Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Most travelers arrive in Texas by air or by car. Flights, tours and rail tickets can be booked online at
CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
Every form of transport that relies on carbon-based fuel generates CO2, the main cause of human-induced climate
change. Modern travel is dependent on aeroplanes, which might use less fuel per kilometre per person than most
cars but travel much greater distances. The altitude at which aircraft emit gases (including CO2) and particles also
contributes to their climate change impact. Many websites offer 'carbon calculators' that allow people to estimate
the carbon emissions generated by their journey and, for those who wish to do so, to off set the impact of the green-
house gases emitted with contributions to portfolios of climate-friendly initiatives throughout the world. Lonely
Planet off sets the carbon footprint of all staff and author travel.
Air
Unless you live in or near Texas, flying to the region and then renting a car is the most time-efficient travel option. Enter-
ing Texas as your first port of call in the US is fairly easy; the following are just a few points to consider:
Customs
If you're arriving from outside the USA, you must clear customs and immigrations at the first airport where you
land. Retrieve your luggage and return it to the belt after customs, even if it is checked through to Texas.
Digital Registration
Almost all international visitors will be digitally photographed and have their electronic (inkless)
fingerprints scanned upon entry to the country; it takes just a minute.
Exemptions
Currently many Canadian visitors, children under 14 and seniors over 79 are exempt from digital registra-
tion; for details contact the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS;
www.dhs.gov
)
.
Prohibitions
Transportation Security Administration (
www.tsa.gov
) prohibits pocket-knives and liquids and gels on air-
planes, unless they are stored in 3oz or smaller bottles placed inside a quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag. Check its web-
site for additional, ever-changing prohibitions.
Airports & Airlines
The main international gateways to Texas are Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (
www.dfwairport.com
)
, American
Airline's hub, and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (
www.fly2houston.com/iah
), United Airlines Hub. San
Antonio (
www.sanantonio.gov/sat
)
, Austin (
www.austintexas.gov/airport
) and El Paso
(
www.elpasointernationalairport.com
) have flights to and from Mexico.
Numerous domestic airlines have flights to the major international airports. Additionally, Dallas Love Field
(
www.dallas-lovefield.com
)
and Houston's William P Hobby Airport (
www.fly2houston.com/hobby
) service numerous
destinations throughout the US, primarily through Southwest Airlines.
