New policies in effect

Late last night, TSA announced new rules for international flights entering the US.

Passengers cannot have anything on their laps for the final hour of the flight, nor access to any carry-on bags. Additionally, passengers cannot use any integrated electronics on the plane for the last hour of the flight, including the built-in phones, TVs, and Wi-Fi.

All in all, the restrictions could be much worse, although I'm curious as to what is so special about the last hour of the flight. Aside from heightened measures in the airports, we shouldn't really face anything different on our flights except perhaps when we're going from Bangkok to Honolulu.

New TSA rules?

In response to the attempted terror attack a few days ago, it appears there is some speculation on the web about new TSA rules.

This article explains, "Among other things, during the final hour of flight customers must remain seated, will not be allowed to access carry-on baggage, or have personal belongings or other items on their laps."

Another article says all electronic devices, including iPods & laptops, will be banned on all international flights. It also says passengers will be limited to one carry-on bag.

This could have serious implications for our travels, especially considering how much I listen to my iPod (even just walking to & from class!), and for our "carry-on plus personal item" plans. We'll see what official word TSA releases in the next week, but in the meantime I'll just plan on loading up on the Dramamine & sleeping through our flights.

Video

If you aren't familiar with my family & our traditions, we open all of our Christmas gifts the morning of the 24th. So, early this morning, we all gathered around the tree.

For Christmas, my parents gave me a Flip Video Camera. This video camera is smaller than my regular camera & will definitely be packed in my bag during the trip! The videos upload directly to YouTube, so check out www.youtube.com/rachelaroundtheworld while I'm away for some video footage of our journey!

Postcards

If anyone wants a postcard while I'm away, send me your address!

Weather

While all of us in Delaware are snowed in today, I decided to revisit the weather conditions of our travel locations.

Ghana - low 90s
Dubai - high 70s
Nepal - high 60s
Thailand - high 80s
Hawaii - high 70s

17 days!

The trip is quickly approaching!

I am done shopping for everything thanks to the help from my extended family! The gift certificates to eBags & Amazon helped in getting everything off my list! : )

I packed everything to make sure I was within the restrictions. My "suitcase" weighs 14 pounds! Success! I am also taking a backpack as my "personal item" to hold whatever doesn't fit in my suitcase. Everything seems to fit perfectly with no extra room! I even got all of my liquids into a quart-sized Ziploc bag easily!

Yesterday we had our all-staff meeting/holiday party at the Center for Disabilities Studies & Dr. Eisenman (our trip advisor) spent part of the meeting explaining the trip. Everyone was so excited for us & also very jealous! I can't wait to come back & share our experiences with everyone.