Passport Card question

[Cristallo]

My husband and I are taking our first cruise and we were thinking about getting the passport card. Are there any benefits to getting one over using just our DL and BC?

 

And yes I am FULLY aware of getting a regular passport and no I don't want one.

[Happy ks]

Yes, you will be able to board a flight back to the US with a passport, but not a passport card. If you never plan on flying into of the US, the passport card will be fine for you.

 

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

 

Edit to add, that is a benefit of a full passport, I don't see any advantages other than cost for a passport card.

 

Here is a comparison link:

 

http://travel.state.gov/pdf/ppt_pptCard.pdf

[Carolin]

Unless you live by the border of Canada or Mexico, its just a government id. You can not fly from out of country to the US in case of emergency. This is also true using your BC and drivers license. If you live by one of the borders then you can use this to drive into the other country easier. I live in Detroit and I have a passport. I use it all the time going back and forth.

[6rugrats]

My husband and I are taking our first cruise and we were thinking about getting the passport card. Are there any benefits to getting one over using just our DL and BC?

 

Absolutely none. This would be a waste of money for you.

[6rugrats]

I don't plan on flying into the US for any reason.

 

Most people don't plan to have an emergency, but as posted, if you are comfortable without a passport, I wouldn't bother with the card. It's just not that hard to bring your BC.

[Cristallo]

I don't plan on flying into the US for any reason. I was thinking maybe the card would be easier then having to tote my BC with me to the port.

[pms4104]

I see only two questionable benefits to a passport card over BC and DL ...

 

As others indicated, the passport card would be good for land crossings to/from Canada and Mexico.

 

And, if you have an emergency while on your cruise and need to fly home, it might (or might not) make it easier to procure the full passport needed to fly home. The delay in getting the passport might be reduced to a day or two as opposed to, perhaps, several days to get one using only the BC and DL.

[pms4104]

I guess I don't have enough level of fear in me to be worried about an emergency. I mean it would be easier to take the ship back then try to find an airport and book tickets back.

Consider ... a death in the immediate family back home or, of a more immediate nature, your own physical issues requiring medivac.

 

If you are comfortable traveling only with the BC and DL, then I wouldn't waste my money on the passport card. But, personally, I wouldn't leave the States without my passport, even on a closed-loop cruise.

[Cristallo]

I see only two questionable benefits to a passport card over BC and DL ...

 

As others indicated, the passport card would be good for land crossings to/from Canada and Mexico.

 

And, if you have an emergency while on your cruise and need to fly home, it might (or might not) make it easier to procure the full passport needed to fly home. The delay in getting the passport might be reduced to a day or two as opposed to, perhaps, several days to get one using only the BC and DL.

 

 

I guess I don't have enough level of fear in me to be worried about an emergency. I mean it would be easier to take the ship back then try to find an airport and book tickets back.

[kitty9]

The only plus for the card is if you drive into Canada or Mexico on a regular basis. I have cousins who live in Detroit and they go to the casino in Windsor a lot so they got the card. I have used the passport card for cruises, and on the most recent one, the Customs officer said it was the first one he's ever seen.

[uppitycats]

I guess I don't have enough level of fear in me to be worried about an emergency. I mean it would be easier to take the ship back then try to find an airport and book tickets back.

 

Well of COURSE it would be easier to take the ship back. Just hope you don't become ill and HAVE to be taken back. Or miss the ship and have no other way home. Or any other sort of EMERGENCY.

 

Oh yes. You're not afraid. Good luck.

[Cristallo]

Well of COURSE it would be easier to take the ship back. Just hope you don't become ill and HAVE to be taken back. Or miss the ship and have no other way home. Or any other sort of EMERGENCY.

 

Oh yes. You're not afraid. Good luck.

 

And out of all the cruises that you've been on, know someone who has been on this has happened how many times? :rolleyes:

[6rugrats]

Other then that nope. I don't understand this pre-occupation people have with fear. I'm gonna get on the boat with my BC and DL and no extra ins and be fine. Wont fly home, wont worry about what if's.

 

 

True, without a passport, you will not fly home.

 

I don't think its a preoccupation with fear. Some of us have had experiences that show us what happens when you aren't prepared. I no longer go through life wearing the proverbial rose colored glasses.

 

Car insurance isn't only to replace your car. If you are the cause of the accident and someone sues you, they can obtain a judgment that far exceeds what your insurance company can pay. Guess who has to come up with the difference? You.

 

No one ever thinks they will have a medical emergency, but it happens often on cruise ships. I find trip insurance to be a very small price to pay, and a passport is good for ten years. We all make our own choices, and if you are happy to essentially self-insure, that's your choice.

 

Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.