Tag: Travel

Wondering what’s on the TSA Packing Ban List?

Well, the TSA just rolled out a new list of banned items, and it’s making even the most seasoned travelers lose their patience.

Everyday things you’ve packed for years are suddenly off-limits, and officers are seizing personal belongings left and right. Before you find yourself arguing at an airport security checkpoint, here’s what changed, and how to avoid TSA tossing your belongings in the trash.

1. Cordless Hair Tools

These trendy cordless hair straighteners we all love so much? Sorry, but you can’t pack yours anymore.

The TSA has banned cordless curling irons and flat irons that use gas cartridges, butane, or lithium batteries in checked luggage, calling them a potential fire risk.

You can only bring them in your carry-on luggage, and even that comes with this fine print:

  • The heating element must be covered and protected
  • It can’t accidentally turn on mid-flight
  • No spare gas cartridges allowed

If you’re not sure what kind of hair tool you own, you might want to leave it at home — because once TSA takes it, you’re not getting it back.

2. Lithium-Ion and Battery-Powered Items

If it plugs in, charges, lights up, and/or glows, the TSA has new rules for it now.

They now say lithium-ion and battery-powered devices must go in your carry-on suit case, and can’t be in your checked luggage.

The rule applies to the following common travel items:

  • Power banks (aka portable battery chargers)
  • Wireless headphones
  • Portable electric fans
  • Mini-massagers
  • Vape pens and e-cigs
  • Spare batteries ( Pro Tip: Store extra batteries in a case or sleeve, because if they roll around unprotected, you can still get flagged.)

The reason for the ban? According to TSA and the FAA is that these are a potential fire hazard in the cargo hold.

Of course, travelers find it confusing, and say it’s easy to get this wrong. My best advice is to keep anything with a plug in your carry on luggage.

3. Liquids and Foods (Like Peanut Butter)

First up, Liquids

Remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids? Here’s the deal, if you’re unfamiliar with it:

  • Liquids, gels, creams, and spreads must be in containers that are under 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
  • Everything must fit in a single quart-size clear plastic bag
  • One quart-size bag per person (TSA makes no exceptions)

Some non-Liquid foods now count as a liquids

TSA still loves the 3-1-1 rule, and now they’re enforcing it harder than ever with new items counting as “liquids.”

Nowadays, TSA has clarified that peanut butter counts as a liquid, sparking outrage among travelers.

That means your full-size jar of Skippy is now contraband. If it’s in a container that is under 3.4 ounces (100 ml), then it’s ok.

and it’s not just Peanut butter

On a personal note, my nephew recently had his jar of Nutella confiscated, so it’s not just peanut butter, but other liquid-ish food items too!

To TSA, your shampoo, your lotion, and now your peanut butter, hummus and Nutella all constitute as “potential threats.”

4. Sharp Objects, Knives, and Other “Dangerous” Items

Sharp tools and souvenirs have always been touchy, but now agents are cracking down harder than ever.

Here’s what’s officially banned from your travel backpack, carry-on suitcase, and/or hand luggage:

  • Knives, box cutters, and scissors with blades over 4 inches long (10 cm)
  • Anything sharp that “looks like a weapon” (determined at their discretion)
  • Multi-tools, Swiss army knives, pocket knives, and similar items

Keep in mind that even if an item isn’t banned, TSA officers can still confiscate it “at their discretion.” Bottom line: You’re at their mercy.

Many travelers are complaining that they’ve lost expensive pocket knives or tools they’ve carried for years — even when rules seemed unclear.

Erring on the side of caution, don’t put anything with a sharp point in your carry-on baggage. I lost an expensive pair of pointed tweezers because of this.

Pro Tip: Double-Check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” List

Every few months, TSA quietly updates its rules, and most people never hear about it until it’s too late (like when they’re taking your stuff from you).

Since it’s your responsibility to know what you can/can’t bring, visit tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring before you fly.

Checking for updates to the TSA packing ban list will take you two minutes, but could save you hundreds of dollars in seized items, so it’s worth it.

Source: Travel Mexico Solo©

San Antonio Mini-Vacation

Photos taken during my recent trip to San Antonio, Texas.

Yes, I did travel by Amtrak in a roomette that had seen better days. New equipment please Amtrak!

The Texas Eagle is one of the few Amtrak trains that doesn’t have WiFi, and some areas we passed through had little-to-no cell reception. My solution was to use my I-phone as a hot spot, and I enjoyed cell reception and was able to use it with my I-pad. Phew!

You will need an I-pad or similar device because long-distance trains are great when they run properly, but delays can be tough to avoid. Amtrak mostly operates on freight railroad lines, which means you’re often at the mercy of those dispatchers. To make matters worse, some lines run on a single track. So, if there’s an oncoming train, you have to wait on a track siding until it clears.

This is where I called home for 31 hours. New equipment pretty please!

Fast forward to some sightseeing.

The Alamo

The shrine Texans call “The Alamo”. Not very big, but has a heroic, heart-breaking story behind it. A 13-day siege that left 200 Americans dead. Its museum is a must see. The names of Alamo defenders James Bowie, William B. Travis along with Davy Crockett are etched into Texas folklore and American history. Do visit it if you can.

The Alamo has a statue listing all the men who died defending it.

The San Antonio River Walk

The San Antonio River Walk, also known as the “Paseo del Rio,” is a stunning 15-mile urban waterway that weaves through the very heart of San Antonio.

While the downtown section is famous for its lively restaurants, unique shops, and exciting nightlife, the River Walk offers a diverse range of experiences across its entire length.

The River Walk is San Antonio’s biggest draw. You will discover the best Tex-Mex food anywhere along its banks. They even serve it or drinks on the river boats.

The San Antonio Botanical Garden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a refreshing venue for someone used to cold and snow this time of year at home.

To see a bed of flowers growing so well in February that I came to question why I loved Chicago so much! It was 84 degrees and ok, somewhat warmer than usual but still, Veggies and flowers in February?

Warm enough to grow cabbage.

Hippeastrum

Peacock Plant

And this, that I first thought was a plant from outer space:

My phone states that it’s a Red Alga, but I can’t find it described anywhere else. So, outer space?

Vietnam Memorial

As a member of that particular group, this statue was poignant.

I also carried the radio in my platoon…San Antonio is a very veteran welcoming city. Many veteran retirees live there.

All good things…

So ends my mini. It’s back to snow and cold because the groundhog saw his shadow. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Have you ever visited San Antonio? I think it’s must-see.

Amtrak’s Best USA Rail Pass Deal Yet

A train traveling alongside a river, with snow-capped mountains in the background and autumn foliage reflected in the water.

Save Almost 50%! USA Rail Pass for $250.

Celebrate America’s big 250th birthday with big savings on Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass. From now through Jan. 20, you can purchase this best-selling pass for only $250 (that’s $249 in savings). Take 10 rides over 30 days to your choice of 500 destinations — for only $25 per trip.

Whether you go to the next coast or the next town, this pass is perfect for those who want to see the country in a new way and go where cars can’t. Soak in your surroundings, chat with your fellow passengers, live in the moment and let the journey on Amtrak take center stage.

Flexible and ready for spontaneity, you can book rides on the fly and easily change your plans or routes as long as it’s prior to the scheduled departure time.

Offer ends Jan. 20.

Terms and conditions apply.

Source: amtrak.com©

Kristi Noem announces new TSA security lane for families and military members

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced on Thursday that the TSA will open security lanes dedicated to families and military service members.

“Families on the Fly” will create dedicated security lines for families with small children and give families a $15 discount for TSA pre-check enrollment, Noem said at a press conference at Nashville International Airport.

The new policy has already begun a pilot program at an airport in Orlando, Florida, home to Disney World, Noem added.

“This means that when families come into our airports and enter our TSA security checkpoints, they will have dedicated lanes specific for families,” Noem said. “They’ll be expanded areas that will give them the benefit of recognizing that they have children with them, and will help make sure that we have the ability to take care of them and their families as they go through this expedited process with their kiddos.”

The “Honor Lane,” which will expedite security checkpoints for military service members and their families, opened in Nashville last month, Noem said. The new military lanes are available at 11 different airports and will expand elsewhere soon, particularly near military bases.

TSA will also begin offering Gold Star families TSA pre-check enrollment free of charge, she said.

“These tokens of gratitude are just a small amount of what we can do in this country to honor those who serve in our military, but also them and their families, and recognize their sacrifice,” Noem said at a press conference at the Nashville airport.

The new security lanes come amid broader changes to TSA policy

Earlier this month, Noem announced that travelers were no longer required to take their shoes off while going through security checkpoints.

She addressed the new shoe policy on Thursday.

“Ending the shoes off, policy will decrease our passenger wait times through our security checkpoints and it’ll make sure that it is a more pleasant and efficient process for everybody,” Noem said.’

And earlier this week, Noem suggested that TSA might change its policy on how much liquid passengers can carry in their carry-on luggage.

Currently, travelers can carry liquids in travel-sized containers 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item in their carry-on bag. Containers with larger amount of liquid must be stowed away in checked suitcases.

TSA’s liquid limitations were implemented following a thwarted terrorism plot to blow up transatlantic airliners with liquid explosives in 2006.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com

Going to Scotland? Check out these Places to Visit.

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain. It shares a border with England to the Southeast and is surrounded by sea to the northeast, north, and west.

Most Scottish live on the mainland and in the center of Scotland, though there are nearly 800 islands off the coast! Scotland features wild coastlines, beautiful white sand beaches, stunning mountains, and rolling hills.

Here is a list of cool places to visit in Scotland.

Closing time for Tom Sawyer Island, Rivers of America at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Sunday, July 6 is the last operating day for Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat and Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom in Florida.

For decades, this tree-lined stretch of Frontierland and Liberty Square invited guests to break away from the hustle and bustle of the world’s most visited theme park, to take in the scenery and slow down.

The closing was announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event last August, but a specific date wasn’t shared until June.

Here’s why the attractions are closing and what guests can expect from their replacement.

Why is Disney closing Tom Sawyer Island?

Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat and Rivers of America are closing at Disney World as part of Magic Kingdom’s largest expansion to date. The Florida park is getting a whole new area beyond Big Thunder Mountain, including a new Villians land in years to come.

The space where Tom Sawyer Island is now will be replaced by a new “Cars”-inspired area different from the Radiator Springs setting of Cars Land in Disney California Adventure.

The new area will be called “Piston Peak National Park.”

“Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers,” Disney Parks Blog posted in June. “Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar ‘Cars’ universe.”

Disney said Imagineers will use a style of architecture developed by the Natural Park Service to blend structures into Rocky Mountain-inspired Piston Peak, and trees will serve as a natural border between an off-road rally attraction and the rest of Frontierland and Liberty Square.

Concept art shared by Disney shows water will also remain a prominent part of the landscape.

Source: this article originally appeared on USA TODAY

Photo by alchetron.com©

The REAL ID deadline is one week away. Here’s what TSA wants you to know

If you still haven’t secured your REAL ID yet, time is running out. Your domestic air travel could be delayed if you don’t have an accepted form of identification at TSA checkpoints next week.

The Department of Homeland Security is set to enforce the May 7 deadline for “REAL ID” after years of pushing it back. The REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government enhance security standards for identification.

Travelers have been scrambling to get their licenses changed to avoid disruptions in domestic travel plans this summer and into the holiday months. Passports are still an acceptable form of identification for both domestic and international air travel, and non REAL ID compliant licenses are still valid for driving and other identification purposes outside of the federal requirements.

While the May 7 date seems to have set off a mad dash for documentation, “leading up to the deadline, TSA has been engaging heavily with states, airlines, airports, Congress, and the travel industry to encourage compliance among travelers,” a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration told CNN.

“TSA resumed the ‘Be Your REAL ID Self’ national public advertising campaign in July 2024. We are committed to continue engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025.”

What is a REAL ID and when is the deadline to have it?

TSA: Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes are: Accessing certain federal facilities; boarding federally-regulated commercial aircraft; and entering nuclear power plants. Enforcement begins on May 7, 2025.

If I show up at the airport after May 7 and I don’t have a REAL ID, can I still fly?

TSA: Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (i.e., a passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted beyond the security checkpoint, if their identity cannot be verified at the checkpoint.

Context: About 81% of travelers at TSA checkpoints nationwide present an acceptable identification including a state-issued REAL ID, according to TSA. The agency expects the number of passengers obtaining REAL IDs to steadily increase even after the deadline of May 7.

According to a recent CBS news analysis, 30 states were less than 70% compliant with new ID requirements as of mid-April.

How can I tell if I have a REAL ID?

TSA: REAL ID-compliant credentials are marked with a star at the top of the card. Contact your state (department of motor vehicle services) for more information on how to ensure your ID is REAL ID-compliant. A few states have a unique way of displaying the star (i.e., California has a golden bear on the front of the license, with a star on the bear.)

Will my passport always serve as a usable alternative?

TSA: Yes.

Source: cnn.com©

Southwest Airlines as we know it is over. Here’s what’s changing.

Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday what was once unthinkable: It will start charging customers to check their luggage.

It’s a $300 million gamble. Last year, Southwest said its “rigorous research” found it would lose that much in market share if it started charging bag fees. The policy has set Southwest apart from its competitors for decades.

Getting rid of its famous “two bags fly free” strategy is part of a massive push at the carrier to ditch its long-standing customer perks and policies. Southwest also announced last year that it’s moving from open seating to a single-class cabin in order to raise revenue. Another change announced Tuesday: basic economy tickets that don’t allow free changes.Expand article logo  

Here’s what travelers need to know about the new policies:

Who will pay for bags?

Travelers who buy any ticket except Southwest’s top-level Business Select fare will have to pay fees to check bags. Customers who purchase a Business Select ticket will be able to check two bags for free.

Top-tier A-List Preferred frequent flyer program members will also get two checked bags for free. A-List level members will be able to check one bag for free, as will those with a Southwest credit card.

How much will it cost to check a bag?

Southwest didn’t disclose how much it will cost to check a bag, but fees start at $35 apiece on competitors Delta, United and American.

When do the new policies take effect?

The new checked baggage fees go into effect for tickets purchased on or after May 28.

Can I still bring a carry-on bag?

Carry-on bag policies haven’t changed, even for basic economy tickets.

All tickets will include a free carry-on bag, even for the new basic economy tickets.

What else is happening?

 Southwest is going to launch a basic economy fare that is not refundable and doesn’t allow for changes. It won’t allow for same-day standby tickets.

Flight credits for those “basic” tickets, if unused, will expire in six months while credits for other flights will expire in 12 months. Previously, Southwest credits didn’t expire.

The carrier last year said it plans to start selling tickets with assigned seats, ending its decades-old open-seating policy. It will also soon offer seats with extra legroom, a bid to compete with more full-service airlines.

Source: CNBC©

Travel warning issued to popular tourist spot ahead of spring break

The threat level in the region has been upgraded to “Level 4 — Do Not Travel Due to Crime and Kidnapping,” the highest of the U.S. State Department’s four-tier safety ranking system.

However, the travel advisory level for Mexico as a whole has remained at “Level 2 —Exercise Increased Caution” for several years, along with other popular American tourist destinations including France and Germany.

The recent alert was issued due to “increasingly frequent gun battles” in the areas in the late night and early morning hours, as well as the rising implementation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by criminal organizations.

People should be aware of their surroundings, monitor local media for updates and notify friends and family of their safety.

Source: msn.com

Photo Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images