Top 10+ Tips For Holiday Travel!

The holidays are here and so is the stress. There is nothing like the stress of booking tickets and traveling during the holidays. Added to that stress is airport security. I am a former airport screener and I have made it my personal mission to help passengers get through airport security fast, safe and easy.

Here are my top ten valuable airport security tips to help you travel through airport security this holiday season. Be sure to tell me your horror stories or comments on traveling through airport security during the holidays.

1. Book your tickets as far in advanced as possible. This will lower the chance of you being chosen for secondary screening, since last minute bookings seem to increase your chances.

2. Pack light. Nothing delays the security lines more than when the x-ray operator has to ask for a rerun on a passenger’s bag because they cannot determine if the contents contain a prohibited item or not. Remember that liquid medications, breast milk and baby formula are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels and creams. Pack your exempt items separate from your regular 3-1-1 carry-on items and declare them to the screener at the divesting table at x-ray.

3. Know what items are permitted and prohibited in your carry-on and checked baggage. Download the “Ultimate Packing List” on the contact page of my website. 40 million prohibited items have been confiscated to date, including explosives, guns, knives and weapons. Do not be only of those passengers who delay the line by bringing a prohibited item to security checkpoint.

4. Use online check-in. The airlines will allow you to check-in no more than 24 hours in advance. This is a BIG stress reducer. If you can print out your boarding pass from home, this alone tells you that you are not scheduled for secondary screening.

5. Use curb-side check-in. The porters have to pay for their carts in some cases, so give them a little and save BIG TIME. I saved 2 to 3 hours of waiting in line when I tipped a porter $20 to check me in curb-side in Orlando.

6. Keep your cool! TSA could charge you up to $5,000 for interfering with the screening process for unruly behavior or threatening comments. This means NO joking around. Do not say any of these words: terrorist, bomb, IED, IID, George Bush and Osama bin Laden.

7. Dress for airport security. No body piercings, no thick bracelets or jewelry. No baggy pants and avoid wearing skirts or dresses. You will increase your chances of secondary screening if your clothing can easily conceal a weapon. Wear slip-on shoes! This alone will save you time.

8. Place your personal bedroom toys in checked baggage. You could shutdown an airport by mistake if they are carried in your carry-on luggage. They have similar components as an IED.

9. Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours for international flights. You don’t know if the person in front of you will do something stupid and delay the line. Power outages, weapon scares, bomb threats are just a few reasons airports will shutdown for hours.

10. Normally you can get cheaper ticket prices on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. During the holidays, avoid traveling that holiday week if possible. Fly early than 10am and later than 3pm if possible. That is peak travel time for security lines.

Tell me your horror stories of going through airport security screening during the holidays.

Happy and Safe Travels!

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Haunted Airports!

Kaua'i, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth to live. The island embraces you with a feeling of love and there is a pulsating spiritual energy that covers the island. I was fortunate to live and work on the island for 5 years. I can recall several instances where I encountered ghosts when traveling around the island. I saw Hawaiian ghosts in my house, at my work, in restaurants and even hotel bathrooms.

At the airport my shift began at 5:00 A.M., even though the first flight didn't arrive until 6:10 A.M. or so. As I walked back to my podium from unlocking the foyer doors, the doors opened by themselves, and then another set of doors opened, then the same set opened again. I felt chills go through my body and got a little freaked out for a second. I regained my composure and thought to myself, standing alone in this room, I wonder if I'm not alone or if it is an electrical shortage. Then I remembered that this had happened in another foyer as well. It was not always the same doors and a different pattern, so I thought an electrical short was unlikely. I knew the history of the Hawaiian Islands and that the airport was close to sacred ground. I was afraid to admit to myself that the airport-and the room I was standing in-was haunted. I was trapped and couldn't leave my post, so I sat there talking to the ghosts-letting them know that I was only there to help people and that I didn't mean any harm. Later, I asked around the terminal and got verification that the airport was, in fact, known to be haunted.

I never told anyone what had happened except for a very spiritual coworker who believed in spirits. I asked her if the doors opening ever happened to her. She said never. I thought that was interesting. It proved my point that it wasn't an electrical short since she was recently assigned to the foyers as a result of an injury. I asked her to do me a favor. I told her that if she said good morning to the ghosts from me, they would respond by opening the doors for her. The next morning she did what I asked her to do, and sure enough the doors opened for the first time for her too. She couldn't believe it. She said they knew my name and that I had made some friends. I responded by saying, “Blessings to them.”

There is a story about a lady in white who stands on the jet-way late at night. She just stands there, blowing in the wind. Many employees have seen her and agree she's not a malicious ghost. She just wants to exist. There seem to be a lot of friendly ghosts, like Casper. Knowing the spirits were friendly put me more at ease.

I discovered historically that the Hawaiians buried commoners along the shorelines and kings and queens in caves. Since the airport is built at the water's edge, I would say I was visited by Hawaiian commoners who wanted to check me out. The hair on my arms always stood straight up when they came around.

If you want to research Hawaiian ghosts, look up Night Marchers. Happy Halloween!

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Criminals And Petty Thieves Travel Too!

Do you often wonder how many crimes are committed at the airports? Eighty-five percent of crimes committed against travelers occur at the airport. Approximately 2 million passengers fly a day with an expected 1 billion passenger to fly per year by the year 2015. More people travel, more opportunities for criminals to prey on unsuspecting travelers.

Let’s talk about how not to become a victim of crime. Remember to purchase privacy tags for your luggage to keep your information just that--private. Don’t give out personal information out loud. Write down the information or speak softly so no one else will overhear. Do not give out financial or personal information while talking on your cell phone. Do not work on confidential files while on the airplane. You don’t know if the person behind you is staring through the gap in between the seats. Use the buddy system if you can when visiting the bathroom. Some bathrooms across our nation are used for meeting places for men or women looking for a good time. Direct all questions to airline employees, security or police if you need information.

When traveling through airport security be sure to place your valuables and all metal objects in your carry-on and not the small trays they provide you at checkpoint. Do not place money clips with your paper money still attached in the small trays. You are really asking for trouble. Be sure to walk through the metal detector at the same time your carry-on and purse are going through. At Chicago O'Hare a passenger placed his computer on a chair and because it wasn't in front of him, he then forgot it. A criminal saw a computer sitting by itself, sat down on the chair where the computer was and slid it into his jacket and walked off in less than 30 seconds. Good news is that is was recovered.

If you’re traveling out of the country, register with the Department of State. This way they know you are abroad and can assist you if you ever help. Wear a money belt for important documents, money and your passport. Buy a handbag made with wire. You can purchase or view these purses and bags at my website. Always keep your wallet in your front pocket and when you take it out, do not set it down on the counter. It may disappear or you may walk away and forget it. Make two copies of your passport. One copy should be left with a trusted family member or friend; the other should be stowed in your carry-on luggage. This way you have a copy if you lose it or if it gets stolen. Don’t act like a tourist. Dress like the locals and act like the locals. Tourists are likely targets. Be familiar with local laws and customs. Ask your hotel concierge what neighborhoods are safe to walk in at night and know the one that are not. Lastly, always use your intuition. If your gut tells you that something is wrong…listen to it!

I am providing this information to you not to make you paranoid, but to make you aware of the need for preparation for a safe and happy trip. Please be aware of your surrounding, especially if you are abroad.

Happy and Safe Travels!

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5 Must Know Tips For Air Travel With Lighters And Matches!

As of August 4, 2007 common lighters are a permitted in carry-on baggage and on your person when walking through security checkpoint. You are only allowed to carry four books of safety matches in your carry-on or on your person through security checkpoint per person. Matches and lighters are prohibited in checked baggage with one exemption for lighters. Those lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited in checked baggage, then pack your lighters in your carry-on baggage or on your person.

Torch Lighters are still prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is held. Torch lighters continue to be banned.

When I worked in checked baggage, back when lighters were banned, I had to concentrate on searching for lighters and matches as well as IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices) and other prohibited items. I am positive all screeners and passengers are relieved that the lighter ban has been lifted. HURRAY! No more focusing on lighters, unless they are in checked baggage. It was a very tedious job and now that it is over, the screeners can concentrate on more threatening items such as IEDs and their components.

The ban on lighters when into effect April 15, 2005 and TSA was confiscating 22,000 lighters a day across the nation. My question is why were there a total of 11,616,217 lighters confiscated in the year 2006? Do we think the rules don't apply to us? I would here passengers in line say, "I'll just sneak my lighters through and they will never see it." Well, that passenger was wrong. Don't think you can sneak prohibited items through security checkpoint. Arm yourself with my information and be prepared for security. You will reduce your stress levels and make your trip a happy one. Go to airportbook.com for your MUST HAVE travel reference manual.

TIPS

1. Carry lighters and only four books of safety matches in your carry-on or on your person.

2. Don't pack your matches or any lighters in checked baggage. They will be removed.

3. Don't use a Marlboro bag for checked luggage. This is a big tip there may be lighters or matches in your bag.

4. Don't buy lighters while traveling and expect to return home with them, unless they are packed in your carry-on or on your person.

5. Torch lighters are still prohibited in checked and carry-on baggage.

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7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities- Part 1

When traveling through airport security it is important for all passengers to be comfortable with the screening process. Passengers with disabilities should go directly to the boarding pass identification checker, bypassing the line at security checkpoint. The checker will direct the passenger to the lane that is recognized for people with disabilities or special needs. Ask if the lane is not clearly marked or noticeable.

This lane allows the passenger extra time if needed to go through the screening process without additional stress. Screeners can and will assist passengers with disabilities once the passenger arrives for the screening process. Screeners should always ask permission before touching or helping you. They can offer a hand, arm or shoulder to assist the passenger through the walk-through metal detector. They also can assist with loading and unloading your carry-on baggage.

A passenger should never feel rushed. Most airports have porters in front of the airports to assist all passengers with their luggage. A porter also has a dual function of assisting passengers to and from the gate and throughout the airport when necessary. A person who requires additional assistance throughout the screening process should contact the airlines ahead of time and arrange porter service.

Always consult your doctor prior to traveling for the best screening process for you and inform the screener how you want to be screened. Screeners should always inform the passenger of the process whether they're in primary or secondary screening. A private screening should be offered before the process begins. You may request a private screening at any time. Two screeners of the same gender as you should be present during private screening. Whether you are in private screening or not, always ask the screener to change his or her gloves before they touch you or your personal items. This will reduce the amount of germs picked up from other people's baggage.

Liquids, gels and creams that are used for medical conditions or devices are automatically exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. 3 ounces or less, one zip-top bag and 1 bag per person. If your liquid medication is over 3 ounces, place those items in a separate plastic zip-top bag and hand it over for inspection. Only take enough medication in your carry-on baggage for the flight. Place all additional liquid medication in your checked baggage.

All medication must be clearly marked with a manufacturers or pharmacy label. Normally, medication is x-rayed; however, you can request a physical inspection if your doctor recommends it. Always use a plastic bag and pack your medication separate from other carry-on items. To avoid contamination or damage, you will be asked to handle and repack your medication throughout the visual inspection process. Any medication that cannot be visually cleared must be x-rayed to allow you into the sterile area of the airport.

7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities

1. You will be screened in your wheelchair or scooter if you cannot stand or walk.

2. Ask the screener to assist you with taking off or putting on your shoes. Shoehorns should be available.

3. Companions or a family member should make suggestions on the best way to screen a person with a disability or may accompany and assist you through the screening process.

4. Contact the airlines in advance for their procedures in handling additional medical aids, such as an oxygen supplier or a wheelchair.

5. Discreetly discuss with the screener what your physical limitations or capabilities are before you start a hand-wanding or pat-down procedure.

6. Medical supplies, equipment, mobile aids, and/or assistive devices are exempt from the one carry-on plus one personal item rule.

7. If you have a medical device implant inside or outside your body, always check with your doctor prior to traveling for the best and safest way to be screened at checkpoint. Ask if it is safe for you to walk through the metal detector or to be hand-wanded. If it is determined that you cannot walk through the metal detector, then quietly ask for a full-body pat-down.

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7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities- Part 2

Plan Before You Stand!

When you make your reservation, communicate your needs to the airlines. Make plans ahead of time for items such as: oxygen supply for origin, transfer hubs and destination, a porter to help with luggage, and/or a wheelchair to help you move through the airport with ease and with less stress.

All passengers with disabilities should arrive at the airport a minimum of 2 hours early. You should always ask the airlines for a gate pass at the time of check in. Gate (escort) passes are for relatives, companions, or assistants who are not flying but accompanying the passenger to the gate. A gate pass is subject to the airlines discretion. Place identification tags on all checked baggage, carry-ons, equipment, and mobility aids and devices. Remember that your medical equipment, mobility aids and devices are exempt from the 2 carry-on or checked baggage rule.

Passengers should always consult their doctor for the best method of screening. Passengers with a pace-maker, defibrillator or insulin pump should choose the full-body pat-down. Any metal detector could drain the battery in your medical device. If your doctor tells you that your medical equipment cannot go through the x-ray machine or needs special handling, inform the screener and ask for a visual inspection.

There are alternative ways for a passenger to be screened if they do not want to or cannot walk through the walk-through metal detector. When a passenger with a disability approaches a screener, the screener should always be discreet if the person's disability is discussed and not visible. They should also ask the passenger if they need assistance. The screener should offer all screening methods. They will ask the passenger if he or she prefers to walk through the metal detector, receive a hand-wanding or a full body pat-down. It's the passenger's choice. You do not need to disclose your medical condition if you choose to take an alternative screening method. If the passenger walks through the metal detector and it alarms, then the screener will conduct secondary screening using a hand-held metal detector or pat-down.

Ask the screener to change their gloves before undergoing a full-body pat-down or hand-wanding. This will eliminate other people's germs from spreading. You may ask to sit before, during, and after the screening process if you need to. If you cannot remove your shoes because of your disability, then don't. Other screening procedures will be performed to clear your shoes through security. Inform the screener of all sensitive areas on your body before undergoing hand-wanding or a pat-down.

At no time during the screening process should a passenger be asked to take off a prosthetic device for screening, nor should a passenger volunteer. Expect an alternative screening procedure, which will include an explosive trace detection test. This will test your prosthetic for explosives and is required by federal law in order for you to proceed to the gate area.

Sometimes screeners need to be able to visually clear a medical device worn on the outside of the body. If this is the case, a private screening should be offered as a requirement by the screener. If this doesn't happen, the passenger should then request it if they want it. There should always be 2 screeners of the same gender as you (one being a lead or supervisor), you and your family member or companion. Ask for a supervisor or manager if there are only 2 of you going into private screening. You should never be separated from your family member, assistant, or companion when going through the screening process, unless dictated by you. Once your family member has been screened they can offer assistance or directions on the best method for screening if you are not able to communicate it to the screener.

Travel with less stress and be flexible with the changes that come your way with airport security. 

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15 Important Tips Revealed: Airport Screening for Children with Disabilities

Children are born to move. They have tons of energy and need an outlet to burn it up, so it can be tough to get them to be still and listen. It is even more difficult for children who have special needs or disabilities to be confined to an area.

Most large airports have a designated lane for passengers with a disability. It normally is marked with a universal handicap symbol (blue placard). If you have a child with a disability, you may utilize this lane if it is available at your airport. You can also use the kid friendly lanes. If you don't see a blue placard right away, then tell the boarding pass/identification checker that you will need to use a lane designated for children with a disability, and he or she will direct you. 

Some smaller airports may not have an extra lane; therefore, you may be directed to a lane for secondary screening. If you are not selected for secondary screening, you shouldn't have to wait behind those passengers who are. A screener should screen you first. If this does not happen, ask to speak with a supervisor. I suggest you call the airport ahead of time and ask if security checkpoint has a person with disabilities lane available.

If your child is in a wheelchair, expect the screener to ask you if the child can walk through the metal detector. This question will be asked for the sole reason to prevent the child from having to go through secondary screening which includes the dreaded hand-wanding or pat-down. If your child cannot walk, screeners are trained to screen him or her either by a pat-down with the child seated in the wheelchair or a hand-wanding if he or she can stand. It is completely up to you, the parent, how you want your child to be screened.

The same guidelines apply to children as they do for adults for prosthetic devices, oxygen, casts, braces or any medical condition or device. If your doctor tells you that your medical device cannot go through the x-ray or you cannot walk through the metal detector, then don't. Have your medical device hand-checked and ask for a pat-down.

The screeners, like the parent, want what is best for the child during the screening process. Screeners want a positive experience for everyone and do their best to get you on your way.

TIPS

• Go directly to the boarding pass/ID checker, bypassing the line. You do not have to wait in line.

• Stay together. An adult always needs to be present during screening if the child is a minor.

• Ask the screener to change their gloves.

• Ask for a chair at any time if your child needs one during the screening process.

• Ask for a private screening if you don't want the screening to be
  conducted in public.

• If your child cannot or does not want to walk through the metal
  detector, then ask for a hand-wanding or pat-down.

• If your child is in a wheelchair, he or she can be screened sitting down.

• Tell the screener what your child's physical capabilities and limitations are.

• You should always have a clear view of all carry-on baggage.

• Parents should assist if they feel it's necessary after they have been screened.

• Parents should communicate the best way to screen their children.

• The screener or porter should assist you by placing your carry-ons on the x-ray belt.

• The screener should reunite you with your carry-ons and any medical devices once they have been screened.

• The screener will not move or lift your child from his or her medical device.

• Call the airlines ahead of time and make arrangements for a porter to assist you and for any medical aids or devices you need for your trip.

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8 Smart Tips For Airport Security Safety!

Whether you are traveling through the airport on business or for pleasure, the last thing you are thinking of is safety. Sure, you wonder if your bags are going to be at your destination and your focusing on getting to the gate in plenty of time, but are you thinking about the hazards at the airport that could ruin your day? I would like to share a couple of true stories that happened to two different airport employees.

A screener in checked baggage worked with a high-powered x-ray machine, much bigger than those you see in checkpoint. While the x-ray machine was running, she leaned over the belt to get a better view of an obstruction and was sucked into the x-ray machine with her legs dangling out. The x-ray operator reacted quickly and hit the emergency stop button and called for medical assistance. She survived the accident with only a minor concussion and was issued a clean bill of health.

An x-ray machine has a belt on each end-one to load and one to off load. A screener was standing at checkpoint near the off load belt, taking bags off. The screener's glove got caught, and his hand was pulled underneath the belt. The x-ray belt was stopped immediately, and the screener's hand suffered only minor cuts and bruising.

In both cases the screeners did not exercise safety. They weren't focused and consciously didn't consider the consequences. They could have been seriously hurt or maimed. This could happen to you or your children.

The moving parts on an x-ray machine are very dangerous. Exercise caution and keep your loose clothes and body parts away from the x-ray machine's moving parts such as the belt and rollers. Also, never stick your hand in the x-ray machine to retrieve an item. Let it go through and pick it up on the other side. You do not want to be exposed to radiation. Always be aware and report any potential hazard you come across during your travels.

Don't wait by the belt to put on your shoes. This creates a backup, with everyone hovering around in one area. If you leave your bin on the x-ray belt, you will cause several bins to crash, and items will fly out spilling onto the floor. I have seen a bin fly up and hit another passenger. Safety is the main reason the screeners will ask you to move down the table if you don't initiate this action on your own. Don't get testy, and don't snatch your bag or bin out of the screener's hand. He or she is preventing possible injuries and keeping the line moving. Also, the screener may decide by your attitude that you're hiding something and select you for additional screening. Everyone needs to cooperate to make the process a smooth one.

Just remember, if you use a bin at the divesting table, be prepared to pick up your bin afterward and move down. Let a screener help you-and thank them.

TIPS

• Allow the screener to off load your items.

• Keep children's hands off of the metal rollers (rollers help push the
  bags forward).

• Keep your and your children's hands away from all moving parts of
  any machine.

• Pick up your bin to avoid the crashing of bins and potential injury.

• Report any hazards you become aware of.

• Report any objects in the public's path that would cause injury.

• Report any strange odors or water/liquid spillage.

• Report uncovered cords on the floor.

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7 Ways To Keep You and Your Children Stress Free When Traveling Through The Airport!

When traveling with children, you must Plan Before You Stand!

When you get up in the morning to dress your children for travel, remind yourself that they too need to wear clothes with little or no metal. Overalls will alarm. Small children will be asked to remove their shoes, so have them wear ones that slip on.

If your child is traveling alone, parents are allowed to walk them to the gate with an escort pass from the airlines. Just show your escort pass to the metal detector screener, and you are on your way. Ask for a supervisor if the screener questions the pass.

Primary screening is hard enough for children, especially if the screener requests the parents to divest the child's security blanket or favorite stuffed animal. Children don't understand why; all they know is that something they treasure and love has been stripped away from their tiny hands, and now they are upset. By this time they are pitching a fit. They are in the middle of a breakdown. As the child throws a tantrum, the parent is trying to get him or her to walk through the metal detector. The child just stands there and cries. At this point they pick up their child and walk through together. They both alarm. They go back and check to make sure that all of their metal items have been divested, and they walk through again. They alarm again. Now there is a bigger problem as they are both required to go to secondary screening, and the child is even more upset. The crying turns into screaming.

Remember the child started crying at the metal detector and now is in secondary screening. They both alarmed, so the parent holding the child has to be screened too. You cannot pass the child off to the other parent until both child and parent have been cleared.

I have seen three things happen when a child is screaming at the top of his or her lungs. One is that the parent and the child go into private screening, which enables the child to calm down in a private place. The second is that the parent allows the child to scream while the screener performs secondary screening on the child. At this moment, the child usually starts to hit the screener. The third is the parent calms the child down first and screening begins. Ideally, private screening would be the perfect place for an over stimulated child to calm down. This is not the appropriate place for a timeout.

In every case, the screener should clear the child first. Then the child can sit in his or her stroller and recover from such a dramatic experience while the parent is cleared. Some children don't have a problem with undergoing secondary screening, even if they don't understand what's going on. The reason is collaboration between the parents and the screener. A parent must be present in order to conduct secondary screening on your child (under 18 years old). The parent will need to explain the process to their child, and if the child is too young, it is up to the parent to ease the child's fear of the process.

Strollers, car seats, and baby carriers in any form must go through x-ray.

TIPS

• An infant will either have his or her own boarding pass or there will
  be a stamp on one of the parent's boarding passes. Check your tickets
  before leaving the ticket counter.

• Carry your baby or small child through the metal detector.

• Make sure your children are not placing their hands on or near any
  part of the x-ray belt.

• Once you are through the metal detector, pick up your items and
  move down. Leave room for others to come through too.

• Place all carry-on items, including baby blankets, toys, and food, in a
  bin.

• When going through the maze (roped area leading to the x-ray
  machine) keep your children close to you. This is for safety and
  security reasons.

• Ask for an escort pass if your child (under 18) is traveling alone.

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How Can a Mere $5 Worth of Fireworks Packed In a Suitcase Get You a $10,000 Fine and a Rap-sheet?

Summer is almost here and along with it are a couple of fabulous holidays we all really look forward to. One of them is the 4th of July. We celebrate our independence by taking part in fun and exciting festivities like parties and fireworks.
  
We enjoy lighting fireworks in front of our homes or gathering at a park, beach or waterway and watch the pyrotechnicians orchestrate a symphony of lights in the sky. We get to relax and enjoy the visual wonder-land experience for a short time before our minds return to reality.
  
One note of caution for those planning on buying fire-works, go to http://www.usfireworks.biz/legal/legal.htm for your state' legal requirements.
  
Here are some very serious consequences for not knowing the law.
  
When You Travel
  
With over 2,000,000 passengers flying per day in the United States and an expected 1 BILLION in 2015, it's no wonder there are so many people confused by airport security procedures.

My Motto- Plan Before You Stand!

Here's an issue that's important for all kids and adults. Fireworks are considered an explosive. As much as you want to pack your fireworks in your luggage to take them with you, I am here to say, DON'T DO IT! Why? Because, as a former airport security Screener I know you could be fined up to $1,500 per person, per violation. If your fireworks contain over 10 ounces of gunpowder, you could be fined up to $10,000 and be referred criminally. That means arrested. When I was on the job, I confiscated a lot of fireworks from people's bags at checked baggage and in checkpoint. Every person was referred to airport police.
  
I want to save you time, money, stress and a rap sheet. I would like everyone to travel as safe as possible and if it means that parents need to inspect their kid's luggage, then do it! You really don't want to suffer the consequences. Ignorance of what your child carries Ii his or her bags might not spare you a big fine.
  
Just remember that 40 Million prohibited items have been confiscated to date including explosives, weapons, guns and knives.
  
TSA has two categories for Penalty Ranges. There is A and B. The Penalty Range A category has fines that range from $6,000 to $10,000 for the following items:

• Blasting Caps

• Dynamite

• Hand Grenades

• Plastic Explosives

• All other “high explosives”

Penalty Range B has fines that range from $250 to $1,500 for the following items:

• Ammunition (some exemptions apply in checked baggage)

• Fireworks

• Flares in any form

• Gunpowder (Over 10 ounces justifies use of Penalty Range A).

Check with your airlines for their guidelines for carrying ammunition in checked baggage.
  
Enjoy your 4th of July celebration. Just remember, DO NOT pack any fireworks in your checked or carry-on baggage.

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500,000 Pets Fly A Year With 14 Deaths!

If you consider your pet as a family member, as I do, read this section when your pet is traveling as cargo.  Fees and restrictions vary from airline to airline.

The goal is for your animal to be stress free before, during, and after the flight. You can accomplish this by preplanning your trip and taking into consideration the point of origin, transfer, and destination airports:

• Will your animal be accompanied or unaccompanied?
• What time of day are you flying?
• How hot or cold will it be at every airport you're visiting?

Your pet will be in a pressurized, heated cargo department of the aircraft.

KENNEL CHECKLIST

• Attach “Live Animal” labels and your pet's name on the top and side of the kennel.

• One adult dog or cat or no more than two puppies or kittens younger than six months old and less than 20 pounds per kennel. Airline restrictions may vary.

• Indicate your name and address on the kennel.

• Mark or label the kennel with “This End Up” or directional arrows.

• Secure food and water dishes inside and make them accessible from 
  the outside.

• Line the inside with absorbent material or bedding.

• Supply a food and water schedule. The airlines will feed your pet at your request; however, they do not supply the food or water.

• Your pet's health documents must be current and compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Ask your veterinarian to provide a health certificate no more than 30 days before departure if your pet is traveling as carry-on and 10 days if by cargo.

• Check with your airlines for temperature restrictions. During the summer months, fly early morning or late evening to accommodate your pet.

• Book a direct, nonstop flight and avoid weekend travel.

• Make your flight arrangements in advance, notifying the airlines you will be traveling with a pet. Verify with the airlines that your type of pet is not restricted to fly.

• Reconfirm with the airlines 24 to 48 hours before departure that you are traveling with a pet.

• The USDA requires you must offer food and water within four hours before check-in. Some airlines require a signature stating this fact.

• Verify with the airlines the drop-off and cut-off time for acceptance of your pet.

• Your dog or cat must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned before the airlines will allow it to fly.

• The airlines will accept your pet at the ticket check-in counter and deliver it to the baggage claim area at the destination airport.

• Fees for pet carry-on and checked baggage vary from airline to airline.

• Follow USDA regulations when choosing a kennel for your pet. The kennel must be sturdy, well ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand, lie down, and turn around easily. The kennel must close securely without special tools or locks.

• Check with your airlines for availability of prescribed kennels at a fee.

• Check if the destination state (such as Hawaii) has quarantine requirements for your pet.

• Carry a leash with you; do not leave it in the kennel.

• Do not take your pet out of its kennel while at the airport.

• Mark the kennel with a phone number of a person at your destination if your pet is flying unaccompanied.

• Freeze your pet's water dish before you leave.

• Maintain full control of your pet while the airport screener is inspecting your pet and the kennel.

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5 Must Know Tips For Parents Traveling With Children At The Airport!

It takes a lot of time and energy to get through airport security screening. Add to that traveling with small children and the stress of toting all the extra bags, it's a major challenge. As a former TSA Security screener, I saw my share of overstressed parents and very confused children.

My first week on the job as an airport security screener, I was at the Walk Through Metal Detector (WTMD). A family of five approached the divesting table. Mom and Dad were no doubt stressed out. Dad tells his four and six-year-old to walk through the WTMD. Dad goes next and alarms. I stop Dad and tell him to divest all metal and walk through again. In the meantime, the kids are running around having a ball, and Dad is frantically yelling for them to come back. The kids ignore dad. Dad walks through and alarms again. Now he is required to go through secondary screening. I have never seen a man turn that shade of red before. In the meantime, Mom is desperately trying to collapse the stroller while holding the baby and taking off her shoes at the same time. Dad is yelling at Mom to hurry because he's stuck in secondary screening and the boys are still running around. I hope that those parents learned something that day. I know I did.

First of all, Dad and Mom should have controlled their family by keeping the kids between them. Dad holds the baby so Mom can take off her shoes and then he gives back the baby to Mom. Dad collapses the stroller and places it on the x-ray belt with all the bags and bins, and walks through first while Mom watches the kids. After Dad gets through, one by one the kids go through. Finally, Mom and baby go through together. See how easy that could have been?

After witnessing this family's circus act, I decided I would teach passengers how to make the process a pleasant experience. It is the parents' responsibility to control their children and for the children to listen to their parents; however, we know this is not the case some of the time. I had a bird's eye view of how things needed to be orchestrated, and from that day on, I took command of the WTMD. After that day, passengers had no problems walking through with me there guiding them.

On another day, I witnessed a young couple make a big mistake by allowing their three-year-old to walk through the WTMD by himself. First, the child stops and starts to walk, which is incorrect. You must walk through without stopping. Second, the child teeters and holds onto the side of the metal detector, and now the child has alarmed. Don't allow this at the WTMD. Carry your young children; it's easier for everyone involved.

1. Prepare you children in advance. They will need to divest all of their toys, dolls, or security blankets for screening.

2. Expect the screener to require everyone to remove his or her shoes (think slip-ons).

3. Collapse your stroller and place it on the x-ray belt. Parents help each other out.  It helps to buy a stroller that will collapse at a touch of a button.

4. One adult should walk through the metal detector first, then the children. Follow this order to keep the family unit together.

5. Carry your child if he or she will not follow your directions or is upset (remember that children don't understand what's going on).

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