Don't dread summer vacations this year -- TSA and U.S. Customs have pooled their travel tips to smooth their part of the way.

Despite all the criticism being leveled at US agencies for not working together to make the country more secure, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have joined efforts to provide travel tips to summer travelers.

Bravo!  Here are their useful travel tips, succinctly told.  Take heed and we bet you get through airport security and border crossings just a little bit faster this summer. 

Crossing Land Borders In/Out of USA

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminds travelers of certain policies.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older, to present a valid, acceptable travel document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. U.S. and Canadian citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea.

A radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled travel document such as a U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License/Enhanced Identification Card or Trusted Traveler Program card expedites entry and makes crossing the border more efficient.

All nationals or citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are now required to have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) -- that form that must be filled out online -- prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP.

Other programs that facilitate the entry process for international travelers coming into the country to visit, study or conduct legitimate business include “Trusted Traveler Programs” such as SENTRI, NEXUS and Global Entry. For more information about these programs, please visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Customs Rules & Land Border Crossing Tips

Tip #1 – To avoid fines and penalties associated with importing prohibited items, travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website

Tip #2 – Be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad. Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth and have their approved travel documents available for the inspection.

Tip #3 –Monitor border wait times for various ports of entry. Travelers should consult the CBP website site for hourly updates when planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits. During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider alternative, less heavily traveled entry routes.

Tip #4 – Build extra time into the trip in the event of crossing during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic, such as holiday weekends or around major sporting events or festivals.

Tip #5 – Know the difference between goods for personal use versus commercial use.

Tip #6 –Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry products and firewood into the U.S. from Canada without first checking whether they are permitted. Vendors may tell you that these items are permissible in order to sell them, but they will be confiscated at the border.

Tip # 7 – During the holiday travel season, international border crossers should continue to expect a thorough inspection process when entering the U.S. from Canada. Understand that CBP officers have the authority to conduct enforcement examinations without a warrant, ranging from a single luggage examination up to and possibly including a personal search.

Tip # 8 - Adults traveling with minors under age 18 who are not in their sole legal custody (such as children of divorced parents, grandkids, friends of your kids, sports teams, etc) must have a written, notarized Permission to Travel Letter signed by each minor's legal guardians to cross borders.

Air Travel In/Out of USA

As the busy summer travel season approaches, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says to be prepared and plan ahead for security checkpoints at all U.S. airports, whether families are flying domestically or flying internationally for a summer adventure.

Since the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day (a.k.a. The Underwear Bomber), TSA has accelerated its deployment of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and expanded the use of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) technology, both systems designed to enhance the screening of passengers and their baggage.

Passengers should be prepared to encounter security measures that occur on a random basis at various locations in the airport environment. This could include the use of ETD to screen carry-on items and handbags; don't be surprised if a child's toy is sent through another machine and a swab of its surface it studied for trace amounts of potentially explosive chemicals.

You may notice explosives detection canine teams roaming Baggage Claim; an infant's formula being put through new bottled liquid screening technology; uniformed staff who have been trained in behavior detection asking questions about your journey; and new security portals that provide a complete image of passengers that's much more useful than current metal detector models. 

Airport Security Rules & Tips to Make it Faster

Additionally, TSA offers the following suggestions to make clearing airport security faster and easier for everyone involved.

Tip # 1– Passengers can help speed up the screening process by packing their carry-ons in an organized manner. This helps our officers efficiently see what's inside to quickly process it through screening.

Tip # 2 – Existing procedures like 3-1-1 (storing liquids and gels in 3 ounce bottles in a zip-loc bag) and removing shoes and laptops for screening remain in place. In our experience, however, the 3-1-1 rule is being infrequently enforced for domestic travel.

Tip # 3 – TSA has Family Lanes at every security checkpoint which are designed for passengers with young children, those with special needs, or those who may need more time to process through the security checkpoint. Take advantage of them.

Tip # 4 – Have your ID and boarding pass out and ready. Only children over age 18 need to have a government-issued Photo ID, but if your kids are traveling alone as Unaccompanied Minors, make sure they have some ID that matches the name on their boarding pass.

Tip # 5 - Adults traveling with minors under age 18 who are not in their sole legal custody (such as children of divorced parents, grandkids, friends of your kids, sports teams, etc) must have a written, notarized Permission to Travel Letter signed by each minor's legal guardians to cross borders.