be in containers of 3 ounces or less and be packed separately in a quart size, clear, zip top bag.  These items must fit comfortably so the bag is not overloaded.  When you pass through security, this bag must be removed from your carry-on and is X-rayed separately.  For Complete information, please see:

 

             http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

 

 

 

Q:  Will I need shots if I am traveling outside the U.S.?

 

A:  Some areas of the world do require that you are vaccinated.  In Rapid City, there are two offices where you can get updated vaccination information for traveling out of the country.

 

             * Steven Stocks, MD, Regional Medical Clinic (605) 719-6900.

             * Joel Hill, PA-C, MS, Rapid City Medical Center  (605) 342-3280

 

 

 

Q:  I want to travel with my pet.  What do I need?

 

A:  Each airline has different requirements and fees.  If you want to carry your pet on board, generally speaking, you may need to have a current health certificate, you will need a specific size and type of kennel. The further in advance we can get your pet listed on the flight the better.  There are restrictions on how many on board pets are allowed.  Fees vary from airline to airline.

 

If your pet is too large, it will have to go as baggage.  Pets as baggage will need a health certificate.  Fees will be determined by kennel size and total weight.  Weather and air temperature play a major role in whether or not your pet travels.  Live animals will not be taken as baggage if the high temperature is 75-85 degrees (depending on breed) or less than 10 degrees anywhere along your route.

 

Please inform us when making your reservations that you will be traveling with your pet. We will be              able to give you current restrictions and pricing.

 

 

Q:  Why should I purchase insurance?

 

A:  Insurance is for the “what ifs”.  Everyone says “I’m going no matter what!”.  What if you had an accident or a death in the family that prevented you from taking your trip.  What if you get sick while you are away?  Travel insurance covers or helps to cover situations like these.  What if there was a blizzard on the day you are supposed to fly out for your long awaited vacation?  Travel insurance will reimburse your out-of-pocket expenses to change your airline ticket.  There are many different types of policies to choose from.  You can find detailed information on each policy type at:

 

             http://www.accessamerica.com

 

 

Q:  How early do I need to arrive at the airport?

 

A:  If you are flying domestically, you need to check in 1 1/2 hours prior to your flight. If you are traveling internationally, you need to be checked in at least 3 hours early  If you have not checked in on time, the airline can and will deny you boarding.  It is better to arrive at the airport early, get through security and wait for awhile than chance missing your flight.

 

 

Q:  Why does security take longer?

 

A:  Everything is checked and/or x-rayed.  When going through security, you will be required to show your boarding pass and photo ID at least twice.  You will be required to remove your shoes, remove your toiletries packed in the zip top bag from your carry-on, place your personal items in the plastic tubs and these are x-rayed along with your carry-on bag.