Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags

If you travel with a laptop, things may have changed for you. The United States TSA (that is the Transportation Security Administration which is separate from the current Totally Stupid Administration) has come out with new ways to speed your laptop through the airport security lines. This will allow you to be tortured and delayed by some other meaningless procedure which makes some people feel more safe. We still don't know why anyone would carry a harmful device onboard when you can put it in checked luggage. Checked luggage, cargo and employees are not screened to any amount at all.

The short story is that you need a back with nothing above or below the laptop. No snaps, zippers, pockets or anything else above or below the laptop inside the bag as it lays on the conveyor belt. Instead of pulling your laptop out of your luggage, you pull a sleeved laptop out of your luggage. Unless you travel without any peripherals at all, this may not save you much since you'll still have another larger bag to hold the smaller bag. So you can just use a simple sleeve-like bag...or maybe a big ziplock back. We already know that security people love those.

For your checkpoint friendly laptop bag, here are some more detailed guidelines:

A laptop-only section

The laptop-only section is separate or completely unfolds to lay flat on the X-ray belt

No metal snaps, zippers, buckles or dangerous weapons inside, or on either side of the laptop-only section

No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section

Nothing packed in the laptop-only section other than the laptop. This is why it's called the "laptop-only" section.

A TSA page with some additional information and diagrams

The official press release is here

Why Airlines Are Not Raising Prices

Have you heard about all the complaining from airlines lately? They are getting killed by fuel prices. They are pushing pilots to run on less fuel. Yet they are not really raising ticket prices much. Some are charging more for luggage. Some are charging more for various amenities that used to be free along with higher ticket prices.

So why all the whining and not raising prices? Your local gas station raises its prices. Your grocery store raises prices.

Our baseless hunch is that the airlines are looking down the road. They are looking to go bankrupt so they can get more breaks from government and have leveraging power in salary negotiations. Why would anyone run a business this way to lose this much money and intend to stay running? We can hear it now, "How can any union of pilots or air cabin staff complain about wages when the airlines are struggling so much?"

We want people to fly and to travel. It's our business. But it can cost more. Instead we have pilots running on less fuel to circle the airport or divert if a problem arises. We'd rather pay a bit more, have less crowded skies and be safer. Doing some comparisons to routes we took in 1994 and we found that tickets are cheaper today. Considering inflation and fuel prices that are up about 400% since then, they should be a bit higher.

What do you think?

United Airlines Cancels More Flights

United Airlines is still recovering from weekend storms that buried them Chicago. They had to cancel dozens more flights Thursday as another storm is predicted to lay a blanket of 20 inches of snow on Colorado. This is the second major storm since Christmas.

United, the largest airline at Denver International Airport, is canceling dozens of flights to divert planes from passing through Denver and then being stuck there.

American Airlines Flight Reschedules

American Airlines is allowing passengers to re-schedule their flights at no charge right now. They hope to alleviate some of the hassles at airports during this December snow storm, now hitting the northeast. Kudos to them for doing something decent ahead of time.

Our travel resource contact page has information for all airlines, rental cars and trains.

Flying Green

There really is no such thing as flying green. Flying is a huge waste of resources and pollution to our planet. But when you think you have to fly, there are a few things to think about.

Fly direct whenever possible. Landing and takeoffs consume the most fuel. Takeoffs can use 25% of the fuel for short flights. Try to avoid flights of 600 miles or less.

Can you take a train instead? It is the best way to go if you can spend the time and enjoy the countryside. Or even a car? The share of pollution for one person on a cross country flight is equivalent to driving a SUV for a full day and night.

Fly during daylight hours. Some studies suggest that contrails, the white water vapor lines in the sky trailing after a jet, trap heat and encourage the formation of high-altitude cirrus clouds which in turn holds more heat in the atmosphere.

Fly newer jets. They are more fuel efficient and if more people made this distinction, it could increase demand for newer planes.

One planet, one home, one future for humanity.

Southwest Airlines Dress Code

For the second time in recent months, Southwest Airlines has to apologize for enforcing a dress code they say doesn't exist.

Infringing on his right to free speech in America, an employee told him he had to change his T-shirt, turn it inside out, or get off the plane. He was wearing a fictional fishing shop T-shirt featuring the words, "Master Baiter."

He did change his shirt so he could get home without being delayed.

Southwest Airlines has already apologized recently to a college student who was wearing a denim miniskirt and a sweater over a tank top. She was told to change her outfit or get off a flight leaving San Diego.

So they say they don't have a dress code for passengers but they seem to be enforcing one anyway.

Airport Hotels and Locations

Our guide to just about every airport is now online. You can find over 2,000 airports and airstrips all over the United States. Many are small airstrips that you may not want to know about unless you are a pilot. From there, you can click a link that will search for hotels closest to that airport. Whether they are inside the airport or 50 miles away in the countryside, we'll find it for you. Sometimes, you go into a smaller airport and are not as familiar with the small towns surrounding it. This will make it easier to get your bearings for that business meeting or family event.

New Electronic Air Travel Security

New rules are being developed by the Department of Homeland Security which allow for passengers flying to the US to only have to register every year or two. Not before every flight as some feared. Washington is developing the new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system to improve security and not interfere with business travelers flying on short notice.

Glasgow Airport in Scotland Closed

A burning car slammed into Glasgow Airport terminal in Scotland on Saturday, June 30th. This triggers yet another scare after the UK went on alert over the findings of a couple cars in London with nails and explosives.

If you need a hotel in the Glasgow area, click here to search for availability.

See related news articles here.

Delta Flight 6499: Seven Hours in Tarmacville

Airlines have recently talked about having passenger bill of rights and many have indeed written them up. There is a difference between just writing them and actually following them however. Here is Delta Airlines interpretation of theirs in a YouTube video. No food for you!

You can also join the lively discussion about this video here.

Check Plane ID Number Status For Information

With all the weather issues lately and delayed flights, it seemed like a good time to remind people of this tip. When checking your flight status ahead of time, we often think to ask about the flight number. Well this number is always scheduled to be on time. An airline will usually say that it's on time when you call. The plane you want could be 5 hours away and they'll still tell you that your flight is on time. In reality you want the plane id number to tell you how your flight is probably going to go.

For example, you are in Cincinnati, Ohio. You call and ask "what is the plane id number for flight 573?" They tell you. Then ask, where is plane 21017 (id) located right now?" They tell you it's in Denver, CO." Well, that tells you that your flight in two hours is probably not on time because the plane is not in route to or already at your airport. Sometimes an airline will substitute a plane but that is rare. Most plans have an itinerary and any plane that is in running order is in use somewhere.

Happy Holidays and Safe Travel Wishes

We at AllStays.com wish you a happy safe holiday season. Whether you stay at home, travel down the road or around the world, we hope it's a great time for you and loved ones.

Sincerely,
Adam Longfellow and the AllStays staff.

U.S. Relaxes Air Security

The government is partially lifting a ban against taking liquids and gels onto airliners, that was implemented after a plot to bomb jets flying into the United States was foiled.

"We now know enough to say that a total ban is no longer needed from a security point of view," said the head of the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), at a news conference.

The new policy states that most liquids and gels that air travelers purchase in secure areas of airports, after going through security checkpoints, will now be allowed on planes.

New procedures were also announced for toiletries and other items like lipstick and skin lotions that passengers bring to the airport. These products must be 3-ounce sizes or smaller and must fit in clear, 1-quart size plastic bags.

Air-Travel Security Changes

[Travel news with editorial commentary] Screening procedures are relaxing a bit for air travel. Starting December 22nd, 2005, passengers will be allowed once again to carry small scissors, screwdrivers and other sharp objects. This is said to be implemented so screeners can spend their time searching for carry on explosives instead of what was actually used on September 11, 2001. The biggest threat, cargo, is still not properly screened because it costs too much. Your time, taking off your shoes, is cheap.

You will once again be able to take antique scissors for grandma on the plane but not your Swiss army knife, even if it is in plain sight in a briefcase. You can use metal silverware with your meal but not a box-cutter. You can take any number of sharp objects that are inside electronic devices but not a lighter. You need to buy those again at the airport shops.

Security will become more random so you won't know what to expect. You may have to take off your shoes heading out on your trip but not on the return. You may still be searched or have your id scrutinized at will. This means you will either spend more time with airport personnel or in the airport shops. Either way, a smart terrorist will be successful and the average wannabe terrorist will be stopped.

The risk we take every day is the price of freedom. Only when freedoms are taken away, can we be more safe while we enjoy life less.

Southwest Airlines changes obscenity policy mid-flight

A female passenger was kicked off a Southwest Airlines flight recently for wearing a T- shirt that had an expletive and images of President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Condoleezza Rice.

Southwest rules allow the airline to deny boarding to any passenger whose clothing is "lewd, obscene or patently offensive." However, they only let it become a problem after passenger complaints during the flight. Halfway through a paid for trip, she was forced to either turn her shirt inside out or leave.

Freedom of speech doesn't always apply 30,000 feet in the sky.

New U.S. Travel Restrictions

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. The implementation schedule is as follows:

• Dec. 31, 2005 - All travel to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.
• Dec. 31, 2006 - All air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.
• Dec. 31, 2007 - All air, sea and land border crossings.

Businesses most affected will most likely be those in border towns and cruise lines. In places such as Windsor, businesses depend heavily on short term travelers, for a day, a night or even a weekend. It's casinos and restaurants rely heavily on Americans but border security, lines and delays will most likely keep those travelers at home or choose another fun spot.

Previously, you didn't need a passport to go on a cruise. You could book one last minute on a great deal and take off with a birth certificate. That will change.

New electronic passports (see next article here) present a whole other issue of problems and privacy. What happens when the electronic machine readers fail while you are in a border line? Do they wait for the system to reboot? New batteries? Will they go back to a human scan of the document? What procedure will they everyone properly trained to follow?

What happens when enterprising individuals scan persons going on a cruise, take your identity and go clean out your house while they know you are gone for 7 days? Far fetched? If you are nervous about being an American in a hostile country (or one we are hostile to), the enemy has a way of finding out who you are for sure. Anyone with a internet connection or a private detective license can find out information on you once they have your name and birth date. And you lose control of that information when it is broadcast to the world.

Encryption? Data security? We've heard the news about hackers and bank information leaks and viruses. Your passport won't be any safer. If a human can code it, someone else can break it.

This doesn't stop anyone from walking through the desert or over a mountain. If you were sneaking into a country with ten relatives and a dirty bomb, would you really go through a security checkpoint? A sort of band-aid, this change only treats a scratch, not the object that caused the scratch in the first place. Changing the way we monitor a boder stop only restricts those that follow the laws from the beginning.

Getting a passport

• For passport information, United States citizens can visit the State Department's travel website www.travel.state.gov, or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center: 1-877-4USA-PPT; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793.

• Allow 6-8 weeks for processing of your passport application. If you need to travel urgently and require a passport sooner, visit http://www.travel.state.gov for additional information.

• Peak passport processing is between January and July. For faster service, apply between August and December.

• To obtain a passport for the first time, you must go in person to one of 6,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license.

• Acceptance facilities include many federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, which serve customers who are traveling within two weeks, or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.

• You also must apply in person if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; or if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you are under 16 your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost of stolen.

• You can obtain the application form on-line, at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms.

• You may prove U.S. citizenship with a previous U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state. If; a consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth; a naturalization certificate; a certificate of citizenship

• You can renew by mail if your most recent passport is available and undamaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; and you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change. If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail: You must apply in person.

• First passport fees: age 16 and older, $97; under 16, $82. Renewals: $67. Expedited service: an additional $60.

Source: U.S. Department of State

Midwest Airlines Frequent Flyer Program For Pets

Midwest Airlines today announced a way to reward pets that travel with their owners. The Midwest Airlines Premier Pet Program, the first of its kind in the United States, awards pets one free roundtrip flight after flying with their owners on three paid roundtrip flights or six paid one-way flights.* Additionally, "human" members of the airline's frequent flyer program, Midwest Miles, may earn a free trip for their pets by redeeming 15,000 miles.

"Many customers choose Midwest Airlines when traveling with their pets, knowing that our approach to serving customers also applies to their four- legged family members," said Timothy E. Hoeksema, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our customers travel with their pets to dog and cat shows, to second homes, and on pleasure and business trips just because they enjoy their company. We decided it was high time we threw a bone to our best customers -- and their best friends -- for their loyalty to Midwest Airlines with a frequent flyer program just for pets."

Susan Kerwin-Hagen, coordinator of the Premier Pet Program and a trainer of show dogs, says Midwest makes an extra effort to reassure passengers traveling with pets. "To lessen any anxiety, pets are allowed to check in with their owners at airport ticket counters, and pets are the last to be loaded and the first to be unloaded from the plane," said Kerwin-Hagen. "We also have a special passenger notification tag attached to the kennel. After the pet is loaded, a portion of the tag is detached and given to a flight attendant who personally delivers it to the pet's owner in the cabin."

The American Kennel Club has commended Midwest Airlines for taking an important step in expanding its service for pet owners and recognizing dog owners' needs. "By rewarding owners who fly with their pets, Midwest Airlines will help alleviate many travel concerns for these individuals," said Stephanie Lane, director of Canine Legislation for the American Kennel Club. "The Premier Pet Program's flexibility will allow countless AKC constituents -- including dog owners, show exhibitors, breeders and sportsmen -- who travel even just a few times a year -- to take advantage of its benefits."

Midwest Airlines features jet service throughout the United States, including Milwaukee's most daily nonstop flights and best schedule to major destinations. Skyway Airlines, Inc. -- its wholly owned subsidiary -- operates as Midwest Connect, which offers connections to Midwest Airlines as well as point-to-point service between select markets on regional jet and turboprop aircraft. Together, the airlines offer service to 50 cities. More information is available at http://www.midwestairlines.com .

    * Pet owners have 36 months to accumulate the three paid roundtrips or six

     paid one-way trips needed to earn a free roundtrip for their pet -- a

     $150 value. Any person or pet living at the same address can combine

     their trips, a great advantage for owners who may have more than one dog

     or cat. Pets are accepted only on Midwest Airlines Boeing 717 and MD-80

     aircraft, and Midwest Connect Beech 1900 airplanes. The Premier Pet

     Program applies only to owners and pets that travel together on the same

     flight; it does not apply to pets shipped as cargo or service animals.

Southwest Airlines Extending Its Internet-only Fare Sale

Southwest Airlines extends its systemwide fare sale with discount Internet-only airfares as low as $39 one- way with a 14-day advance purchase. Fares range from $39 to $149 one-way and vary by destination and day of travel. To book the fare specials available at southwest.com, go to: http://www.southwest.com/jp/hotfares_air.shtml?src=PR_sale_011705

The 'ATA Hawaii Sale' Makes It Easy

The 'ATA Hawaii Sale' Makes It Easy to Get a Great Fare for Holiday Travel

The 'ATA Hawaii Sale' Offers Great, Low Fares To/From The Hawaiian Islands for Travel Through February 16, 2005 or January 4, 2005 Between San Francisco and Honolulu INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ATA Airlines, Inc. (OTC: ATAHQ - News ) today announces its "ATA Hawaii Sale" for holiday travel. Full story

Travel Tips To Ease the Crowd Hassles

Traveling for the holidays can be easier. Here are a few tips to help avoid a few of the headaches and roadblocks along the way to see friends and family.

Heading to the Airport

Hopefully you booked early, got a good rate and are traveling with some flexibility. If not, you'll be like most of us. You may have already checked in and printed out your boarding passes. Many airline websites let you do this at home. If not, try to find a kiosk at the airport to check in and avoid the lines. If you don't need to speak with airline personnel, don't sweat the lines. Try to use public transportation or get a ride to the airport. Parking lots tend to fill up quickly around the holiday travel season. To reduce the airport shuttle fare, see if you can leave your car closer to the airport, with a friend or even at your workplace.

The Transportation Security Administration provides expected wait times (http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov) for the security checkpoints at various airports. This does not include time for parking and airline check-in. The TSA also has an accepted lock list for your luggage. If you do not use one of these locks, you run the risk of your bag or lock being cut open by screeners. This is also the place where a sense of humor or temper has to be kept buried inside you. Any inappropriate jokes or statements are taken seriously and subject to both civil and criminal penalties, and could cause you to miss your flight.

Every morning, airports around the country start fresh with planes on the ground. The earlier your flight, the more likely it will be on time. Other airports and storms haven't had a chance to create havoc with your holiday. And if you are on the west coast, try to go even earlier. Remember that eastern airports have a head start on messing up your schedule.

Carrying with You

Plastic compression or space bags really do work. They compress your clothes down and let you carry more (and maybe unnecessary) items with you, as long as you don't leave a stray piece of metal or zipper hanging out to puncture it. Try to wear several layers of clothes once in the airport so you can take off or add something to be comfortable. Jonathan Stocker of AllStays (http://www.allstays.com) recommends carrying a calling card to avoid high priced pay phone and hotel charges. "Hotel and airport phone rates vary wildly so a calling card is the best bet. Cell phones don't always work when you want them to on the road. If crossing country borders, we recommend carrying a color photocopy of your passport and credit card phone numbers in your money belt or tucked away in your luggage, somewhere apart from your original. It helps during troubles or if yours is lost. It's also good to print out any emails and confirmations of reservations of both flights and hotels. If over the phone, with us or any travel service, write down the date, time and name of the customer service person."


Screening

To make the screening process a bit smoother this holiday travel season, you may want to empty your pockets, take off your jewelry, your belt and your shoes and put everything into your carry-on as you head into or stand in line. You may also carry a ziplock bag that you can fill ahead of time and drop into the smaller basket at the metal detector. This is handy for keys, change, or anything you want to have immediate access to on the other side of security. Laptops and video cameras have to be removed from cases and placed in plastic bins as well. If you are selected for further screening or pat-downs, you have the right to request a private area. This may not please the screener personnel but it is your right.


Gifts

You may want to check into shipping your packages ahead of time. It's often easier and safer to mail them ahead of time than it is to carry them on or risk loss and damage in cargo. You may also want to look at large merchant websites that have branches in other countries. You could order gifts direct from an international version of Amazon.com within your destination country and save on some shipping charges. If you do carry them, bring all gifts unwrapped to an airport. It is rather sad seeing a beautifully wrapped package opened at the airport, unless you intended to give it to the screener inspecting it. You may wish to use holiday bags or boxes to help hide a gift but still have it be accessible.

Before and during a flight

Drink water early in the day of your holiday travel flight. This gets you well hydrated ahead of time. Keep drinking fluids throughout your travels or as much as convenient. This helps to keep your mucous membranes from cracking which opens you up to more germs. Turn off the air vents or direct them away from you. This is recycled air and you don't need it and it’s germs blowing directly on you. Most airlines have cut back or eliminated pillows and blankets. This is just as well since you don't know where they've been before you got them. Use your own travel pillow and clothes. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you and use it often. Ideally, use it after touching any public surface or money and before touching your food, your face or rubbing your eyes.

Rental Cars

Rental companies assume about 20% in no-shows. So they overbook. Try to get to the counter as soon as possible. Have a family member get your luggage while you go to the counter. Get there ahead of other travelers or you may wind up without a car on a holiday's eve.

Hotels

Book early and bring your printed confirmation with you. Just in case. "Hotels should always honor reservations, but if a mistake occurs, it could affect an entire holiday. Bring your proof of reservation or pre-payment with you," say Jonathan (http://www.allstays.com). Whatever travel website you used, mark down their service phone number along with the number of the hotel so you can call them to help sort it out. Being prepared for anything helps for a smooth holiday." Look for bargains at hotels in business areas, suite hotels and extended stays. Holiday travelers often overlook these classes of hotels and they may offer a great deal with business clients staying home this time of year.

Stronger Airlines to Protect Travelers

A law was recently extended by the U.S. Congress to make stronger airlines cover travelers that may find themselves stuck with a ticket on a bankrupt airline. It was included in the intelligence reform bill as an extension of a provision intitially included in the 2001 airline bailout after 9/11.