AirWaves and GroundRules

350-thousand Americans have applied for the new credit card-sized passport, according to a recent USA Today story. Unfortunately, it's only for those who travel by land and sea... think cruisers and daytrippers to Mexico and Canada. Still, the convenience is nice, and so is the cost. $45 compared to $100 for a first-timer... and an extra $20 if you already hold a US Passport.
Downside? Like the newest paper passports, there's a chip that privacy experts say could be skimmed by electronic scanners. Not to worry, the government says all they'd get is a meaningless number customs agents use to access your file.

Labels: canada, customs, mexico, passport, pocket

I've read economists' observations that the soft economy is largely impacting discretionary spending, especially for families. An AP article this week says the wealthy are still traveling this summer, and still willing to pay more for luxury accommodations.
That's certainly been our experience at Air Ambulance Card. Those who need to travel, for business or personal reasons, and those who have the means to travel despite a down market are booking trips... and buying air evacuation memberships. Smart move, those memberships are more valuable than ever. With jet fuel prices up 68% in the past six months, a medical jet ride home from Europe would cost thousands more, and that's money that must be paid before the patient boards the plane. Air Ambulance Card's member prices haven't changed in five years. When the price of a piece of fruit is through the roof, it's nice to know peace of mind is as affordable as ever.

Labels: economy, inflation, jet fuel, medical evacuation, travel, wealthy