Travel security

Airport Security Tip: Put Your Small Items in a Container

a blue eyeglass case

It’s not always easy figuring out the best ways to go through airport security. Between changing TSA rules, long lines, and tons of gear, it can feel like a hopeless maze for infrequent fliers. After a decade of business travel I sometimes think I have seen all the possible ways to slow down the security…

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Let’s Talk TSA Consistency (or Lack Thereof)

a backpack with a bag inside

What should travelers expect when they get to the TSA security line? Hmmmm. That’s an interesting question. Reader J says… I find the inconsistencies in TSA so interesting. I’m flying out of BNA this morning and usually get them triple- marking my boarding pass, looking intently at me as the hold up my drivers license…

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Making airport security easy

a black briefcase with a laptop and other items in it

For those not accustomed to the vagaries of airport security, getting from the ticket counter to the gate is extremely stressful. The people, the rush, the rules, pulling stuff out of your bag, the looooong lines, the general craziness….It’s a lot to expect non-frequent fliers to sail through airport security without a hitch. But don’t…

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Do you use an RFID-blocking wallet for travel?

a blue wallet with a zipper

My parents leave this week for an international work trip. My mom is actually going to be gone for a month, visiting two very different continents. While helping her with preparations this past weekend, she asked me if she needed an RFID-blocking wallet. “What are they? Is there any point?” she asked me. I didn’t…

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Report shows TSA missed 95% of banned items during test

a knife with a black handle

Back in November I wrote a wish list for the TSA.  At the time, TSA Administrator Chief John Pistole was stepping down (the longest serving administrator of the agency) and I wanted to address things I would like to see with the new administrator.  Well, I guess I should have included one more request on…

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3 things people dislike about airport security & what to do about it

a black suitcase with silver handles

Going through security at an airport can be a frustrating experience, to say the least.  Travelers just want to get through as quickly as possible so they don’t miss their flight, and on a good day have time to grab a bite to eat before boarding.  But no matter how badly you want to get…

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Traveling through security with food for Thanksgiving.

a man wearing a pie hat

It’s that time of year where millions fly to see family for Thanksgiving.  Some of you will make the bold decision to travel with your favorite dish through security.  I personally will be driving to my Thanksgiving destination so you won’t find me with a pie in the sky (or with this pie hat I…

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Wish list for the TSA

a logo of a transportation security administration

TSA Administrator chief John Pistole—the longest serving administrator of the agency—recently announced he’ll be stepping down at the end of this year.  During his four years overseeing the agency I’ve noticed pretty steady improvements in how we go through airport security, and overall I’m relatively satisfied.  There are, however, some things I would like to…

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Do you have to take tablets out at security?

a grey rectangular plastic container

Do you have to take your tablets or eReaders out of your bag at security? Reader T asks… I’m going to try traveling without my laptop next week and just bring my iPad. Do I need to take it out at security? Great question! There seems to be some confusion about what exactly needs to…

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Don’t fold your boarding pass on the bar code!

Yesterday was a very dramatic travel day, involving delayed flights, last minute connections, and dramatic sprints through the airport. It all started with an issue I’d never seen before, and wanted to share so you can avoid this in the future! At Newark the security lines were mercifully short. As I got to the Pre-check…

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