Latest news with #traveltips
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
5 ways to make a TSA officer hate you — and how to avoid it
Ever feel like a TSA officer has it out for you? You're not alone. The Transportation Security Administration screens millions of passengers daily. If you've never worked security at an airport, you probably can't imagine what it's like repeating the same instructions every few seconds, only to be ignored half the time. So, yes, some officers may seem short with you, but often, it's less about rudeness and more about exhaustion. TSA Officers don't actually hate you. But the truth is, they might be extremely annoyed with you—and for good reason. Still, knowing what grinds their gears can help you breeze through security faster and with fewer hiccups. Here's your unofficial guide to not being that traveler. You're late. Your gate is boarding. And you're contemplating begging a TSA officer to let you cut the line. Let me stop you right there. It's not going to work. If TSA made exceptions for every late passenger, there'd be chaos. Officers follow protocol to maintain fairness and order. But here's a Gate Access Tip: build rapport. When I was a TSO, frequent flyers who took the time to say hello, ask how I was doing, or follow up on previous conversations occasionally got waved through during slower moments. So instead of pushing your luck with entitlement, try kindness and consistency. You might be surprised how far it gets you. Trying to speed things up by handing over your family's entire batch of boarding passes? Don't. Each passenger is expected to present their own ID and boarding pass. This ensures accuracy, particularly in the age of facial recognition technology. It also reduces confusion and keeps lines moving smoothly. Gate Access Tip: If you're unsure, just ask: 'Would you prefer we go one-by-one?' Officers appreciate the courtesy, and it helps keep you from being added to their already long list of annoying travelers. You know that moment when the officer asks, 'Anything in your pockets?' and you say no, but the body scanner flags you anyway? Chances are, you left a crumpled tissue or receipt in there. And guess what? That 'harmless' tissue just made your screening process 10 minutes longer. Body scanners are extremely sensitive, designed to detect even the smallest objects. When you set off an alarm, it creates extra work and may trigger a pat-down. And no, saying 'It's just paper' won't help your case. Gate Access Tip: Before you get in line, do a full pocket sweep—not just for metal, but for paper, gum, and even ChapStick. If you didn't know, you can keep Chapstick in your hand. All you have to do is open the top so the TSA officer can take a quick look inside the tube. When your bag gets pulled aside, hands off. Seriously. That 'restricted side' of the conveyor belt isn't just a holding area—it's a controlled inspection zone. TSA officers are trained to inspect bags in a specific order, and interfering, even just to grab your shoes, can be seen as a security breach. Gate Access Tip: Want to avoid being barefoot for 10 minutes? Send your shoes through in a separate bin. That way, if your bag is flagged, you can still grab your shoes and at least stand comfortably while you wait. Choosing a pat-down over the full-body scanner is 100% within your rights. You have the legal authority to opt out of the scanner for any reason, whether for religious beliefs, health concerns, or personal discomfort. That said, TSA officers dread this option. Why? Because it requires stopping what they're doing, calling for a same-gender officer, and going through a time-consuming physical screening process. If you choose this route, pack your patience. It may take longer, especially during peak travel times when staff are stretched thin. But don't let officer frustration deter you because it's your right, and you should feel comfortable exercising it. TSA officers aren't trying to ruin your vacation; they're actually there to make sure you make it to your vacation safely. They're doing a high-stress job, often under tight time constraints. By avoiding these common missteps, you'll not only make their day a little easier, but you'll also make your own journey smoother. So next time you're at your home airport and navigating through the TSA checkpoint, try to stand out and be known as non-problematic, especially if you're a frequent flyer. It might not get you upgraded to first class, but it could save you some serious hassle.
CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Mind Your Money - Budgeting for your next holiday
CNA938 Rewind As the June school holidays wrap up and travel bills roll in, Cheryl Goh finds out smart tips to help you keep your next holiday budget on track with Ashley Thomas, Head of Strategy & Operations for Revolut in Singapore.
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
The busiest day for flights this year is soon — here's what to know
Passengers flying out from Chicago O'Hare on Friday, July 18, will need to brace themselves. Because that day is expected to be the busiest day for flight departures in the US in 2025 – and Chicago O'Hare is scheduled to see the highest number of planes taking off, followed by Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver and Los Angeles. The data comes from aviation analytics firm Cirium, which also reveals that there are scheduled to be over 28,314 departures from airports in the US on July 18 – equating to over 3.8 million seats. The average number of daily departures from US airports this year is 25,176, according to Cirium. So how can passengers best negotiate Chicago O'Hare? Georgia Fowkes, a travel advisor for Altezza Travel, has some tips for getting around an airport she describes as a "layover marathon". She tells The Independent: "The terminals are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5. Yes, there's no 4. There was a temporary terminal 4, but it was shut down after terminal 5 was built, and this terminal was not renumbered to avoid breaking airport systems. "Terminals 1 through 3 are connected, so that part is easy. "A whole different game is T5, for international flights. "To get there, you'll need to leave security, hop on the ATS train, and hope you've got time." Claire Baker, Head of Customer Experience at luxury travel concierge company Winged Boots, says it's "worth reserving a fast lane pass in Terminal 5 to speed through security and avoid the long queues". And she recommends decompressing in the yoga room on the mezzanine level of Terminal 3's rotunda. She says: "Here, travelers can take guided yoga sessions, perfect for unwinding and escaping the airport rush ahead of flying." There are also "Mother's Rooms" and "Mamava pods" throughout the terminals that provide calming environments for nursing parents, the airport itself points out. These spaces include comfortable seating, changing tables, sinks, electrical outlets, and soft lighting. The airport continues: "Travelers who appreciate good views while they wait should explore the breezeway seating across from the American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Terminal 3, or stop by the bridge between Concourses G and H to watch aircraft taxi and take off from the American Airlines ramp. "Another excellent vantage point can be found at Gate E1 in Terminal 2, right by the family lounge, which offers a sweeping view of the United Airlines fleet and runway operations." The airport also has some tips for dining, telling The Independent that the L Stinger — consisting of the eight gates at the far end of Concourse L —is home to the Burger Federation, "which offers top-ranked burgers". The airport continues: "For those who prefer to slow down with a sit-down meal before a flight, O'Hare has a few reliable go-to spots. Berghoff Café in Concourse C, Tuscany in Concourse B, and Romano's Macaroni Grill near the H and K gates are all popular with frequent travelers, and all offer full-service dining in comfortable settings. Terminal 5 travelers can also enjoy well-regarded local restaurants like Bar Siena and The Hampton Social." Also note that meals can be ordered ahead of time using the Grab app and the Farmer's Fridge app. When it comes to navigating Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia, from Pittsburgh, notes that "navigation is straightforward, with the terminals all lined up", and adds that the Plane Train "connects them fast". But she warns that it's "always packed". "I've got a love-hate thing with it," she tells The Independent. "I only use it if I have a heavy bag or I'm late. "Otherwise, I walk the tunnels. They're quiet, with soft lights and art installations. Honestly, it feels like airport therapy.' Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a behemoth measuring 27 square miles – that's larger than the land area of Manhattan and five-and-a-half times as big as London Heathrow, Europe's busiest hub. So pay close attention to Georgia's tips for navigating it. She tells The Independent: "DFW is a literal city. One of the largest airports in the US by area, with five terminals [A, B, C, D, and E] arranged like flower petals. "It's easy to get lost if you're not paying attention. "Skylink is the internal lifeline — a train that loops inside security. It's fast and honestly a lifesaver. "Terminal Link is its less helpful cousin — the outside bus. It's for folks who haven't cleared security or who've exited already. It's slow, confusing, and I avoid it." And you'll need your wits about you at Denver International Airport (DIA), which is the biggest airport in the US at 54 square miles. Or three-fourths as big as Washington, DC. Denver-based frequent flyer Angela Berardino from The Brouhaha Collective travel PR firm flies out of DIA about 30 times a year, and points out that the airport has been undergoing a major renovation for the past two years, "with more to come". The result? Navigation is even trickier for the uninitiated. She says: "If you are an infrequent flyer, plan ahead because signage and construction is confusing." Georgia agrees, saying: "It's beautiful, but chaotic. From the outside, you've got those iconic mountain-peak roofs. Inside — a confusing experience. Navigation isn't intuitive." Your first step? Check DIA's website for security wait times, advises Angela, who adds that they're shown in real time. "I check every time," she says. Then, ensure you arrive at the correct part of the airport for the security lane you'll be using. The airport's explanation for how it works is here - And what about Los Angeles? Georgia remarks that "Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 'stress-free' don't belong in the same sentence". "But I've got a few moves," she says. "It's old, bloated, always under construction. Nine terminals shaped like a horseshoe, with constant detours and endless people. 'But the biggest pain is not inside. It's outside. Getting in and out is the real quest. "LAX-it — the Uber/Lyft pickup zone — is in a completely separate area. You have to take a shuttle. Don't try to walk there with luggage, even if it seems close. Trust me, it turns into a sweaty, three-stage odyssey real fast." So, how best to move between terminals? Georgia says: "If I need to move between terminals, I use the free Route A shuttle. But if you exit security, you'll have to go through TSA again. "That's why I always check which terminals are connected inside the secure zone. It saves both time and sanity. For example, Terminals 4 and 5 have an internal walkway — no need to exit. Small thing, huge difference." The busiest day for departures from the US in 2024 was July 12. On this day, there were 27,211 scheduled departures from airports in the US — equating to over 3.7million seats.
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
Ten packing hacks to avoid airline carry-on fares this summer
As summer travel ramps up, the prospect of lengthy baggage queues at airports looms large for many holidaymakers. Yet, a growing number of seasoned travellers are sidestepping this common frustration by mastering the art of the carry-on bag. Whether you're jetting off for a weekend getaway or determined to squeeze your long-haul trip into one small suitcase, packing light doesn't mean you need to sacrifice style or essentials. Instead, it demands a more strategic approach to packing. Travel experts, having honed their methods over countless journeys, offer invaluable insights into maximising space and efficiency within the confines of a single carry-on. 1. Pick a suitcase with exterior pockets Picking the right bag makes all the difference. 'Choose a carry-on case with exterior pockets for items you will need in transit,' recommends Fiona Spinks, solo adventurer and founder of Following Fiona. 'A book, snacks or the clear liquid bag can live outside the main compartment so you are not opening the whole case in a crowded queue.' 2. Make a master list 'Start with a master list and tailor it for each trip – beach, city, festival, whatever,' suggests Chelsea Dickenson, founder of Holiday Expert who has partnered with Boots to create packing tips to help the nation get organised this summer. 'I keep mine in my phone notes and update it before every holiday. You only need one extra outfit – not five emergency dresses and 10 pairs of spare knickers.' 3. Invest in some packing cubes Packing cubes free up valuable space. 'One cube holds tops, another holds bottoms and a third keeps underwear separate,' says LP Maurice, travel expert, backpacker and CEO and co-founder of travel website Busbud. 'The cubes act like drawers when you open the bag. Press down on each cube before you zip it to push out any trapped air.' 4. Try the travel pillow trick This creative packing hack has gone viral on TikTok and is a great way to sneak some extra socks and pants onto a plane. 'Take the stuffing out of your travel pillow and fill it with clothes – socks, pants, even pyjamas,' recommends Dickenson. 'No one at the airport will know, and you've just bought yourself extra space in your case and still get a comfy pillow. Just try and stick to the cleaner clothes for your return journey.' 5. Roll your clothes 'Rolling each item instead of folding sounds simple, yet it makes a surprising difference,' says Spinks. 'Rolled clothes stack snugly along your case's length and come out with fewer creases, so you spend less time hunting for an iron at your hotel. 'This method also lets you spot gaps where you can tuck socks or underwear using every corner of the bag.' 6. Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes 'Footwear is always the bulkiest offender, so wear the heaviest pair for the journey so the lighter pair can slot along the side of the case,' recommends Spinks. 'Filling the inside of each shoe with chargers or rolled underwear stops wasted space and keeps the shoes from collapsing.' 7. Fill every single gap Make every little bit of space count. 'Fill the shoes with rolled socks and chargers to stop dead space,' recommends Maurice. Dickenson agrees and says that little things like lining the edges of your suitcase with belts and tucking your jewellery into sunglasses cases can make all the difference. 8. Wear the bulkiest items 'A jacket with deep pockets can carry your phone, headphones and a paperback book,' highlights Maurice. 'That choice removes about 1 kg from your bag and could help you stay warm in an air‑conditioned cabin.' 9. Decant your toiletries into mini bottles 'Switch full-size toiletries for reusable mini bottles and solid versions wherever possible,' recommends Spinks. 'Decanting shampoo and moisturiser into 80ml containers satisfies airline liquid rules and saves you from paying extra for checked baggage just to carry large bottles. 'Solid bars of soap or conditioner slip into any spare corner and never leak over your clothes.' 10. Buy a flat lay makeup bag 'If you're anything like me and tend to spread your makeup and toiletries everywhere, a flat lay bag makes life so much easier,' says Dickenson. 'You just open it up and everything's laid out and visible. No more rooting around for your mascara or leaving half your make-up behind.'
The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
2025's busiest day for flights is coming. Here's how to navigate it
Passengers flying out from Chicago O'Hare on Friday, July 18, will need to brace themselves. Because that day is expected to be the busiest day for flight departures in the US in 2025 – and Chicago O'Hare is scheduled to see the highest number of planes taking off, followed by Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver and Los Angeles. The data comes from aviation analytics firm Cirium, which also reveals that there are scheduled to be over 28,314 departures from airports in the US on July 18 – equating to over 3.8 million seats. The average number of daily departures in the US is between 13,000 and 14,000. So how can passengers best negotiate Chicago O'Hare? Georgia Fowkes, a travel advisor for Altezza Travel, has some tips for getting around an airport she describes as a "layover marathon". She tells The Independent: "The terminals are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5. Yes, there's no 4. There was a temporary terminal 4, but it was shut down after terminal 5 was built, and this terminal was not renumbered to avoid breaking airport systems. "Terminals 1 through 3 are connected, so that part is easy. "A whole different game is T5, for international flights. "To get there, you'll need to leave security, hop on the ATS train, and hope you've got time." Claire Baker, Head of Customer Experience at luxury travel concierge company Winged Boots, says it's "worth reserving a fast lane pass in Terminal 5 to speed through security and avoid the long queues". And she recommends decompressing in the yoga room on the mezzanine level of Terminal 3's rotunda. She says: "Here, travelers can take guided yoga sessions, perfect for unwinding and escaping the airport rush ahead of flying." There are also "Mother's Rooms" and "Mamava pods" throughout the terminals that provide calming environments for nursing parents, the airport itself points out. These spaces include comfortable seating, changing tables, sinks, electrical outlets, and soft lighting. The airport continues: "Travelers who appreciate good views while they wait should explore the breezeway seating across from the American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Terminal 3, or stop by the bridge between Concourses G and H to watch aircraft taxi and take off from the American Airlines ramp. "Another excellent vantage point can be found at Gate E1 in Terminal 2, right by the family lounge, which offers a sweeping view of the United Airlines fleet and runway operations." The airport also has some tips for dining, telling The Independent that the L Stinger — consisting of the eight gates at the far end of Concourse L —is home to the Burger Federation, "which offers top-ranked burgers". The airport continues: "For those who prefer to slow down with a sit-down meal before a flight, O'Hare has a few reliable go-to spots. Berghoff Café in Concourse C, Tuscany in Concourse B, and Romano's Macaroni Grill near the H and K gates are all popular with frequent travelers, and all offer full-service dining in comfortable settings. Terminal 5 travelers can also enjoy well-regarded local restaurants like Bar Siena and The Hampton Social." Also note that meals can be ordered ahead of time using the Grab app and the Farmer's Fridge app. When it comes to navigating Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia, from Pittsburgh, notes that "navigation is straightforward, with the terminals all lined up", and adds that the Plane Train "connects them fast". But she warns that it's "always packed". "I've got a love-hate thing with it," she tells The Independent. "I only use it if I have a heavy bag or I'm late. "Otherwise, I walk the tunnels. They're quiet, with soft lights and art installations. Honestly, it feels like airport therapy. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a behemoth measuring 27 square miles – that's larger than the land area of Manhattan and five-and-a-half times as big as London Heathrow, Europe's busiest hub. So pay close attention to Georgia's tips for navigating it. She tells The Independent: "DFW is a literal city. One of the largest airports in the US by area, with five terminals [A, B, C, D, and E] arranged like flower petals. "It's easy to get lost if you're not paying attention. "Skylink is the internal lifeline — a train that loops inside security. It's fast and honestly a lifesaver. "Terminal Link is its less helpful cousin — the outside bus. It's for folks who haven't cleared security or who've exited already. It's slow, confusing, and I avoid it." And you'll need your wits about you at Denver International Airport (DIA), which is the biggest airport in the US at 54 square miles. Or three-fourths as big as Washington, DC. Denver-based frequent flyer Angela Berardino from The Brouhaha Collective travel PR firm flies out of DIA about 30 times a year, and points out that the airport has been undergoing a major renovation for the past two years, "with more to come". The result? Navigation is even trickier for the uninitiated. She says: "If you are an infrequent flyer, plan ahead because signage and construction is confusing." Georgia agrees, saying: "It's beautiful, but chaotic. From the outside, you've got those iconic mountain-peak roofs. Inside — a confusing experience. Navigation isn't intuitive." Your first step? Check DIA's website for security wait times, advises Angela, who adds that they're shown in real time. "I check every time," she says. Then, ensure you arrive at the correct part of the airport for the security lane you'll be using. The airport's explanation for how it works is here - And what about Los Angeles? Georgia remarks that "Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 'stress-free' don't belong in the same sentence". "But I've got a few moves," she says. "It's old, bloated, always under construction. Nine terminals shaped like a horseshoe, with constant detours and endless people. 'But the biggest pain is not inside. It's outside. Getting in and out is the real quest. "LAX-it — the Uber/Lyft pickup zone — is in a completely separate area. You have to take a shuttle. Don't try to walk there with luggage, even if it seems close. Trust me, it turns into a sweaty, three-stage odyssey real fast." So, how best to move between terminals? Georgia says: "If I need to move between terminals, I use the free Route A shuttle. But if you exit security, you'll have to go through TSA again. "That's why I always check which terminals are connected inside the secure zone. It saves both time and sanity. For example, Terminals 4 and 5 have an internal walkway — no need to exit. Small thing, huge difference." The busiest day for departures from the US in 2024 was July 12. On this day, there were 27,211 scheduled departures from airports in the US – equating to over 3.7million seats.
