- Documentation
- All passengers must present a passport that is valid through your return travel date when traveling to Lisbon.
- To obtain a new passport or to renew your passport, visit this passport information page.
- All passenger names (first, middle and last names) on airline tickets / e-tickets must match passport exactly or the airlines will deny boarding.
- Any changes after ticketing may result in additional fees and penalties.
- Non-U.S. citizens should contact their consulate to determine the necessary documentation.
- Travel with photocopies of your travel documents and passport in case the originals are lost or stolen.
- Entry into any foreign country can be denied if you have a criminal background. Please check with the country’s consulate or embassy here.
- Important note for married people or anyone who has changed their name: If your maiden/former name is on your current passport, you must make sure your airline ticket has the same name. (The name on your ticket must match the name on your passport.)
- State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP):
The State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enrollment benefits:- Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
- Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
- Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
- We strongly recommend that you enroll in this free program before departing for your international destination. To learn more, visit the STEP website.
- The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, is another resource. Visit the Know Before You Go page to learn more.
- 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 60 minutes prior to 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 45 minutes prior to departure.
- We recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours prior to 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 mobile web app will include your flight information and confirmation number to use as a reference at check-in.
- Visit the TSA website for more information.
- Entry/Exit System
- Approximately 72 hours prior to departure, travelers are encouraged to download the official Travel to Europe app and complete the required EES pre-registration questionnaire. Completing this information in advance may help streamline the immigration process upon arrival in Europe. For full details and instructions, please refer to the AHF Patterns of Success’ website FAQs.
- Packing Tips
- Many international carriers have weight restrictions. Please check the airline's website directly for specific information.
- One carry-on bag is permitted per person, plus a personal item (laptop, purse, camera bag, etc.). The bag may not exceed 45 linear inches (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 swimsuit (if applicable) should your luggage be 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. For more details visit this TSA website.
- The 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.
- 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.
- Verify departure time
Be sure to call or check the airline website (phone numbers and websites listed below) or use the airline’s mobile app before leaving for the airport to verify that your flight is on time.- Air France (AF): +1 800-237-2747 / www.airfrance.us
- American Airlines (AA): +1 800-433-7300 / www.aa.com
- Delta Airlines (DL): +1 800-221-1212 / www.delta.com
- Iberia Airlines (IB): +1 800-772-4642 / www.iberia.com
- Ryanair (FR): +353 1-697-1368 / www.ryanair.com/gb/en
- TAP Air Portugal (TP): +1 800-903-7914 / www.flytap.com/en-us
- United Airlines (UA): +1 800-864-8331 / www.united.com
- Flight delays
Once you check-in, the reservation is in the hands of the airline. If your travel is interrupted or cancelled 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 AHF Patterns of Success Travel Headquarters of the new flight information. While in line, if you'd like assistance with possible flight options, call AHF Patterns of Success Travel Headquarters at 866-992-1898. If you call outside of business hours, an option is provided to be forwarded to one of the Air Specialists for assistance. - Luggage identification
Securely attach the AHF Patterns of Success luggage tags you received in the mail to each piece of luggage you are checking. 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. - Arrival in Lisbon
- Upon arrival, proceed to passport control, where your passport will be checked and stamped.
- After passport control, you will be directed to the baggage claim area. The belt number where your luggage will appear is displayed on screens inside the baggage claim area. Airport staff might pull bags from the belt, so be sure to check both on and off the belt for your luggage.
- Trolleys are available for your luggage. (Note that trolleys cannot exit the terminal building). Once you have collected all your luggage, you can proceed to the customs area.
- Upon entering the main arrivals hall, you will be directed to exit the terminal building. You will see uniformed travel staff, with AHF Patterns of Success signs along the way, directing you to awaiting vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
- 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 / currency
Major credit cards (Visa/MasterCard) are accepted in most shops, resorts and restaurants. Some will also accept American Express and/or other cards. Activate your credit cards before you travel, and make sure they are valid for at least 30 days after you return home. Some places may require a minimum charge, and others may not accept certain cards, so it’s best to bring more than one.- 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. As a security measure, credit card companies may put a hold on a card showing activity that does not follow your usual profile.
- The Euro is the official currency, and exchange rates fluctuate daily. For the most up-to-date exchange rates, visit this website.
- Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Lisbon at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. We recommend using your ATM card to withdraw Euros from a local ATM at the official exchange rate. Check with your bank or card provider before traveling to confirm your card will work internationally and to review any foreign transaction fees. Purchases made with credit cards will also be processed in Euros at the prevailing exchange rate, which may be more favorable at the time of billing.
- Destination tips
- Have the hotel phone number and address with you when you leave to explore the area.
- Bring photocopies of your ATM 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.
- Drinking water
A change in drinking water anywhere in the world can cause stomach distress. We recommend drinking bottled water when you travel. - Expenses
Personal items such as room incidentals, laundry, phone calls, movie rentals, and activities not sponsored by AHF 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. - Health insurance
Check with your health insurance provider to make sure they cover medical expenses in Lisbon. Any treatments received while in Lisbon must be paid for at the time of treatment and filed with your insurance company when you return home. - Hosted events
- Welcome Reception on September 15
- Group Activity on September 16
- Group Activity & Dine Around on September 17
- Farewell Dinner on September 19
- Meal allowance
Stop by the AHF Patterns of Success Hospitality Desk to pick up your meal allowance for the duration of your stay. This allowance is provided for use toward your lunches and dinners at leisure, giving you the flexibility to explore Lisbon’s incredible dining scene throughout the week. - Medical information
Please advise AHF Patterns of Success Travel Headquarters 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. - Mobile web app
The AHF Patterns of Success mobile web app will contain everything you’ll want to know about your upcoming trip, including an attendee list, a personalized itinerary, and a virtual Help Desk so you can text questions to on-site travel staff. A few weeks before travel, you’ll receive a text message (it will come from a 231-area code number) providing the link to the web app. Simply click the link and the web app will display in your smartphone’s web browser. We recommend bookmarking it or adding it to your home screen so it’s easily accessible. We also recommend using the hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi when using the app to avoid excessive data usage. - Name badges
Before leaving your room for any AHF Patterns of Success group dinners or sponsored functions, please be sure to bring and wear your name badge. Name badges are required at all AHF Patterns of Success sponsored functions. - Special dietary requests
We are happy to help you with special menu requests (i.e. vegetarian meals, etc.) and any other special needs. Please contact AHF Patterns of Success Travel Headquarters via email at AHFPatternsofSuccess@proghq.com if you did not note your request during registration. - Time comparison
Lisbon, Portugal, observes Western European Summer Time (WEST) during your stay. Lisbon is 5 hours ahead of Philadelphia and Boston and 6 hours ahead of Houston. For example, when it is 1 pm in Philadelphia or Boston, it is 6 pm in Lisbon; when it is 1 pm in Houston, it is 7 pm in Lisbon. - Weather in Lisbon
September typically brings warm, pleasant weather, with average daytime highs around 79°F (26°C) and evening lows around 63°F (17°C). Light layers are recommended, along with a lightweight sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.