Six-Month Validation Rule

On Saturday, May 4, I had the thought to read the American Airlines Web site just to check any info about my trip.  And I came across this paragraph:

Travel requirements and documents

Make sure to check entry requirements with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. You’re responsible for bringing the correct documents for international travel. If you don’t have the required documentation and identification, you will not be allowed to board the plane and would be responsible for any resulting costs.

Passport

A passport is required for all international travel. If you're traveling anywhere overseas, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter the country. Passport cards will not be accepted as form of I.D. for international air travel.

Passports must be:

• Valid for at least 6 months after the date you enter a foreign country.

Whoa! I did not know that. My passport was expiring in one month! Well, to get to the point, I found out I could drive to Detroit (3 hours one way) and apply for an expedited passport. Thankfully, I had my passport photos already because I was planning on renewing it when I got back from this trip.

  

So I took the day off on Monday, May 6, and drove to Detroit. Arrived at the Detroit Passport Agency downtown Detroit, parked in a parking garage, and had my business done by 10:00 a.m. The woman asked me if I wanted to come back at 3 p.m. and pick it up that same day. Oh yay! Awesome.

I feel like I got a preview of vacation that day. I had 5 hours to see downtown Detroit. I took the People Mover around. 


Then I went to the Detroit RiverFront and looked across the Detroit River at Windsor, Ontario, Canada!

I visited the Cobo Center and I ate lunch at the GM Renaissance Center. 

I went to Starbucks to charge my cell phone and have a Smore Frappucino, and while there met a very nice young man who is a fund manager at an investment group.  I thought he was a student studying for his finals but he was actually much more than that! A gentleman and a scholar.

Oh and did I say it was the most beautiful day ever! Everywhere I went the people were so nice. So saved by Detroit! I now have a passport with six month validation.