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Entries tagged as security…
November 6, 2009, 11:52 AM
A couple is suspected of stealing hundreds of bags from Phoenix airport.
October 13, 2009, 10:52 PM
Airports worldwide are rushing to install fever scanners to slow the spread of swine flu. But experts are raising doubts about the machines' ability to spot infections.
September 23, 2009, 3:11 PM
To find suspected terrorists, the FBI’s National Security Branch Analysis Center tracks data, such as the records of international airline trips and domestic rental car itineraries.
September 8, 2009, 11:16 AM
A reader whose plane was hit by lightning would rather hear the news from the pilot than be left imagining it was a bomb or something else.
June 23, 2009, 12:37 PM
Verified Identity Pass, a company that promised to speed passengers through airport security checkpoints for an annual fee, has shut down.
June 19, 2009, 10:27 AM
A congressman wants to make a one-size-fits-all rule for carry-on bags.
June 18, 2009, 4:03 PM
Budget Travel gets answers! The TSA weighs in on complaints our readers have posted to our blog on inconsistent policies at airports nationwide regarding whether to put shoes inside or outside of bins.
June 11, 2009, 8:07 AM
Finding reliable airport security wait-time data is about as frustrating as actually waiting in line at security.
June 4, 2009, 3:30 PM
A passenger saw another passenger hand a U.S. Airways employee a bag, who then carried it around, instead of through, airport security. Turns out there was a handgun in the bag.
May 28, 2009, 12:23 PM
In the bin or out of the bin—that is the question.
May 18, 2009, 5:21 PM
Today, the Electronic Privacy Information Center began a campaign to lobby Homeland Security to suspend mandatory use of "whole-body image scanning" machines. But most fliers don't seem to mind the devices.
April 30, 2009, 10:55 AM
Airports worldwide are rushing to install fever scanners to slow the spread of swine flu, but experts are raising doubts about the machines' ability to spot infections.
April 28, 2009, 6:37 PM
Any traveler can call a hotline (866/644-6811) if they need medical referrals, questions about symptoms, or updates on areas affected. The call is free, even if you're not a policyholder.
April 27, 2009, 10:15 AM
Some airlines are waiving their usual fee for changing bookings for anyone traveling to, from, or through Mexico through May 6. The government is warning against "non-essential travel to Mexico."
April 24, 2009, 3:48 PM
A new digital card will allow Americans to skip customs lines at a foreign airport for the first time.
April 14, 2009, 4:47 PM
The TSA's goal is to lift the restrictions on carrying liquids aboard aircraft. To that end, the TSA has been rolling out new luggage scanning machines at airports nationwide.
April 7, 2009, 10:58 AM
Up until now, the machines have only been used at 19 airports on passengers who set off the metal detectors and preferred a secondary scan instead of a physical pat-down by an officer.
April 3, 2009, 10:19 AM
A reader asks, "Before you walk through the scanner, airports require that you put your cell phone in the bin. So how do you show your boarding pass to the TSA agent when it is on the x-ray machine belt?"
April 2, 2009, 9:54 AM
Tourism officials believe that the media isn't painting the whole picture about how the recent flare up in drug-trafficking violence is hundreds of miles away from popular destinations for Americans, such as Cancun.
March 25, 2009, 1:11 PM
The device provides a quick scan while your shoes are still on.
March 16, 2009, 1:36 PM
You'll soon have to give your full name, birth date, and gender in order to purchase airplane tickets. The TSA is taking over the watchlist monitoring program from the airlines.
January 9, 2009, 4:14 PM
Playmobil's airport security checkpoint may or may not be fun to play with, but it's definitely fun to laugh about.
December 22, 2008, 12:12 PM
The government tracks all international passenger activity. I requested a copy of my travel dossier, citing the Freedom of Information Act. I'm posting sample pages here.
December 16, 2008, 3:08 PM
465 TSA officers have been fired for theft since 2003.
October 29, 2008, 9:36 AM
On Friday, Germany decided that it would not allow its airports to use full-body scanner security checks. Look at photos of the scans to find out why.
October 23, 2008, 5:15 PM
New TSA rule: Fliers must provide full name and birth date, starting in 2009. Plus free ski offers for kids and other news.
July 29, 2008, 8:45 AM
A new $99 laptop bag is TSA-approved for passing through airport security without having to be removed for inspection.
July 3, 2008, 12:11 PM
U.S. customs officials have been inspecting the contents of electronic devices at the border, in some cases keeping them for several weeks before returning them to their owner.
May 30, 2008, 7:55 AM
A look at two new bags that are extra-lightweight and meet airline requirements for carry-ons. Plus, a new rule might soon let you keep your laptop inside your case at the security gate.
May 19, 2008, 10:31 AM
It's been just over a year since we last reported on Registered Traveler (RT), the program that enables people to zip through separate security lanes. Here's our update!
May 14, 2008, 8:04 AM
The federal government must agree to basic rights for travelers visiting the U.S.--because as one Italian man's experience shows, they don't have any rights at all.
May 9, 2008, 11:40 AM
For checked or carry-on luggage, try using zip ties instead of costly metal locks. Our TSA tipster says that these are long plastic ties that lock and can't be opened unless cut.
May 7, 2008, 2:13 PM
How many victims are there? Who's to blame for all the lost items? What's the best strategy for avoiding robbery? We ask the TSA and a former baggage systems manager for Midwest.
May 7, 2008, 10:54 AM
We asked the TSA to respond to the many questions that readers posted to our recent item. Has the TSA stolen from you? Read the TSA responses.
May 2, 2008, 11:07 AM
Is your toothpaste less likely to be detected by TSA screeners if it's Crest?
April 29, 2008, 11:03 AM
The TSA is scheduled to expand its Black Diamond security checkpoint program to Milwaukee today, making it the 13th airport so far to offer self-select lanes based on ski icons (green for beginners, blue for intermediate, and black for expert).
April 23, 2008, 11:44 AM
One reporter argues that luggage inspectors are too often thieves. But is the threat exaggerated?
April 18, 2008, 12:25 PM
New body scanners installed yesterday at airports in New York City and Los Angeles allow security screeners to peek under passengers' clothing to detect hidden weapons.
April 2, 2008, 3:19 PM
About 9,500 commercial pilots have legal permission to carry .40 caliber semi-automatic pistols in-flight.
March 31, 2008, 5:02 PM
Recent news from the TSA doesn't make us feel any less stressed about security screening.
February 27, 2008, 9:05 AM
About 20 to 26 percent of TSA workers leave their jobs—or are let go—each year.
February 22, 2008, 11:43 AM
Last week, officials in London announced the possibility that U.S. air marshals could be used on all transatlantic flights on U.S. carriers.
February 22, 2008, 8:51 AM
The TSA is trying something novel at Denver International Airport: When you reach the security checkpoint, you can choose which line to enter.
February 19, 2008, 8:23 AM
Amtrak is officially announcing that it'll begin random searches of passengers' carry-on bags—the system is modeled after the one used in New York City subway stations.
February 13, 2008, 10:36 AM
Recently, the European Commission proposed mandatory fingerprinting for all foreign visitors to most states in the European Union.
February 5, 2008, 8:17 AM
Meet Bob, Ethel, Jay, Chance, and Jim —your friendly, blogging TSA officials. But will they be able to answer your questions?
February 4, 2008, 5:02 PM
Like a scene out of a sci-fi movie, the London airport is requiring some connecting passengers to undergo iris scans and get a thumbprint scan.
December 28, 2007, 12:06 PM
Text messaging is the newest way for those on the go to share and receive real-time information about everything from flight delays to tortuous check-in lines.
December 6, 2007, 9:01 AM
The TSA has logged a record number of complaints in past months—but you'll be surprised to find out why.
November 8, 2007, 9:57 AM
The reason why might surprise you, but the advice is sound.
October 12, 2007, 10:56 AM
Within a few years, you might no longer be using paper boarding passes to go through airport security checkpoints.
September 10, 2007, 2:26 PM
Meet the man who is uniting hotel owners, airline owners, law enforcement officials, and other travel groups for one thing: your safety.
September 5, 2007, 12:55 PM
It could be the ultimate in security and identity—but will it get you through the lines faster?
August 7, 2007, 4:00 PM
European travelers will have to register their plans with the U.S. very soon.
July 20, 2007, 9:36 AM
The TSA says you can keep your lighters ... maybe.
June 4, 2007, 10:32 AM
A reaction from 18 of our readers on the frightening news.
April 20, 2007, 12:14 PM
In response to recent narcotics-related violence, Americans travelers are warned to use caution in unfamiliar areas.
April 20, 2007, 10:16 AM
Savvy tips on safeguarding your financial information when you travel.
April 16, 2007, 3:59 PM
The author's name comes up on at least one of the U.S. government watch lists—making travel difficult and often intimidating.