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Can We Find A Way To Eliminate Liquid Restrictions On Airplanes?

Have you ever wondered how it is possible that we can create a vehicle that transports people to the moon, yet we can’t seem to come up with an airport-screening device that can detect liquid explosives? Having such a machine would mean that we could all go back to toting unlimited supplies of juice for our children without having to worry about exceeding the Transportation Security Administration’s existing 3-ounce rule. Well… it looks like help is on the way. Hopefully. Executives with the Homeland Security Department recently announced that they are working with top government scientists to test a new … Continue reading →

Hotels Help The Liquid-less Traveler

One of my best friends is a flight attendant for American Airlines. While her routes change monthly (some months she overnights in Dallas, other trips mean spending multiple days in New York) one thing remains constant: she lives and dies by her carry-on. So you can imagine what life has been like for her (and other flyers) in the wake of the recent foiled terrorist plot and subsequent ban on liquid toiletries in carry-on bags. No toothpaste, no hair gel, no mouthwash. Flight attendants and business travelers who have either had to purchase the products at their final destination or … Continue reading →

There’s Nothing Frugal About Traveling For Christmas

Travel in general is not frugal, but you’ve got to live from time to time. Still we manage to find ways to cut the costs. Read: A Few Tightwad Tips for Road Trips Money Saving Travel Tips for Cash Strapped Flyers Saving Money on Your Next Vacation—Book Early Regardless of how you plan and save over the winter holidays however, it is difficult to control your wallet. One of the biggest reasons that winter travel is so expensive is unpredictability. For example, right now, four days before Christmas, there is a major snowstorm across the country. People are stranded in … Continue reading →

Cracking Down on Carry-Ons

Weeks ago when American Airlines announced it would be charging passengers $15 to check in their first piece of luggage (and $25 for the second bag) every travel analyst in the country echoed the same comment: Beware of an impending crack down on carry ons. Sure enough a few days ago American Airlines announced it will be clamping down on the size of carry-ons (and you can bet other carriers will follow suit in a timely manner). American is the first airline to issue a statement regarding carry-ons. According to an American spokesperson, the airline usually adds extra staff during … Continue reading →

What You Need to Know About the New Homeland Security-Approved Drivers Licenses

For starters the only people who will need to have new Homeland Security-approved drivers licenses are those U.S. residents who wish to use their ID to board an airplane or enter a federal building. If you were born after December 1, 1964 you have until December 1, 2014 to make the switch. Old drivers have until 2017 to get a new ID. You are not being forced to get one. They are no rules that require states to issue the new identification cards to every resident, but if you don’t get one you will not be able to use your … Continue reading →

Carry-On Rules—-Let’s Review

Think you know everything you need to in regards to getting through airport security screening areas without a problem? Then you are in the minority. According to a new report by the Transportation Security Administration, a number of air travelers are still in the dark about certain restrictions. Given this I thought it might be a good time to offer this review: BATTERIES As I mentioned in a previous blog, on January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation implemented a new restriction on how batteries can be carried on planes. Passengers can no longer pack loose batteries (meaning those not … Continue reading →

Eliminating Long Waits At Airport Security Screening Areas

What would life be like if we couldn’t call ahead and reserve a table at our favorite restaurant? And what would golfers do if they didn’t have the option of making a tee time? The scene at eateries and golf courses would likely resemble the chaos of airport security screening areas. Frustrated individuals made to wait in endless lines taking their ire out on the people next to them. But, what if airline passengers were able to reserve a time to go through airport security checkpoints? Don’t choke laughing. The Transportation Security Administration recently announced it is exploring whether such … Continue reading →

Travel Alert: Dangerous Hotel Toothpaste

Is nothing sacred anymore? A word of warning to all of you travelers: If you took home complimentary toothpaste from your most recent hotel stay beware. A supplier that provides toiletries to luxury hotels has recalled tubes of toothpaste that are potentially toxic. Take a look in your toiletry kit immediately and look for the Gilchrist & Soames label. If you see a tube with that name on it, dispose of the toothpaste right away. The toothpaste was made in China. Yes, the same country that has come under scrutiny for manufacturing faulty tires, toys that make kids sick, and … Continue reading →

Airlines Lift Bans on Lighters and Breast Milk

Good news for you frequent fliers who like to light up… the Transportation Security Administration just announced it’s lifting its ban on lighters. Beginning August 4th airline passengers will be allowed to carry on most types of cigarette lighters. TSA agents say they will no longer confiscate disposable butane lighters, such as Bics, and refillable lighters, like Zippos. However, torch-style lighters, which have hotter flames, will still be banned. TSA administrators say easing the ban will allow airport screeners more time to search for greater threats, such as explosives. According to the TSA, lighters are currently the leading item seized … Continue reading →

What To Consider Before Staying At A Bed and Breakfast

Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away. The holiday falls on a Wednesday this year so you can bet that Bed and Breakfast’s around the country will see brisk business on the days leading up and following February 14th. And why not? Unlike its flashy resort cousin, the B&B is known for providing a cozy, intimate, romantic experience. Well… that is if you pick the right one. The following are some points to remember before pulling out your credit card to book a room: Location. When I was doing research about B&B’s I found that Fredericksburg, Texas (population 9,000) … Continue reading →