Property insurance policies in Mexico are indeed different from policies sold in the U.S. and Canada. The policy wording is different and the types of coverage are different.  For instance, things you might think are included as standard issue in the U.S. or Canada might not be standard issue in Mexico if you purchase a policy directly from a Mexican home owners insurance company.

IIG, the underwriter of Mexico on My Mind homeowners insurance, has worked long and hard with Ace Seguros to create a homeowners insurance product that is legally sound under Mexican law while staying within the parameters of a policy North Americans are use to.

Sample of an Ace Seguros Mexico Homeowners Policy 

If you have already purchased a homeowners policy through Mexico on my Mind and Ace Seguros, and you need to file a claim, we have included the claim filing instructions for you to follow below:

Underwritten by IIG, Ace Seguros has put forth the following instructions for filing your homeowners claim:

Call This Number Within Mexico for Claims Provided by Ace Seguros:

(Toll Free) – 01-800-362-7288

Direct Number within Mexico  818-374-8053

In the event of a claim, you or another insured will need to perform the following duties (If Applicable).  Ace Seguros has no duty to provide coverage under this policy if your failure to comply with the following is detrimental to them.  You will need to help them by seeing that these duties are performed:

1)  Call the 01-800-362-7288 number from within Mexico.  You will be asked to provide:

• Policy Number
• Name of the Insured(s)
• Nature of the Loss
• Place and address where the loss occurred

2)  Give written notice to Ace Seguros as soon as is practical, which sets forth:

• The identity of the policy and the named insured shown on the “Declarations”;
• Reasonable available information on the time, place and circumstances of the “occurrence” or claim and
• Names and addresses of any claimants and witnesses

3)  Cooperate with the investigation, settlement or defense of any claim or suit

4)  Promptly forward to Ace Seguros every notice, demand, summons or other process relating to the “occurrence” or claim

5)  At Ace Seguros request, help them

• Make a settlement
• Enforce any right or contribution or indemnity against any person or organization who may be liable to an “insured”
• With the conduct of suits and attend hearings and trials
• Secure and give evidence and obtain the attendance of witnesses

6)  With respect to “Damage of Property of Others”  under Section II, you will need to submit to Ace Seguros within 60 days after the loss, a sworn statement of loss and show the damaged property , if in an “insureds” control

7)  No insured shall, except at “insured(s)” own cost, voluntarily make payment, assume obligation or incur expense other than that for first aid to others at the time of the “bodily injury”

For claims regarding medical payments to others, you or another insured will need to perform the following:

1)  The injured person or someone acting for the injured person will call the 01-800-362-7288 number from within Mexico and

• Give Ace Seguros written proof of claim, under oath if required, as soon as is practical
• Authorize Ace Seguros to obtain copies of medical reports and records

2)  The injured person will submit to a physical exam by a doctor of Ace Seguros choice when and as often as Ace Seguros reasonable requires

To Get Status of Your Claim

Contact:  Fernando Tapia

Email:  fernando.tapia@acegroup.com

Toll Free from U.S. :  1-866-573-5677

Direct Number to Mexico:  011-52-555-258-5872

Fax Number:  011-52-555-258-5879

]]> https://www.mexicoonmymind.com/single-premium-investment-annuities/ Tue, 20 May 2014 16:41:25 +0000 https://www.mexicoonmymind.com/?p=10440 An annuity serves as guaranteed income for those who want to supplement their retirement fund while living abroad.  The advantage to an annuity is it’s guaranteed monthly income.  The disadvantage is that you will not have access to your investment in the form of “one lump sum” without penalties.  However, if the idea of having a guaranteed stream of income is attractive to you, an annuity may be the right choice.

There are two types of Single Premium Investment Annuities:  A Single Premium Deferred Annuity and a Single Premium Immediate Annuity.  A single Premium Deferred Annuity (SPDA) is designed for people who want their money to grow tax deferred as a retirement source with guaranteed income for life (a younger person who wants to invest in their retirement).  A Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA) is designed for someone who wants to insure income for life, but have access to their money immediately on a monthly income basis (a person in their retirement years wanting a guaranteed stream of income).

For the purposes of this article, we are going to discuss fixed annuities as opposed to variable annuities.

Why Choose An SPA Over a CD?

Like a CD, fixed annuities are safe investments and not based on the stock market or any other changing index.  

CDs 

CDs are issued by banks and grow based on a stated interest rate by the issuing bank over a predetermined time frame such as three months, six months, one year or multi-year.    CDs are similar to savings accounts except that the bank intends that the CD be held until maturity (such as 5 or 10 years), at which time the money may be withdrawn together with the accrued interest.  Once the CD reaches maturity, if the money is not withdrawn, the bank will automatically roll the CD over into a new period at a rate the bank is paying currently.  

Withdrawals before maturity are usually subject to a substantial penalty.  For a five-year CD, this is often the loss of six months’ interest.  The penalties are designed to keep owners from withdrawing money on demand like a savings account thus the major difference.

Cd’s do not grow tax deferred.  Each year, the bank will issue you a 1099 listing the amount of interest earned. This amount must be included on your tax return and is subject to ordinary income tax.

SPA’s

Fixed single premium annuities are issued by insurance companies and they earn an interest rate stated each year by the insurance company.  Insurance companies also offer multi-year guarantees on an interest rate such as a guaranteed 5 percent interest rate for the first five years. 

One of the main differences between CD’s and annuities is that fixed annuities offer tax-deferred growth of your money.  A fixed annuity grows tax deferred and there is no tax reporting of interest year by year. The tax is paid when the annuitization period starts, or when the annuity starts being drawn from, so the money grows as interest on principal, interest on interest and interest on money that would’ve been paid in taxes.   

Another big difference is that fixed annuities are paid out on a monthly basis as agreed upon when setting up the annuity.   When setting up your annuity, the insurance broker will ask what your intentions are for your money such as whether you have a spouse you also want guaranteed income for, who your beneficiary will  be if you have one, ect.

What About a Poor Market?

Considering the peaks and valleys of our previous decade, market performance is a valid concern for people staring at retirement.  However, when you purchase a fixed income product, such as a SPIA or a SPDA, the monthly payment is guaranteed regardless of market performance.  The risk of the market belongs to the insurance company, not to the purchaser.  Your payment amount is tied to the amount you invest and your life expectancy, not to it’s performance.  However, when the markets do well, the insurance company benefits while your agreed upon interest rate stays the same.

Life insurance companies that issue annuities are highly regulated by the states in which the policies are issued and are generally considered to be conservative and safe.   Since most individual investors don’t have the expertise or inclination to pore over insurers’ financial statements, they rely on the ratings of firms such as  Stand and Poors or AM Best.  Look for an A or A+ rating of the insurance company issuing the annuity.  

A way in which purchasers further protect their investment is by investing with 2 or 3 different annuity companies so that if one goes under, you haven’t lost all of your income.

Beneficiaries

If you are married and want to insure income for a surviving spouse, you want to choose the fixed, “joint-and-survivor” annuity.  You can also stipulate that you wish to receive income for life, but that a minimum number of payments are made.   The “life with 10 years certain” option, for example, assures that the annuity makes payments for 10 years or as long as you live, whichever is longer.  If you die three years after buying the annuity, your named survivor would receive payments another seven years.  The survivor can decide if they want the same amount each month or adjust the payment for their own life expectancy.

For the Expatriate

An annuity serves as guaranteed income for those who want to supplement their retirement fund while living abroad.  The advantage to an annuity is it’s guaranteed monthly income.  The disadvantage is that you will not have access to your investment in the form of “one lump sum” without penalties.  However, if the idea of having a guaranteed stream of income is attractive to you, an annuity may be the right choice.

Ask Our Annuities Expert!

Fill out the form below and we will be in touch with detailed information

An annuity is a life insurance product that pays out income after age 59.5. The major draw of fixed annuities these days are the guaranteed interest rates and guarantee of income for life and/or, period certain.

The size of your payments are determined by a variety of factors, including how much you invest and the length of your payment period (determined between you and your insurance agent) or whether you want to receive payments for the rest of your life or for a set number of years.  How much you receive depends on whether you opt for a guaranteed payout (fixed annuity) or a payout stream determined by the investment performance of your annuity (variable annuity).

Annuities can be funded over time or with one payment.  For instance, if you are in your 40’s and want to prepare for your 60’s, you might be in a position to make monthly investment payments.  You can also fund an annuity by purchasing it in one lump sum (single premium deferred annuity or single premium immediate annuity) if you have just come into some money (an inheritance or large sale) and want to prepare for your retirement.

Annuities can be paid out monthly, quarterly or annually.  They can also be paid out in one lump sum, but most people choose the monthly payout method.

Advantages of Having An Annuity

The money you invest into an annuity is considered tax sheltered income and works wonderfully for people in high tax brackets.  This means when you file your taxes, any amount you paid into your annuity, and the interest earned, for the year is tax deductible.  Also, there is no maximum limit as to how much you can invest  each year, as there is with a 401K,  and the amount the annuity earns is also not taxed.  Annuities are not taxed until you begin receiving payments at age 59.5 or later.

Another advantage to an annuity is since there is no limit as to much you can contribute each year, they allow people who are starting to invest late in life to catch up.

Finally, how you choose to spend your annuity is up to you.  For instance, long term care insurance policies are restricted to the parameters of long term health care costs.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of purchasing an annuity are the rather steep surrender charges you will receive if you take out your money before age 59.5, especially the first 1-8 years of investing.  The surrender charge is about 7% of your account value if you leave after one year and then they generally decline by one percentage point a year until it gets to zero after year seven or eight.

You want to make sure you have the income to invest in an annuity to avoid those surrender charges!  However, generally after 8-10 years, the surrender charges are waived but you will be hit with the taxes on the money you receive.

Two Different Types of Annuities

When you purchase a fixed-rate annuity, the risk belongs to the insurance company, not to you.  You are not responsible for choosing the investments, the insurance company is.   The insurance company agrees to pay you a pre-determined interest rate no matter if the investments gain or lose money.

When you opt for a variable or equity indexed annuity, the risk belongs to you and not the insurance company because you decide how to invest your money in the sub-accounts (essentially mutual funds) offered within the annuity. The value of your account when you start to draw on your annuity depends on the performance of the funds you chose (you also stand to earn more than a fixed annuity) and there is no guaranty of the fixed payment.

You should look at the amount of time you have to invest and your tolerance for risk when deciding on what kind of annuity is right for you.

Are You Almost Ready to Retire?

If you are a retired expatriate, or nearly retired, who wants to assure that the money will flow regardless of how long you live, an immediate annuity is a great way to insure monthly income.

Also, the greater you feel your chances are of living a long, vibrant life and the more worried you are about outliving your money, the more of your assets you might want to devote to an annuity.

For more information and to see if an annuity is right for you, please email us.

What If I Have An Accident?

If you are in an auto accident in Mexico and if you cannot settle directly with the other parties involved, the first call you make should be to your auto insurance Help Line.  Keep your insurance card in your vehicle so that you have the number accessible.  To be even more pro-active, program the Help Line number into your cell phone as well.  If you are proceeding with a claim, do not move the vehicles – we recommend taking pictures if possible, including the license plate of other vehicle(s) involved.

While you are registering your claim, the Help Line will be able to dispatch an assessor to the scene of the accident as well as make arrangements for lawyers, tow services or ambulances.  All of our Mexican auto insurance companies have assessor’s all over Mexico, so one will be available no matter where you are.  The best attempts possible will be made to send an English speaking assessor to the scene if you ask for one.

In the event of an accident, you must always file while you are still in Mexico for it to be processed.   Therefore, the first call you make should be to your auto insurance Help Line.

The Importance of the Bail Bond Element

Your Mexican auto insurance policy must cover your personal liability as well as your legal counsel and provide a “bail bond” element.  The reason for this is that in Mexico, if the police are involved, there is a chance that all parties will be detained and detained until blame is assessed.  In Mexico, you are not innocent until proven guilty, you are guilty until proven innocent.  The bail bond, in most cases, will get you released pending investigation.

In more serious accidents, if any person is hurt or killed as a result of the accident, a lawyer and your insurance company will assist you through the legal process in Mexico.  You may also require assistance from your country’s consulate.

If it is found that you are to blame for the accident, you will be detained for longer until the other party (parties) involved in the accident are satisfied with any compensation offered by you, or by your insurance company on your behalf.  Once a settlement has been met, the court will sign the paperwork and have you released from police custody.

The bail bond element is important so that in the worst case scenario you have the legal support and financial assistance you need.

Other Documents To Keep In The Car

If at all possible, if you know you are taking a road trip, it’s a good idea to take a long a charged camera or a cell phone with a camera element included.

• Along with your Mexico auto insurance policy, make sure that you also have a valid drivers license with you.  You do not need to have a Mexican drivers license, but your license has to be valid.
• Keep your passport with you.
• Keep your tourist visa or Residente Temporal visa with you.
• If you own your vehicle, or if you are leasing it, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of the title or lien holder permission letter in your vehicle as well.
• Have your import sticker visible on your windshield.

When driving in Mexico, if you are involved in an accident, it is always best to try to settle directly with the person you are involved in the accident with, right there on the spot.  If this is not  possible, make sure you contact your insurance Help Line immediately so that you have an advocate in Mexico.

Keep your insurance agent’s number in your telephone as well so that they can help assist you should you need the additional help.

In the past, the liability damages imposed on an at-fault driver who caused a negligent fatality in Mexico were capped at 730 days multiplied by the local Mexico minimum wage: Approximately $ 50,000 total damages in most Mexican states.

Now, that limit has been increased by the Mexican Government to 5,000 days multiplied by the local Mexico minimum wage:  Up to approximately $300,000.00 US Dollars total damages, depending on the Mexican state.  

We suggest that you now use the same level of care regarding Mexico Liability Limits that you would use when purchasing a US or Canadian auto liability policy.   The change to Mexico Liability law means that claims for Death Liability in Mexico will now be similar to the damages that are often imposed by courts in the US and Canada in similar cases.

However, to ensure safe international travels, purchasing medical travel insurance is a necessity.

Reasons To Purchase Medical Travel Insurance

Anything can happen when traveling abroad and exciting experiences can quickly become frightening if you are miles from home without proper medical coverage.

Illnesses like Influenza, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Yellow Fever, dehydration and food poisoning are just a few of the most common health hazards.  There are also auto accidents, water sport injuries, burn injuries and everyday accidents.

Even the healthiest of us can experience these common incidences that could end up with a visit to a foreign hospital.  The potential of being stranded thousands of miles from home and needing treatment in a local clinic or hospital with language barriers, uncertain fees for service and uncertainty of qualified staff are just some of the reasons to purchase medical travel insurance.

Our customer care representatives will help you locate a local facility, translate symptoms to your doctor, translate treatment options, and assist with billing.  It’s comforting to know you have this kind of medical assistant in a foreign country when you need it.

Domestic Health Insurance Does Not Travel

Chances are your domestic coverage will not follow you to a foreign country.   Medicare offers no coverage outside the U.S. and supplemental coverage is only good for up to 60 days outside the U.S.  Private individual or group coverage is very limited, quite possibly covering only life threatening emergencies.

There is generally no coverage for evacuation or return of mortal remains in worst case scenarios.   Evacuations can cost upwards of $100,000.00, and return of mortal remains can cost as much as $10,000.00. With these scenarios in mind, the benefits of obtaining medicall travel insurance are many.

Qualities of a Good International Health Insurance Company

A good international health insurance agency will have service centers located in multiple areas of the world and be staffed and available according to local time zones, 24/7/365 a year.

Staffing customer care representatives who are fluent in the native language in order to communicate with local doctors and hospitals is vital.  An international health insurance company should offer multi-lingual claims administration and emergency medical assistance that can be accessed by those traveling or living all over the world, anytime of day.

An array of available technology is also critical in an international health insurance agency. A secure member web site that is quickly and easily accessible in real-time status of claims is important. Make sure that e-mail, live chat, phones and fax are all ways to access international travel insurance customer service and claim representatives.

How Do I Sign Up

Just fill out the application on-line and you will be approved instantly.

The policy will be e-mailed to you within 10 minutes of the application being submitted. A hard copy will be mailed to your address within 24-48 hours which includes the Declaration of Insurance, an identification card, emergency contact numbers, a claim form, visa letter and an Insurance Certificate. Approximately 30 days before expiration, notification will be sent in case you need to renew or extend coverage.

Safe and Secure International Travel

Traveling to Mexico is full of adventures, new flavors, new sites, and new challenges.  To ensure safe and secure travels, purchasing medical travel insurance will add a layer of protection to your adventures.

Convenience

The convenient part about a travel medical policy is that there is no underwriting, no age limit, and the application only takes minutes to complete.  If your vacation plans change and you decide to stay longer, you simply log on and purchase more days.  You may purchase as many policies as you need in one year.

If you are traveling to multiple countries, you can pick the one you will be spending the most amount of time in, or your first destination point.  You do not need to report your comings and goings and it is fine if you will be traveling through multiple borders.

Who Needs An International Travel Policy?

Anyone traveling outside their home country should purchase an international medical travel policy.

For U.S. Medicare subscribers who carry a medigap policy:  You do have up to $50,000.00 of coverage for up to 60 days of travel.  The 60 days of coverage begin again, each time you re-enter the U.S.  However, there are some stipulations to the coverage.  If you will be out of the country for more than 60 days, or you believe you may need more coverage than $50,000.00, an international travel medical policy is what you need to purchase.

Many people use this policy for foreign exchange students as well because you can purchase a policy up to one year long.  The policy is renewable up to 2 years by simply purchasing another year.

Benefits

Some of the medical benefits include hospital room and board, intensive care treatment, local ambulance, in-patient and out-patient care, prescription drug coverage within the U.S., emergency room accident, emergency room out-patient, emergency evacuation, emergency reunion and return of mortal remains.

Pre-Existing Conditions

If you are a U.S. citizen and have a sudden re-occurrence of a pre-existing condition while in Mexico or another foreign country, for those up to age 65 with a primary health plan, this travel medical policy will pay the Usual, Reasonable and Customary (URC) charges of a sudden and unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing Condition (defined on the Exclusions page) up to the plan maximum.

For those without a primary health plan, this travel policy will pay up to a $20,000 lifetime maximum.

For those age 65 and older, with or without a primary health plan, this policy will pay up to a $2,500 lifetime maximum. The primary health plan must have existed prior to the effective date and during coverage and the pre-existing condition must be covered under the primary health plan.

In addition, if you are a U.S. citizen, up to $25,000 will be paid for the eligible costs and expenses of an Emergency Medical Evacuation arising or resulting from a sudden and unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition.

Apply Now For Your Next Trip

To see a full list of benefits and exclusions, go to American Insurance for Expats and sign up for your medical travel policy.  The policy benefits are located in the upper right hand corner of each page under “Overview”, “Benefits” and “Exclusions”.  Coverage only take minutes.

Viva Mexico!

Medical Assistance in Mexico

Our international medical travel insurance will protect you and your loved ones in Mexico and any foreign country.  From beginning to end, we will help you through your health care needs.  We can make recommendations to the closest medical facility, coordinate treatment and billing and explain the simple claim form process.   Bi-lingual health care specialists are happy to help you translate your needs to the coordinating hospital.  Here are just some of the benefit details:

Extended Benefit Period When Necessary

The benefit periods are the dates you enter as your vacation dates plus a six month “Benefit Period”.   If a covered injury or illness requires continuing treatment in the U.S.  after the period of coverage expires, the six month  “Benefit Period” may provide continued coverage.

When the health insurance certificate expires, the underwriter, IMG, will review the date of initial treatment for the covered injury or illness.   If treatment began less than six months before the Period of Coverage expired, benefits for the covered injury or illness will continue subject to the Maximum Limits and the other terms of the plan until there have been six months of continuous coverage of the covered injury or illness.

What Are The Policy Features?

Our International Travel Medical policy is primarily centered around medical emergencies in Mexico and other foreign countries.  However, there are some other benefits included such as evacuation in the event of a political evacuation or an act of terrorism, emergency medical evacuation coverage, emergency reunion of family member coverage, return of mortal remains, return of minor children to the U.S. in the event they would be left unattended, and identity theft assistance.

How To Enroll

To enroll for International Travel Medical Insurance, simply fill out the application on-line.   The application is straight forward and fast!  Applications are processed immediately and coverage begins at the date you requested.   As soon as you are approved, a confirmation email will be sent to you which will have all of your links to download necessary forms.

How Do I Get My ID Cards and Claim Forms?

When you enroll on line, you may download your fulfillment kit when it is emailed out to you upon approval.   The fulfillment kit will include an IMG Identification Card, IMG contact numbers, Claim Forms and your Insurance Certificate providing a complete description of your rights and benefits under the contract.

How Do I Submit a Claim?

A lot of people ask us if the hospitals in Mexico will accept our insurance and the answer to that is:  It depends upon the hospital.

If you happen to be near a larger hospital like Amerimed, they will have formed billing relationships with international health insurance agencies and will direct bill.

If you need to be treated in a small, emergency hospital, than the hospital may ask you to pay upfront.  If you do have to pay upfront, you just fax your payment receipt and your bill along with your claim form to the IMG claims department, and they will reimburse you promptly.   You have up to 90 days to submit your claim after the date of your doctor visit abroad.

Convenience

The convenient part about a travel medical policy is that there is no underwriting, no age limit, and the application only takes minutes to complete.  If your vacation plans change and you decide to stay longer, you simply log on and purchase more days.  You may purchase as many policies as you need in one year.

When filling out the application, if you are traveling through multiple countries, disclose the country you will be spending the most amount of time in, or your first destination point.  You do not need to report your comings and goings and it is fine if you will be traveling through multiple borders.

Who Needs An International Travel Policy?

Anyone traveling outside their home country should purchase an international medical travel policy.

Tourists should seriously consider purchasing a medical travel insurance policy.  You never know what can happen when you are preoccupied with having fun!

Foreign exchange students can purchase a policy up to one year long.  The policy is renewable up to 2 years by simply purchasing another year.

U.S. Medicare subscribers with a Medigap policy have up to $50,000.00 of coverage for up to 60 days of travel.  The 60 days of coverage begin again, each time you re-enter the U.S.

However, there are some stipulations to the coverage.  If you will be out of the country for more than 60 days, or you believe you may need more coverage than $50,000.00, an international travel medical policy is what you need to purchase.

Benefits

Some of the medical benefits include hospital room and board, intensive care treatment, local ambulance, in-patient and out-patient care, prescription drug coverage within the U.S., emergency room accident, emergency room out-patient, emergency evacuation, emergency reunion and return of mortal remains.

Pre-Existing Conditions

If you are a U.S. citizen and have a sudden re-occurrence of a pre-existing condition while in a foreign country, for those up to age 65 with a primary health plan, this travel medical policy will pay the Usual, Reasonable and Customary (URC) charges of a sudden and unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing Condition (defined on the Exclusions page) up to the plan maximum.

For those without a primary health plan, this travel policy will pay up to a $20,000 lifetime maximum.

For those age 65 and older, with or without a primary health plan, this policy will pay up to a $2,500 lifetime maximum. The primary health plan must have existed prior to the effective date and during coverage and the pre-existing condition must be covered under the primary health plan.

In addition, if you are a U.S. citizen, up to $25,000 will be paid for the eligible costs and expenses of an Emergency Medical Evacuation arising or resulting from a sudden and unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition.

Apply Now For Your Next Trip

To see a full list of benefits and exclusions, go to American Insurance for Expats and sign up for your travel policy.  The policy benefits are located in the upper right hand corner of each page under “Overview”, “Benefits” and “Exclusions”.  Coverage only take minutes.

Enjoy your travels!

Help make your international travel less stressful in the airport by attending to these tips before you leave the house-some more obvious than others!

Mexico Airport Travel Tips

• Go through your purse or wallet and take only what you need to bring to the area you are going to.  Take out anything that could be confiscated at the airport like nail clippers, perfume bottles, ect. The less you bring with you, the less you need to worry about on your trip and the lighter your purse will be.
• Consider purchasing a passport wallet that will hold your boarding pass, passport and credit cards neatly and all together.   You will be asked to produce these at several points throughout the flight, so it is so much easier if they are easy to get to and organized.   If you do not have one of these convenient wallets, try to keep them all together in one specific place where you are sure they are all together.
• Make sure that you have small bills in your wallet to tip the baggage carriers.

• Pack a few pens in your purse so that you can fill out the custom forms handed out on the airplane. The airlines do not provide you with the pen, only the forms.

• Pack a healthy snack that is easy to put in your purse and won’t be confiscated like chocolate dusted almonds. Those are good.

• Charge your cell phone the day before, and then that night, pack your cell phone and the charger in your purse, carry-on or backpack.

• Line your clothes out the night before.  Make sure you layer and bring a sweater for the plane. No matter what time of year it is, the AC on the airlines can actually be chilly.  Also, make sure the shoes you wear slide on and off easily through security.

• Limit the amount of jewelry you wear and bring with you.  Belt buckles and wrist watches set off security alarms.   Try to leave your valuable jewelry at home, costume jewelry is fun to wear and if it’s lost or stolen, you won’t be heart broken.

• Help simplify the check in process at the airport by making sure your bags already have ID tags on them before you leave the house.  You can purchase identification tags at Office Max that once you fill them in, will stay on your bags until you take them off.  If you haven’t purchased permanent identification tags for your suitcases, a couple of airlines have introduced self baggage tagging to speed up the whole check in process.

• Find your gate and check the time before stopping off to buy your cup of coffee, bottle of water or last minute souvenirs.

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