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Family Lanes at Airport Screening Areas

I frequently make use of the family lanes offered at my local supermarket so when I heard the Transportation Security Administration was experimenting with screening lanes designed specifically for families with children I was anxious to learn more. Heck, as far as I am concerned any parent who has struggled with juggling multiple tots and totes while navigating airport security areas should be interested in the new program. According to TSA security officials, the idea for the family lanes is to ease the pressure on parents journeying through an airport with young children. In airports around the world parents with … Continue reading →

TSA Making a Fortune from Forgetful Travelers

Have you ever found yourself running back to an airport security checkpoint because you forgot a personal item? Apparently, not very many airline passengers bother to return for the spare change they are forced to deposit into bowls at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. According to the government, in 2010, travelers left behind $409,085.56 in loose change at TSA security areas. The exact breakdown: $376,480.39 in dollar coins, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies, plus another $32,605.17 in foreign currency. So, who are these wealthy flyers, who forget or choose not to collect their change when exiting the security screening areas? The … Continue reading →

A Step in the Right Direction

It’s one small step for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and one giant leap for parents around the country traveling with young children. Today, moms and dads embarking on holiday flights to grandma’s house and beyond can rejoice knowing that the upcoming chaotic travel season will not require their kids to take off their shoes before stepping through airport security. Even better news: According to the TSA, pat downs of children will be drastically reduced, though not completely eliminated. The official word from the TSA states that children under 12 will no longer be forced to remove their footwear before … Continue reading →

Travel Tip: Know Before You Go

When I go through security checkpoints at the airport I am fully aware that I may not be reunited with my carry-on post pat down. Frankly, I am a bit surprised that I have fared as well as I have given that I am typically too busy trying to get my young child through the metal detectors and past wand-swinging TSA agents to keep an eye on our bags. Needless to say, my concern about losing my material possessions while flying only intensified after learning about the recent TSA employee-run robbery ring that was uncovered a few weeks ago. Am … Continue reading →

Where to Celebrate Spring

So you don’t have the time or money to fly to Hawaii or take a jaunt to jolly ol’ England, but you don’t want to be the only one staying home while the rest of the country soaks up the sun. Don’t fret; the following destinations make for a perfect spring fling getaway: AUSTIN, TEXAS Springtime in Austin is warm, sunny (temps average in the low 80s) and laid back. The city is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and you’ll see why once you tour the downtown area. That’s where you’ll find more than 100 venues … Continue reading →

Know Before You Go

Much has been said about the TSA’s full-body screenings at airports, but now that the busiest travel day of the year is in the books, most people have come to the conclusion that the majority of the hype was due to overzealous media outlets. Still, if you plan to fly anytime during the remainder of the busy holiday travel period (roughly from now until January 3, 2011) there are a few things you should know before you head to the airport. For example, full-body screening is still optional, though the price for opting out is enduring a rigorous pat-down procedure, … Continue reading →

Not the Way You Want to Start Your Vacation

“Hope for the Best. Expect the worst.” I think Mel Brooks helped make those words famous. Or maybe it was the person, who typed them up on small pieces of white paper, and stuck them into fortune cookies. Either way the idiom often becomes my mantra when traveling with children. I just survived a 10,000-mile journey to and from Hawaii with my young daughter, and yes, I hoped for the best, but expected the worst. Shockingly, things went fairly smoothly… unlike past trips. Despite two delayed flights and a few shoulder blows courtesy of the guy sitting behind me, who … Continue reading →

Good News for Laptop Lovers Taking Flight

I can’t count how many times I have been stuck behind an annoyed business traveler at an airport security checkpoint who spends precious minutes complaining to Transportation Security Administration agents about having to take his or her laptop out of its bag. I stand there (holding my carry-ons, my child and her backpack) staring at my watch contemplating how to politely tell my fellow flyer how much quicker we could all make it through the line if he would simply close his mouth and open his bag. It’s the rule. So deal with it and stop wasting other travelers’ time … Continue reading →

Summer Travel Tips: Pack Your Patience and Some Common Sense

Summer might be halfway over, but millions of Americans have yet to embark on their annual family vacations. For those of you who are planning to take to the skies during the last weeks of summer be warned–packed planes, tighter security, horrific luggage restrictions and frustrated fellow flyers await you. Still, if your situation is like mine there is no other option besides flying to visit family and friends abroad. Fortunately, there are some ways to make the most of flying during the peak summer season. By planning ahead and using common sense you can avoid travel hassles whether you … Continue reading →

Taking to the Skies this Fourth of July

From the highways to the skyways millions of Americans will be on the move during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend. In fact, according to a survey by travel-deal publisher Travelzoo.com, as many as 44 million Americans plan to travel over the holiday weekend. For its part, AAA is forecasting that 4 million Americans will take to the air over the holiday. That’s a 2.3% drop from last year, though travel analysts say you will not likely experience a noticeable difference at the airport. According to the Air Transport Association, about 210 million passengers will take to the skies … Continue reading →