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TSA Warns Travelers They Could Face Massive Fines If They Pack Certain Banned Items 

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently been emphasizing that travelers need to double check what they’re packing to ensure they can avoid potentially major fines. The easiest way to make sure your luggage is protected is to check the TSA’s website for a complete list of the banned items for carry-on and checked luggage. 

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Besides the risk of having some of your items confiscated or thrown away, when an item is flagged, even if it’s technically permitted, your luggage may have to go through additional screenings. 

One of the worst case scenarios for travelers who try to bring a prohibited item through is a fine up to  $17,062 in civil penalties per violation, per person. 

This month, the TSA tweeted at travelers with children specifically that toys that are filled with more than 3.4 ounces of gel or dough are not allowed in carry-ons, in alignment with the TSA policy for liquids, gels, and aerosols. 

Squishy toys, slimes, and fidgets have grown greatly in popularity in recent years, leading to an uptick in confiscations at US airports. 

USA Today reported that many travelers also don’t realize a lot of household tools that seem fine are also banned, such as cordless curling irons and sporting equipment. 

Travel items like power banks for electronics and other lithium-ion battery devices must be kept in carry-ons as well. 

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“To avoid delays, always check TSA and airline rules before packing, keep your luggage organized, pack liquids and electronics separately for easy access, and make sure any items that could need extra screening are on top or in an easily accessible pocket,” Paul Stewart, travel expert and founder of My Baggage, told USA Today.

The publication listed out some of the items that are often confiscated by TSA that travelers may be surprised by: 

  1. Cordless curling irons – banned in checked baggage
  2. Bowling balls – banned in carry-ons
  3. Cast iron cookware – banned in carry-ons
  4. Corkscrews with a blade – banned in carry-ons
  5. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices – banned in checked luggage
  6. Foam toy sword – banned in carry-ons
  7. Gel-type candles – banned in carry-ons
  8. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones – banned in carry-ons and checked luggage
  9. Screwdrivers longer than seven inches – banned in carry-ons
  10. Snow globes – banned in carry-ons if containing over 3.4 ounces of liquid

One exception to the 3.4-ounce rule is baby formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food, all of which are allowed in carry-ons. TSA has this rule in place because these items are medically necessary for babies and toddlers. 

Additionally, to make getting through the line easier, travelers should inform the TSA officer of the specific liquids they have, remove them from their carry-on, and store it in clear bottles. 

For a full list of banned items, be sure to thoroughly go through the TSA’s website while they’re packing their carry-ons and luggage. 

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US Drops Off World’s 10 Most Powerful Passports List For First Time In Two Decades

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For the first time in 20 years, the US has dropped out of the world’s top 10 most powerful passports, signifying a major dethroning for one of the world’s biggest superpowers. 

According to the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks and measures how many nations a traveler can visit without needing a visa, the US passport is now ranked at 12th internationally and shares that position with Malaysia. 

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Henley & Partners is a London-based firm that specializes in citizenship and residency consulting. The firm has been compiling these rankings for around 20 years, and they do so by utilizing data from the International Air Transport Association. 

Last year, the US was ranked in seventh place before moving down to 10th in July this year. When we look back a decade, the US was at the very top of the ranking. 

“The declining strength of the US passport over the past decade is more than just a reshuffle in rankings – it signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics,” Christian H Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners and creator of the index, said in a press release. 

“Nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.”

The current ranking is mainly made up of nations in Asia. Singapore is leading with visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea with 190, and Japan with 189, the Guardian reports.

The drop in the US’s position on the list is being attributed to America’s immigration and travel policies under President Donald Trump. The policies initially targeted unauthorized migration, but have also extended to crackdowns on tourism, foreign workers, and international students. 

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Henley & Partners also noted that while US passport holders can access 180 destinations without a visa, the US itself only allows 46 other nationalities to enter the borders without a visa. 

Access changes in other nations have also caused them to drop on the list. For example, in April, Brazil ended their visa-free entry for Americans, Canadians, and Australians due to a “lack of reciprocity.”

While some countries have expanded their visa waivers, they have not done so for Americans. Both China and Vietnam have excluded the US from their newly expanded list of countries eligible for visa-free tourism. 

Henley & Partners stated that nations who offer their citizens broad travel freedoms but limit visa-free entry for others, like the US, have seen their passport strengths either remain stagnant or decrease. 

“The dramatic fall in ranking is already fueling a desire for dual citizenship among Americans,” the firm stated. 

“In coming years, more Americans will be acquiring additional citizenships in whatever way they can,” Peter J Spiro, professor of law at Temple University Law School, said in a statement. 

“Multiple citizenship is being normalized in American society, dual citizenship is the new American dream.”

Katelyn Moskos Northern Living

Northern Living: Redefining Vacations in the Enchanting Lake George Region | Katelyn Moskos

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Lake George is found in the picturesque Adirondack Mountains and has long been a cherished escape for vacationers seeking respite from the daily grind. However, in the wake of pandemic fatigue, the need for rejuvenation and family bonding has become paramount. Katelyn Moskos, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Northern Living, started her business to help families make those meaningful memories.

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Southwest Airlines Ditches Open Seating After 50+ Years, Assigned Seats Coming in January

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Southwest Airlines is turning a major page in its history. Starting January 27, the beloved (or dreaded, depending on who you ask) open-seating policy will be a thing of the past. For the first time, passengers will board with pre-assigned seats, the company confirmed to CNBC. Tickets for the new seating model go on sale July 29.

The change marks the end of a defining feature of Southwest’s brand, one that has set it apart from other U.S. carriers for decades. Since its early days, Southwest has allowed passengers to board in groups and pick any available seat.

That policy, along with its generous perk of two free checked bags, has long been a draw for budget-conscious travelers. Still, both offerings are being reevaluated as the airline strives to remain competitive and boost profitability.

Southwest’s shift is part of a sweeping business overhaul aimed at driving new revenue. In March, the carrier also announced it would begin charging for checked bags for most customers and introduced new fare categories. Premium ticket buyers will be spared from some of the added fees and limitations.

The company insists these changes won’t slow down operations. Stephanie Shafer Modi, Southwest’s managing director of fares and ancillary products, told CNBC that by using live trials and computer simulations, Southwest has tested the efficiency of its new system, focusing on minimizing turnaround time and protecting its reputation for rapid boarding.

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“We wanted to make sure that, as we designed a boarding construct that sort of paired well with assigned seating, that we were optimizing for efficiency, but also the second priority: balancing that with making sure that we’re taking care of our most loyal customers, so tier members, cardholders and customers who buy our most premium products.”

With the rollout, the familiar sights of A-B-C boarding groups, early-bird alarm clocks, and the aisle dash for favorite seats will soon be history. In their place will be a more structured system with eight boarding groups based on fare class, loyalty status, and seat selection.

Groups 1 & 2 will include elite frequent flyers and holders of premium fares. Groups 3 through 8 will be assigned based on ticket class (like “Choice” and “Basic”) and seat location. Members of the Rapid Rewards credit card program will be guaranteed boarding by Group 5 at the latest. Passengers will line up in two queues under the new system.

The airline hasn’t revealed how much it will charge for seat selection, a fee that varies widely on other airlines depending on the flight and demand. Fare class will also determine access to certain seats, with three options: Standard, Preferred, and Extra-Legroom.

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According to Modi, customer feedback made it clear that sitting together is a top priority, especially for families.

“I think that if families want that sense of control, they have the option to pick their seats through our existing products that we’re selling. We will try to do our best to make sure that families are seated together no matter how they buy a ticket.”

To prepare for this shift, Southwest has been busy reworking its fleet. Around 200 of its Boeing aircraft, or roughly a quarter of its total fleet, have already been retrofitted with extra-legroom seating, a spokesperson said. While these upgraded seats aren’t officially on sale yet, the airline has been offering early boarding passes to improve customers’ chances of snagging one.

The airline states that its broader transformation plan is expected to generate an additional $800 million in earnings before interest and taxes this year, increasing to $1.7 billion by 2026. It first teased the end of open seating last year, but didn’t reveal a timeline until now.

With this dramatic shake-up, Southwest is betting that structured seating will generate revenue without compromising speed and that loyal customers will remain with the airline, even as it trades spontaneity for structure.

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The Real ID Deadline Is Officially Here And Required For Air Travel In America

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Starting this week, air travelers in the US need a state-issued ID that is compliant with “Real ID” requirements in order to fly, or they’ll be subject to further screenings. So far, US airports have been reporting that the transition has been operating smoothly.

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America No Longer on the Itinerary: Global Travelers Rethink U.S. Trips Amid Rising Tensions

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International travelers are increasingly reconsidering trips to the United States amid growing concerns over feeling unsafe or unwelcome due to controversial policies and diplomatic tensions linked to the Trump administration. Issues such as border detentions, heightened trade conflicts, and strained relations with longstanding allies are causing many tourists to rethink their support for the U.S. economy.

A proposed new travel ban could restrict citizens from up to 43 countries, including Belarus, Cambodia, and St. Lucia, further complicating international relations and fueling traveler anxieties.

Mallory Henderson, a London-based marketing consultant who regularly visited the U.S. to see family, told The New York Times she canceled her upcoming trip to Boston, citing discomfort with the “unpredictable” environment.

“So many Americans are looking to escape the tense and toxic atmosphere at home. Why would anyone want to visit, especially right now, with all the arbitrary detentions at immigration? It’s a really hostile and scary time, and quite frankly, there’s plenty of other inviting and pleasant places I can go to meet up with my family.”

Even before recent political shifts, the American tourism sector was already struggling to rebound from the pandemic. The strong U.S. dollar and prolonged visa processing had delayed recovery, with international visitor numbers projected not to reach pre-pandemic levels until late 2025 and tourist spending not fully rebounding until 2026, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Tourism Economics, a research firm, initially predicted a 9 percent growth in travel to the U.S. this year but recently revised forecasts to reflect a 5.1 percent decline in inbound visitors.
This downturn is expected to result in an $18 billion reduction in visitor spending, significantly driven by Canadian travelers responding to newly imposed tariffs. In February, cross-border Canadian visits dropped by 24 percent year-over-year.

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Major airlines like Delta, American, and United have adjusted financial forecasts and reduced flights, especially to and from Canada, reflecting the diminished demand. United CEO Scott Kirby explicitly noted a substantial drop in Canadian passengers.

President of Tourism Economics, Adam Sacks, attributes this decline to perceptions caused by aggressive policy decisions.

“The negative sentiment shift is anticipated to be sustained by an evolving mix of Trump administration factors, including geopolitical friction on trade and national security policies, charged rhetoric and adversarial posturing. High-visibility border security and immigration policies and enforcement actions are also expected to discourage visits.”

Several nations, including the U.K., Canada, and Germany, have updated travel advisories cautioning citizens that visa waivers do not guarantee smooth entry into the U.S. following several highly publicized border detentions involving foreign nationals. For example, France recently protested after a French scientist was denied entry, allegedly due to his personal opinions about American politics discovered during a phone inspection—an assertion the U.S. denied.

While Europe has not seen cancellations at Canada’s scale, many travelers are reconsidering future trips to the United States. European Travel Agents’ Secretary General Eric Dresin warned that continued policy turbulence might lead to greater disruption in the European tourism market. In February, arrivals from Western Europe dipped by 1 percent compared to a 14 percent increase the previous year.

Tourists like Christoph Bartel, a German citizen who lives in Norway, are choosing alternate destinations after U.S. policy shifts. Bartel had initially planned to visit Arizona in the summer to tour national parks but canceled his plans when Trump fired park employees and reversed environmental regulations.

“It does not feel right to support the American economy when the president is causing so much sabotage. It is disappointing to abandon a special trip we planned for months, but we will go to Canada or Mexico instead.”

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British travelers, traditionally the largest European visitor group after Canada and Mexico, are also becoming cautious. Alan Wilson of Bon Voyage Travel & Tours noted a 5 percent drop in bookings for U.S. trips this year, driven partly by increased hotel costs and frustration with tipping culture.

“The British market absolutely hates the 20 percent tipping culture and how America always has its hand held out for the next gratuity. They would rather pay the money upfront.”

Small businesses reliant on tourism in popular destinations like New York and California feel the pinch. Luke Miller of Real New York Tours reported devastating cancellations, especially from Canadian visitors, with a bleak outlook for future bookings. If business doesn’t rebound, Miller fears layoffs will be inevitable. “I just had 20 busloads of seniors cancel their upcoming tours. That’s thousands of dollars of losses for my small business,” Mr. Miller said.

In response, state tourism agencies are stepping up marketing to reassure travelers. Visit California, the state’s tourism agency, slightly lowered its 2025 spending forecast, citing reduced international arrivals and recent wildfires.

“The good news is, thanks to California’s strong brand on the global stage, international visitors continue to show a strong affinity for the Golden State,” Caroline Beteta, the agency’s president, said in a statement.

New York City Tourism+ Conventions is emphasizing affordability and attractions beyond Manhattan, confident that the city will ultimately achieve its recovery goals despite present challenges.

“This is an excellent opportunity to highlight the other boroughs and parts of New York City outside of Manhattan that are just as vibrant and have amazing, award-winning culinary, arts and cultural experiences.”

Still, business owners like Miller remain concerned. “The reality is that we are being hit the hardest and might not survive,” he said.

Some Of The Most Breathtaking Places To See Wildflowers In The US

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With the Covid-19 pandemic finally beginning to reach it’s long-winded end with the release of multiple vaccines, many are ready to return to their normal lives. Many aren’t going to be rushing to the airport anytime soon, however, a lot of people are ready to begin traveling across the country in a safe way as more and more people get vaccinated. 

Below is a list of some of the most spectacular locations to see a variety of vibrant wildflowers throughout the United States. Many individuals are opting to go on road trips as the weather gets warmer and the country begins to reopen, here’s some of the most popular destinations that US residents will be heading to in the coming months: 

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Texas: From March to May Texas is known for having spectacular fields full of colorful spring flowers. Texas Hill Country is one of the most famous parts of the state for flower viewing due to its prominent Indian paintbrushes, pink evening primroses, daisies, winecups, prairie verbenas, and golden eye phlox populations. The 80-mile loop from Brenham to Chappell Hill is also known for its intense and vibrant meadows full of purple coneflowers, verbenas, beardtongues, skullcaps, prairie parsley, yellow wild indigo, blue-eyed grasses, blanket flowers, and more.

South Dakota: South Dakota offers a wide variety of wildflower destinations alongside the multitude of other national monuments present in the state. Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Crazy Horse Memorial all contain some of the nation’s most spectacular views. The Badlands National Park is known for having some of the country’s most natural scenery in the spring and summer, including the prairie coneflowers, Woods’ roses, and Rocky Mountain blazing stars.

Florida: According to travel journalist Skye Sherman, “while they’re not exactly wildflowers, South Florida’s tabebuia trees (also known as trumpet trees) are still a sight to behold. Each spring, the trees erupt in clouds of yellow — sunny as the state itself — or a light pastel pink that perfectly captures the spirit of springtime. Head to Palm Beach starting in March to spot these colorful blooms.

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California: California is constantly blooming, it just depends on where you go and what the time of year is. February through April is known to be the best time to find the state really covered in wildflowers and other exotic plant life. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Carlsbad Flower Fields are the best places to take in the golden state’s beauty. 

Colorado:  Colorado is ideal for a summer hiking trip because not only is the weather glorious, but trails across the state are surrounded by a rainbow of wildflowers. Head to Crested Butte, considered to be the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” for the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival and great hiking opportunities, or Steamboat Springs to spot the Colorado blue columbine and red Indian paintbrush on the trails,” according to Sherman.

Montana: Prairie and Alpine wildflowers saturate the grounds of the Glacier National Park every year from June to July. The one month residency makes Montana one of the most popular summer travel spots in the US. In general more than 1,000 breeds of wildflowers grow in the Glacier National Park throughout the summer, so you’re guaranteed some of the most beautiful views you’ve ever seen should you take the trip.

Fall Road Trip

8 Road Trip Ideas That Capture The Beauty Of Fall In The US

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All throughout the US, many are opting to take road trips in lieu of the Covid-19 pandemic putting a wedge in other travel plans. Now that autumn is officially beginning, it’s the perfect time to get in your car and start taking in some of the wondrous sites the US has to offer during this colorful and cozy season. 

Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia: New England destinations in general are always a hot spot for fall lovers, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are no different. The stunning fall foliage will give you some of the most breathtaking landscapes you’ve ever seen, and the adjacent mountain town of Helen is known as the highest natural point in Georgia. The mountains are also right next to the town of Clayton which is known for its old school charm and slew of antique shops, galleries, wineries, and other fun activities. 

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Rhode Island: The US’s smallest state offers a wide variety of road trip excursions anyone would enjoy. One could go to the famous town of Newport and hike along the historic railroad tracks while taking in the stunning scenery and historic mansion views. During the whole month of October, the town also has a variety of Halloween themed activities and attractions, such as pumpkin patches, haunted houses, cider houses, and more. 

New York’s Finger Lakes: The finger lakes are a great destination for any New Yorker desperately seeking a break from the city. If you leave from the city, you can head through the state of Pennsylvania and stop at the  Tobyhanna state park for some stellar autumnal scenery, and natural mountain views. The finger lakes themselves also offer a variety of hiking locations to really connect you to nature.

Route 6 Pennsylvania: Speaking of Pennsylvania, Route 6 is famously known for its various road trip excursion opportunities, and the views along the route are worth the trip alone. Along the route drivers will see a multitude of signs advertising fun seasonal activities such as cider tastings, apple picking, hiking trails, and more!

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The Blue Ridge Parkway: This winding road is a quintessential road trip for anyone in the North Carolina/Virginia area, especially in the fall. It’s 470 miles and connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The route itself will pass you through various farmlands and scenic forests any fall lover would enjoy. 

Connecticut’s Covered Bridges: In the northwest corner of Connecticut there’s a 100-mile loop that passes through the Town of Falls Village where all the churches, streets, houses and railroads look exactly like they did in the 1800’s. The Appalachian Trail runs right through the town offering up some of the most scenic hiking in the country. Visitors can also pass through the West Cornwall Covered Bridge which stretches 172 feet over the Housatonic River. 

The Oregon Coast: The coast of Oregon may not have the most traditional fall foliage, however, it has its own unique scenery through its various hiking trails. Travel experts recommend visitors start in Astoria and head south so they can take advantage of all the trails and stop at some of the state’s most famous historical parks and beaches. 

Route 66: Finally, the most classic American road trip of them all would have to be the historic highway that’s been forever memorialized in pop culture; Route 66. Most experts recommend starting in Chicago and then just following the turn-by-turn directions along the way to trace the entire route. There’s plenty of signs to warn you when upcoming sight-seeing destinations are about to appear so you can stop as many times as you want along the way.

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Delta Among Airlines Adding Passengers Who Refuse To Wear Masks To No-Fly List

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Travelling anywhere during the coronavirus pandemic poses a certain level of risk, but getting on a plane especially is cause for taking as many precautions as possible. Many airlines have begun implementing mandatory health and safety procedures such as social distancing markers within all airports, requiring facial coverings at all times, and removing middle seat options from being purchased.

For the most part, major airlines throughout the US are taking these procedures seriously and mandating them within all locations. Delta, specifically, wants their customers to understand how important these policies are, and have gone so far as to place people on the no-fly list for refusing to wear a mask while on board. 

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Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently spoke with the media about the company’s mask policy, claiming that while some consumers may think being added to the no-fly list is “excessive,” they believe health and safety is number one priority always. 

“We’ve been… steadily and rather aggressively stepping up our enforcement of the mask policy. If you board the plane and you insist on not wearing your mask, we will insist that you don’t fly Delta into the future.”

The airline has had this policy implemented since the beginning of this pandemic, however, they only recently began seriously enforcing it as a part of their “Clearance-to-Fly” program. This program requires all passengers who claim to have medical conditions that exempt them from wearing a mask to go through a lengthy process to get pre-approval, however, the airline more so suggests that if you are one of these individuals, to stay home and not get on any sort of plane. 

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Delta began blocking out middle seat ticket listings to restrict airplane capacity in May, and is planning on continuing this until at least the end of September, however, it’s more dependent on how much worse the pandemic gets within the next two months. Bastian claims that all planes are also consistently sanitized between flights and layovers. 

“I know there’s a lot of anxiety in the general public — and even for road warriors who have been out flying for years — their first time back, there’s a level of angst that they need almost be walked through the process.”

Bastian claims that while he’s ready for traditional airline travel to resume, he knows that a vaccine is the only thing that will make everyone feel comfortable getting on a plane again, as he feels the same way. “We need some medical confidence back in consumers and continue to restore confidence in air travel.”

Southwest Airlines is one of the more recent companies to require all passengers wear a mask with no exceptions; regardless of any medical conditions that may prevent someone from wearing one. They claim if you have an illness severe enough to hinder your ability to wear a mask, you shouldn’t be getting on a plane in the middle of a global health crisis in general. 

American and United airlines also claimed that they would temporarily ban passengers from flying on their planes if they refuse to wear a mask on board like Delta.