TSA – That’s Good to Know

After The Sequined Top post we got inquiries about more info on TSA rules. Be sure and check out Immigration FastPass too.


The TSA is the United States Transportation Safety Administration and it is currently responsible for inspecting all passengers and items they intend to carry onto all commercial airliners taking off from U.S. Airports.

The official TSA guidelines state, You cannot  take any objects in your hand baggage or on your person that could cause injury to yourself and other passengers.

Transportation Safety Officers (TSO’s) are trained, certified and authorized, in accordance with applicable TSA standards and directives, to inspect individuals, accessible property and/or checked baggage for the presence of explosives, incendiaries, weapons or other prohibited items. At a checkpoint they are the authority as to “what cannot be taken past the inspection area”

TSA Website Offers the Following Travel Checklist information:

Before Packing

  • Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:

The rule of thumb for liquids, gels and aerosols: You’re allowed to take as many 3.4 ounce or smaller sized containers that will fit in one sealed, clear, quart-sized zip-top bag – and one bag per person. Make life simple by packing liquids in your checked baggage. That way, you don’t have to worry about the liquids rule.



  • 3.4 ounces or less per container
  • 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag)
  • 1 bag per passenger

Deodorant: Flying with deodorant isn’t a sticky situation. Stick deodorant is not limited to 3.4 oz or less, but gel or spray deodorant is.

Makeup: Any liquid makeup cosmetics such as eyeliner, nail polish, liquid foundation, etc., should be placed in the baggie. That goes for perfume as well. Powder makeup is fine.


  • Review the prohibited items list for both carry-on and checked baggage.
  • If purchasing a baggage lock, be sure to look for those that are TSA recognized.
  • Tape a card with your name and contact information on your electronics.

When Packing

  • Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)


Not Allowed Items

Shaving Razors: In brief, all razors are allowed in checked bags. Disposable razors are allowed in carry-on bags, and safety razors with removable blades are not. Check out the blog post for pictures of razor examples and more information.


Major Rules And Policies

  • Firearms are only allowed in checked baggage and must be unloaded, placed in a locked, hard-sided container and declared to your airline.
  • All fireworks contain explosive materials and are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage
  • Cigarette lighters. you can take a lighter on the plane. But no more than one. Confusingly, “you must keep the lighter on your person throughout the flight”.
  • Pack large electronics on top layer of carry-on for screening accessibility.
  • Place your 3-1-1 bag with liquids, gels and aerosols in the front pocket of your carry-on for accessibility.
  • If traveling with a pet, be sure to bring a leash so carriers can be properly screened.

Advice Before Leaving For The Airport

  • Before Leaving for the Airport. Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport early (one hour minimum before flight).
  • Wear easily removable shoes.
  • Passengers with a disability or medical condition may call ahead to the TSA Cares toll free helpline at (855) 787-2227.

Before Entering the TSA Checkpoint

  • Eligible passengers look for the TSA Pre® lane for expedited screening at participating airports.
  • Have your ID and boarding pass out for inspection.
  • In Standard Screening Lane
  • Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
  • Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on).
  • Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
  • Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.)
  • Remember to check the bins and collect all belongings after going through screening.

Screening Equipment

Metal Detectors – Before going thru remove all metal objects from your person. That should include car keys, cell phones, belt buckles and coins.

Scanners – Unlike the metal detectors you must remove everything from your pockets before going thru even non-metallic objects. They can detected small plastic pill cases and glass eye dropper bottles. They have even found a two pack of breath mints and when that happens you are going to get delayed.

How to get into the TSA fast lane.

Getting Expedited Screening

TSA Pre® – TSA Pre✓® allows eligible travelers to receive expedited screening. In layman’s terms, it means you get through security quickly. The average wait time in TSA Pre✓® lanes is under 5 minutes! Even if a TSA Pre✓® line looks longer, they move much faster than a standard lane with more convenience. For TSA Pre✓® travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. 

TSA Pre✓® travelers (including those enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI), have access to faster TSA Pre✓® lanes at more than 200 airports when flying with participating airlines. To find the program that best suits your travel needs, 

What if TSA Pre® Not Reflected on Boarding Pass: If you’re looking at your boarding pass and you don’t see the TSA Pre✓® indicator even though you’re an approved trusted traveler, we’re here to help! Get live assistance by tweeting @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger. Our AskTSA team can help resolve any issues.

TSA Pre✓® and Traveling companions:

On times while traveling either my wife or I don’t get a TSA Pre✓® on our boarding pass. We have asked agents and they have, on more than one occasion, told us that if one of us is pre-cleared the other can go with them thru TSA Pre✓®. As close as we have come to confirmation on this is following notice on the Ask TSA web site:

Traveling with children: Screening is simpler for children 12 and under, so they can keep their shoes on. Read about how to best pack for your child and read how Kids rule the airport”. Children 12 and under may also travel through the TSA Pre✓® lane if one or both of their parents have it!

Manatee Release At Blue Springs Park

 

While on a short drive around Central Florida this week, we stopped at Blue Springs Park in Orange City for a hike. Without expecting it, we got there as several animal rescue groups were preparing to release a manatee back into the wild.

The release that morning was a female who had been rescued weighing under six hundred pounds. She had completely recovered and had gained about three hundred pounds in rehabilitation. There were a number of organizations involved in the release including Sea World, The Jacksonville Zoo and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. While we were there a group of volunteers lifted her with a stretcher and walked her into the waters from the spring. As she was placed in the water there were a number of other manatees swimming nearby including several babies.

Blue Spring is one of the major water sources feeding the headwaters of the St. John River and 102 million gallons of water flow out of Blue Spring into the river every day. The spring is a designated manatee refuge and the

winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. The outflow from the spring measures 73° year round and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Contrary to a number of reports swimming or diving with the manatees is NOT permitted.

In 1856, the spring and surrounding land were purchased by Louis Thursby, a Gold Rush prospector turned orange grower. He built a large plantation-style home for his family on the property. It is located inside the park and is open to the public.

 

Blue Springs State Park rental cabin

St. Johns River Eco Tours boat.

There are a number of good hiking trails inside the park and and additional activities include kayaking, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. There are also cabins to rent and St. Johns River Cruises and Tours  operates boat tours from the park dock daily at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. It is a two-hour narrated nature and ecological cruise on the beautiful and historic St. Johns River. For fees and reservations, you can call (407) 330-1612 or (386) 917-0724.

The following clip was not taken at Blue Springs.

The Land of El Cid and the Moors

The Alcazaba fortress of Málaga, Spain

This fortress palace, whose name in Arabic means citadel, is one of the city’s principle historical sites and is not only beautiful but holds commanding views of the city and harbor.,.

The Alcazaba dates from the Muslim period and is located at the foot of the Gibralfaro hill, crowned by the Arab defense works to which the Alcazaba is connected by a walled passage known as the Coracha.

Alcazaba sits above Old Malaga

According to historians, it was built between 1057 and 1063 at the instructions of Badis, King of the Berber and Taifa of Granada. This period was the era of the Muslim city-states and the family wars between the Christian kings of Spain. Around 1072 the historical hero of Spain, El Cid rose to prominence. While the Alcazaba did not fall or suffer a siege during this period El Cid did command the forces of the Taifa of Zaragoza. Walking thru the streets and gates of this citadel it is easy to picture a mounted El Cid leading knights off to battle.

Constructed with columns, capitals and materials that were taken from the

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Pottery recovered in recet excuvations

nearby Roman Theatre which still sits near to the fortress base. Alcazaba combines its defensive purpose with the character of an Arab palace and is designed with rectangular patios and spaces around gardens and pools. According to the traditional architectural tenets of Granada, the rooms attempt to use the counter play of light and shade that was a trademark of Arab master builders of the period.

Its current condition and the building’s military components make it one of the most important Muslim works in Spain today. Despite its turrets, arrow slits and battlements, perhaps its most effective defense was its location, commanding the high ground above the city and bay.

 

 

 

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The One-armed Lady stands above Málaga’s old city

In addition to the Alcazaba there is much to see in Málaga. In the old section there’s “the one -armed lady” an unfinished Cathedral that according to local legend the south tower was never built because the money went instead to help fund the war of Independence in America (probably not true but let the Andalusians tell the story). There is also the Málaga Picasso Museum as well as the house where the artist, Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born.

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Central Málaga

Málaga is the heart of Spanish Andalusia and in addition to the historic areas the city is a vibrant and modern Mediterranean port with excellent restaurants, accommodations and shopping.

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Málaga harbor area

 

St. Petersburg, Florida – Beaches and Much More

On the western side of Tampa Bay is a peninsula that encompasses four cities. St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo and Dunedin. In addition to spectacular beaches the area is well worth a few days just visiting the key sites.

Sunset at the Dunedin Marina

We spent three days seeing the sights last July while staying on the waterfront in Dunedin. All the attractions were about a half hour drive away. Dunedin has a great downtown area with good shopping, restaurants, a wine café and a sunset celebration on the pier next to our hotel every evening.

In addition to a couple of great tropical gardens the area has a world-class aquarium, a major art museum and a couple of overlooked gems.

Florida Botanical Gardens

Map Florida Botanical Gardens

 

“Our Urban Oasis” Bring the family and spend the day. The Gardens are open almost every day of the year and admission is free!

 

Sunken Gardens

A botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, this 100-year-old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region.

Sunken Gardens

 

 

 

 

 

Sunken Gardens

Unwind as you stroll through meandering paths, lush with exotic plants from around the world. Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful demonstration gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants, and flowers.

 

Mazzaro’s Italian Market

Maybe other cities have an Italian deli like this one but I doubt it. If you have the time look this one up. From fresh roasted coffee to delicious deli selections, gourmet baked goods to handmade pastas and specialty cheeses, Mazzaro’s is more than a one-of-a-kind Italian gourmet market – it’s one of the Tampa Bay areas favorite culinary destinations.

The Florida Aquarium

 

Come experience Florida’s Best Aquarium and one of the “top 5 kid-friendly aquariums in the country”! Whether exploring “the great outdoors” while inside our cool, air-conditioned facility or coming face to beak with one of our penguins, The Florida Aquarium is a fabulous destination in the Tampa Bay area.

 

 

 

 

The American Victory

 

Located on a pier right next to The Florida Aquarium make time to visit a real piece of WWII history. Welcome aboard the American Victory Ship and Museum, a non-profit 501(c)3 organiztion! As one of only 4 fully-operational WWII ships in the country, the American Victory Ship is a true American icon and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Come aboard and witness virtually the entire ship including cavernous three-level cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, hospital, galley, weaponry, steering stations, flying bridge, signaling equipment, wheelhouse, mess halls, crew cabins, lifeboats, the Captain’s quarters, cargo equipment and the engine.

The Dali Museum

This modern marvel celebrates the life and work of Salvador Dali (1904-1989) and features works from the artist’s entire career. The collection includes over 2,000 works from every moment and in every medium of his artistic activity including 96 oil paintings, many original drawings, book illustrations, prints, sculpture, photos, manuscripts and an extensive archive of documents. Founded with the works collected by Reynolds and Eleanor Morse, the Museum has made significant additions to its collection over the years. 

 

 

Come for the beaches but spend a little extra time exploring.

The Singapore MRT (Metro Rapid Transit)

One of the worlds truly great subway systems is the Singapore MRT and it is a solid innovator. Many of their systems are recognized and implemented worldwide. If you are lucky enough to get to Singapore for a visit you must use the MRT to get around the city. From the time you arrive at the airport you can take advantage of this remarkable transportation system.

The Marina Towers and the Omni at night.

First thing you need to know is one of the official languages of Singapore is English and virtually all signage here is in English. So not understanding the language is not an excuse. Second, the MRT is spotless as is all of Singapore. Saying a place is so clean you can eat off the floor is a common expression but it might actually be true in the MRT.

MRT Station

The Singapore Tourist Pass is a special ez-link card that offers tourists unlimited travel on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT and LRT trains for the duration of the days purchased. You can now take in the sights and sounds of Singapore in the comfort of the island’s extensive MRT system and public bus network. If you are going to be in Singapore for a day or three you need a Singapore Tourist Pass. You can purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass at “Changi Recommends” counters at all Changi Airport terminals, SMRT Passenger Service Counters, and TransitLink Ticket Offices at Changi Airport or HarbourFront and all 7-Eleven stores. Be sure and have your passport.

TOURIST 1-DAY PASS $10   2-DAY PASS $16   3-DAY PASS $20

The pass also requires a $10 rental deposit that is refunded when you turn in the card.

Gardens By The Bay

If you don’t have a chance to get your ez-Link card the system offers an all-day ticket from the vending outlets in the stations. They are easy to understand and accept major credit cards. Since we were in Singapore three different times in some cases we found it cheaper to purchase one-way or roundtrip fares to specific destinations but in any case the fare on the MRT is a truly great deal.

With the MRT, even if you haven’t planned where you are going it isn’t hard to figure out. The popular destinations are clearly named on the route map like Botanic Garden, Chinatown, Little India, Marina Bay, Bayfront, Promenade, HarbourFront and Downtown.

Chinatown

A final thought about the MRT and Singapore in general; the people are great. They are always trying to be helpful and friendly. While riding on the MRT young people kept insisting we take their seats (and I didn’t think I looked THAT old). Even the train kept telling us to “mind the gap and have a happy happy”…

 

 

 

A FastPass Thru U.S. Immigration

Did you know there’s an App for that?

I don’t even want to get into telling stories about coming home and getting delayed in Customs and Immigration. I’m sure we all have our stories.

We were excited some time ago with the self-service kiosks that were being installed at a number of locations. After a few times thru that system we realized this wasn’t the answer to our prayers. It just didn’t happen that fast. You had to scan your passport and everyone had to – not just the head of household. You had to get your picture taken by the kiosk than respond to CBP inspection questions and submit biographic information, whatever that was. After that you were given a printout strip and than you went and stood in line again.

While traveling we have come to realize that some other countries have figured out how to get people thru the process. Our favorite is Australia – scan your passport at a kiosk, tick off a couple answers and show the receipt to the nice person as you exit. Maybe the online visa Australia makes you get helps them with the process? Somehow going thru our CPB process doesn’t make me feel any safer coming into the U.S.

Recently we’ve read a couple of articles about the U.S. CBP App and so far the reviews are positive. First you have to download the Mobile Passport App on your iPhone or Android device, it’s free. Use the App to scan your passport and save the information.

Here’s what to do when you arrive back in the U.S. from the Mobile Passport website. Once you are at your port of entry (airport or sea port), connect to wireless or wi-fi and submit your data to CBP. Remember: when you submit, you are confirming under penalty of law that your information is correct. Within a few seconds, you will receive a CBP receipt with an encrypted barcode. Your receipt will be valid for 4 hours.

No more customs forms!

Next follow the Mobile Passport Control signs to the designated Mobile Passport Control line. Show your passport to the CBP officer and scan back the barcode on the digital CBP receipt. And that’s it!

The system is currently active at twenty-four U.S. airports and Ft. Lauderale’s, Port Everglades, with more coming soon.

We have one report that the system is a breeze. That may be because there aren’t that many users yet but hopefully CBP will expand to keep up.