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Greetings!
Welcome to MTS TRAVEL's electronic newsletter
targeted to the needs of the church, mission and
non-profit traveler. We hope you will find the
information and articles useful. Please feel free to email
this newsletter on to others who may also benefit from
the information.
So Many Questions, So Little Time!
How can you best prepare for an international trip? |
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Before you travel, especially to another country, it
is
very valuable to learn as much as you can
about your destination beyond "Do I need a visa or
immunizations?".
- If you are going on a short-term mission
trip, you might like to
know:
- How can I write for country information prior to
my trip?
- Are there any US State Department Advisories
about that country?
- What is the weather like during the month I am
traveling there?
- How can I catch up on local news in the country I
am visiting?
- If you are having meetings with locals in a
foreign
country you might ask:
- How do I properly greet someone in that
country?
- What time of day is it best to have a
meeting?
- Should I bring a gift?
- How can I easily schedule a time for a conference
call across 4 time zones?
- Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
- Where is the US consulate located?
- What do I do if I lose my passport or have a
medical emergency abroad?
- Your children may have homework
questions regarding different
destinations:
- What is the history of Valley Forge National
Park?
- What "firsts" happened in OHIO?
- How much rain does Costa Rica get each year?
- Your friend that is meeting you at the
airport upon your return might ask:
- Is their flight on time?
- I wonder if the airport they are connecting
through is closed due to the weather there?
- What is their airline's phone number?
How can you find all this information quickly?
You no longer have to spend hours searching the web.
MTS TRAVEL has ...
More »
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Spotlight On... MTS TRAVEL Headquarters
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania |
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Our roots
MTS TRAVEL traces its roots back to 1947, originating
as the travel department of the Mennonite Central
Committee. Initially formed to facilitate travel for relief
workers assigned to Europe for World War II
reconstruction, Menno Travel Service incorporated in
1955 to widen its service to various religious and
nonprofit organizations.
The Ephrata Travel Service Center
With over 50 employees, our corporate headquarters
building in downtown Ephrata,
Pennsylvania, houses the executive offices and
corporate functions, retail travel
and a growing tour division. Ephrata is located in
historic Lancaster County,
approximately 60 miles west of Philadelphia (please see
other article to learn
how MTS TRAVEL can arrange a visit to this destination
for your group).
James Wheeler, Jr., serves as manager for the Travel
Service Center. Fluent in Arabic,
and with extensive volunteer experience overseas,
his...
More »
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See Amish Country Pennsylvania
and the Sight and Sound Theater with MTS TRAVEL |
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MTS TRAVEL has its headquarters location right in
the
midst of Pennsylvania Amish Country, Lancaster
County. Our Tour Department can arrange a visit to
this wholesome and historic destination for any church,
organization or other group. Among the "must sees"
are the Amish farmlands, Hershey "Chocolate Town
USA", and the plethora of local outlet shops. As this
area is our home, we can also expose you to some of
the "hidden gems" that most tourists never see. Please
contact our Tour Department for more information. We
can be reached at (800)874-9330 or by email to our
Tours Promotion Manager at
cindib@mtstravel.com.
One of the top local attractions is the Sight and Sound
Theatre and their latest production, Daniel. The
children's story of Daniel and the Lion's Den is a beloved
tale that...
More on this topic »
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| Taking Excess Baggage Overseas |
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Baggage! For the missionary traveler, knowing the
airline regulations for free and excess baggage is nearly
as vital as having
his valid passport and foreign entry visa. Here are
handy references for free
and excess pieces with U.S.A. origination:
FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE PER
PERSON (age 2 and over, Economy class on
direct international flights)
- Note: These general guidelines cover most
airlines to many destinations.
For your particular flight(s), check with your MTS
consultant before packing your bags
Checked:
- 2 pieces, combined
dimensions of length +
width + height of each piece, measured separately, not
to exceed 107".
- Neither piece may exceed 62".
- Maximum weight per piece: 70 pounds for most
airlines. (Check with your MTS TRAVEL consultant-
some
carriers restrict weight to 50 pounds per piece or 66
pounds total for two pieces.)
Unchecked:
- 1 piece, with maximum combined dimensions of
45".
- Must be stored under a seat or in overhead
compartment.
Weight for this piece varies by airline: Some carriers
restrict the weight to as little as 10 pounds
Infants (under 2)
- 1 piece, with total maximum dimensions of 45".
- 1 collapsible stroller.
Domestic rules for excess baggage vary by airline. Many
of the carriers have recently begun levying an
extra charge for any piece over 50 pounds. It's
advisable to check with each airline with which you will
check your bags.
HOW YOU MIGHT INCUR EXCESS BAGGAGE
CHARGES
Weight System
The above "piece system" is still not used between
many countries outside the U.S. For example, from
connecting points in Europe down to Africa, the free
allowance for economy passengers is only 44 pounds
(20 kilograms). To avoid this 44-pound restriction,
make sure you have a "through" ticket which carries
you from North America to your final destination on one
ticket. If you have a separate ticket from
London to Nairobi, for instance, for every kilogram (2.2
pounds) of excess baggage over the 20 kilos
free, you pay 1.5% of the highest economy one-way
fare per kilogram. For example, if the highest
one-way economy fare from London to Nairobi is $731,
1.5% equals $10.97. Divide $10.97 by 2.2 to
get the price per pound, or $4.99. If an average
suitcase weighs 60 pounds, 60 X $4.99 equals a
$299.40-just for one extra suitcase!
Piece system
To contrast, under the piece system, excess-baggage
charges are based on a fixed rate for each excess
piece, depending upon destination. Excess baggage
charges are levied at $90 per suitcase and upward,
depending on the destination and airline. If any piece is
oversize or overweight, you may be charged
double for that piece. Be aware that airlines are
beginning to restrict the number of excess bags
allowed on a flight. Certain destinations at specified
times of the year may not permit any excess.
Always check with your MTS consultant or with the
airline.
To avoid last-minute problems with excess
baggage at the airport, plan ahead:
- Make sure that both your domestic and
international carriers enter all your flights into their
records.
This shows the complete routing of the bags.
- Notify your carriers at least four weeks in
advance (longer if possible) of the ...
- number of pieces.
- dimensions and weight of each piece.
- Let the airline know...
More on this topic
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