TSA

Put Away Your Bin in Airport Security

September 9, 2019 by Shawn Collins

You know those bins you put your things in at the X-ray machine at airport security? When they come through the other side you are supposed to take your bin(s) and move them out of the way to where they are stacked.

But you know this – most every airport security area has signs reminding you.

Still, there are lots of people who just walk away and let the bins pile up to create one more security bottleneck.

So, what’s your deal? Travel diva? Clueless goon? Selfish asshole?

Whatever it is… be considerate and put away your stuff. It literally takes a second. Do that and move on.

Your Driver’s License Needs a Star for You to Fly Next Year

July 8, 2019 by Shawn Collins

Starting on October 1, 2020, US adults will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license has a gold star like in the picture above. Without one, your driver’s license will not be a valid form of ID to fly after October 1, 2020.

This change is due to the Real ID Act of 2005, enacted May 11, 2005, which was an Act of Congress that modified U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication, and issuance procedures standards for state driver’s licenses and identity documents, as well as various immigration issues pertaining to terrorism.

If you don’t update your ID, you can also use other forms of identification that are approved by TSA:

Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Get more details on the TSA Real ID page.

Get a TSA Friendly Laptop Backpack to Go With TSA Pre✓

April 1, 2019 by Shawn Collins

If you travel a lot I would imagine you already have TSA Pre✓ (if you qualify), or better yet you should have Global Entry for fast re-entry to the US (it includes TSA Pre✓).

With the expedited security all set for you I would then recommend a backpack to bring as carry-on that will make security carefree.

I’ve tried various brands for TSA friendly laptop backpacks, and my favorite is the SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Friendly Laptop Backpack 19″ Blue.

Last year I flew over 130,000 miles and this backpack was there for every one of those miles. I’ve had it for nearly two years and it’s held up great.

According to the description, the backpack features “ScanSmart lay-flat technology” to open quickly at airport security and ensures a hassle-free laptop-in-bag TSA scan, but it’s been a while since they have even asked me to unzip and open it – for at least a year it’s just gone through the scanner totally zipped.

This backpack protects up to a 17″ laptop and a whole lot more.

There is an easy access laptop and iPad compartment with a front organizational pocket for all of your pens, notebook, passport, keys, etc.

Also, there is a front, large, U-zip pocket for quick access essentials. Then there are two, breathable, side compartments for an umbrella, oversize water bottle, or a change of clothes.

Before you add your things this backpack is just 3.3 pounds and very comfortable to carry.

The SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Friendly Laptop Backpack 19 inch Blue has 4 1/2 stars out of 5 on Amazon, and I’d highly recommend it.

TSA

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