Air Travel Consumer Report

Aviation Consumer Protection Home Page Español/Spanish Organization & Functions | Air Travel Problems/Complaints | Air Travel Consumer Report | Rules & Guidelines Travel Tips & Publications | Airline Customer Service Plans | Service Cessations | Safety/Security Information Fly-Rights A Consumer Guide to Air Travel This file is 81K. The 58-page pocket-size booklet is available for purchase from the Citizen Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009. The price is $4.00, which includes postage. CONTENTS [Each chapter title is hyperlinked to the text of the chapter.] Air Fares Reservations and Tickets Delayed and Canceled Flights Overbooking Baggage Smoking Passengers with Disabilities Frequent-Flyer Programs Contract Terms Travel Scams To Your Health Airline Safety Complaining Other Sources of Information NOTICE We make every effort to keep Fly-Rights up to date, but airlines frequently change the way they do business. So by the time you read this a few procedures we explain may be different. INTRODUCTION The elimination of government economic regulation of the airlines has resulted in lower fares and a wide variety of price/service options. In this new commercial environment, consumers have had to take a more active role in choosing their air service by learning to ask a number of questions. -Am I more concerned with price or scheduling? Am I willing to fly at an odd hour if it means saving $25? -Will the airline penalize me for changing my reservation? -What will the airline do for me if it cancels my flight? This booklet is designed to explain your rights and responsibilities as an air traveler. We hope it helps you become a resourceful consumer. 1. AIR FARES Because of the emphasis on price competition, consumers may choose from a wide variety of air fares. Some airlines are trying a "back to basics" approach-offering flights at bargain basement prices with few extras. For fare information, you can contact a travel agent, another ticket outlet or an airline serving the places you want to visit. Ask them to tell you the names of all airlines flying there. A travel agent can find virtually all airlines' fares in his or her computer. Or, if you prefer you can call each airline to ask about the fares they charge, particularly any special promotional fares they may be offering at the time. You can also pay attention to newspaper and radio ads, where airlines advertise many of the discount plans that apply to your city. Finally, be alert to new companies serving the market. They may offer lower fares or different services than older established airlines. Here are some tips to help you decide among air fares: Be flexible in your travel plans in order to get the lowest fare. The best deals may be limited to travel on certain days of the week or particular hours of the day. After you get a fare quote, ask the reservations agent if you could save even more by leaving a day earlier or later, or by taking a different flight on the same day. * Plan as far ahead as you can. Some airlines set aside only a few seats on each flight at the lower rates. The real bargains often sell out very quickly. On the other hand, air carriers sometimes make more discount seats available later. If you had decided against a trip because the discount fare you wanted was not available on the desired date, try again, especially just before the advance-purchase deadline. * Some airlines may have discounts that others don't offer. In a large metropolitan area, the fare could depend on which airport you use. Also, a connection (change of planes) or a one-stop flight is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop. * Does the air fare include types of service that airlines have traditionally provided, such as meals or free baggage handling? If you have a connection involving two airlines, will your bags be transferred? Can you get advance seat assignments? If you are stranded, will the ticket be good on another carrier at no extra charge? Will the first airline pay for meals or hotel rooms during the wait? * Many discount fares are non-refundable; if you buy one of these fares and later cancel your trip, you will not get your money back. Some fares also have a penalty for changing flights or dates even if you don't want a refund. You may also have to pay any difference in air fares if your fare is not available on the new flight. * Some airlines will not increase the fare after the ticket is issued and paid for. (Simply holding a reservation without a ticket does not guarantee the fare.) Other airlines may reserve the right to collect more money from you if the fare that you had purchased goes up before departure time. Find out from the airline before you buy your ticket what its policy is on assessing fare increases after the ticket is purchased. * After you buy your ticket, call the airline or travel agent once or twice before departure to check the fare. Fares change all the time, and if that same fare goes down before you fly, some airlines will refund the difference. But you have to ask. Differences in air fares can be substantial. Careful comparison shopping among airlines does take time, but it can lead to real savings. 2. RESERVATIONS AND TICKETS Once you decide when and where you want to go, and which airline you want to use, getting reservations and tickets is a fairly simple process. You can make all of your arrangements by telephone, at the airline's ticket office, or through a travel agent or other ticket outlet. There are a few potential pitfalls, however, and these pointers should help you avoid them. * If your travel plans fall into a busy period, call for reservations early. Flights for holidays may sell out weeks-sometimes months-ahead of time. Don't buy a standby fare or an 'open return' ticket if you need to fly during a high-demand period, especially the end of August. You could be stranded for a week or more before a seat becomes available. * Ask the reservations agent to give you the on-time performance code for any flights that you are considering. This is a one-digit code in the reservations computer that shows how often that flight arrived on time (within 15 minutes) during the most recent reported month. For example, an "8" means that flight arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time between 80% and 89.9% of the time. If you are deciding between two flights with similar schedules and fares, you may want to choose the one with the better on-time record. (Only the largest U.S. airlines are required to maintain these codes.) * When you make a reservation, be sure the agent records the information accurately. Before you hang up or leave the ticket office, review all of the essential information with the agent-the spelling of your name, the flight numbers and travel dates, and the cities you are traveling between. If there is more than one airport at either city, be sure you check which one you'll be using. It's also important to give the airline your home and work telephone numbers so they can let you know if there is any change in their schedule. * Your ticket will show the flight number, departure time, date, and status of your reservation for each flight of your itinerary. The "status" box is important. "OK" means you're confirmed. Anything else means that the reservation is not yet certain (e.g., waitlisted). * A "direct" (or "through") flight can have one or more stops. Sometimes flights with only one flight number can even involve a change of planes. Ask about your exact routing. * If you are flying to a small city and your flight number has four digits, you may be booked on a commuter airline that has an agreement with the major carrier in whose name the flight is held out. If you are unsure, ask the reservations agent about the airline and the aircraft type; these flights are identified in the computer. * When a reservations agent asks you to buy your tickets by a specific time or date, this is a deadline. And if you don't make the deadline, the airline may cancel your reservations without telling you. * Try to have your tickets in hand before you go to the airport. This speeds your check-in and helps you avoid some of the tension you might otherwise feel if you had to wait in a slow-moving ticketing line and worry about missing your flight. * If your reservations are booked far enough ahead of time, the airline may offer to mail your tickets to you. However, if you don't receive the tickets and the airline's records show that they mailed them, you may have to go through cumbersome lost-ticket procedures (see the end of this chapter). It is safer to check the telephone directory for a conveniently located travel agency or airline ticket office and buy your tickets there. * As soon as you receive your ticket check to make sure all the information on it is correct, especially the airports (if any of the cities have more than one) and the flight dates. Have any necessary corrections made immediately. * Bring a photo I.D. when you fly, and have your airline ticket issued using your name as it appears on that I.D. Many airlines are requesting such identification at check-in in order to reduce the re- selling of discount tickets. (Airlines don't permit tickets to be sold or given to other persons.) On international flights, make sure your name is the same on your ticket and your passport. If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different, bring docu- mentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order). * It's a good idea to reconfirm your reservations before you start your trip; flight schedules sometimes change. On international trips, most airlines require that you reconfirm your onward or return reservations at least 72 hours before each flight. If you don't, your reservations may be canceled. * Check your ticket as you board each flight to ensure that only the correct coupon has been removed by the airline agent. Paying for and refunding airline tickets * If you plan to pay in person and with your own bank check, take at least two forms of identification with you like a driver's license, major credit card, or employee I.D. card. Particularly when you purchase tickets far from your home town, airlines, travel agencies and other ticket outlets will want to confirm your identity. If you paid for your ticket with cash and you have a refundable fare, you can often get an immediate refund from the issuing airline or travel agency. If you paid by personal check, the refund will gen- erally have to be mailed to you. NOTE: In some cases tickets purchased overseas in foreign currency can only be refunded in that same currency and country, due to foreign government monetary restrictions. Keep this in mind if you are considering buying a ticket in a foreign country. * When you pay by credit card, your charge account is billed-whether you use your tickets or not. You won't receive credit unless the original unused tickets are returned to the airline. You usually can't get a cash refund for a credit card purchase. * If you buy your tickets with a credit card and then change your flights, the ticket agent may want to credit the amount of the old tickets and issue another set with a second charge to your account. You may want to insist that the value of your old tickets be applied to the new ones, with the difference in price charged or credited to your account. While this creates a little extra work for the airlines, it prevents double-billing to your charge account. Payment by credit card provides certain protections under federal credit laws. When a refund is due, the airline must forward a credit to your card company within seven business days after receiving a complete refund application. If you paid by credit card for a refundable fare and you have trouble getting a refund that you are due, report this in writing to your credit card company. If you write to them within 60 days from the time that they mailed your first monthly statement showing the charge for the airline ticket, the card company should credit your account even if the airline doesn't. This procedure is particularly useful if your airline ceases operations before your flight. Lost tickets Airline tickets are similar to negotiable documents. Because of this, refunds can be difficult to obtain if tickets are lost or stolen. Many passengers believe that air tickets can be replaced as easily as travelers checks just because the reservation is in the computer, but that is not the case. Your ticket number may be shown on your credit card receipt or travel agency itinerary. If it is not, jot down the number on a sheet of paper and carry it separately from your ticket. Bring it with you on your trip. If the ticket does go astray, the airline can process your refund application more quickly, and perhaps issue an on-the-spot replacement ticket, if you can give them this number. You should report a lost ticket immediately to the airline that is shown as the issuing carrier at the top of the ticket. You may be required to repurchase a ticket in order to continue your trip. If you no longer meet all of the restrictions on your discount fare (e.g., seven-day advance purchase) the new ticket may cost more than the old one did. In that event, however, it is generally the higher fare that is eventually refunded, as long as you don't change any of the cities, flights or dates on your trip. Once the airline establishes that you actually bought the ticket, they will begin processing your refund application. There is often a waiting period of two to six months. If anyone uses or cashes in your ticket while the refund is pending, the airline may refuse to give you your money back. Finally, there is a handling charge that the airline may deduct from the refund. All in all, getting a refund or replacement for a lost ticket is a lot of trouble, and there's no guarantee you'll receive either one. So the best advice is-don't lose the ticket in the first place. 3. DELAYED AND CANCELED FLIGHTS Airlines don't guarantee their schedules, and you should realize this when planning your trip. There are many things that can-and often do-make it impossible for flights to arrive on time. Some of these problems, like bad weather, air traffic delays, and mechanical repairs, are hard to predict and beyond the airlines' control. If your flight is delayed, try to find out how late it will be. But keep in mind that it is sometimes difficult for airlines to estimate the total duration of a delay during its early stages. In so- called "creeping delays," developments occur which were not anticipated when the carrier made its initial estimate of the length of the delay. Weather that had been forecast to improve can instead deteriorate, or a mechanical problem can turn out to be more complex than initially determined. If the problem is with local weather or air traffic control, all flights will probably be late and there's not much you or the airline can do to speed up your departure. If there's a mechanical problem with the plane for your particular flight or if the crew is delayed on an incoming flight, you might be better off trying to arrange another flight, as long as you don't have to pay a cancellation penalty or higher fare for changing your reservations. (It is sometimes easier to make such arrangements from a pay phone than at a ticket counter.) If you find a flight on another airline, ask the first airline to endorse your ticket to the new carrier; this could save you a fare increase. Remember, however, that there is no rule requiring them to do this. If your flight is canceled, most airlines will rebook you on the first flight of theirs to your destination on which space is available, at no additional charge. If this involves a significant delay find out if another carrier has space, and ask the first airline to endorse your ticket. Finding extra seats may be difficult, however, especially over holidays and other peak travel times. Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport; there are no federal requirements. If you are delayed, ask the airline staff if they will pay for meals or a phone call. Some airlines, often those charging very low fares, do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. Others may not offer amenities if the delay is caused by bad weather or something else beyond the airline's control. Contrary to popular belief, airlines are not required to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled. As discussed in the chapter on overbooking, compensation is required by law only when you are "bumped" from a flight that is oversold. Airlines almost always refuse to pay passengers for financial losses resulting from a delayed flight. If the purpose of your trip is to close a potentially lucrative business deal, to give a speech or lecture, to attend a family function, or to be present at any time-sensitive event, you might want to allow a little extra leeway and take an earlier flight. In other words, airline delays and cancellations aren't unusual, and defensive counter- planning is a good idea when time is your most important consideration. When booking your flight remember that a departure early in the day is less likely to be delayed than a later flight, due to "ripple" effects throughout the day. Also, if an early flight does get delayed or canceled, you have more rerouting options. If you book the last flight of the day and it is canceled, you could get stuck overnight. You may select a connection (change of planes) over a nonstop or direct flight because of the convenient departure time or lower fare. However, a change of planes always involves the possibility of a misconnection. If you have a choice of connections and the fares and service are equivalent, choose the one with the least-congested connecting airport, so it will be easier to get to your second flight. You may wish to take into consideration the potential for adverse weather if you have a choice of connecting cities. When making your reservation for a connection, always check the amount of time between flights. Ask yourself what will happen if the first flight is delayed; if you don't like the answer, pick another flight or ask the agent to "construct" a connection that allows more time. 4. OVERBOOKING Overbooking is not illegal, and most airlines overbook their scheduled flights to a certain extent in order to compensate for "no-shows." Passengers are sometimes left behind or "bumped" as a result. When an oversale occurs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to ask people who aren't in a hurry to give up their seats voluntarily, in exchange for compensation. Those passengers bumped against their will are, with a few exceptions, entitled to compensation. Voluntary bumping Almost any group of airline passengers includes some people with urgent travel needs and others who may be more concerned about the cost of their tickets than about getting to their destination on time. Our rules require airlines to seek out people who are willing to give up their seats for some compensation before bumping anyone in- voluntarily. Here's how this works. At the check-in or boarding area, airline employees will look for volunteers when it appears that the flight has been oversold. If you're not in a rush to arrive at your next destination, you can give your reservation back to the airline in exchange for compensation and a later flight. But before you do this, you may want to get answers to these important questions: * When is the next flight on which the airline can confirm your seat? The alternate flight may be just as acceptable to you. On the other hand, if they offer to put you on standby on another flight that's full, you could be stranded. * Will the airline provide other amenities such as free meals, a hotel room, phone calls, or ground transportation? If not, you might have to spend the money they offer you on food or lodging while you wait for the next flight. DOT has not said how much the airline has to give volunteers. This means carriers may negotiate with their passengers for a mutually acceptable amount of money-or maybe a free trip or other benefits. Airlines give employees guidelines for bargaining with passengers, and they may select those volunteers willing to sell back their reservations for the lowest price. If the airline offers you a free ticket, ask about restrictions. How long is the ticket good for? Is it "blacked out" during holiday periods when you might want to use it? Can it be used for international flights? Most importantly, can you make a reservation, and if so, how far before departure are you permitted to make it? Involuntary bumping DOT requires each airline to give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn't. Those travelers who don't get to fly are frequently entitled to an on-the-spot payment of denied boarding compensation. The amount depends on the price of their ticket and the length of the delay: * If you are bumped involuntarily and the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to get you to your final destination (including later connections) within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation. If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you an amount equal to your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $200 maximum. * If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation doubles (200% of your fare, $400 maximum). * You always get to keep your original ticket and use it on another flight. If you choose to make your own arrangements, you can request an "involuntary refund" for the ticket for the flight you were bumped from. The denied boarding compensation is essentially a payment for your inconvenience. Like all rules, however, there are a few conditions and exceptions: * To be eligible for compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation. An "OK" in the Status box of your ticket qualifies you in this regard even if the airline can't find your reservation in the computer, as long as you didn't cancel your reservation or miss a reconfirmation deadline. * You must meet the airline's deadline for buying your ticket. Discount tickets must usually be purchased within a certain number of days after the reservation was made. Other tickets normally have to be picked up no later than 30 minutes before the flight. In addition to the ticketing deadline, each airline has a check-in deadline, which is the amount of time before scheduled departure that you must present yourself to the airline at the airport. For domestic flights most carriers have a deadline of 10 minutes before scheduled departure, but some can be an hour or longer. (Many airlines require pas- sengers with advance seat assignments to check in 30 minutes before scheduled departure, even if they already have advance boarding passes. If you miss this deadline you may lose the specific seats you were promised, although not the reservation itself.) Check-in deadlines on international flights can be as much as three hours before scheduled departure time, due partially to security procedures. Some airlines may simply require you to be at the ticket/baggage counter by this time; most, however, require that you get all the way to the boarding area. If you miss the ticketing or check-in deadline, you may have lost your reservation and your right to compensation if the flight is oversold. * As noted above, no compensation is due if the airline arranges substitute transportation which is scheduled to arrive at your destination within one hour of your originally scheduled arrival time. * If the airline must substitute a smaller plane for the one it originally planned to use, the carrier isn't required to pay people who are bumped as a result. * The rules do not apply to charter flights, or to scheduled flights operated with planes that hold 60 or fewer passengers. They don't apply to international flights inbound to the United States, although some airlines on these routes may follow them voluntarily. Also, if you are flying between two foreign cities-from Paris to Rome, for example-these rules will not apply. The European Community has a rule on bumpings that occur in an EC country; ask the airline for details, or contact DOT. The most effective way to reduce the risk of being bumped is to get to the airport early. On oversold flights the last passengers to check in are usually the first to be bumped, even if they have met the check-in deadline. Allow extra time; assume that the airport access road is backed up, the parking lot is full, and there is a long line at the check-in counter. However, if you arrive so early that your airline has another flight to your destination leaving before the one that you are booked on, either switch to the earlier flight or don't check your bag until after the first flight leaves. If you check your bag right away, it might get put on the earlier flight and remain unattended at your destination airport for hours. Airlines may offer free transportation on future flights in place of a check for denied boarding compensation. However, if you are bumped involuntarily you have the right to insist on a check if that is your preference. Once you cash the check (or accept the free flight), you will probably lose the right to demand more money from the airline later on. However, if being bumped costs you more money than the airline will pay you at the airport, you can try to negotiate a higher settlement with their complaint department. If this doesn't work, you usually have 30 days from the date on the check to decide if you want to accept the amount of the check. You are always free to decline the check and take the airline to court to try to obtain more compensation. The government's denied boarding regulation spells out the airlines' minimum obligation to people they bump involuntarily. Finally, don't be a "no-show." If you are holding confirmed reservations you don't plan to use, notify the airline. If you don't, they will cancel all onward or return reservations on your trip. 5. BAGGAGE Between the time you check your luggage in and the time you claim it at your destination, it may have passed through a maze of conveyor belts and baggage carts; once airborne, baggage may tumble around the cargo compartment if the plane hits rough air. In all fairness to the airlines, however, relatively few bags are damaged or lost. With some common-sense packing and other precautions, your bags will probably be among the ones that arrive safely. Packing You can pack to avoid problems. Some items should never be put into a bag you plan to check into the cargo compartment: * Small valuables: cash, credit cards, jewelry, cameras. * Critical items: medicine, keys, passport, tour vouchers, business papers. * Irreplaceable items: manuscript, heirlooms. * Fragile items: eyeglasses, glass containers, liquids. Things like this should be carried on your person or packed in a carry-on bag that will fit under the seat. Remember, the only way to be sure your valuables are not damaged or lost is to keep them with you. Even if your bag is not lost, it could be delayed for a day or two. Don't put perishables in a checked bag; they may spoil if it is delayed. It is wise to put items that you will need during the first 24 hours in a carry-on bag (e.g. toiletries, a change of underwear). Check with the airline for its limits on the size, weight, or number of carry-on pieces. (There is no single federal standard.) If you are using more than one airline, check on all of them. Inquire about your flight; different airplanes can have different limits. Don't assume that the flight will have unlimited closet space for carry-on garment bags; some may have to be checked. If you plan to go shopping at your destination and bring your purchases aboard as carry-on, keep the limits in mind. If you check these purchases, however, carry the receipts separately; they may be necessary for a claim if the merchandise is lost or damaged. Don't put anything into a carry-on bag that could be considered a weapon (e.g. scissors, pen knife). Checked baggage is also subject to limits. On most domestic and international flights, it's two checked bags (three if you don't have any carry-on luggage). There can be an extra charge if you bring more, or if you exceed the airline's limits on the size of the bags. On some flights between two foreign cities, your allowance may be based on the weight of the bags rather than the number of pieces. The same two bags that cost you nothing to check when you started your trip could result in expensive excess-baggage charges under a weight system. Ask the airlines about the limit for every segment of your international trip before you leave home, especially if you have a stopover of a day or two or if you are changing carriers. The bags you check should be labeled- inside and out-with your name, address and phone number. Add the name and address of a person to contact at your destination if it's practical to do so. Almost all of the bags that are misplaced by airlines do turn up sooner or later. With proper labeling, the bag and its owner can usually be reunited within a few hours. Don't overpack a bag. This puts pressure on the latches, making it easier for them to pop open. If you plan to check any electrical equipment, glassware, small appliances, pottery, typewriters, musical instruments or other fragile items, they should be packed in a container specifically designed to survive rough handling* preferably a factory-sealed carton or a padded hard- shell carrying case. Check-in Don't check in at the last minute. Even if you make the flight, your bag may not. If you miss the airline's check-in deadline, the carrier might not assume liability for your bag if it is delayed or lost. If you have a choice, select flights that minimize the potential for baggage disruption. The likelihood of a bag going astray increases from #1 to #4 below (i.e., #1 is safest): 1) nonstop flight 2) direct or 'through' flight (one or more stops, but no change of aircraft) 3) online connection (change of aircraft but not airlines) 4) interline connection (change of aircraft and airlines) When you check in, remove straps and hooks from garment bags that you are sending as checked baggage. These can get caught in baggage processing machinery, causing damage to the bag. The airline will put baggage destination tags on your luggage and give you the stubs to use as claim checks. Make sure you get a stub for every bag. Don't throw them away until after you get your bags back and you check the contents. Not only will you need them if a claim is necessary, but you may need to show them to security upon leaving the baggage-claim area. Each tag has a three-letter code and flight number that show the baggage sorters on which plane and to which airport your luggage is supposed to go. Double-check the tag before your bags go down the conveyor belt. (The airline will be glad to tell you the code for your destination when you make reservations or buy your tickets.) Your bags may only be checked to one of your intermediate stops rather than your destination city if you must clear Customs short of your final destination, or if you are taking a connection involving two airlines that don't have an interline agreement. Be sure all of the tags from previous trips are removed from your bag, since they may confuse busy baggage handlers. Claiming your bags Many bags look alike. After you pull what you think is your bag off the carousel, check the name tag or the bag tag number. If your bag arrives open, unlocked or visibly damaged, check right away to see if any of the contents are missing or damaged. Report any problems to the airline before leaving the airport; insist on filling out a form. Open your suitcase immediately when you get to where you are staying. Any damage to the contents or any pilferage should be immediately reported to the airline by telephone. Make a note of the date and time of the call, and the name and telephone number of the person you spoke with. Follow up immediately with a certified letter to the airline. Damage If your suitcase arrives smashed or torn, the airline will usually pay for repairs. If it can't be fixed, they will negotiate a settlement to pay you its depreciated value. The same holds true for belongings packed inside. Airlines may decline to pay for damage caused by the fragile nature of the broken item or inadequate packing, rather than the airline's rough handling. Carriers may also refuse to give you money for your damaged items inside the bag when there's no evidence of external damage to the suitcase. But airlines generally don't disclaim liability for fragile merchandise packed in its original factory sealed carton, a cardboard mailing tube, or other container designed for shipping and packed with protective padding material. When you check in, airline personnel should let you know if they think your suitcase or package may not survive the trip intact. Before accepting a questionable item, they will ask you to sign a statement in which you agree to check it at your own risk. But even if you do sign this form, the airline might be liable for damage if it is caused by its own negligence shown by external injury to the suitcase or package. Delayed bags If you and your suitcase don't connect at your destination, don't panic. The airlines have very sophisticated systems that track down about 98% of the bags they misplace and return them to their owners within hours. In many cases they will absorb reasonable expenses you incur while they look for your missing belongings. You and the airline may have different ideas of what's reasonable, however, and the amount they will pay is subject to negotiation. If your bags don't come off the conveyor belt, report this to the airline before you leave the airport. Insist that they fill out a form and give you a copy, even if they say the bag will be in on the next flight. If the form doesn't contain the name of the person who filled it out, ask for it. Get an appropriate phone number for following up (not the Reservations number). Don't assume that the airline will deliver the bag without charge when it is found; ask them about this. Most carriers set guidelines for their airport employees that allow them to disburse some money at the airport for emergency purchases. The amount depends on whether or not you're away from home and how long it takes to track down your bags and return them to you. If the airline does not provide you a cash advance, it may still reimburse you later for the purchase of necessities. Discuss with the carrier the types of articles that would be reimbursable, and keep all receipts. If the airline misplaces sporting equip- ment, it will sometimes pay for the rental of replacements. For replacement clothing or other articles, the carrier might offer to absorb only a portion of the purchase cost, on the basis that you will be able to use the new items in the future. (The airline may agree to a higher reimbursement if you turn the articles over to them.) When you've checked in fresh foods or any other perishable goods and they are ruined because their delivery is delayed, the airline won't reimburse you. Carriers may be liable if they lose or damage perishable items, but they won't accept responsibility for spoilage caused by a delay in delivery. Airlines are liable for provable consequential damages up to the amount of their liability limit (see below) in connection with the delay. If you can't resolve the claim with the airline's airport staff, keep a record of the names of the employees with whom you dealt, and hold on to all travel documents and receipts for any money you spent in connection with the mishandling. (It's okay to surrender your baggage claim tags to the airline when you fill out a form at the airport, as long as you get a copy of the form and it notes that you gave up the tags.) Call or write the airline's consumer office when you get home. Lost luggage Once your bag is declared officially lost, you will have to submit a claim. This usually means you have to fill out a second, more detailed form. Check on this; failure to complete the second form when required could delay your claim. Missing the deadline for filing it could invalidate your claim altogether. The airline will usually refer your claim form to a central office, and the negotiations between you and the airline will begin. If your flight was a connection involving two carriers, the final carrier is normally the one responsible for processing your claim even if it appears that the first airline lost the bag. Airlines don't automatically pay the full amount of every claim they receive. First, they will use the information on your form to estimate the value of your lost belongings. Like insurance companies, airlines consider the depreciated value of your possessions, not their original price or the replacement costs. If you're tempted to exaggerate your claim, don't. Airlines may completely deny claims they feel are inflated or fraudulent. They often ask for sales receipts and other documentation to back up claims, especially if a large amount of money is involved. If you don't keep extensive records, you can expect to dicker with the airline over the value of your goods. Generally, it takes an airline anywhere from six weeks to three months to pay you for your lost luggage. When they tender a settlement, they may offer you the option of free tickets on future flights in a higher amount than the cash payment. Ask about all restrictions on these tickets, such as "blackout" periods and how far before departure you are permitted to make a reservation. Limits on liability If your bags are delayed, lost or damaged on a domestic trip, the airline can invoke a ceiling of $2,800 per passenger on the amount of money they'll pay you. (This limit is $2,500 for flights before October 22, 2004.) When your luggage and its contents are worth more than the liability limit, you may want to purchase "excess valuation," if available, from the airline as you check in. This is not insurance, but it will increase the carrier's potential liability. The airline may refuse to sell excess valuation on some items that are especially valuable or breakable, such as antiques, musical instruments, jewelry, manuscripts, negotiable securities and cash. On international round trips that originate in the United States, the liability limit is set by a treaty called the Montreal Convention. This treaty also governs liability on international round trips that originate in another country that has ratified this Convention, and one-way trips between the U.S. and such a country. Unless you buy excess valuation, the airline's baggage liability on a trip covered by the Montreal Convention is limited to 1,000 "Special Drawing Rights" per passenger. The value of the SDR changes daily; see www.imf.org . This international limit also applies to domestic segments of an international journey. This is the case even if the domestic and international flights are on separate tickets and you claim and re-check your bag between the two flights. Keep in mind that the liability limits are maximums. If the depreciated value of your property is worth less than the liability limit, this lower amount is what you will be offered. If the airline's settlement doesn't fully reimburse your loss, check your homeowner's or renter's insurance; it sometimes covers losses away from the residence. Some credit card companies and travel agencies offer optional or even automatic supplemental baggage coverage. Hazardous Items Except for toiletries and medicines totaling no more than 75 ounces, it is illegal and extremely dangerous to carry on board or check in your luggage any of the following hazardous materials: * Aerosols: Polishes, waxes, degreasers, cleaners, etc. * Corrosives: Acids, cleaners, wet cell batteries, etc. * Flammables: Paints, thinners, lighter fluid, liquid reservoir lighters, cleaners, adhesives, camp stoves or portable gas equipment with fuel, etc. * Explosives: Fireworks, flares, signal devices, loaded firearms, gunpowder, etc. (Small arms ammunition for personal use may be transported in checked luggage if it is securely packed in material designed for that purpose. These may not be placed in carry-on baggage.) * Radioactives: Betascopes, radiopharmaceuticals, uninstalled pacemakers, etc. * Compressed gases: Tear gas or protective- type sprays, oxygen cylinders, divers' tanks (unless they're empty), etc. * Infectious substances * Poisonous materials: Rat poison, etc. Matches (both 'strike anywhere' matches and safety or 'book' matches) may only be carried on your person. If you must travel with any of these materials, check with the airline's air freight department to see if special arrangements can be made. A violation of the hazardous materials restrictions can result in a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each violation or a criminal penalty of up to $500,000 and/or up to 5 years in jail. 6. SMOKING Under U.S. government rules, smoking is prohibited on all domestic scheduled-service flights except for flights over six hours to or from Alaska or Hawaii. This ban applies to domestic segments of international flights, on both U.S. and foreign airlines (e.g., the Chicago / New York leg of a flight that operates Chicago/ New York / London). The ban does not apply to nonstop international flights, even during the time that they are in U.S. airspace (e.g., a Chicago / London flight). The prohibition applies in the passenger cabin and lavatories, but not in the cockpit. Smoking is also banned on other scheduled-service flights by U.S. airlines that are operated with planes seating fewer than 30 passengers (e.g., certain "commuter" flights to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean). Cigar and pipe smoking is banned on all U.S.-carrier flights (scheduled and charter, domestic and international). The following rules apply to U.S. airlines on flights where smoking is not banned (e.g. international flights, domestic charter flights). These regulations do not apply to foreign airlines; however, most of them provide non-smoking sections (although they may not guarantee seating there or expand the section). * The airline must provide a seat in a non-smoking section to every passenger who asks for one, as long as the passenger complies with the carrier's seat assignment deadline and procedures. (Standby passengers do not have this right.) * If necessary, the airline must expand the non- smoking section to accommodate the passengers described above. * The airline does not have to provide a non-smoking seat of the passenger's choice. It doesn't have to seat you with your traveling companion, and you don't have the right to specify a window or aisle non-smoking seat. Also, the airline is not required by this rule to provide advance seat assignments before the flight date in the non-smoking section, as long as they get you into the non-smoking section on the day of your flight. * The flight crew must act to keep passengers from smoking in the non-smoking sections. However, smoke that drifts from the smoking section into the non-smoking section does not constitute a violation. * No smoking is allowed while an aircraft is on the ground or when the ventilation system is not fully functioning. * Carriers are not required to have a smoking section. An airline is free to ban smoking on a particular flight, or on all of its flights. None of the regulations described in this chapter apply to charter flights performed with small aircraft by on-demand air taxi operators. 7. PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES Over 40 million Americans have disabilities. The Air Carrier Access Act and the DOT rule that implements it set out procedures designed to ensure that these individuals have the same opportunity as anyone else to enjoy a pleasant flight. Here are some of the major provisions of the rule. * A person may not be refused transportation on the basis of disability or be required to have an attendant or produce a medical certificate, except in certain limited circumstances specified in the rule. * Airlines must provide enplaning, deplaning and connecting assistance, including both personnel and equipment. (Some small commuter aircraft may not be accessible to passengers with severe mobility impairments. When making plans to fly to small cities, such passengers should check on the aircraft type and its accessibility.) * Airport terminals and airline reservations centers must have TDD telephone devices for persons with hearing or speech impairments. * Passengers with vision or hearing impairments must have timely access to the same information given to other passengers at the airport or on the plane concerning gate assignments, delayed flights, safety, etc. * New widebody aircraft must have a wheelchair- accessible lavatory and an on-board wheelchair. Airlines must put an on-board wheelchair on most other flights upon a passenger's request (48 hours notice required). * Air carriers must accept wheelchairs as checked baggage, and cannot require passengers to sign liability waivers for them (except for pre-existing damage). * Most new airplanes must have movable armrests on half the aisle seats, and on-board stowage for one folding passenger wheelchair. * Carriers must allow service animals to accompany passengers in the cabin, as long as they don't block the aisle or other emergency evacuation route. * FAA safety rules establish standards for passengers allowed to sit in emergency exit rows; such persons must be able to perform certain evacuation-related functions. * FAA rules also prohibit passengers from bringing their own oxygen. Most airlines will provide aircraft-approved oxygen for a fee, but aren't required to. * Airlines may not charge for services that are required by this rule. * Airlines must make available a specially-trained Complaints Resolution Official if a dispute arises. There must be a copy of the DOT rule at every airport. It's wise to call the airline again before your trip to reconfirm any assistance that you have requested. For additional details, see "Other Sources of Information" at the end of this pamphlet for information on ordering the booklet New Horizons for the Air Traveler with a Disability. 8. FREQUENT-FLYER PROGRAMS Virtually all major U.S. airlines have a frequent-flyer plan, and many foreign carriers are starting them. These programs allow you to earn free trips, upgrades (e.g., from Coach to First Class) or other awards based on how often you fly on that airline. In some programs you can earn credit by using specified hotels, rental car companies, credit cards, etc. It doesn't cost anything to join a program, and you can enroll in the programs of any number of different airlines. However, it may not be to your advantage to "put all your eggs in one basket" with one plan by accumulating a high mileage balance only to find out later that another carrier's program suits your needs better. Here are some things to look at when selecting a frequent-flyer program. * Does the airline fly where you're likely to want to go? * Are there tie-ins with other carriers, especially those with international routes? Is some of the airline's service provided by commuter-carrier "partners"? In both cases, can you earn credits and use awards on those other airlines? * How many miles (or trips) are required for particular awards? * Is there a minimum award per flight (e.g., you are only flying 200 miles but the airline always awards at least 500)? * Is there a deadline for using accumulated miles? * Carefully examine the number and length of any "blackout periods" during which awards cannot be used. On some carriers, the Thanksgiving blackout may last a week. * If you are planning a big trip and are thinking about joining that airline's frequent-flyer program, enroll before you travel. Airlines usually won't credit mileage that was flown before you became a member. After you join a program, there are other things that you should know: * Airlines reserve the right to make changes to their programs, sometimes on short notice. The number of miles required for particular awards might be raised, requiring you to use your old mileage (i.e., your current balance) under the more restrictive new rules. The airline may cease service on a route that you were particularly interested in-or it may drop the city you live in! The carrier may eliminate attractive frequent-flyer tie-ins with particular airlines or hotel chains. * Cashing in your mileage frequently will limit your losses in case the carrier changes the rules, merges, or goes out of business. (Some private companies sell insurance covering some of these eventualities.) Accumulating a larger mileage balance will entitle you to bigger awards, however. * Carriers often limit the number of seats on each flight for which frequent-flyer awards can be used. You may not be able to get reservations on your first- or second-choice dates or flights. * Awards can often be issued in the name of immediate family members. However, if you sell or give an award to someone not named on the award or the travel document and the airline finds out, the recipient could have his or her ticket confiscated, and the carrier may penalize the program member's account balance. * Ask the airline how mileage is registered; you will probably have to identify yourself as a program member when you book your flight or when you check in. * Keep your boarding passes and the passenger coupon of your ticket until you receive a statement from the frequent-flyer program reflecting the correct mileage earnings for that trip. If a problem arises, get the names of the people you speak with and keep notes of your conversations. 9. CONTRACT TERMS Throughout this booklet, we have tried to provide you general information about airline travel. It is important to realize, however, that each airline has specific rules that make up your contract of carriage. These rules may differ among carriers. They include provisions such as check-in deadlines, refund procedures, responsibility for delayed flights, and many other things. Domestic Travel For domestic travel, an airline may provide all of its contract terms on or with your ticket at the time you buy it. Many small "commuter" carriers use this system. Other airlines may elect to "incorporate terms by reference." This means that you are not given all the airline's rules with your ticket-most of them are contained in a separate document which you can inspect on request. If an airline elects to "incorporate by reference" it must provide conspicuous written notice with each ticket that: 1) it incorporates terms by reference, and 2) these terms may include liability limitations, claim-filing deadlines, check-in deadlines, and certain other key terms. The airline must also: * Ensure that passengers can receive an explanation of key terms identified on the ticket from any location where the carrier's tickets are sold, including travel agencies; * Make available for inspection the full text of its contract of carriage at each of its own airport and city ticket offices; * Mail a free copy of the full text of its contract of carriage upon request. There are additional notice requirements for contract terms that affect your air fare. Airlines must provide a conspicuous written notice on or with the ticket concerning any "incorporated" contract terms that: * Restrict refunds; * Impose monetary penalties; or * Permit the airline to raise the price after you've bought the ticket. If an airline incorporates contract terms by reference and fails to provide the required notice about a particular rule, the passenger will not be bound by that rule. International Travel Not all of the detailed requirements for disclosing domestic contract terms apply to international travel. Airlines file "tariff rules" with the government for this transportation. Passengers are generally bound by these rules whether or not they receive actual notice about them. Every international airline must keep a copy of its tariff rules at its airport and city ticket offices. You have a right to examine these rules. The airline agents must answer your questions about information in the tariff, and they must help you locate specific tariff rules, if necessary. If the airline keeps its tariff in a computer rather than on paper, there are additional disclosure requirements which are similar to those for domestic contract terms. The most important point to remember, whether your travel is domestic or international, is that you should not be afraid to ask questions about a carrier's rules. You have a right to know the terms of your contract of carriage. It is in your best interest, as well as that of the airline, for you to ask in advance about any matters of uncertainty. 10 TRAVEL SCAMS Unlike most products, travel services usually have to be paid for before they are delivered. This creates opportunities for disreputable individuals and companies. Some travel packages turn out to be very different from what was presented or what the consumer expected. Some don't materialize at all! If you receive an offer by phone or mail for a free or extremely low-priced vacation trip to a popular destination (often Hawaii or Florida), there are a few things you should look for: * Does the price seem too good to be true? If so, it probably is. * Are you asked to give your credit card number over the phone? * Are you pressured to make an immediate decision? * Is the carrier simply identified as "a major airline," or does the representative offer a collection of airlines without being able to say which one you will be on? * Is the representative unable or unwilling to give you a street address for the company? * Are you told you can't leave for at least two months? (The deadline for disputing a credit card charge is 60 days, and most scam artists know this.) If you encounter any of these symptoms, proceed cautiously. Ask for written information to be sent to you; any legitimate travel company will be happy to oblige. If they don't have a brochure, ask for a day or two to think it over; most bona fide deals that are good today will still be good two days from now. If they say no to both requests, this probably isn't the trip for you. Some other advice: * If you are told that you've won a free vacation, ask if you have to buy something else in order to get it. Some packages have promoted free air fare, as long as you buy expensive hotel arrangements. Others include a free hotel stay, but no air fare. * If you are seriously considering the vacation offer and are confident you have established the full price you will pay, compare the offer to what you might obtain elsewhere. Frequently, the appeal of free air fare or free accommodations disguises the fact that the total price is still higher than that of a regular package tour. * Get a confirmed departure date, in writing, before you pay anything. Eye skeptically any promises that an acceptable date will be arranged later. If the package involves standby or waitlist travel, or a reservation that can only be provided much later, ask if your payment is refundable if you want to cancel, and don't pay any money you can't afford to lose. * If the destination is a beach resort, ask the seller how far the hotel is from the beach. Then ask the hotel. * Determine the complete cost of the trip in dollars, including all service charges, taxes, processing fees, etc. * If you decide to buy the trip after checking it out, paying by credit card gives you certain legal rights to pursue a chargeback (credit) if promised services aren't delivered. For further advice, see "Other Sources of Information" at the end of this brochure for details on how to order the Federal Trade Commission's pamphlet Telemarketing Travel Fraud. 11 TO YOUR HEALTH Flying is a routine activity for millions of Americans, and raises no health considerations for the great majority of them. However, there are certain things you can do to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible. Changes in pressure can temporarily block the Eustachian tube, causing your ears to 'pop' or to experience a sensation of fullness. To equalize the pressure, swallow frequently; chewing gum sometimes helps. Yawning is also effective. Avoid sleeping during descent; you may not swallow often enough to keep ahead of the pressure change. If yawning or swallowing doesn't help, use the 'valsalva maneuver': * Pinch your nostrils shut, then breathe in a mouthful of air. * Using only your cheek and throat muscles, force air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and finger off your nostrils. * Be very gentle and blow in short successive attempts. When you hear or feel a pop in your ears, you have succeeded. Never force air from your lungs or abdomen (diaphragm); this can create pressures that are too intense. Babies are especially troubled by these pressure changes during descent. Having them feed from a bottle or suck on a pacifier will often provide relief. Avoid flying if you have recently had abdominal, eye or oral surgery, including a root canal. The pressure changes that occur during climb and descent can result in discomfort. If you have an upper respiratory or sinus infection, you may also experience discomfort resulting from pressure changes. Postpone your trip if possible. (Check to see if your fare has cancellation or change penalties.) A final tip on pressure changes: they cause your feet to swell. Try not to wear new or tight shoes while flying. Alcohol and coffee both have a drying effect on the body. Airliner cabin air is relatively dry to begin with, and the combination can increase your chances of contracting a respiratory infection. If you wear contact lenses, the low cabin humidity and/or consumption of alcohol or coffee can reduce your tear volume, leading to discomfort if you don't blink often enough. Lens wearers should clean their lenses thoroughly before the flight, use lubricating eye drops during the flight, read in intervals, and take the lenses out if they nap. (This may not apply to extended wear lenses; consult your practitioner.) If you take prescription medications, bring enough to last through your trip. Take along a copy of the prescription, or your doctor's name and telephone number, in case the medication is lost or stolen. The medicine should be in the original prescription bottle in order to avoid questions at security or Customs inspections. Carry it in a pocket or a carry-on bag; don't pack it in a checked bag, in case the bag is lost. You can minimize the effects of jet lag in several ways: * Get several good nights' sleep before your trip. * Try to take a flight that arrives at night, so you can go straight to bed. * Sleep on the plane (although not during descent). * During the flight do isometric exercises, eat lightly, and drink little or no alcohol. Try to use a rest room in the airport terminal before departure. On some flights the cabin crew begins beverage service shortly after the "Fasten Seat Belts" sign is turned off, and the serving cart may block access to the lavatories. 12 AIRLINE SAFETY Air travel is so safe you'll probably never have to use any of the advice we're about to give you. But if you ever do need it, this information could save your life. Airline passengers usually take safety for granted when they board an airplane. They tune out the crew's pre-flight announcements or reach for a magazine instead of the cards that show how to open the emergency exit and what to do if the oxygen mask drops down. Because of this, people are needlessly hurt or killed in accidents they could have survived. Every time you board a plane, here are some things you should do: * Be reasonable about the amount of carry-on luggage that you bring. FAA rules require airlines to limit the amount of carry-on baggage, and if you try to carry too much with you, the crew may insist that you check in some items. (There is no universal limit; it depends on the aircraft type and the passenger load.) A bag that is not properly stowed could turn into an unguided missile in an accident or block the aisles during an evacuation. * Be careful about what you put into the storage bins over your seat. Their doors may pop open during an accident or even a hard landing, spilling their contents. Also, passengers in aisle seats have been injured by heavy items falling out of these compartments when people are stowing or retrieving belongings at the beginning or end of a flight. Please be considerate of others and put hard, heavy items under the seat in front of you; save the overhead bins for coats, hats, and small, soft bags. * As soon as you sit down, fasten and unfasten your seat belt a couple of times. Watch how it works. There are several kinds of belts, and in an emergency you don't want to waste time fumbling with the buckle. * Before take-off, there will be a briefing about safety procedures, pointing out emergency exits and explaining seat belts, life vests and oxygen masks. Listen carefully and if there's anything you don't understand ask the flight attendants for help. The plastic card in the seat pocket in front of you will review some of the safety information announced by the flight attendant. Read it. It also tells you about emergency exits and how to find and use emergency equipment such as oxygen masks. As you're reading the card look for your closest emergency exit, and count the number of rows between yourself and this exit. Remember, the closest exit may be behind you. Have a second escape route planned in case the nearest exit is blocked. This is important because people sometimes head for the door they used to board the plane, usually in the front of the first class cabin. This wastes time and blocks the aisles. Oxygen masks aren't the same on all planes. Sometimes they drop down in front of you. On some aircraft, however, you'll have to pull them out of a compartment in front of your seat. In either case, you must tug the plastic tube slightly to get the oxygen flowing. If you don't understand the instructions about how the mask works, ask a flight attendant to explain it to you. When the plane is safely in the air and has reached its cruising level, the pilot usually turns off the "fasten seat belt" sign. He or she usually suggests that passengers keep their belts buckled anyway during the flight in case the plane hits rough air. Just as seat belts should always be worn in cars, they should always be fastened in airplanes. If you are ever in an air accident, you should remember these things: * Stay calm. * Listen to the crew members and do what they say. The cabin crew's most important job is to help you leave safely. * Before you try to open any emergency exit yourself, look outside the window. If you see a fire outside the door, don't open it or the flames may spread into the cabin. Try to use your alternate escape route. * Remember, smoke rises. So try to stay down if there's smoke in the cabin. Follow the track of emergency lights embedded in the floor; they lead to an exit. If you have a cloth, put it over your nose and mouth. After an air accident, the National Transportation Safety Board always talks to survivors to try to learn why they were able to make it through safely. They've discovered that, as a rule, it does help to be prepared. Avoiding serious injury or surviving an air accident isn't just a matter of luck; it's also a matter of being informed and thinking ahead. Are you one of those people who jumps up as soon as the plane lands, gathers up coat, suitcase and briefcase, and gets ready to sprint while the plane is still moving? If so, resist the urge. Planes sometimes make sudden stops when they are taxiing to the airport gate, and passengers have been injured when they were thrown onto a seat back or the edge of a door to an overhead bin. Stay in your seat with your belt buckled until the plane comes to a complete halt and the 'fasten seat belt' sign is turned off. Never smoke in airplane restrooms. Smoking was banned in all but the designated smoking sections after an accident killed 116 people in only 4 minutes, apparently because a careless smoker left a burning cigarette butt in the trash bin. There is a penalty of up to $2,000 for disabling a lavatory smoke detector. Also, don't smoke in the aisle. If there is a sudden bump you could stumble and burn yourself or another passenger. Lit cigarettes have also flown out of passengers' hands and rolled under seats. 13. COMPLAINING When passengers comment on airline service, most airlines do listen. They analyze and keep track of the complaints and compliments they receive and use the information to determine what the public wants and to identify problem areas that need special attention. They also try to resolve individual complaints. Like other businesses, airlines have a lot of discretion in how they respond to problems. While you do have some rights as a passenger, your demands for compensation will probably be subject to negotiation and the kind of action you get depends in large part on the way you go about complaining. Start with the airline. Before you call or write to DOT or some other agency for help with an air travel problem, you should give the airline a chance to resolve it. As a rule, airlines have trouble-shooters at the airports (they're usually called Customer Service Representatives) who can take care of many problems on the spot. They can arrange meals and hotel rooms for stranded passengers, write checks for denied boarding compensation, arrange luggage repairs and settle other routine claims or complaints If you can't resolve the problem at the airport and want to file a complaint, it's best to call or write the airline's consumer office at its corporate headquarters. Take notes at the time the incident occurs and jot down the names of the carrier employees with whom you dealt. Keep all of your travel documents (ticket receipts, baggage check stubs, boarding passes, etc.) as well as receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses that were incurred as a result of the mishandling. Here are some helpful tips should you choose to write a letter. * Type the letter and, if at all possible, limit it to one page in length. * Include your daytime telephone number (with area code). * No matter how angry you might be, keep your letter businesslike in tone and don't exaggerate what happened. If the complaint sounds very vehement or sarcastic, you might wait a day and then consider rewriting it. * Describe what happened, and give dates, cities, and flight numbers or flight times. * Send copies, never the originals, of tickets and receipts or other documents that can back up your claim. * Include the names of any employees who were rude or made things worse, as well as anyone who might have been especially helpful. * Don't clutter up your complaint with petty gripes that can obscure what you're really angry about. * Let the airline know if you've suffered any special inconvenience or monetary losses. * Say just what you expect the carrier to do to make amends. An airline may offer to settle your claim with a check or some other kind of compensation, possibly free transportation. You might want a written apology from a rude employee or reimbursement for some loss you incurred-but the airline needs to know what you want before it can decide what action to take. * Be reasonable. If your demands are way out of line, your letter might earn you a polite apology and a place in the airline's crank files. If you follow these guidelines, the airlines will probably treat your complaint seriously. Your letter will help them to determine what caused your problem, as well as to suggest actions the company can take to keep the same thing from happening to other people. Contacting the Department of Transportation If you want to put your complaint about an airline on record with DOT, you can call the Aviation Consumer Protection Division at (202) 366-2220 to record your complaint. Or write: Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75 U.S. Department of Transportation 400 Seventh Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20590 If you write, please be sure to include your address and a daytime telephone number, with area code. Letters from consumers help us spot problem areas and trends in the airline industry. We use our complaint files to document the need for changes in DOT's consumer protection regulations and, where warranted, as the basis for enforcement action. In addition, every month we publish a report with information about the number of complaints we receive about each airline and what problems people are having. You can write or call us for a free single copy of this Air Travel Consumer Report, which also has statistics that the airlines file with us on flight delays, oversales and mishandled baggage. (Data from recent reports are online on this home page.) If your complaint is about something you feel is a safety or security hazard, write to the Federal Aviation Administration: Assistant Administrator for System Safety ASY-100 Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20591 or call: (800) FAA-SURE. After office hours, if you want to report something that you believe is a serious safety hazard, call the Aviation Safety Hotline at 1-800-255-1111. Local consumer help programs In most communities there are consumer help groups that try to mediate complaints about businesses, including airlines and travel agencies. * Most state governments have a special office that investigates consumer problems and complaints. Sometimes it is a separate division in the governor's or state attorney general's office. Check your telephone book under the state government's listing. * Many cities and counties have consumer affairs departments that handle complaints. Often you can register your complaint and get information over the phone or in person. * A number of newspapers and radio or TV stations operate "Hot Lines" or "Action Lines" where individual consumers can get help. Consumer reporters, with the help of volunteers, try to mediate complaints and may report the results as a news item. The possible publicity encourages companies to take fast action on consumer problems when they are referred by the media. Some Action Lines, however, may not be able to handle every complaint they receive. They often select the most severe problems or those that are most representative of the kinds of complaints they receive. Your last resort If nothing else works, small claims court might be the best way for you to help yourself. Many cities have these courts to settle disputes involving relatively small amounts of money and to reduce the red tape and expense that people generally fear when they sue someone. An airline can generally be sued in small claims court in any jurisdiction where it operates flights or does business. You can usually get the details of how to use the small claims court in your community by contacting your city or county office of consumer affairs, or the clerk of the court. As a rule, small claims court costs are low, you don't need a lawyer, and the procedures are much less formal and intimidating than they are in most other types of courts. See "Other Sources of Information" at the end of this pamphlet for details on how to order a free brochure, Consumers Tell It to the Judge. 14. OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION Availability and prices subject to change. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Aviation Consumer Protection Division Write to: Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75 U.S. Department of Transportation 400 Seventh Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20590 "Plane Talk." A series of facts sheets on specialized topics. Free. -Frequent Flyer Programs -Tips on Avoiding Baggage Problems -'Defensive Flying' -Public Charter Flights -Transporting Live Animals -Passengers With Disabilities "Kids and Teens in Flight." When children fly alone. Free. "Consumers Tell It to the Judge." Small Claims court. Free. "Air Travel Consumer Report." Single copies free. Statistics for the industry and for individual airlines on: -Delayed and canceled flights -Oversales -Baggage problems -Consumer complaints to DOT DEPARTMENT OF STATE Write to: Superintendent of Documents U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20402 "Your Trip Abroad." Customs, shots, insurance. $1.25. "A Safe Trip Abroad." Precautions against robbery, terrorism. $1.00. "Travel Tips for Older Americans." $1.00. For the following brochure, write to: Consumer Information Center Pueblo, CO 81009 "Foreign Entry Requirements." Visa and other requirements for many foreign countries. 50 cents. U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE Write to: U.S. Customs Service P.O. Box 7407 Washington, DC 20044 "Know Before You Go." Customs advice for entering the U.S. Free. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION Write to: Federal Trade Commission 6th & Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Room 130 Washington, DC 20580 "Telemarketing Travel Fraud." Travel scams marketed by phone. Free. U.S. OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS Write to: Consumer Information Center Pueblo, CO 81009 "Access Travel." Handicapped services at over 500 airports. Free. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRIGULTURE Write to: USDA/APHIS Public Information 6505 Belcrest Road, Room 613 Hyattsville, MD 20782 "Travelers' Tips." Bringing plant and animal products into the U.S. Free. "Traveling By Air with your Pet." Free. U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE Write to: Superintendent of Documents U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20402 "Health Information for International Travelers" $6.00 (182 pp.). AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS Write to: A.S.P.C.A. Education Dept. 424 E. 92nd St. New York, NY 10128 (Send a long self-addressed stamped envelope) "Air Travel Tips" [for pets]. Free. "Airline Travel With Your Bird." Free AVIATION CONSUMER ACTION PROJECT Write to: Aviation Consumer Action Project, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 923, Washington, DC 20045 "Facts and Advice for Airline Passengers." $5.95. BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU Write to: Better Business Bureau 257 Park Ave. South New York, NY 10010 "Low-Cost Air and Ticket Consolidators" $3.00 (4 pp.). CITIZEN INFORMATION CENTER A number of the federal government brochures listed above, as well as many others, are available from the Citizen Information Center. If you are thinking of ordering publications from several agencies, it may be more convenient to request a free CIC catalog by writing to Citizen Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009. You may also call 1-888-8PUEBLO. Organization & Functions | Air Travel Problems/Complaints | Air Travel Consumer Report | Rules & Guidelines Travel Tips & Publications | Airline Customer Service Plans | Service Cessations | Safety/Security Information Additional information may be obtained by contacting airconsumer@ost.dot.gov . Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings 400 Seventh Street, SW, Room 4107 Washington, DC 20590 http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov

Germany Travel Essentials Germany

Berlin Germany Travel Essentials - Berlin Profile  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Berlin Location Map James Martin Stay up to date! Berlin Location Map James Martin Email to a friend Print this page Berlin Travel and Tourism Information Berlin Public Transportation Berlin - Current Weather and Forecast Day Trip from Berlin: Potsdam Berlin and Germany Travel Essentials Germany Travel Directory Berlin, Germany Travel Directory Recent Discussions Need Help Planning a Trip Accomodation in london Mediteranean Feries Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Berlin, Germany, Travel Essentials Berlin, Germany From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Berlin - Location:  Berlin is located in its own state in the North East section of Germany. Coordinates: Longitude 13:25 E, latitude 52:32 N. Berlin is 34 m above sea level. Berlin Population:  Berlin is the largest city in Germany, with around 3.5 million people. Berlin Airports:  Three airports serve Berlin: Berlin Brandenberg Airport in Schoenefeld, Berlin International Airport in Tegal, and Berlin Brandenberg International (BBI), the newest airport. Information on Berlin airports is found in our Berlin Transportation Resources . Berlin Tourist Offices:  There are three tourist offices in Berlin, the main one located in the Europa center (Zoo Station). Other locations are the south wing of the Brandenburg Gate and at the base of the TV tower at Alexanderplatz. There are also information posts at the airports. At the centers you can make hotel reservations, buy discount cards, get a map of Berlin, and arange tours of the city and environs. Web Site: Berlin Tourist Information Berlin Train Stations:  Berlin has two main train stations: Zoologischer Garten and Ostbahnhof (where most high-speed trains dock in Berlin), plus four other stations in Lichtenberg, Spandau, Wannsee and Schönefeld. All train-stations are connected to other forms of public transport. The Zoologischer Garten station is near the Europa Center, where you'll find the main tourist office referenced above. Train Resources: German Rail Passes . When to go to Berlin:  Summer temperatures are quite pleasant; daily temperatures range from 22-23 °C (72°F), but can go up to around 30°C (86°F). Winter highs are around 35°F. So, summer is the obvious choice, but Berlin is a cultural wonderland, so winter can be interesting as well. There are quite a few Christmas markets in Berlin, and New Years is a big deal at the Brandenburg Gate. Berlin Tourism has offers WinterMagic Berlin , a web site devoted to the enjoyment of the colder months. Berlin Discount Cards:  The Berlin Welcome Card provides travel on all buses and trains within the A, B and C fare zones in Berlin for one adult and up to three children below the age of fourteen for either 48 hours (16€) or 72 hours (22€). Other discount tickets are also provided in a ticket book. Available at Tourist Info Centers, many hotels, and the S-Bahn offices. Tourist Info Centers offer a 50% Ticket-Special for selected events on the day of the performance. Berlin Public Transportation:  Berlin has one of Europe's premier public transportation systems, featuring S-Bahn and U-Bahn train lines (S-Suburban, U-Urban), busses, and East Berlin Trams. You can buy tickets at vending machines at the station. You must validate the ticket before you use it in the red or yellow machines--the fine for unvalidated or no ticket is 40 Euros. A Tageskarte or Day Ticket costs 5.80 Euros and allows unlimited travel on all systems till 3 in the morning. Shopping in Berlin:  Look for bohemian style crafty items, rather than designer goods in Berlin. The Kurfürstendamm and Tauentzienstraße are highly touted shopping areas. Berlin Tourism Information lists a number of other shopping areas . Berlin's Top Attractions:  What do you think of first when you think of Berlin? The wall? Well, it's mosly gone. You can see a standing bit of the it on Niederkirchnerstrasse, next to the "Topography of Terror" exhibition center [ map ]. You'll also want to see the Berlin Wall Museum . Berlin is huge. Make sure you have a good map, available from the tourist office. Zoologischer Garten - Zoological Gardens were opened in 1844 and are germany's oldest and the world's largest. The Berlin Aquarium is adjacent. Hardenbergplatz 8, western downtown. Brandenburger Tor - The Brandenburg Gate is the symbol of Berlin and the last remaing big piece of the Berlin wall system. Museumsinsel - Museum Island fits between the rivers Spree and Kupfergraben. Museums on Museum Island include The National Gallery, The Old Museum (Altes Museum), The Pergamon Museum and The Bode Museum. The Pergamonmuseum is a must--and it's immense. You may need two days here. Mitte district. The Tiergarten - Berlin's green heart is good for a walk. The 630 acre urban park began as a royal hunting reserve but landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenne thankfully transfored it into a beautiful city park in 1742. The Reichstag - now home to Parliament once again after the torching of the building by a Dutch Communist in 1933 became the handy excuse that lead to handing Hitler dictatorial powers. The 1999 restoration added a glass dome that's become one of Berlin's main attractions as a view spot. Visit early in the morning to avoid the inevitable long lines, especially in summer. A Note about Museums: German State Museums are generally a bargain for world-class exhibitions, costing from 6-8 Euros, and free on the four hours before closing on Thursday. Of course, Berlin has a huge cultural scene. Modern art, caberet and variety shows, one of the world's best philharmonic orchestras are all part of the nightlife. And no closing hours means you can sit at your favorite watering hole for well into the morning. Enjoy Berlin!        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There

Travel Insurance - Multi

Travel Insurance and Ski Insurance - Travel Insurance Direct Cheap Ski and Holiday Cover Travel Insurance - Single Trip Holiday Insurance for family and single travellers offering great value for money with cheap quotes. The "Travel Bond" is available to UK & Eire residents up to the age of 69 (65 for trips to USA/Canada) Ski Insurance, Snowboard, and Winter Sports Ski and Snowboarding winter sports insurance with off piste cover and helicopter rescue and medical emergency repatriation. Annual Travel Insurance - Multi Trip Save time and money with Annual Insurance. Covers unlimited trips in one year up 60 day per trip. A Ski, snowboard and winter sports option is available. Annual Travel Cover is available to UK & Eire residents up to 65 years. Backpackers & Students Low cost single trip cover for backpackers, students and other young people. Includes sports and adventure activities. Business Multi Trip This is an annual policy covering business business equipment and computer cover and a 24 day ski & wintersports option. Leisure travel is also included. European Breakdown Cover Motoring breakdown service for cars and motorcycles in Europe by AXA Assistance. Insurance for non UK / Eire residents World Nomads offers travel cover for residents of over 44 countries including US & Canadian Residents, Australia and Europe. Ski Insurance, Travel Insurance & Cheap Holiday Insurance for UK & Eire Residents Travel Insurance Home | Help & Advice | About Us Travel Insurance Annual Multi Trip Ski Insurance Business Multitrip Backpackers European Breakdown Non UK / Eire Residents Activities Wording Compare Insurance Travel Guides Ski Guides Site Information Ski, Snowboard and winter holiday insurance On or Off Piste. Free Children's insurance Backpacker Insurance ideal for students and gap year travellers on extended stay trips Travel Insurance for single trips and family holidays with free children's insurance Annual Travel Insurance with Winter Sports Option including free children's insurance Cheap Ski Insurance and Snowboarding cover for young people extended stays Annual Travel insurance with Business Equipment cover - ideal for Business Travel Travel Insurance Agencies Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and are members of the British Insurance Brokers Association. GET AN INSTANT QUOTE or BUY YOU POLICY ONLINE FOR INSTANT COVER All policies have a 14 day money back guarantee. Compare our prices with other leading travel and holiday insurance companies Maps & Guides Airport Guides Airport Lounges Airport Hotels Airport Car Parking Travel Money Site Information Travel Advice travel insurance | cheap travel insurance | holiday insurance | ski insurance | annual travel insurance student travel insurance | help & information | Travel Europe | Ski & Winter Resort European Guide backpackers insurance | business travel insurance | european breakdown cover | travel tips | travel maps & guides Compare : Boots Travel Insurance | Sainsbury'sTravel Insurance | Post OfficeTravel Insurance | Tesco Travel Insurance Travel Insurance Agencies Limited are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Japan Travel

Japan - Wikitravel Japan From Wikitravel Asia : East Asia : Japan Flag Quick Facts Capital Tokyo Government constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government Currency yen (JPY) Area total: 377,835 sq km water: 3,091 sq km land: 374,744 sq km Population 126,974,628 (July 2002 est.) Language Japanese Religion observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including Christian 0.7%) Electricity 110V/50 or 60Hz (American plug) Calling code +81 Internet TLD .jp Time zone UTC+9 Map of Japan Japan , known as Nihon or Nippon (??) in Japanese , is an island nation in East Asia . Table of contents 1 Regions 2 Cities 3 Other destinations 4 Understand 4.1 History 4.2 People 4.3 Culture 4.3.1 Holidays 4.3.2 National holidays 4.3.3 The Japanese calendar 4.3.4 Religion 4.3.5 Amusement 4.4 Climate 4.5 Further reading 5 Get in 5.1 By plane 5.2 By boat 6 Get around 6.1 By rail 6.1.1 JR Network 6.1.1.1 Japan Rail Pass 6.1.1.2 Seishun 18 Ticket 6.1.1.3 Buying a ticket 6.1.1.4 Train types 6.1.1.5 Making a reservation 6.1.2 Private railways 6.2 By plane 6.3 By boat 6.4 By bus 6.4.1 Highway buses 6.4.2 Local buses 6.5 By taxi 6.6 By car 6.7 By thumb 7 Talk 8 Buy 8.1 Costs 9 Eat 9.1 Restaurants 9.1.1 All-around eateries 9.1.2 Noodles 9.1.3 Sushi and sashimi 9.1.4 Grilled and fried dishes 9.1.5 Stewed dishes 9.1.6 Pseudo-Western dishes 9.1.7 Beer gardens 9.2 Fast food 9.3 Coffee shops 9.4 Convenience stores 9.5 Eating vegetarian 10 Drink 10.1 Sake 10.2 Shochu 10.3 Beer 10.3.1 Happoshu and third beer 10.4 Western wine 10.5 Tea 10.6 Coffee 10.7 Soft drinks 11 Bathe 11.1 Onsen 11.2 Sento and spas 11.3 Etiquette 12 Sleep 12.1 Hotels 12.1.1 Capsule hotels 12.1.2 Love hotels 12.1.3 Business hotels 12.2 Inns 12.2.1 Ryokan 12.2.2 Minshuku 12.2.3 Kokuminshukusha 12.2.4 Shukubo 12.3 Hostels and camping 12.3.1 Youth hostels 12.3.2 Camping 12.3.3 Nojuku 12.4 Long-term 12.4.1 Gaijin houses 12.4.2 Apartments 12.5 Last resorts 12.5.1 Internet cafés 12.5.2 Karaoke bar 13 Study 14 Work 15 Stay healthy 16 Stay safe 17 Respect 18 Contact 18.1 By phone 18.1.1 Pay telephones 18.1.2 Mobile phones 18.2 By mail 18.3 By net 19 External links [ edit ] Regions Japan consists of four main islands and many smaller islands, notably Okinawa . Honshu , by far the largest and most populated island, is typically divided into five (or more) regions. The other islands are not divided into sub-regions in this section, so they will constitute one region each. Thus, in total, the regions most commonly used are: Hokkaido - the snowy northern frontier of Japan Tohoku - northeastern Honshu, for seafood, skiing and hot springs Kanto - coastal plain including the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama Chubu - mountainous middle region dominated by the Japan Alps and Japan's fourth-largest city Nagoya Kansai - ancient capital of culture and commerce, including the cities of Osaka , Kyoto , Nara and Kobe Chugoku - westernmost Honshu, a rural region best known for the cities of Hiroshima and Shimonoseki Shikoku - the smallest of the Big 4, a destination for Buddhist pilgrims Kyushu - birthplace of Japanese civilization; largest cities Fukuoka and Kitakyushu Okinawa - semi-tropical southern island chain reaching out toward Taiwan [ edit ] Cities Japan has thousands of cities; these are some of the most famous ones. Tokyo - the capital of Japan, modern and densely populated. Fukuoka - the largest city on Kyushu Hiroshima - a large port city, the first city to be destroyed by an atom bomb Kanazawa - a historic city on the west coast Kitakyushu - not just an industrial city, much more than this Kobe - a large port city in the Kansai region Kyoto - an ancient capital of Japan, considered the cultural heart of the country, many ancient Buddhist temples and gardens Nagasaki - an ancient port city in Kyushu Nagoya - a large industrial city in the Chubu region Nara - the first capital of a united Japan, many Buddhist shrines, and historical buildings Osaka - a large and dynamic city located in the Kansai region Sapporo - the largest city in Hokkaido, famous for its snow festival Sendai - the largest city in the Tohoku region, known as the forest city due to its tree lined avenues and forested hills Shimonoseki — the southwestern tip of Honshu, one of the famous cities. It is known for fugu (globefish/pufferfish/blowfish). Yokohama - a large port city near Tokyo [ edit ] Other destinations See Japan's Top 3 for some sights and places held in the high esteem by the Japanese themselves, and Off the beaten track in Japan for a selection of fascinating but less well known destinations throughout the country. Mount Fuji — 3776 meters high which is the highest mountain in Japan and is it the iconic snow-topped volcano 88 Temple Pilgrimage — an arduous 1,647-kilometer trail around the island of Shikoku Narrow Road to the Deep North — a route around northern Japan immortalized by Japan's most famous haiku poet [ edit ] Understand Cherry blossoms in Kichijoji , Tokyo Japan is the country where East meets West and the past meets the future. Japanese culture stretches back millennia, yet has also adopted (and created) the latest modern fashions and trends. Japan is a study in contrasts and contradictions. Many Japanese corporations dominate their industries, yet if you read the financial news it seems like Japan is practically bankrupt. Cities in Japan are as modern and high tech as anywhere else, but tumbledown wooden shacks can still be spotted next to glass fronted designer condominiums. On an average subway ride, you will see childishly cute character toys and violent pornography- sometimes enjoyed by the same passenger! Japan has beautiful temples and gardens which are often surrounded by garish signs and ugly buildings. In the middle of a modern skyscraper you might discover a sliding wooden door which leads to a traditional chamber with tatami mats, calligraphy, and tea ceremony. These juxtapositions mean you may often be surprised and rarely bored by your travels in Japan. [ edit ] History While geography is not destiny, the fact that Japan is located on islands on the outermost edge of Asia has had a profound influence on its history. Just close enough to mainstream Asia, yet far enough to keep itself separate, much of Japanese history has been the alternation of periods of closure and openness. Until recently, Japan has been able to turn on or off its connection to the rest of the world, internalizing foreign cultural influences in fits and starts. It is comparable with the relationship between Britain and the rest of Europe, but with a much wider channel. Recorded Japanese history belongs in the 5th century, although archeaological evidence of settlement stretches back 500,000 years and the mythical Emperor Jimmu is said to have founded the current Imperial line in the 7th century BC. The first strong Japanese state was centered in Nara (8th c.), moving later to Kyoto and Kamakura until Japan descended into the anarchy of the Warring States period in the 15th century. Tokugawa Ieyasu finally reunified the country in 1600 and founded the Tokugawa shogunate , a feudal state ruled from Edo, or modern-day Tokyo . A strict caste system was imposed, with the Shogun and his samurai warriors at the top of the heap and no social mobility permitted. Tokugawa rule kept the country stable but stagnant, with an enforced policy of total isolation enforced, while the world around them rushed ahead. U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry's Black Ships arrived in Yokohama in 1854, forcing the country to open up to trade with the west. The resulting shock led to the collapse of the shogunate in the Meiji Restoration of 1867. Japan launched itself headlong into a drive to industrialize and modernize, which soon turned into a drive to expand and colonize its neighbors, culminating in the disastrous Second World War that saw 1.86 million Japanese and well over 10 million Chinese and other Asians die in battle, bombings, starvation and massacres. Forced to surrender in 1945 after the nuclear attacks of Hiroshima and Nagasaki , Japan was for the first time in its history occupied by the victorious Allies. The Emperor kept his throne but was turned into a constitutional monarch. Thus converted into pacifism and democracy, with the U.S. taking care of defense, Japan now directed its prodigeous energies into peaceful technology and proceeded to conquer the world's marketplaces with an endless stream of cars and consumer electronics, rising from the ashes to have the second-largest gross national product in the world. [ edit ] People As an island nation shut off from the rest of the world for a long time, Japan is very homogeneous , with around 98% of the population ethnically Japanese. The largest minority are Koreans, around 1 million strong and many brought to Japan by force during World War II, who until very recently were not allowed to adopt Japanese citizenship — even in the third generation — unless they also gave up their Korean name. There are also sizable populations of Chinese and Filipinos. The indigenous Ainu , driven north over the centuries and now found only on Hokkaido , number around 50,000 (although the number varies greatly depending on the exact definition used). The attitude to foreigners — commonly known as gaijin (??, outsider), or gaikokujin (???, foreigner--a more polite phrasing) — is also full of contradictions. Many road signs, station names and so on are written in Western characters as well as in Japanese ones, but at the same time you can turn around and suddenly everything is in Japanese and nobody will understand a word you say. Many Japanese are thrilled to have visitors to their country and they will be incredibly helpful to a foreigner looking lost and bewildered. However, many Japanese are uncomfortable dealing with foreigners and will be reluctant to communicate in any way with them. The mass media is full of stories about the "foreigner crime wave", which seems focused mostly on Chinese and other East Asian ethnicities. The Japanese government constantly trumpets the goal of "internationalization", but employer and landlord discrimination against foreigners is commonplace. This kind of cognitive dissonance can seem confusing, but in Japan it is hardly unique to attitudes towards foreigners. [ edit ] Culture [ edit ] Holidays Festival procession in the neon-drenched alleys of Shinjuku , Tokyo The most important holiday in Japan is New Year (??? Oshogatsu ), which pretty much shuts down the country between December 29 and January 3. Japanese head home to their families (which means massive transport congestion), eat festive foods and head out to the neighborhood temple at the stroke of midnight to wish in the New Year. Many Japanese often travel to other countries as well, and prices for airfare are very high. In March or April, Japanese head out en masse for hanami (??, lit. "flower viewing"), a festival of outdoors picnics and drunken revelry in parks, cleverly disguised as cherry blossom (? sakura ) viewing. The exact timing of the famously fleeting blossoms varies from year to year and Japan's TV channels follow the progress of the cherry blossom front from south to north obsessively. The longest holiday is Golden Week (April 27 to May 6), when there are 4 public holidays within a week and everybody goes on extended vacation. Trains are crowded, flight and hotel prices are jacked up to multiples of normal prices, making this a bad time to travel in Japan, but the weeks immediately before or after GW are excellent choices. Summer brings a spate of festivals designed to distract people from the intolerable heat and humidity (comparable to the US Midwest). There are local festivals (? matsuri ) and impressive fireworks competitions (?? hanabi ) through the country. Tanabata (??), on July 7th (or early August in some places), commemorates a story of star-crossed lovers who can only meet on this day. The largest summer festival is Obon (??), held in mid-July in eastern Japan ( Kanto ) and mid-August in western Japan ( Kansai ) to honor the departed spirits of one's ancestors. Everybody heads home to visit village graveyards, meaning that transport is packed. [ edit ] National holidays The following list shows the dates of Japanese national holidays. Lunar holidays such as equinoxes may vary by a day or two; the list below is accurate for 2006. Holidays that fall on a weekend may be observed with a bank holiday on the following Monday. Keep in mind that most Japanese people take additional time off around New Year's, during Golden Week, and during Obon. In 2007, Greenery Day will be moved to May 4th, and the holiday on April 29th will be renamed "Showa Day", in honor of the former emperor. January 1 - New Year's Day ( ganjitsu ??) Second Monday of January - Coming-of-Age Day ( seijin no hi ????) February 11 - National Foundation Day ( kenkoku kinenbi ??????) March 20 - Vernal Equinox Day ( shunbun no hi ????) April 29 - Greenery Day ( midori no hi ???) May 3 - Constitution Day ( kenpo kinnenbi ?????) May 4 - Citizen's Holiday ( kokumin no kyujitsu ?????) May 5 - Children's Day ( kodomo no hi ????) Third Monday of July - Marine Day ( umi no hi ???) Third Monday of September - Respect-for-the-Aged Day ( keiro no hi ????) September 22 - Autumnal Equinox Day ( shuubun no hi ????) Second Monday of October - Sports Day ( taiiku no hi ????) November 3 - Culture Day ( bunka no hi ????) November 23 - Labor Thanksgiving Day ( kinro kansha no hi ??????) December 23 - The Emperor's Birthday ( tenno tanjobi ?????) [ edit ] The Japanese calendar The Imperial era year, which counts from the year of ascension of the Emperor, is often used for reckoning dates in Japan, including transportation timetables and store receipts. The current era is Heisei (??) and Heisei 17 corresponds to 2005. The year may be written as "H17" or just "17", so "17/6/5" is June 5th 2005. Western years are also well understood and frequently used. [ edit ] Religion Buddhist temples, Mount Koya Japan has two dominant religious traditions: Shinto is the ancient animist religion of traditional Japan. At just over twelve hundred years in Japan, Buddhism is the more recent imported faith. Christianity , introduced by European missionaries, was widely persecuted during the feudal era but is now accepted, and a small percentage of Japanese are Christian. Generally speaking, the Japanese are not a particularly religious people. While they regularly visit shrines and temples to offer coins and make silent prayers, religious faith and doctrine play a small role (if any) in the life of the average Japanese. Thus it would be impossible to try to represent what percentage of the population is Shinto versus Buddhist, or even Christian. According to famous poll, Japan is 80% Shinto and 80% Buddhist, and another oft-quoted dictum states that Japanese are Shinto when they live, as weddings and festivals are typically Shinto, but Buddhist when they die, since funerals usually use Buddhist rites. Most Japanese accept a little bit of every religion. At the same time, Shinto and Buddhism have had an enormous influence on the country's history and cultural life. The Shinto religion focuses on the spirit of the land, and is reflected in the country's exquisite gardens and peaceful shrines deep in ancient forests. When you visit a shrine ( jinja ) with its simple torii gate, you are seeing Shinto customs and styles. If you see an empty plot of land with some white paper suspended in a square, that's a Shinto ceremony to dedicate the land for a new building. Buddhism in Japan has branched out in numerous directions over the centuries. Nichiren is currently the largest branch of Buddhist belief, and many westerners are introduced to Japanese Buddhism through Soka Gakkai, a Nichiren sect that is somewhat controversial for its evangelical zeal and its involvement in Japanese politics. Westerners are probably most familiar with Zen Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the 14th and 15th centuries. Zen fit the aesthetic and moral sensibilities of medieval Japan, influencing arts such as flower-arranging ( ikebana ), tea ceremony ( o-cha ), ceramics, painting, calligraphy, poetry, and the martial arts. Over the years, Shinto and Buddhism have intertwined considerably. You will find them side by side in cities, towns, and people's lives. It's not at all unusual to find a sparse Shinto torii standing before an elaborate Buddhist o-tera (temple). [ edit ] Amusement Karaoke and Pachinko (Japanese-style pinball) are famous throughout Japan. You can enjoy them in virtually every Japanese city. [ edit ] Climate The Japanese are proud of their four seasons (and a surprising number believe the phenomenon is unique to Japan), but the tourist with a flexible travel schedule should try to aim for two of them. Spring is one of the best times of year to be in Japan. The temperatures are warm but not hot, there's not too much rain, and March-April brings the justly famous cherry blossoms ( sakura ) and is a time of revelry and festivals. In early March, the Japan Meteorological Agency announces predictions about when the blooming will begin [1] ( http://www.jma.go.jp/JMA_HP/jma/indexe.html ) . Summer starts with a dreary rainy season in June and turns into a steambath in July-August, with extreme humidity and the temperature heading as high as 40°C. Avoid, or do as the Japanese do and head to northern Hokkaido or the mountains of Chubu and Tohoku to escape. There are many fireworks displays, for example, yodogawa, biwako and sirahama. There are also many festivals including gion and tenzin. Fall , starting in September, is also an excellent time to be in Japan. Temperatures and humidity become more tolerable, fair days are common and fall colors can be just as impressive as cherry blossoms. Winter is a good time to go skiing or hot-spring hopping, but as the Japanese have yet to figure out the wonders of central heating, it's often miserably cold indoors. Heading south to Okinawa provides some relief. There is usually heavy snow in Hokkaido and northeast Japan due to the cold wind blasts from Siberia. [ edit ] Further reading There are multitudes of books written on Japan. Some great, some absolute crap. A good place to begin is one of the many recommended reading lists such as this one on Amazon ( http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/guides/guide-display/-/3BBOVAFYLBSYZ/ref=cm_bg_dp_m_1/002-0724845-1200831 ) or sites like The Crazy Japan Times ( http://www.crazyjapan.com/CJGuide%20Read.html ) , Japan Review ( http://www.japanreview.net/reviews.htm ) or Japan Visitor ( http://www.japanvisitor.com/books/books.html ) . Some recommended books include: ' Untangling My Chopsticks' ( http://www.untanglingmychopsticks.com/ ) , by Victoria Abbott Riccardi. Set mainly in Kyoto . ' My Mother is a Tractor' ( http://www.klarbooks.com/mmiat ) , by Nicholas Klar. A former English teacher with a witty and informative take on Japanese society. Written from the depths of the Japanese countryside. ' Dave Barry Does Japan' ( http://www.davebarry.com ) , by Dave Barry. The very funny Dave Barry with his take on Japan . Written during a rollicking three week tour. Not much cultural insight, but an excellent introduction to Japan's wacky side. [ edit ] Get in Citizens of 59 countries, including most Western nations, do not need a visa to visit Japan and can obtain a 90-day "landing permission" on arrival (many European nationalities are permitted up to 180 days). All others must obtain a visa prior to arrival. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains an online Guide to Japanese Visas ( http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/ ) with the current information. One customs issue that trips up some unwary travellers is that some over-the-counter medications, notably pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Sudafed, Vicks inhalers) and codeine (some cough medications) are prohibited in Japan. Some prescription medicines are also banned, even if you have a prescription . See Narita Airport Customs ( http://www.narita-airport-customs.go.jp/e/index_e.html ) for an overview, or check with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for details. [ edit ] By plane Almost certainly you will fly into and out of one of the two main international airports, either Tokyo's Narita Airport or Kansai International . However, there are other international airports including New Chitose Airport ( Sapporo ), Fukuoka , and the newly opened Chubu International Airport near Nagoya . All airports serve flights from around the world, with Narita being the busiest and most crowded. The three major international airports are connected to the rail network and all also have numerous limousine bus services to nearby destinations. Kansai serves primarily Osaka , Kobe and Kyoto and the south of the country, while Narita serves the greater Tokyo area including Yokohama and the north, and Chubu handles the middle region near Nagoya . Note that Kansai and Narita are a significant distance away from their respective city centres. Both Narita and Kansai airports are generally easy to get through and not particularly crowded assuming you avoid the main holiday periods - namely New Year's (end of December - beginning of January), Golden Week (end of April - beginning of May) and Obon (Mid-August). If you travel during these busy periods expect things to be both more hectic and more expensive. Note that Narita and Kansai handle very few domestic flights: most domestic flights from Tokyo leave from Haneda (HND) to the south of the city, while most domestic flights from the Kansai region use Itami (ITM) to the north of Osaka. The airports are quite far apart, so if you are planning on flying within Japan allow at least two and preferably three hours to transfer . Chubu, on the other hand, does have many domestic flights and was built from the ground up for easy interchange. [ edit ] By boat There are ferries to Japan from South Korea ( Busan ), Russia ( Vladivostok ), Taiwan and some Chinese cities. Except for the ferries from Busan to Fukuoka and Shimonoseki (which normally cost ¥8000-10000 yen one way), these are generally uncompetitive with discounted air tickets, as prices are high, schedules infrequent (and unreliable) and travel times long. There is also daily hydrofoil service (called the "Beetle") between Fukuoka City and Busan, which takes about 3 and a half hours. The respective ferry takes about 8, however if overnightthe ferry may stop and wait in front of the Busan port in the morning until Korean Immigrations opens up. [ edit ] Get around Tama Monorail in Tokyo — just one of Japan's many futuristic transport systems In Japanese cities, a place's address is useful for mail, but it's nearly useless in actually getting there. Most places are described in terms of the walking distance from the nearest train station, and relative to local landmarks. Business cards very often have little maps printed on the back to make navigation easier (at least if you can read Japanese). In addition, many train stations have maps of the local area that can help you find a destination if it is reasonably close to the station. For sorting through transport schedules and fares, Hitachi's Hyperdia ( http://www.hyperdia.com/ ) program is an invaluable companion, with versions available for most major operating systems. Jorudan ( http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/e-norikeyin.html ) and NTT Townpage ( http://ekimae.itp.ne.jp/tra-bin/jrtrageng.cgi ) both provide a useful English-language web version. The paper version of this is the Daijikokuhyo (????), a phonebook-sized tome available for browsing in every train station and most hotels, but it's a little challenging to use as the content is entirely in microscopic Japanese. [ edit ] By rail Japan's railways are fast, highly efficient and cover the majority of the country, making this the transport mode of choice for most visitors. The first and most confusing aspect of Japan's railway system (especially within large cities like Tokyo ) that you will encounter is the overlap of several private railway networks with the JR network. Being aware of this one fact will substantially reduce the confusion you experience trying to understand railway maps and find your way around. Note that most trains do not operate 24 hours, for example in Tokyo they do not run between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM roughly. If you are planning to be out late and are relying on the train to get home, be sure to find out when your train is. Many bars and clubs are open until the first train runs again in the morning, so keep this in mind as another option. [ edit ] JR Network The Shinkansen (bullet train) network, as of 2005. Lines in gray are under construction or planned. The JR network is extensive as one would expect from what used to be the national rail system (now privately owned). If you have a JR Pass, you will almost certainly figure out that even in large cities such as Tokyo or Osaka, there is a JR station fairly near where you want to go. In the countryside JR also runs bus services to connect places that don't have a rail service. However, the JR network is not a monopoly and particularly within major conurbations there are other private rail networks. [ edit ] Japan Rail Pass By far the best option for visitors who plan to do a lot of travelling is the Japan Rail Pass [2] ( http://www.japanrailpass.net ) , which allows unlimited travel on almost all JR trains, including the Shinkansen, for a fixed period of 7, 14 or 21 days. The main exceptions are the Nozomi superexpress (not allowed), sleeper seats (surcharge payable) and the rare case where JR trains travel on non-JR track. Whereas a single round trip from Tokyo to Kyoto costs almost ¥30,000, the 7-day Rail Pass is ¥28,300. The 14-day/21-day pass is ¥45,100/55,100. This can only be purchased outside of Japan from specific vendors — at the time of purchase, you will need to have your passport with you, and know the date upon which you will want the Rail Pass to start. Upon purchase, you are given a Exchange Order, which can be exchanged at most larger JR stations in Japan, including all of the stations nearest to airports, for the Rail Pass itself. The JR East Rail Pass [3] ( http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass/index.html ) also permits essentially unlimited travel on its trains. There are three durations, 5-day pass (¥28,000), 10-day pass (¥48,800) and a 4-day Flex Pass (¥28,000). The 4-day Flex Pass can be used any four days within a one-month window. The JR East pass can be used on Shinkansen north-bound from Tokyo, but cannot be used on the Tokaido Shinkansen to go to Kyoto and Osaka. JR West has two types of rail passes [4] ( http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/english/travel/con04/index.html ) . The JR West San'yo Area Pass allows essentially unlimited travel in eastern Japan and part of Kyushu, including the Shinkansen. The 4-day/8-day pass is ¥20,000/30,000. The JR West Kansai Area Pass can be used for travel on regular trains only; express trains require the express fee, and cannot be used on the Shinkansen. The 1-day/2-day/3-day/4-day pass is ¥2,000/4,000/5,000/6,000 and can be used in an area which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and the Kansai airport. Unlike the Japan Rail Pass, the passes for JR East and JR West can also be purchased after you have arrived in Japan. All passes, including the Japan Rail Pass, are only available to people entering Japan with "temporary visitor" status. The Kyushu Rail Pass [5] ( http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/kyushu_railpass.html ) offers unlimited travel on JR Kyushu's lines, including the Kyushu Shinkansen but not the San'yo Shinkansen to Hakata . As of 2005, the pass costs ¥16,000 for five days; you'll have to travel quite a lot to make this pay off and most visitors, especially those not flying in directly to Kyushu , will find the ordinary Japan Rail Pass a better deal. When you make any rail journey, you will need to show the Rail Pass at the manned ticket barrier. This is inconvenient if there is a queue, but it is usually acceptable to flash your pass at the ticket-taker as you slip past the other customers transacting business with JR. JR Central [6] ( http://jr-central.co.jp/english.nsf/ ) , which operates the Tokaido Shinkansen does not have a rail pass; the Japan Rail Pass is the only pass which permits travel between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka. [ edit ] Seishun 18 Ticket The Seishun 18 Ticket (??18??? Seishun juhachi kippu ) is the best deal for travel in Japan, offering five days of unlimited train travel for just ¥11,500. Better yet, unlike the Rail Pass, the days do not have to be consecutive. You can even split a ticket so that (for example) one person uses it for two days and another for three days. The main catches are that tickets are valid only on local trains (no expresses and certainly no Bullet Trains) and that tickets are valid only during school holidays (March-April, July-September, December-January), so you need good timing and plenty of time on your hands to use it. See also : Seishun 18 Ticket [ edit ] Buying a ticket If you do not have a JR pass then buying a ticket is probably the most complicated thing you can do. If you are travelling long distances and you are at a major station then there will be an obvious travel section where you can buy your ticket from a human being — look for the little green sign of a figure relaxing in a chair or ask for the midori no madoguchi (??????, literally "green window"). Since you probably need to know the train times and may want to reserve a seat as well this is a good thing. Generally speaking you can make your desires known by means of handwaving and pointing at destinations if the staff are unable to speak English. Writing down information helps as most Japanese can read English much more easily. On the other hand if you are at a local station (or a subway station) you will have more difficulty as you nearly always have to buy it using a machine whose instructions are in Japanese (although newer machines have an English mode). These machines do not take credit cards . Fortunately this is exactly the place where looking utterly bewildered is liable to lead to some nice Japanese offering to help. If they do then you are in luck, if not then here are some hints. Firstly there is usually a big map above all the machines which shows the current station in red, often marked with "当駅" (toeki). Around it will be all other stations you can get to with a price below them. The nearer stations have the smaller numbers (e.g. the closest stations will probably be about ¥140, more distant ones rising to perhaps ¥2000. If you recognise the characters of the station you want to get to then make a note of the amount you should pay and place that amount (or more) into the machine using coins or notes (most machines take ¥1000 notes, some also take ¥5000 and ¥10000 notes) the price you want will show up as one of the buttons to press. Note that some machines have large black buttons with nothing written on them. These are for different fare levels. Press the buttons until your fare level shows up, insert the money, and take your ticket. If you can't figure out the price then buy a minimum fare ticket and pay when you arrive at your destination. You can either present your ticket to the staff at the gate, or pay the balance at the "Fare Adjustment" machine. Look for a small ticket vending kiosk near the exit, but still inside the gate. Insert your minimum fare ticket and pay the balance indicated on the screen. At bigger stations, you will probably have the choice of more then one train line, or more than one company operating the lines. Therefore, always first find the line you want to use, and then get your ticket from the nearest machine, instead of jumping on the first ticket machine next to the station's entrance. Otherwise you might end up with a ticket for a different company and/or line. While you can usually choose your platform after going through the gate, and thereby activating your ticket, at smaller stations this might not be the case. If you notice too late that you need to get to another platform, you might not be able to get out anymore without invalidating your ticket. So always have a good look at the signposts at every station. [ edit ] Train types Express train to Shibuya JR pioneered the famous Bullet Train , known in Japanese as Shinkansen (???), and with speeds nudging 300 kilometers per hour these remain the fastest way to travel around the country. On the most-traveled Tokaido route between Tokyo , Nagoya , Kyoto and Osaka , there are three types of shinkansen, reflecting the number of stops that the train makes: Nozomi - the fastest and most expensive type of Shinkansen. 13 cars (including 2 first class cars) out of 16 reserved seating. Small surcharge on top of the Shinkansen fare required, and the Japan Rail Pass is not valid. Hikari - the next fastest, but still pretty fast, and Rail Pass is OK. Kodama - makes more stops, and generally only covers small stretches of the Shinkansen lines. Other JR services, particularly suburban ones, use the following generic labels: Regular (?? futsu or ?? kakueki ) - local service, stops at every station Rapid (?? kaisoku ) - skips approximately 2 out of 3 stops, no surcharge Express (?? kyuko ) - skips approximately 2 out of 3 stops, requires a surcharge Limited Express (?? tokkyu ) - skips approximately 2 out of 3 kyuko stops, requires a surcharge and usually a reserved seat as well Express services may offer first-class Green Car seats. Given that the surcharge of almost 50% gets you little more than a bit of extra leg room, most passengers opt for regular seats. However, if you really need to ride a particular train for which the regular seats are full, the Green Car is an alternative. [ edit ] Making a reservation Reservation for the Hikari 17 from Tokyo to Hiroshima on March 18th, departure 1:00 PM, arrival 5:35 PM, seat 11B (non-smoking) in train car 6 On Shinkansen and tokkyu trains, some of the carriages require passengers to have reserved their seats in advance (??? shiteiseki ). For example, on a typical 16-carriage Shinkansen, only five of the carriages permit non-reserved seating, and only two of those are non-smoking (??? kin'ensha ). On a busy train, making a reservation in advance can ensure a comfortable journey. Making a reservation is surprisingly easy, and is strongly advised for popular journeys (such as travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Friday evening, or taking a train from Nagoya to Takayama). Look out for the JR Office at the train station, which bears a little green logo of a figure relaxing in a chair - and ask to make a reservation when you buy your ticket. The reservation can be made anywhere from a month in advance to literally minutes before the train leaves. If you are a Japan Rail Pass holder, simply go to the JR Office, and present your Rail Pass when requesting a reservation for your journey. The ticket that you are given will not allow you to pass through the automated barriers though - you'll still need to present your Japan Rail Pass at the manned barrier to get to the train. [ edit ] Private railways If they exist to provide a full journey, then the private railways are often cheaper than JR for an equivalent journey. However this is not always the case as changing from one network to another generally increases the price. Most private railways are connected to department store chains of the same name (e.g. Tokyu in Tokyo) and do an excellent job of filling in the gaps in the suburbs of the major cities. Also note that private railways may interpret the service classes above differently, with some providing express services at no additional charge. Kobe , Kyoto , Nagoya , Osaka , Sapporo , Sendai , Fukuoka , Tokyo and Yokohama also have subway (underground) services. For seeing the sights within a particular city,many offer a one day pass, often between 500 and 1000 yen for an adult. Tokyo has several types of day passes, which cover some subway lines but not others. The full Tokyo subway pass (which does not include the JR Yamanote Line) is 1000 yen. [ edit ] By plane List prices for domestic flights are very expensive, but significant discounts are available if purchased in advance. Both of Japan's largest carriers, Japan Airlines ( JAL , ???? Nihon Koku , [7] ( http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ ) ) and All Nippon Airways ( ANA , ??? Zennikku , [8] ( http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/ ) ) offer "Visit Japan" fares where the purchaser of an international return ticket to Japan can fly a number of domestic segments anywhere in the country for only about ¥10,000 (plus tax) each. These are a particularly good deal for travel to Hokkaido or the remote southern islands of Okinawa . Some blackout periods or other restrictions during peak travel seasons may apply. The low-cost carrier concept has yet to make significant inroads into Japan, but Air DO ( [9] ( http://www.airdo21.com/index.shtml ) ) provides a little much-needed competition for routes from Tokyo to Sapporo and Asahikawa on Hokkaido , while Skymark ( [10] ( http://www.skymark.co.jp/ ) ) flies from Tokyo to points in Kyushu and Shikoku . ANA, JAL, and their subsidiaries offer a special standby card, the Skymate Card , to young passengers (up to the age of 22). With the card, passengers can fly standby at half of the full published fare, which is usually less than the equivalent express train fare. The card can be obtained from any JAL or ANA ticket counter with a passport-sized photo and a one-time fee of ¥1,000 [ edit ] By boat Given that Japan is an island nation, boats are a surprisingly uncommon means of transport, as all the major islands are linked together by bridges and tunnels. While there are some long-distance ferries linking Okinawa and Hokkaido to the mainland, the fares are usually more expensive than discounted airline tickets and pretty much the sole advantage is that you can take your car with you. For some smaller islands, however, boats may well be the only practical option. Hovercrafts and jet ferries are fast but expensive, with prices varying between ¥2000-5000 for an hour-long trip. Slow cargo boats are more affordable, a rule of thumb being ¥1000 per hour in second class, but departures are infrequent. These boats are typically divided into classes, where second class (2? nito ) is just a giant expanse of tatami mat, first class (1? itto ) gets you a comfy chair in large shared room and only special class (?? tokuto ) gets you a private cabin. There is typically a simple restaurant on board, but on longer trips (particularly in second class) the primary means of entertainment is alcoholic — this can be fun if you're invited in, but less so if you're trying to sleep. [ edit ] By bus [ edit ] Highway buses Long-distance highway buses (??????? haiwei basu ) serve many of the inter-city routes covered by trains at significantly lower prices, but take much longer than the Shinkansen. Especially on the route between Tokyo and Kyoto - Osaka - Kobe triangle the high competition broke down the prices: as low as ¥3900 one-way. Many of these are overnight runs (???? yako basu ) which allows you to save on a night's accommodation. It may be worth it to pay a premium to get a better seat; remember that it's less fun to sightsee after a sleepless night. Look out for 3???? sanretsu shiito , meaning there are only three seats per row instead of four. Major operators include Star Express [11] ( http://www.nightbus.info/ ) , Kansai Bus [12] ( http://www.orion-tour.co.jp/kansaibus/busplan2.htm ) and, surprisingly, train operator JR [13] ( http://www.jrbuskanto.co.jp/mn/ceindex.cfm ) . [ edit ] Local buses You won't need to use local buses (???? rosen basu ) much in the major cities, but they're common in smaller towns and the idiosyncratic payment system is worth a mention. On most buses, you're expected to board from the back and grab a little numbered slip as you enter, often just a white piece of paper automatically stamped by the dispenser as you pull it. In the front of the bus, above the driver, is an electronic board displaying numbers and prices below, which march inexorably higher as the bus moves on. When it's time to get off, you press the stop button, match your numbered slip to the electronic board's current price, deposit the slip and corresponding payment in the fare machine next to the driver, then exit through the front door. Note that you must pay the exact fare: to facilitate this, the machine nearly always has bill exchanger built in, which will eat ¥1000 bills and spew out ¥1000 worth of coins in exchange. If you're short on change, it's best to exchange before it's time to get off. The electronic board almost always includes a display and recorded voice announcements of the next stop — usually only in Japanese, although some cities (like Kyoto ) make a welcome exception. However, if asked most drivers will be glad to tell you when you've reached your destination. [ edit ] By taxi You will find taxis everywhere in Japan, not only in the city, but also in the country. Taxis are clean and completely safe, though a bit expensive: starting fees are usually in the ¥300-500 range and the meter ticks up frantically after the first 2 kilometers or so. But sometimes, they're the only way to get where you're going. Taxi meters are strictly regulated and clearly visible to the p