Frequently Asked Questions
  • Documentation
    • All passengers aged 18 and older are required to present valid government-issued photo identification (federal, state or local). Example: driver’s license or passport. Please note, all travelers will need a passport to travel to Lisbon.
    • All passenger names (first, middle and last names) on airline tickets/e-tickets must match identification exactly, or the airlines will deny boarding.
    • Any changes after ticketing may result in additional fees and penalties.
    • Travel with photocopies of your travel documents and identification in case the originals are lost or stolen.
    • Important note for married people or anyone who’s changed their name: If your maiden/former name is on your current passport or government-issued identification, you must make sure your airline ticket has the same name. (The name on your ticket must match the name on your identification.)
  • Airport check-in and boarding
    • To avoid being denied check-in or boarding:
      • You and your luggage must be checked in with the airline at least 45 minutes before flight departure. You may be able to check in online and prepay baggage fees; visit your airline’s website for information.
      • You must be at the gate at least 20 minutes before departure.
      • We recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before flight departure to allow for long lines and delays.
      • If you have an early-morning departure, contact your airport to determine when the ticket counter will be open.
    • Airline websites and travel apps are useful for checking flight status and receiving notifications.
    • The program’s mobile web app will include your flight information, confirmation and ticket number(s), to use as a reference at check-in.
    • Visit the TSA website for more information.
  • Checked luggage fees
    Baggage fees vary by airline and frequent flyer status. Contact your scheduled airline for up-to-date information. All luggage fees incurred will be at your own expense at airport check-in.
  • Flight delays
    Once you check in, the reservation is in the hands of the airline. If your travel is interrupted or canceled while you are at the airport, please get in line at a ticket counter or service desk. Once your new flights are booked, please inform Peirce-Phelps Travel Headquarters of the new flight information. While in line, if you’d like assistance with flight options, call Peirce-Phelps Travel Headquarters at 877-814-1404 (press 2 for air). If you call outside of business hours, you will have the option to be forwarded to one of the travel air specialists for assistance.
  • Luggage identification
    Securely attach luggage tags to each piece of luggage. We also recommend enclosing within your luggage a business card, as this may help the airline identify your bag if the outer tag is detached in transit. Lost or damaged luggage is the sole responsibility of the airline. 
  • Packing tips
    • One carry-on bag is permitted per person, plus a personal item (laptop, purse, camera bag). The bag may not exceed 9” x 14” x 22” and must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
      • Carry some toiletries, a change of clothes and a swimsuit (if applicable) in case your luggage is delayed.
      • Prescription drugs, in their original containers, should also be in your carry-on luggage.
      • Be sure to carry your valuables on you or in your carry-on bag.
    • Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes are limited to travel size (3.4 ounces or less, each) and must fit comfortably in ONE quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag. More details on what you can bring.
      • TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags.
    • TSA requires that your luggage be unlocked, or you may use TSA-approved locks, which are available where travel-oriented goods are sold. 
    • For the most up-to-date information, visit the TSA website and your airline's website.
  • Verify departure time
    Call or check your airline website or your airline's mobile app before leaving for the airport to verify that your flight is on time.
  • Attire guidelines
    • Comfortable travel clothes: casual, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable walking shoes. You may want to bring an additional layer, such as a sweatshirt, with you on the plane.
    • Elegant attire: Dress pants or dress shorts with a button-down or polo-type shirt for men; dress, skirt, dress shorts or jeans/pants with a coordinating top for women. A lightweight sweater or jacket is suggested for the cooler outdoor evening temperatures.
    • Hotel Dining: Please review each restaurant’s dining information in advance to ensure you are dressed in accordance with the appropriate attire guidelines for each venue.
    • Roaring Twenties Glam: Men are encouraged to wear a coat and tie for the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Besides that, themed attire could include: 
      • For Men:
        • Dark suite or tuxedos (black, navy, charcoal)
        • White shirt + tie or bow tie
        • Optional upgrades: suspenders, vest (3-piece suit), pocket square, fedora, or newsboy cap
        • Shoes: polished dress shoes
      • Easy option: "Suit + tie + pocket square = Gatsby-ready"
      • For Women:
        • Flapper-inspired dress (fringe, sequins, beading)
        • Cocktail dress in black, gold, champagne, or jewel tones
        • Optional upgrades: pearl necklaces (layered), feather or jeweled headband, long gloves, Art deco-style jewelry
        • Shoes: heels or elegant flats
      • Easy option: "Little black dress + pearls = perfect Gatsby look"
    • Smart casual attire: Dress slacks with polo or button-down shirts for men; Dresses or separates for women. Given Europe’s ever-changing weather, it's a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater to layer, especially for cooler evenings or unexpected rain. Comfortable yet stylish footwear is also recommended, as you may be doing a fair amount of walking while exploring the city.
    • Tour casual attire: Jeans or slacks with a comfortable shirt and walking shoes. If visiting a church, dress modestly and cover your shoulders.
  • Credit cards
    If you have not traveled recently, you may want to contact your credit card company and advise them that you will be traveling to Lisbon/Paris. Credit card companies may put a hold on a card showing activity that does not follow your usual profile. 
  • Destination tips
    • Have the hotel phone number and address with you when you leave to explore the area.
    • Bring photocopies of your debit and credit cards. In case of loss, replacement will be easier.
    • Leave your original passport and travel documents in your room safe. Carry a copy of your passport with you.
  • Expenses
    Personal items such as room incidentals, laundry, phone calls, movie rentals, and meals and activities not sponsored by Peirce-Phelps will be at your own expense.
  • Gratuities and taxes
    Tips and taxes for all services outlined in the itinerary have been prepaid for you. Tips for optional sightseeing, additional meals and other services rendered should be handled individually.
  • Hosted events at the hotel
    • Welcome Reception and Dinner on April 12
    • Peirce-Phelps 100th Anniversary Celebration on April 15
  • Medical information
    Be sure to notify our travel team of any medical conditions that may require special attention or treatment, if not already noted in your registration. Bring a copy of any prescriptions you are taking and pack your prescription medicine in your carry-on luggage. We suggest you bring an extra supply in case of an unforeseen emergency. Do not pack medication in your checked luggage.
  • Name badges
    Upon arrival, please visit the Peirce-Phelps Hospitality Desk to collect your name badge. Before leaving your room for the Peirce-Phelps group dinners, make sure that you have your name badge. Peirce-Phelps requires that name badges are worn at all their sponsored functions.
  • Special dietary requests
    We are happy to help you with special menu requests (e.g., vegetarian meals, etc.) and any other special needs. Please contact Peirce-Phelps Travel Headquarters if you did not note your request during registration. 
  • Time comparison
    Lisbon, Portugal, is in the Western European Time (WET) zone and observes daylight saving time. Paris, France, is in the Central European Time (CET) zone and also observes daylight saving time. During your trip, when it is 1 pm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it is 6 pm in Lisbon and 7 pm in Paris.
  • Your Peirce-Phelps Travel Headquarters travel staff
    We look forward to meeting you and assisting you in any way possible. Throughout the trip, we will be available at the Peirce-Phelps' Hospitality Desk:
    • Kate Cardoso
    • Marcos DaSilva
    • Benjamin Griffith
    • Pamela Nichols
    • Angela Sayler