At the beginning of the year, there was a lot of noise about rolling out a Registered Traveler program — where, in exchange for a $100 fee and a more detailed background check, a (presumably frequent) traveler would gain the ability to pass more quickly through the TSA security screening. However, the program died from…

Last week, most of the news coverage about the TSA’s new security restrictions was fairly positive — travelers were inconvenienced, but taking it in stride and soldiering on. However, with the TSA now suggesting that many of these restrictions could become permanent, the coverage is shifting. USA Today, the unofficial newspaper of frequent travelers, put…

At the end of last night’s podcast, I mentioned that I had restocked my toiletry kit with the latest TSA banned substance list in hand. I hit the local Wild Oats natural food store and bought some Eco-Dent tooth powder, Tom’s of Maine natural long-lasting deodorant stick, and Jason Stuck Up! hair styling wax. Even…

After dumping my toothpaste and stashing my gel deodorant, I was turned back from the American Airlines’ SFO security line by a contractor saying that no rolling bags were allowed as carry-on. A half-dozen of us were incredulous. We had prepared for the “no-liquids” rule, but no one had heard of a “no-wheeled bags” rule….

I woke up this morning in the SFO Marriott to the news of the foiled plot to blow up London-to-US flights. I looked out my window and was relieved to see planes lined up and taking off over the bay. Turning back to the TV, I watched the live reports from SFO, OAK, and LAX….