More than 450,000 people have applied for the card, said Brenda Sprague, deputy assistant secretary of state for passport services, at a news conference Monday at the Port of Miami.

“The U.S. passport card is a less expensive and more affordable alternative to the U.S. passport book,” Sprague said.

The brand new document — which looks similar to a drivers license — can be used for people returning to the United States from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

The pros: It’s cheaper ($45 for first-time applicants, $20 if the applicant already has a passport and $35 for children), it’s valid for the same period as a passport book, and it’s faster for border officials to check.

Its technology — a radio frequency identity chip — allows it to be read from up to 30 feet away. “It will make a difference as far as processing times,” said Chief Jose Castellano, spokesman with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The cons: U.S. travelers cannot use the card to travel by air. And no passport stamps.

“The one you choose will depend on your future travel plans,” Sprague said.

Those who applied before production started can expect their passport card between late August and early September, according to the State Department Web site. Passport officials expect to issue between 800,000 and one million passports by the end of the year. So far, about 200,000 of the new documents have been issued.

Border and Customs Protection agents have seen about 2,000 of the new cards, primarily at land crossings.

The card is especially designed for people who live near the border. It can also be an option for cruise travelers, although they should check with their cruise line before departure, Sprague said.

In less than a year, starting in June 2009, travelers must present a document showing citizenship and identity when entering the United States at land and sea crossings. “The convenient and affordable U.S. passport card will do that,” Sprague said. “Don’t delay. Be sure you have the document you need so you can travel anywhere in the world you need to go,” she added.

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A passenger should never feel rushed. Most airports have porters in front of the airports to assist all passengers with their luggage. A porter also has a dual function of assisting passengers to and from the gate and throughout the airport when necessary. A person who requires additional assistance throughout the screening process should contact the airlines ahead of time and arrange porter service.

Always consult your doctor prior to traveling for the best screening process for you and inform the screener how you want to be screened. Screeners should always inform the passenger of the process whether they’re in primary or secondary screening. A private screening should be offered before the process begins. You may request a private screening at any time. Two screeners of the same gender as you should be present during private screening. Whether you are in private screening or not, always ask the screener to change his or her gloves before they touch you or your personal items. This will reduce the amount of germs picked up from other people’s baggage.

Liquids, gels and creams that are used for medical conditions or devices are automatically exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. 3 ounces or less, one zip-top bag and 1 bag per person. If your liquid medication is over 3 ounces, place those items in a separate plastic zip-top bag and hand it over for inspection. Only take enough medication in your carry-on baggage for the flight. Place all additional liquid medication in your checked baggage.

All medication must be clearly marked with a manufacturers or pharmacy label. Normally, medication is x-rayed; however, you can request a physical inspection if your doctor recommends it. Always use a plastic bag and pack your medication separate from other carry-on items. To avoid contamination or damage, you will be asked to handle and repack your medication throughout the visual inspection process. Any medication that cannot be visually cleared must be x-rayed to allow you into the sterile area of the airport.

1. You will be screened in your wheelchair or scooter if you cannot stand or walk.

2. Ask the screener to assist you with taking off or putting on your shoes. Shoehorns should be available.

3. Companions or a family member should make suggestions on the best way to screen a person with a disability or may accompany and assist you through the screening process.

4. Contact the airlines in advance for their procedures in handling additional medical aids, such as an oxygen supplier or a wheelchair.

5. Discreetly discuss with the screener what your physical limitations or capabilities are before you start a hand-wanding or pat-down procedure.

6. Medical supplies, equipment, mobile aids, and/or assistive devices are exempt from the one carry-on plus one personal item rule.

7. If you have a medical device implant inside or outside your body, always check with your doctor prior to traveling for the best and safest way to be screened at checkpoint. Ask if it is safe for you to walk through the metal detector or to be hand-wanded. If it is determined that you cannot walk through the metal detector, then quietly ask for a full-body pat-down.

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Passengers should always consult their doctor for the best method of screening. Passengers with a pace-maker, defibrillator or insulin pump should choose the full-body pat-down. Any metal detector could drain the battery in your medical device. If your doctor tells you that your medical equipment cannot go through the x-ray machine or needs special handling, inform the screener and ask for a visual inspection.

There are alternative ways for a passenger to be screened if they do not want to or cannot walk through the walk-through metal detector. When a passenger with a disability approaches a screener, the screener should always be discreet if the person’s disability is discussed and not visible. They should also ask the passenger if they need assistance. The screener should offer all screening methods. They will ask the passenger if he or she prefers to walk through the metal detector, receive a hand-wanding or a full body pat-down. It’s the passenger’s choice. You do not need to disclose your medical condition if you choose to take an alternative screening method. If the passenger walks through the metal detector and it alarms, then the screener will conduct secondary screening using a hand-held metal detector or pat-down.

Ask the screener to change their gloves before undergoing a full-body pat-down or hand-wanding. This will eliminate other people’s germs from spreading. You may ask to sit before, during, and after the screening process if you need to. If you cannot remove your shoes because of your disability, then don’t. Other screening procedures will be performed to clear your shoes through security. Inform the screener of all sensitive areas on your body before undergoing hand-wanding or a pat-down.

At no time during the screening process should a passenger be asked to take off a prosthetic device for screening, nor should a passenger volunteer. Expect an alternative screening procedure, which will include an explosive trace detection test. This will test your prosthetic for explosives and is required by federal law in order for you to proceed to the gate area.

Sometimes screeners need to be able to visually clear a medical device worn on the outside of the body. If this is the case, a private screening should be offered as a requirement by the screener. If this doesn’t happen, the passenger should then request it if they want it. There should always be 2 screeners of the same gender as you (one being a lead or supervisor), you and your family member or companion. Ask for a supervisor or manager if there are only 2 of you going into private screening. You should never be separated from your family member, assistant, or companion when going through the screening process, unless dictated by you. Once your family member has been screened they can offer assistance or directions on the best method for screening if you are not able to communicate it to the screener.

Travel with less stress and be flexible with the changes that come your way with airport security.

Download all 119 Tips for Passengers with Disabilities at: http://www.airportbook.com/bookstore.htm

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