TSA

Tag Archives for TSA.

Traveling During a Government Shutdown

a map of planes flying over the ocean

The government shutdown has lasted over three weeks, and the effects are definitely being felt by travelers. TSA agents are among those affected by the shutdown, working without pay at airports across the country. As a result multiple airports have reported shutting down security lanes or even entire terminals for periods of time. This means…

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5 Tips to Make Holiday Travel Go Smoothly

a christmas tree with lights

The holidays are upon us, and people across the country are packing up and hitting the road to be with loved ones. My sisters and their families are both coming here, and it should be a fun (chaotic!) time with seven kids six and under running around. One sister is driving, which is relatively straightforward.…

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Automated Security Lines Help Security Move More Quickly

a woman carrying a bag in a conveyor belt

Automated security lines have been rolling out at airports across the country for a couple of years, but I finally had the opportunity to experience them myself last month. My thoughts, in short: YES. The system feels a little different but it definitely makes security lines move faster. And anything that gets me to spend…

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Wait for your luggage at airport security

a black and blue backpack

Back and forth, across the country, everywhere, all the time…. Y’all I swear I’ve been so busy I’m losing my mind. What a crazy few weeks! Many apologies for the tardy posts. Hoping now that some of my major travel is past I can get back to a regular writing schedule. Today I want to…

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Tips for making airport security easy

a man's id card with a rainbow and text

For new travelers airport security can be overwhelming. The long lines, the wait times, the changing rules….it can all add up to a confusing mess if you’re not used to it. Here are a few tips for making airport security easy and simple to get through. Be prepared. Wear shoes that can easily be slipped…

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TSA changes electronics screening guidelines

a white and blue cover with dandelions

Yesterday the TSA announced that they would expanding enhanced screening for electronics bigger than a phone. They have been piloting this at ten airports, and are now ready to take the new standards nationwide. The takeaway: laptops, eReaders (pictured),  tablets, and gaming consoles will need to go into a bin by themselves, with nothing on top…

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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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Breaking the Code to Travel Toiletries

a purple bag with clear objects inside

(You may be wondering about the title of the post. I just finished re-watching the BBC series Sherlock, and it was even better the second time. Everyone should go watch it!! Okay, on to the post….) Travel toiletries can be one of the most stressful parts of packing for a business trip.  The idea of…

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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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