Travel security

TSA scanner didn’t read my boarding pass

a video game screen with cartoon characters

TSA scanner didn’t read my boarding pass A few weeks ago I got an email from a friend, who had a great experience with TSA (/sarcasm). He has Global Entry (and therefore TSA Precheck), and had his boarding pass on his phone for a trip to Nashville. When he tried to scan his boarding pass…

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TSA Blunders

cartoon character with a bubble

Normally when I write posts with titles about airport security, it’s usually the TSA that has made some ridiculous mistake. Alas, this time it was me.  It’s like I had never flown before in my life! Since we were going to be in Las Vegas for a couple of days before the conference started, we…

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I’m sorry, TSA bins have WHAT in them??

a yellow bag of wipes

“Presence of dangerous bacteria….evidence of fecal matter….can potentially lead to overwhelming infections in your bloodstream.”  Sounds scary, right?  Where would something like this be? you might ask.  Well, according to a travel story from NBC tests revealed it was in security bins at an airport! It makes unfortunate, disgusting sense when you think about it. …

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Airport theft

a black bag with a strap

I’ve been lazy lately. Lazy and trusting. If I’m at the airport and I’ve sat down at a table, I’ll walk a few feet over to grab a napkin, cream for my coffee, or a fork, leaving my laptop on the table or my purse right there. Yes, I make sure my bags are zipped…

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TSA offering $15k to help solve security lines

a toy figurines next to a machine

Apparently TSA has finally noticed that airport security lines are really long, and NBC News is reporting that they’re offering a cash reward to help solve the problem. If they choose your idea as the winner, you can get up to $5k in cash. Alas, they want suggestions a little more complicated than someone making sure…

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FYI: Global Entry users

a black adapter with a white cable plug

I got Global Entry last fall, and have sung its praises ever since. After waiting two and a half hours in customs returning from Manila last summer I knew I had to sign up! Now no matter how long the line customs takes about….two minutes. It’s amazing. Plus you get TSA Pre-check, saving time at…

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Another reason to bring mobile chargers on international trips

A year ago my phone died during the return trip from Manila. Due to insane delays in customs I wasn’t able to charge my phone before my connecting flight, and just assumed I would be able to charge it on the flight home. Despite recent flights on many planes with plugs, this particular flight had…

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What’s in my liquids bag?

a group of containers of cosmetics

As I packed for my most recent trip, the Home Warrior walked by my suitcase and picked up my liquids bag. “What’s this?” heasked. I can see the confusion! Right now, I’ve pared my liquids bag so far down that it looks like a collection of a few random items in a Ziploc bag. When…

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The perfect toy for a frequent flier family

a screenshot of a computer

Your child’s birthday coming up? Look no further for the perfect gift! The Playmobil Security Check Point will provide your family with hours of fun. It includes a passenger, two TSA agents, a luggage scan, and metal detector. Whether you’re trying to explain to your kids why you have to leave so early for flights,…

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Is Global Entry worth it?

Last week I posted about making airport security easier for new business travelers. One of the commenters pointed out that Global Entry and TSA Pre-check are the best ways to go through security quickly. I completely agree! For $100, you get five years of Global Entry and TSA Pre-check. This means: Way shorter lines at…

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