5 Days and Counting

Are we ready?

Have you contacted your host family? 

Copy of your Passport to Peter? 

Signed medical release form to Peter?

Has everyone picked up your team travel shirts?  If not, pick them up in the swim office.

Warm clothes + Blue Wave gear

Passport+ plane tickets + 1 suitcase + 1 carry-on 

2-3 hours early to the airport. 

Aer Lingus Baggage Rules

Economy Class To & From USA

Free Baggage Allowance:

• a maximum of 2 bags per passenger

• a maximum of 36kgs (80lbs) in total weight between two bags when weighed together

• infant baggage allowance is 10kgs (22lbs) in addition to one collapsible stroller

• no one bag to weigh more than 32kgs (70lbs)

• for Aer Lingus journeys between North America and UK/Europe, the baggage allowance for North America flights will apply to the entire journey within two weeks of initial departure date

Baggage Exceeding Your Free Allowance Will Incur Charges:

• baggage weighing between 36kgs - 46kgs (80lbs - 100lbs) will be charged 40 Euro or equivalent

• baggage weighing between 47kgs - 64kgs (101lbs - 140lbs) will be charged 80 Euro or equivalent

• any additional bag over the 2 free bags will be charged at €80 / £60 / $125 per bag

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

3-1-1  for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume): 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring.  3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line.  Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

For a list of permissible AND prohibited items, visit www.tsa.gov

Contact Your Credit Card Companies

Parents:  New card risk management procedures take a closer look at unusual purchase activity.  If your credit card profile does not include international travel, you may want to call your card provider to inform them of your upcoming travel plans to Ireland. 

Check List

PARENTS & SWIMMERS:  Below is a checklist of items that need attention and our known itinerary for the trip.

• PASSPORT:  Please provide Peter with a copy of the first two pages of your passport by Monday, March 24.

• TRAVEL WALLETS for swimmers traveling alone:  Travel wallets can be purchased at AAA for $6.40.

• CODE OF CONDUCT: Please sign (by swimmer) and returned to Peter by March 24.

• MEDICAL RELEASE: Parents, please sign and return to Peter by March 24.

• HOSTING:  Please make sure you contact your host family in Dublin as soon as possible.

• BAGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT:  50 lbs. per bag is maximum.  The airlines will apply surcharges for bags over the weight limit.  

• BAG LIMIT:  There are not baggage handlers on this trip.  Please try and limit your baggage to ONE carry on and ONE checked piece of luggage.  You are responsible for carrying your own bags.

• CLOTHES:  Temps will be between 40 and 60 degrees. Bring WARM clothes, sweaters, etc.  Shoes, no flip-flops (flip-flops acceptable on pool deck). Blue Wave gear. 

• CELL PHONES:  It is expensive, but ATT and T-Mobile will work in Ireland.

• MONEY:  Remember, Ireland uses Euros.  Your child will need about 25-30 Euros a day (about $37.50 to $40 per day). Dollars can be exchanged into Euros at your bank, at customs at the airport in Dublin, or by using a debit card at most ATM's throughout Ireland. For younger swimmers, Peter can hold excess money for you, and provide your child with per diem money.

• CONTACT IN IRELAND:  For emergencies while in Ireland, please call Peter at 813-760-0226

Blue Wave Tours Ireland

Well, here we are just 15 days from our trip across the pond.  Tonight we were given our airline tickets and a final briefing. Coach Peter reminded us through his words, that we are not only representing Blue Wave Swimming, but United States Swimming.  Lets have a safe and successful trip, and have fun as you make memories for a lifetime.