Navigating TSA Checkpoints: Getting Through Security Stress Free for Business Travel

Linda Singerle: For infrequent travelers, it seems every TSA experience is different. What are the latest changes to the security process, and which of those changes are most likely to slow passengers down? Garrison Wynn: Procedures at airport security checkpoints seem to have changed dramatically in the past four years. But they've also changed a lot in just the last year and a half or two years. A few years ago they were routinely strip-searching Grandma and very concerned about fingernail clippers as a weapon. Now it's all about x-rays and the evils of possessing more than three ounces of toothpaste! You'll fare much better if you're up on the latest procedures, so ask a friend who has traveled recently what the experience was like. In general, in every city that I know of except for two in Texas, you show your boarding pass and your driver's license once as you enter the security process but you don't need to show it again as you walk through the x-ray machine or metal detector. San Antonio and Houston are the only cities I know of where you have to show those documents again. So it's true that everything is big in Texas, including the long line created by slowing down even the experienced travelers. Once you show your license and boarding pass, you can usually put them away, except for in those two cities. In many airports, the TSA officers ask you two questions: 1. What's your destination, and 2. what's your name? If you can't answer those two questions, you've got a problem - which I think is pretty fair. I've seen people struggle with those two questions before. If you don't know where you're going or don't even know how to pronounce your own name, then you're either a terrorist or a New York City cab driver! Make sure you are paying attention so when it's your turn, you can prove yourself worthy of air travel. LS: I've seen "20/20" - I know the cleanest bathroom stall is actually the one nearest the entrance because it's the one everyone passes by, assuming it's the most heavily used. So is there a TSA station that's typically faster than others - say, the last one in the terminal, maybe? GW: Well, I'm sure that varies by airport and by the number of lanes open at the different stations. However, in many cities, at each checkpoint, you'll find designated lanes for different types of travelers, such as individual travelers, and families or groups traveling together. Some of those lanes are definitely slower. Avoid the line with the family of five still talking about Disney World and wearing matching shirts. They are not in a hurry and they have stuff in their carry-on luggage that they've never seen before. Also, if you see three people studying the same luggage x-ray screen, it means you have a new TSA employee hoping to find a bomb on his first day. Often there is a reserved lane for elite passengers. "Elite" is not an opinion you have of yourself. It's a status or designation the airlines give you for flying so much. Don't get in that line if you are not so designated. Officers love sending elite-pretenders to the back of the line. Similar to the elite travelers' lane is the lane designated for people traveling first class. Often these lanes are combined. Not only do you move fast in these lanes, but you also dramatically reduce your chances of a baby throwing up on you! It will be printed on your ticket if you're traveling first class. (If your ticket says 72D, first class you are not.) Some people will tell you that flying first class is a waste of money because it's not that much better. Let's get real: it's a lot better. If you fly every week, you should stick with the same airline so you can get upgrade opportunities... or you could just continue exercising your right to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of flying with infants. There's usually also a casual travel lane, which seems to be populated by a lot of people wearing Hawaiian shirts who clearly have no agenda. Often, you'll find experienced traveler lanes that anyone can get into regardless of how experienced you are. This lane's your best bet, unless it's not moving; then just get into the one that is. LS: So I've stashed my boarding pass and I've been fast-tracked as elite. Now I have to offload all my stuff and partially disrobe. I'm like a pack mule when I travel. Help me make quick work of those bins. GW: Those bins that look like they were used by restaurant busboys in the '70s? You can use as many as you want. The first thing you do is take off your shoes (and belt, if you're wearing one) and put them in the bin. I do not recommend that you put your shoes on the conveyor belt - they can get scuffed; I've actually had a pair of shoes ruined that way. Now, in some smaller airports, they might try to tell you that you need to put the shoes directly on the conveyor. They are wrong! But you do not want to be on the wrong side of an argument with small-market airport security person. It's like getting pulled over by a small-town cop. They are very friendly but secretly reeeeally want to arrest you! Kids under 12 usually don't need to take their shoes off these days. But that could vary from one airport to another. For adults, slip-on shoes are great. You don't want to be untying and tying your laces in that line. Women, if you don't like walking barefoot in airports, you might want to wear socks, although I'm sure socks and Prada pumps are not going to land you a Vogue photo shoot. Then again, neither is ringworm! If you can pull off socks and Prada pumps, you're the kind of woman who travels with no stress but can still slap fashion right in the face. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7282796

Flights Help You to Visit Places

Goa has remained an alluring travel location since time immemorial. The enchanting blend of the modern day culture combined with the age old Portuguese traditions is a major tourist attraction. The Basilica of the Born Jesus Church has accomplished global fame for respectfully preserving the mortal remains of St Francis Xaviers. The beaches like the Anjuna beach, Miramar, Colva and Vagator beach are perfect for honeymooners who desire some romantic solitude. A night at the shacks or beach side huts is the perfect second honeymoon for newlyweds. The people can sun bask on the beaches or enjoy water sports like scuba diving, windsurfing and parasailing. If you wish to visit temples of your revered gods and goddesses in Hindu religion be sure to visit the Shanta Durga and the Manguishi temple. If it is a nature visit that you desire then Dudhsagar Waterfalls and the Mayhem Lake are worth visiting. The Goa nightlife rocks with casinos and nightclubs. If you are visiting Goa from the capital city you can book your flight reservations online. The paper ticket costs a lot lesser than a manual ticket. The return flights from Goa to Delhi can also be booked online. If you compare some travel websites you will know where you can get the best deals. If you visit Mumbai be sure to check out the legendary Gateway of India and the famous Juhu beach. Visiting during the famous Ganesh Chaturthi will provide you an insight into the religious beliefs of the local people. You can avail of a cheap flight to Mumbai if air tickets are booked well in advance. Supposing your hotel accommodation is reserved then an attractive twenty to thirty percent of your money would be saved. The holiday packages provide concessions and a cheap flight to Mumbai. Heading towards south, Chennai is the enchanting city in the state of Tamil Nadu which is visited by many tourists throughout the year. Chennai is the fourth most populated city in the country and as per research work; the inhabitants enjoy an extremely luxurious lifestyle. The Chennai flights are the classiest and most comfortable modes of air transport. The passengers enjoy excellent services provided by the impeccably trained flight attendants and air hostesses while on board. Some of the flight names include SpiceJet, Jagson Airlines, Paramount Airways, Air India, IndiGo, GoAir and Jet Konnect. Some famous beaches in Chennai include Marina beach and the Covelong Beach which is slightly on the outskirts. The Government Museum which was introduced during the colonial reign is a must visit for history buffs. The Muslim community of the city visits the Thousand Lights Mosque for their prayers which is based on Anna Salai Road. The online browsing on the travel websites for the Chennai flights really helps you to find tickets according to your budget and vacation schedule. The tourist can avail of majorly cool reductions in the ticket prices. At times complementary meals are also provided while on board. Check out the travel websites and travel in style. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7297281

Cool Tips to Avail of the Best Air Routes

The town of Pune or Poona is a major travel destination in Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 560 metres above sea level on the Deccan Plateau the city witnesses the merging of the Mutha and Mula rivers. It is known for its academic development with numerous institutions and nine universities to its credit. If you are a shopping addict the places you need to visit in Pune are Ghorpuri Lines, Swargate, Bhawani Peth and Narayani Peth. Those who love to party will not be disappointed either. The nightlife in the city rocks with places like Soho Bar, Leather Lounge, Aqua Lounge, Stone Water Gill and One Lounge. The foodies can satisfy their taste buds at the superb restaurants like German Bakery, Pizza Corner, Sheesha Cafe, Radhika and Arthur's. The city is renowned for its industrial development as well. If you are flying from Delhi there are lots of Pune flights available. The Indian Spice Jet, Indigo and Kingfisher are some of the airlines which you can avail of. The contrast and compare buttons help you to determine which is better among two flights. The travel websites are helpful in providing the flight reservations and booking schedules. The last minute booking and cancellation of the tickets can be done online. Speaking of Delhi, its aerial route to Bangalore and vice versa remains pretty congested throughout the year. If you are looking for cost cuts on Delhi to Bangalore flights then opt for the Indigo, Go Air and SpiceJet airlines. If the tickets are booked fourteen days in advance then you can avail of nearly sixty to ninety percent discount on the base fare. If the tickets for the return journey are booked at the same time there are prospective hotel accommodations which are provided free of charge. However this facility is limited to some specific travel websites only. The major destinations of Mumbai and Delhi are well connected via the aerial route as there are innumerable passengers flying to and from these two cities daily. The Mumbai Delhi Mumbai flights are mostly availed of on the travel websites. An e ticket is much cheaper than a manual ticket. Spice Jet and Kingfisher are two of the airlines which offer reduced rates on the air tickets so that the tourists can fly in luxury. Delhi is prominent for the historical monuments like the Qutub Minar and the Red Fort. For avid shoppers the garments, bags, shoes and jewellery are available at Lajpat Nagar at cool discounts. ISKCON temple, Hanuman Mandir and Birla Mandir are some religious shrines which one would love to visit. Mumbai is renowned for the Bollywood film industry which produces many entertaining movies to regale the viewers nationwide. If you are a history buff you have the Gateway of India and the Prince of Wales Museum awaiting a visit from you. Ganesh Chaturthi is the celebrated festival in Mumbai. So just log on to the travel websites for more information on the flight schedules to check out which one is convenient for you and fly comfortably to your destination. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7299144