The world is a pretty germy place.  When your at home or in an environment that you can control, it’s easy to take control of your exposure to germs.  But travelers get hit with germs in ways that they can’t always plan for.  One of those germy times is passing through airport security.  ecoLiving Essentials has developed two eco-friendly products to help give travelers a little bit of a defense against the germs of the world – Biodegradable Travel Booties and a Biodegradable Shower Cap.
The company was founded by two moms, who, as frequent travelers. were concerned about their germ …read more

After all the preparation that you’ve gone through, from packing efficiently at home, making sure that you have the important things in your carry on, getting to the airport, and checking your bags, you still have the daunting task of getting through the security screening process.
After you check your bags, take a deep breath, queue up, and get ready to wait.  The lines are likely to be long this time of year, but there are things you can do to put that time to good use.  Sure you can chat on your phone or with your traveling companions, but …read more

As we rapidly approach the busiest travel time of the year, I’ll be having some extra Back to Basics posts.  I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them every Wednesday, and that these Back to Basics Extra posts leading up to the holiday travel season that will make your travels a little easier.
Today, I tackle the the planning and packing that will help you comply with the liquid and gel restriction, and make getting through airport security a breeze.
Let’s be honest, the big headache at the airport is getting through security.  It’s time consuming, the rules seem to be continually changing, …read more

With the Thanksgiving Travel Season on the verge on launching, I thought it would be a good time to review some basic travel information.
One complaint that I hear is the people are forever having to show identification.  When you check your bags, when you check in for your flight, when you’re queuing up in the security line, and then again after you pass through security. 
Here’s what the TSA has to say about why all those ID checks are necessary:
 

Getting through the airport security line MAY just have gotten a little easier with the new TSA policy that will allow travelers to leave their laptops inside “checkpoint friendly” bags.  The new rule will take effect on August 16th.
Using a “checkpoint friendly” bag means having one that contains ONLY your laptop (no cords, plug ins, or extraneous attachments), and that can unfold to lie flat on the x-ray belt.  No metal snaps, zippers, buckles, or pockets. 
With this type of bag, you would place the bag directly onto the belt, rather than putting it into a separate screening bin.   …read more

I was sitting at the airport earlier this week, and a very nice gentleman seated next to me asked this question:
 
Q.  Do Flight Attendants have to go through this whole security rigmarole than I just did?
A.  It depends. 
When we are on duty and in uniform, we are not subject to the restriction about liquids.  (No don’t ask me to carry anything onboard for you!)  That’s why you may see Flight Attendants carrying through a cup of coffee or a bottle of water.  When we are on duty, we also can cut to the head of the security line to …read more

The LIQUIDS & GELS restrictions has been in effect for awhile now, but there’s rarely a day that goes by that I don’t observe confusion about it at a security screening checkpoint.
With the busy summer travel season nearly upon us, it’s a good time to talk about liquids once again.  The TSA has tried to make it easy for us with a campaign of 3-1-1.  No more than 3 ounces of any size, in a 1 quart sealable bag, with a limit of 1 per person.
The other day I saw an argument at security over what was and wasn’t …read more