Showing posts in category Travel
By Don Nadeau, on October 25, 2009, in Hotel Tips, Travel
Although prices have fallen, the popularity of New York City and other factors keep its hotel prices higher than elsewhere in the U.S.
However, finding a value-priced, but very good hotel for your NYC visit is not as hopeless as it may seem. Sometimes you get lucky with this:
New York City Hotels from $75!
Sometimes not.
The crunch comes in Midtown Manhattan. Apparently nearly everyone wants to be in or near the Theatre District, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center. One question, of course, is how much time you’ll actually spend at these? After all, most of us are not attending Broadway plays all day long.
Using Priceline.com, two reasonably convenient alternatives have worked well for me. Here’s one of them, with the second to follow in day or so.
Jersey City – Weeknights
No, I’m not nuts—well, at least not in this case. Just across the Hudson, Jersey City sits one subway stop away from Manhattan. Its waterfront has been revitalized with new commercial, condo, and apartment complexes—and new hotels.
The Hyatt Regency
Can you guess what I paid for the fine 4-star Hyatt Regency Jersey City during the week prior to Labor Day weekend this year?
Seventy-eight dollars. Yes, $78 per night plus taxes and fees with Priceline, and I might have seized it for a little less if I’d had more time for re-bids.
What did I get for that—a mop storage room?
My Hyatt-perfect standard (that means I wasn’t upgraded) second floor room offered clear views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Hudson River, and the skyline of Lower Manhattan. As if these were not enough, Hyatt provided a reasonable sized flat screen television. The bed and furnishings were as comfortable and the staff as friendly and professional as could be.
What about other rooms in this hotel?
Hyatt built its hotel on a pier that sticks out into the river. Rooms on the other side look north along the Hudson toward the Empire State Building and the Midtown skyline. However, I am not sure how far out on the pier you have to be to have a full water view from that direction.
Ground floor guest rooms could also be a problem, as these directly adjoin the walkway that follows the Jersey City waterfront. On the other hand, my room was immediately above these with no noise problems.
Other hotels
ALL the 3- and 4-star hotels that Priceline uses in Jersey City are on or across the street from the waterfront. Although the equivalent of a block away, the 3-star Doubletree hotel room I stayed in on a previous visit also looked out at the Hudson.
Of course, not all hotels are nearly as spectacular as the Hyatt, but all 3- and 4-star hotels in Jersey City have been built in recent years and are well located.
Excellent Manhattan access
ALL of these hotels have convenient PATH subway access to Manhattan, either to the Wall Street area or to New York Penn Station via Greenwich Village and Chelsea. PATH also runs to Newark Penn Station for connections to Newark Airport and to Amtrak Northeast Corridor trains.
On weekdays, NY Waterway ferries sail from docks near the hotels to either Midtown Manhattan, with free bus transfers along major streets in Midtown, or to one of two docks in the Financial District. These fast boats offer a scenic and uplifting way to access Manhattan for $6.00. This is the company whose crews saved the lives of many on US Airways flight 1549 that crashed in the Hudson River.
How to bid
HINT: Bid on 4-star hotels first.
If fail, you can immediately bid on 3-star ones. Avoid lower star hotels in Jersey City, as you may not be near a convenient Manhattan transfer.
You can try bidding for weekends, but word as gotten out. You’ll also miss the NY Waterway transfers on weekends.
There’s no guarantee of cheap rates. There are not a lot of 3- and 4-star hotels in Jersey City.
Why so low?
Why so inexpensive compared to New York City just across the river?
As Wall Street boomed in the 1980’s and 90’s, companies looked to the Jersey City waterfront to expand. Real estate cost less and taxes were cheaper. As an example of new construction, the Goldman Sachs tower a block from the Hyatt Regency became the tallest building in New Jersey.
First-class and deluxe hotels followed these companies, but with the extreme cutbacks in the financial sector since 9/11, Jersey City hotels beg for business on many weeknights.
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By Don Nadeau, on October 13, 2009, in Hotel Tips, Travel
If you like challenges, try to find a good value, less expensive decent hotel in New York City.
You’d think with the recession prices would be more moderate, but no. Here are the main reasons why and more. I know these won’t really ease the pain!
1.
Even after 9/11, British and European travelers flocked to New York due to exceptionally favorable exchange rates. Besides, New York City was “in” with American travelers and still is. These factors helped keep hotel prices considerably higher than elsewhere, as seen by examples from Hotels.com below.
Las Vegas Hilton $45.95
Hilton Washington, $171.74
Hilton Chicago, $138.60 – $242.10
Hilton New York $399.00
2.
New York City has long been constrained by geography. It can no longer simply expand out onto large tracks of thinly populated and very inexpensive land as can a Phoenix.
3.
Nevertheless, even when there are opportunities, the city has failed to appreciate and act upon the economic harm—meals, entertainment, tours, and retail items not purchased–caused by prospective visitors either reducing the number of nights they stay or not coming at all because of lack of affordable hotel choices. Tourism generates huge auxiliary revenue, and New York is not getting its share.
Adding New York City’s hotel tax of 5.875% to a combined city and state sales and use tax of 8.875% does not help a bad situation.
More importantly, even though Manhattan may lack land and building stock inexpensive enough for budget hotel development, there are underutilized neighborhoods such as immediately across the East River in the Long Island City that could be made attractive with better streets, landscaping, and transit options for tourists, along with powerful tax incentives for developers of budget hotel accommodation.
4.
New York’s real estate boom of the 1980’s and 1990’s decimated the stock of small and moderate cost hotels. These “cashed out” to convert to expensive condos and high-level commercial uses, a trend that also impacted 4-star hotels. In addition, huge prospective rent increases forced out many restaurants favored by travelers, such as the Second Avenue Deli (now happily reopened elsewhere) and the former Zen Palette on Union Square.
As a result, there is not one inexpensive (by NYC standards) hotel left in Manhattan that I feel fully comfortable recommending. You pay significantly more than in other American cities for a so-called 1-, 2-, and sometimes even a 3-star hotel and still often end up with an uncomfortably-sized inferior room with serious maintenance issues that may even smell.
You are considerably safer with 3.5- and higher hotels, especially 4-star ones, but even Hotwire and Priceline can have problems helping with the high rates for these.
Not hopeless
There is hope, however.
Soon, I’ll give special NYC booking and bidding tips to help you save.
Also, with real estate prices declining, we may be seeing the beginning of “spend thrifty” hotel upgrades, such as the new fantastic seeming Pod Hotel conversion in Midtown that I have not yet visited.
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By Don Nadeau, on September 13, 2009, in Travel
I’ve posted a walking tour of the World Trade Center Ground Zero site and Wall Street Financial area.
This itinerary differs from standard walks in several ways. For example, you legally enter the actual Ground Zero site (in a way unknown to most tourists) and also observe the area from the Hudson River and from across river.
I’ve tried to balance the sadness and possibly anger generated by experiencing the aftermath of 9/11 with the exhilaration of being in a great city.
Most importantly, I’ve tried to create an itinerary that respects the nearly 3,000 people murdered in the 9/11 attacks and the thousands more loved ones and others so deeply impacted by that day.
Your comments are welcome.
http://www.bidontravel.com/travel/wtcwalktour.html
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You’ve booked a Priceline “Name your own price” hotel room and car rental. Hopefully, you’ve paid a lot less than others for these. But, does that leave you vulnerable to whatever comes?
Well, yes and no.
At the rental car counter
If you’ve reserved a car or better hotel, I urge you to present its frequent traveler card or at least its number.
With the rental car, you probably won’t get points or the ability to bypass the counter, but you may receive special service with the card.
For example for a recent “Name your own price” Priceline Hertz reservation, the agent appreciated being able to use my Hertz #1 Club Gold number to pull up easily my credit card and other personal information. He then assigned me a vehicle in the #1 Club lot that was nearly new.
At hotel check in
You may find the same with hotels. You may not be upgraded from the standard room you normally receive with a “Name your own price” or Hotwire reservation, but you are unlikely to receive an inferior room last on the list to be renovated.
In addition, the guest clerk will probably try to do more to fulfill any special requests you may have. (See “Hints to help your hotel stay go smoothly” below.)
Dressing for success
I also believe that you should dress appropriately for these interactions. Like it or not, the people who monitor the gateways to the best establishments judge us by our appearance.
That does not mean that you need to dress in a business suit to check into the New York Hilton, but you shouldn’t arrive looking as if you just hiked the Appalachian Trail—for 10 days.
Even Ewan McGregor, the actor who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in three Star Wars films, insists he was turned away from a Holiday Inn Express in Oklahoma because it didn’t recognize him in dirty motorcycle garb. If he can be treated like that, what about the rest of us hoping for a little more comfort as we travel?
Presenting a “power” credit card
The credit card you present represents you. An American Express card, the Citibank AAdvantage® MasterCard, or similar card indicates, rightly or wrongly, that you are a frequent traveler who will likely return if satisfied.
See additional tips, such as how to get a free upgrade, at “Hints to help your hotel stay go smoothly.”
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By Don Nadeau, on August 4, 2009, in Travel
That you need to have a car to experience the scenic wonders of Canada and the U.S. is a given in many people’s minds, but it’s simply not true. Although you won’t be able to access some places, you certainly won’t miss enjoying many of the most famous national parks and other beautiful sights if you don’t wish to use a car.
This tells how it’s done using Amtrak, Greyhound, and other public transportation.
Some parks accessible for overnight stays without a car
Grand Canyon National Park
You can easily reach the Grand Canyon via public transportation. On Amtrak, you can even often include Grand Canyon National Park in your itinerary at no extra cost.
Amtrak connects to Grand Canyon Railway trains at Williams, AZ (Williams Junction) and to Open Road shuttles at Flagstaff. You may have to stay overnight in Flagstaff.
Greyhound also connects to Open Road at Flagstaff. In addition, Open Road can transfer you to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix airport.
Both the Grand Canyon Railway and Open Road Tours arrive at the South Rim within easy walking distance of the lodges and Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village. It’s essential to book accommodation ahead.
On the other hand, you may wish to base at least part of your stay in Flagstaff, which has many motels and hostels near the stations.
From Flagstaff, Open Road offers day tours to the canyon stopping at various viewing points along the South Rim, to Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon, to Monument Valley and the Navajo reservation, as well as others.
Yosemite National Park
Both Amtrak and Greyhound make it very easy to reach Yosemite National Park, with connections to YARTS buses at Merced, CA. YARTS connections are shown on Amtrak.com.
YARTS stops at or very near all your accommodation choices in Yosemite Valley. Once there, trams, day tours, and short walks take you to all the major sights, including Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove not in the valley.
You can take a day tour to Yosemite via Amtrak from San Francisco, but it’s a shame to spend so little time in the park. That gives you the highlights, however.
Banff National Park
It’s simple to access incredibly scenic Banff National Park via Greyhound Canada and Rocky Mountaineer trains, which are considerably more expensive than Greyhound, from both Calgary and Vancouver.
Once in the park, you’ll find a nice selection of Brewster Canada day tours of Banff park sights such as Lake Louise and nearby national parks.
Jasper National Park
It’s also very easy to reach Jasper National Park via Greyhound Canada and by Via Rail, Canada’s national rail network.
Greyhound operates daily and Via Rail three times per week through the park from Edmonton and Vancouver. Via Rail also serves the park from Prince Rupert on the coast, where you connect from BC Ferries or Alaska Marine Highway, the state ferry service.
Brewster offers day tours of Jasper and bus service to Banff.
Redwood national and state parks
These are more difficult to visit, as your accommodation choices are limited in this isolated area of California without a car, but possible.
Both Amtrak (via buses) and Greyhound serve Arcata, CA, from San Francisco. From their shared terminal, Del Norte County Public Transit route 20 serves Redwood Hostel just off Highway 101 (not shown in timetable). Book the hostel, which has a simply stunning view of the redwood coast, in advance. Also, call Del Norte Transit prior to your return trip, because the hostel is not an automatic stop.
Bicyclists may wish to look into using Del Monte Transit to Crescent City and then renting bikes there for close by Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, which offers camping. In my opinion, this is as beautiful as any state park in California. You’ll also be in easy range of the northern section of Redwood National Park.
Bikes may also be available in Arcata to access the southern redwood parks, including the southern portion of Redwood National Park or all the parks in the area if you’re a Ragbrai-type power rider.
Unfortunately, the only way to exit this area by public transport is to return toward San Francisco. Through service up the Oregon coast has been discontinued.
Accessible by day tours in season
Mount Rainier National Park
Gray Line of Seattle offers a 10-hour tour to scenic Mount Rainier National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park and Pikes Peak
Gray Line of Denver has a fine 10-hour tour to Rocky Mountain National Park. This takes you along the awesomely scenic Trail Ridge Road, which gives views of many Rocky Mountain peaks—from above!
You’ll also visit Grand Lake, Winter Park, and other sights before returning to Denver via a different route.
Because it takes so long to remove the heavy snows that close it during the winter season, Trail Ridge Road may not open until sometime in June. Note too that travelers with heart conditions may wish to consult their doctors before booking this tour, as it travels to over 12,000 feet.
Another worthwhile Gray Line of Denver tour takes you from Denver to Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods (a park with beautiful rock formations in the foothills of the Rockies), and the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs. In this case, you’ll climb to over 14,000 feet at the top of Pikes Peak. Very highly recommended.
These are just some examples. Enjoy!
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By Don Nadeau, on July 30, 2009, in Travel
As of today, July 30th, the California State Parks Foundation stated,
“This week the Governor signed the state budget. It contained an additional $6M cut to state parks, bringing the total General Fund cut for this budget year to $14.2M.
“It is expected that this will result in the closure of perhaps more than 100 state parks. There is still no closure list at this time.”
You may follow the California State Parks Foundation on Twitter.
Also see my earlier post “Say Goodbye: California State Parks,” which links to what parks were on the original closure list.
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By Don Nadeau, on July 28, 2009, in Hotel Tips, Travel
Recently received a question on Twitter whose answer veteran Las Vegas travelers already know: Where’s the best area to stay in Las Vegas, near the airport or downtown?
The person was really asking what’s best, the Fremont Street area or the central and especially southern Las Vegas Strip? The airport sits just off the Strip near the Luxor and Mandalay Bay hotels, which are not in its flight path.
The answer has to vary with each person, because the demographics and environments of these areas differ so much.
The Strip
Everyone knows about the Strip, but may not know how affordable it has become.
Typically, Strip hotels appeal more to those who want a total casino resort experience, with nice pools, upscale restaurants, top entertainment, etc.
This is especially true of the central and northern Strip, where until recently you didn’t find truly budget prices. More on how prices have changed below.
Fremont Street – Downtown
Traditionally, Fremont Street has appealed to slot and poker players who don’t want to shell out a lot for rooms and food. This area near the Greyhound Station has always been known for incredibly inexpensive hotels.
Now, you’ll find downtown rooms cheaper than they’ve been in decades.
On Hotels.com, you can actually find Fremont Street-area hotels going for under $10 with an even larger selection for under $20. These prices do go up on weekends.
Of course, I’m generalizing. You can also find a few more expensive hotels like the Golden Nugget downtown & a few cheaper ones on or near the Vegas Strip.
Budget lines becoming blurred
Although you won’t find any $10 hotels on the Strip, prices keep plummeting to levels not seen in years.
The current economy, which has hit Las Vegas hotels very hard (not in terms of the number of visitors but instead in the prices they pay), has made most 3- and 4-star Strip or near Strip hotels very affordable for budget travelers. Some of these better hotels are cheaper than a nearby Motel 6 on weekdays!
For example, a quick search of Hotels.com for 3- and 4-star hotels for several dates in August 2009 found
- Luxor $50
- Harrah’s $45
- Las Vegas Hilton $39.95
- Excalibur $33
- Bally’s $44
- Palms $49.50 (one of my favorites near Strip)
- New York New York $62.49
- Monte Carlo $49.95
And, if you book with Hotwire or Priceline, 3- or 4-star Strip or near Strip hotels like these become even cheaper on weekdays.
Fremont Street history and its exciting vibe
Younger travelers especially love the excitement of downtown’s Fremont Street light show (opens with music used with permission) and Times Square vibe.
The downtown area also appeals to those who want to feel the history of Las Vegas. You can still glimpse history on the Strip, such as the Rat Pack favorite Sahara Hotel & Casino, whose 1950’s and 60’s flavor remains, but while downtown you’re surrounded by it. This is the Las Vegas that built up to serve workers on the nearby massive Hoover Dam construction project during the 1930’s.
(How that dam first became called Hoover Dam, then Boulder Dam, and then again Hoover Dam has a fascinating history. Let’s just say President Hoover, who initiated the project while Secretary of Commerce during the early 1920’s, wasn’t very popular during the Great Depression to put it mildly.)
If you do book downtown, know that you may not feel comfortable on streets away from Fremont after dark. And, if you want to book the Strip, know that the northern Strip (the portion north of the Encore Hotel) lacks the upscale vibe of its central and southern portions. Except for the Sahara Hotel & Casino, none of the hotels mentioned here are located on the northern Strip.
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By Don Nadeau, on July 22, 2009, in Travel
In my opinion, California has long had a state park system as good or better than any.
Not only have extensive areas been preserved (though not nearly enough for the ever growing population), California state park management has emphasized keeping its parks as natural as possible.
That means that the so-called enhancements you’ll find in state parks such as in Kentucky are missing. You don’t come to California parks to golf, to place your tent on a lawn similar to home, to gaze at landscaped gardens, or to relax in deluxe lodges with flat screen televisions.
You come to California state parks to enjoy nature at its most natural and in some cases to appreciate and better understand history.
Major closures eminent
Now, this may end. With the state budget crisis, up to 80% of the parks may close. A lower estimate this week still shows that some 30 parks may close.
If so, you and I will be denied legal access, and park employees will not be on hand to monitor illegal camping fires and trash, marijuana grows, off-road vehicle usage, and other activities that may severely and perhaps irretrievably damage these precious environments.
National parks in the state such as Yosemite and Sequoia are already overwhelmed with visitors.
What a shame.
More than ever, this is the time to visit these threatened state parks and to support them if you can.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
As an example, every park in Humboldt County, in the heart of the redwood area, has faced closure during the budget negotiations. This includes Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which contains some 10% of the remaining coastal redwoods.
Humboldt Redwoods, which hosts the famous “Avenue of the Giants,” is stunningly beautiful. With little or no rain, it remains perfect for camping and hiking until possibly November (or at least October). Don’t miss the easy Drury-Chaney Trail in the north section of park, most of which is wheelchair accessible.
If Humboldt Redwoods State Park campsites are full, try nearby Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, also scenic. Motels closest to these parks fill up fast, but you’ll likely find something in Eureka readily accessible by freeway.
Although its redwoods are less impressive, if you can’t get up to Humboldt, try Big Basin Redwoods State Park, close to Santa Cruz and around 90 minutes from San Francisco. Unlike Muir Woods National Monument nearer to San Francisco, you won’t feel pressed in by crowds.
More of my favorite parks
Other parks on the closure list worth noting:
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is equal to Humboldt in beauty. Its Stout Grove Trail is one of my favorite short hikes.
- Nearby Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has the sublime Newton Drury Scenic Drive, one of most beautiful in the U.S.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park preserves a wonderful portion of Big Sur coastline. Its beachside waterfall remains accessible in spite of some trail closures. You can appreciate the highlights of this park in less than an hour
- Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County offers wonderful views of the Bay Area. On clear days, you can see as far as the Sierras.
- Calaveras Big Trees State Park sits in the Sierras above Gold Rush-era Columbia State Historic Park, also set to close.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a very special environment near Indio, works best in late fall, winter, and spring due to extreme summer heat. Sad that access might not last that long, however.
- Awesome state beaches that may close include Malibu Lagoon State Beach, more commonly known as Surfrider Beach, one of the most famous surfing spots in the world, nearby Leo Carrillo State Park, Carmel River State Beach, a little gem, and Carpinteria State Beach perfect for small children.
- Although Hearst Castle will probably remain open, special places like Will Rogers State Historical Park are set to close.
By the early 1930s, Will Rogers was the highest paid and most popular actor in America. This historic park, very close to Santa Monica, captures the flavor of the lifestyle of this unpretenous celebrity and of Southern California during his time. Be sure to take the easy trail to Inspiration Point. On clear days, you’ll see Catalina Island. Stay on the path to avoid rattlesnakes.
As yet, a final list and dates of closure are not known.
Visit as many of the places on the possible closure list as you can. You won’t be sorry. And, if they stay open, all the better!
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By Don Nadeau, on July 16, 2009, in Airfares, Travel
In an earlier post “How to Pass through Airport Security without Hassles,” I urged travelers to put their laptops on TSR security x-ray belts last, in order to better keep an eye on them, in case thieves are working the area.
Frequent traveler Joel Chusid, who travels more extensively than I do, disagrees.
Putting your laptop on the x-ray belt first, Joel believes, makes it less likely you’ll walk away from security without it, especially if it’s still making its way through the x-ray process.
This is his rather harrowing experience. I thank him very much for his input. You can decide what style works best for you, first or last.
Joel’s experience
“I used to put my laptop in last so I could keep an eye on it.
“On this Sunday evening, I went through security at DFW, removed the laptop and went through my usual routine. Went to the gate, which was nearby, and got immersed into something, newspaper or phone call, and then boarded the plane.
“I remember my backpack went under the seat in front of me rather easily, but didn’t think anything of it. After takeoff, I reached down, and my laptop was gone. I immediately realized I had to have left it at security.
My heart sank since I did not use a password to “lock” the laptop (I do now!), but I also remembered I had my name and phone number(s) on the bottom.
“The next 4 hours turned into the longest flight I had ever taken. When I arrived in Seattle, I checked my voicemail and lo and behold, I had a message on my cell phone and also my home phone from a TSA officer.
“I immediately called him back, and he acknowledged he had my laptop. I thanked him, and he said he would give it to lost and found and to call them the next day. I had a time getting through to them, but a friend who is a flight attendant happened to be at the airport and I called her and she went there.
“She confirmed the phones ring off the hook and to keep trying. I finally got through, and they went through some things to confirm the computer was mine (I had to give her specific things on there to look for since there was no password), and then she asked how fast I wanted it back. I said overnight. I had to give her my credit card info and I got it back the next day.
“Cost me $80 and a hard lesson learned. I put the laptop in first now, and keep an eye on it. I also use a password. I suppose if the checkpoint was really crowded, I would REALLY keep an eye on it, and might put it through last.”
You have to wonder how many people place no identification on their laptops.
Joel Chusid
Joel Chusid serves as General Manager, North America, for Hainan Airlines. Hainan operates an extensive network within China and from other countries to China, including nonstop service to Beijing from Seattle. Joel also chairs The Association of Travel Marketing Executives.
You may follow Joel on Twitter at @joelChusid and @HainanAirlines. You may follow me at @donnadeau.
Again, I thank Joel very much for his valuable input.
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By Don Nadeau, on July 13, 2009, in Airfares, Travel
If you’ve gone through TSA security at a large airport, you know that you may be in for a mess.
- People delayed by being pulled aside due to items left on them,
- Delays due to hand inspections and additional x-rays of bags,
- Piles of confiscated items that weren’t allowed through,
- Loudspeaker announcements asking people to come back for missing laptops, cell phones, or even in one case I heard shoes!
This doesn’t have to be. You can protect yourself by following several simple procedures.
Routine, routine, routine
Always follow exactly the same routine. That means if your mind is on missing your flight, on an upcoming meeting or whatever, you do not have to think very much about security.
First, prepare for security. Do as much as you can before reaching the crowded security area.
If you have these, take off your watch and take out your cell phone, coins, and wallet. Remove any necklaces. Take off your belt. Put these in your laptop case if you have one, as this will be the second to last item you put on the x-ray belt. Try to put valuables in your case while others are not watching you.
Make sure that you have your boarding pass and personal identification readily available before reaching security. Don’t fumble for these there, where you might more easily drop something without noticing.
I use my passport for all flights these days, as I believe this helps security more easily verify that I am not a person who requires special attention.
Follow same order at x-ray every time
Second, always place items on the x-ray belt in the same order.
My small carry on bag goes through first. I keep nothing very valuable in it.
Next comes a TSA tray with shoes, hat (if any), sealed quart plastic bag of toothpaste and other 3.4 oz (100ml) or less items. (Note: a 5 oz bottle with “just 2 oz left in it” does not count as a 3.4 oz item in the eyes of TSA security.)
In this tray, if I have any, also goes a sealed quart plastic bag of liquid or gel prescription medicines with saved copies of prescription information on the boxes they came in (if bottles have been removed). I place this information face up.
If you’re not sure exactly what TSA allows for carry on or how to pack it–these rules change frequently in this security environment–check the easy to understand and extensive information on TSA’s website.
Some TSA teams do not require shoes off, but others do. I automatically take them off. Remember this is a routine. You may wish to wear slip on shoes for easy removal at security, although I stick with my most comfortable shoes with laces while others prefer to wear their heaviest shoes.
Then comes my laptop backpack with laptop removed. (I like my padded laptop backpack because it leaves my hands free and doesn’t tell the world that I am carrying a laptop.)
Finally, the laptop goes in a TSA tray.
Protect your valuables
I wait until person ahead of me has successfully stepped through x-ray before pushing the laptop case and then laptop tray through. That way, I can more easily keep an eye on these.
At security, beware of a team set on stealing. A person in front of you stages a delay at x-ray by deliberately leaving some coins or whatever in her pocket while her partner grabs a laptop or two or other valuables owned by people delayed by the person with the coins.
Our routine works to prevent one of these victims being you.
Have you any suggestions to improve this process? Please comment! Although written with TSA security in the U.S. in mind, the basic suggestions, the same routine always both before and during the security queue and the order of x-ray belt placement, apply anywhere.
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