Resident Training
Travel Information

Congratulations on your decision to train at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP). Once you’ve received your itinerary, the only obstacle standing between you and world-class training is getting from your place to ours.

The majority of flight arrangements are scheduled using electronic tickets (e-tickets). You will not have a traditional hard copy ticket, but you will have a flight itinerary which contains your travel information (flight number, departure time, departure location, etc.). The ticket provided is the property of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); if unused, the cost of this ticket will be refunded to DHS and should not be refunded, or credits issued to the traveler.

We ask that you do not make any changes to the CDP-provided airline ticket. If a change to your ticket is made by you or your agency, you will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred. Unauthorized changes to your airline ticket may result in significant delays in your transportation from the airport to the CDP. All CDP transportation to and from the airport is scheduled based on the CDP-provided airline ticket.

If you’re flying – which is how more than 75 percent of our students travel to the CDP – you’ll need to do a little advanced planning. If you’re traveling between June 1 and Aug. 31, you’ll be joining an average of more than 2.51 million travelers who fly on U.S. airlines each day during that period, according to trade group, Airlines for America. With that in mind, below are a few tips for a smoother travel experience.

The day before you travel

This is a good time to look over your CDP itinerary; it has all the information you need to check-in online 24 hours before your flight’s departure. You can either print your boarding pass then or at the airport prior to your flight.

Preparing for Airport Security

Packing your carry-on

If you’re a state, local, tribal or territorial responder, you are authorized reimbursement for one standard-size, standard-weight checked bag. This will leave more room in your carry-on for a couple of snacks, something to read and the chargers for your electronic devices, although it’s always a good idea to fully charge your devices before you leave home. Remember to follow the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 3-1-1 rule: liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be in 3.4 ounces or less and all bottles must fit in a single, quart-size plastic bag.

Leaving for the airport

The rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport two hours ahead of your flight’s departure time, but three hours will give you some wiggle room if you find yourself in an excessively long line at a security checkpoint. If you want to know just how long the wait times are, you can log into ifly.com. Under "At the Airport," you can find security wait times, terminal maps and airport delays for just about every U.S. airport.

Security screening

Once you near the checkpoint, have your ID and boarding pass out, ready to hand to the TSA agent. When you get to the divesting tables, remove large electronics, like laptops, and your 3-1-1 compliant liquids bag from your carry-on for separate screening. You can’t do much about the long lines at the security checkpoints, but you can do your part to get through the security screening quickly. Start by wearing shoes that you can slip off and on easily. Minimize the number of accessories you wear to the airport. It’s just more items that you’ll have to take off and place in the bin during the screening. Similarly, minimize the amount of items in your pockets. Stow your accessories and pocket items in your carry-on, if possible. If you have to drop them in a separate bin, put them in with your shoes. You might forget your change or keys, but you probably won’t walk away from the checkpoint without your shoes.

Arrival in Atlanta

Upon arrival at the Atlanta Airport, retrieve your luggage at the baggage claim area. After retrieving your luggage, proceed to the South Terminal, Delta Baggage Claim, Carousel #4. CDP Staff will be located between the elevator and escalator directly across from Carousel #4 on the window side. Upon arrival at the CDP reception desk, show your government issued photo ID to the CDP Student Support Services representative.

If you experience travel delays or have difficulty locating CDP Student Support Services representatives at the airport, contact the Travel Department at (866) 213-9549 or (866) 213-9550 immediately.

A government-issued, REAL ID Act compliant form of identification (with photograph) as required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is required to board CDP transportation at the airport and to gain access to the CDP campus (for further information follow this link: http://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs). If your government-issued photo ID does not qualify under these standards the CDP will conduct a security threat assessment prior to processing your application.

Federal, Private Sector, and International students are required to make their own flight arrangements and are not authorized to receive reimbursement from the CDP. They are authorized to travel to the CDP on the provided bus transportation, at no cost, if prior arrangements are made through Student Support Services. If you are an international student, please be prepared to show your passport or visa to the CDP Student Support Services representative at the airport.

If you travel to the CDP by vehicle, the CDP will compare the round-trip mileage cost to the cost of travel by air. Reimbursement is based on the lesser of the two. If carpooling, only the driver may request vehicle mileage reimbursement. If you travel to the CDP in a government vehicle, no reimbursement for mileage is authorized.

Plan to arrive at the CDP Lodging facility by 4:00 p.m. (CST) on your arrival day. Refer to your CDP Invitational Travel Letter to determine your authorized travel days. A government-issued, REAL ID Act compliant form of identification (with photograph) is required to access the CDP campus.

Driving Directions to the CDP Lodging Complex

In preparation for your drive to the CDP, take time to plan your route to the CDP lodging. If you are using Google Maps, search for "CDP Lodging" in the search box, select "CDP Lodging" from the dropdown menu and select "Start" to begin the google navigation to the CDP lodging front gate.

Upon arrival at the CDP Lodging Complex

A Security Officer will greet you at the gate, verify your identification, and direct you to the CDP Hospitality Desk in Building 320. All vehicles must obtain a parking permit from the CDP Hospitality Desk at Building 320 in order to park in the lodging area. You will receive an orientation briefing in building 320 at 5:00 p.m. (CST).

Travel Reimbursement

To ensure prompt reimbursement for any authorized expenses, be sure to provide all requested documents and other information to your CDP Travel Office Point of Contact. If you are entitled to and do not receive your reimbursement within six (6) weeks of completing your travel, contact the CDP Travel Office at 1-866-213-9549.

If you experience any travel delays or complications, call the CDP Travel office at (866) 213-9549 for assistance.

If you need assistance finding the CDP, call Student Services at (866) 213-9553.

If you will be arriving by bicycle, train, or private plane then please contact your Resident Training Coordinator .

Jet lag can be a problem for travelers who are crossing several time zones. Although it is not a serious condition, jet lag can make it hard for you to enjoy your first few days. Jet lag can affect mood and mental performance. Fortunately, you can take steps to minimize the effects of jet lag.

Before Travel

• Exercise, eat a healthful diet, and get plenty of rest.
• A few days before you leave, start going to bed an hour or two later than usual (before traveling west) or earlier than usual (before traveling east) to shift your body’s clock.
• Break up a long trip with a short stop in the middle, if possible.

During Travel

• Avoid large meals, alcohol, and caffeine.
• Drink plenty of water.
• On long flights, get up and walk around periodically.
• Sleep on the plane, if you can.

After You Arrive

• Adapt to local schedule as soon as possible.
• Eat meals at the appropriate local time.
• Spend time in the sun.
• Drink plenty of water, and avoid excess alcohol or caffeine.

Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers Health. Chapter 2.