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If you thought ranches and rodeos were the only place for cattle herds, you haven’t been to an airport!

There’s no doubt TSA agents have a tough job keeping travelers safe, and it’s easy to see all the potential threats they deal with daily, from questionable liquids to sharp objects and always that one traveler who forgets to pack deodorant.

But on the receiving end, it’s a frustrating ordeal being moved like livestock in tight spaces where every airport seems to have different rules, which can add precious time to getting to your gate.

Plus, just when you think you’ve struck gold with a TSA PreCheck emblem on your boarding pass, somehow the PreCheck line always seems to be longer than the standard line of normies.

Security checkpoints and the boarding process may be the most annoying parts of travel, and a busy spring season surely won’t change that, but the TSA just issued a new travel alert urging travelers to follow 4 essential tips to make your experience at airports as seamless as possible.

Pack Wisely And Think Ahead

We’ve all been behind that one person who seems like they’ve never traveled before. Oh, that’s me. Sorry.

Despite having traveled to nearly 40 countries, that should speak volumes about how unorganized each airport around the world can be.

Well, with the exception of Oman – that place is spotless and a well-oiled machine!

But here in the U.S., it’s a fustercluck come spring, followed by summer. No matter how many places I go, it’s always a guessing game if liquids and electronics need to be removed and if I remember to take off my metal-clasped bracelet that always sets off that stupid machine.

TSA is asking travelers to meticulously organize their carry-ons for when these situations arise. This means having your liquids and electronics accessible so as not to hold up the line.

Sorry, guys. I’ll be better.

Furthermore, you can text or tweet (is that still a thing?) TSA with any questions regarding compliance.

Text: 275-872
X: @AskTSA

Arrive Early: Don’t Believe The ‘Airport Theory’

Just like we’ve all been behind people like me in airport lines, we’ve surely also tested fate by arriving way too close for comfort, ultimately missing our flight entirely or making it by the skin of our teeth.

TSA is urging travelers to arrive early and not take part in the current TikTok ‘airport theory’ which tests if you really need to arrive the suggested 2 hours before flight departure.

Newsflash: it doesn’t work!

As spring is one of the busiest times of year, it’s best to face the music and arrive early to ensure you make the vacation you’ve been waiting for all winter.

TSA considers spring’s peak season March 6 – 24, so if your trip falls in this window, expect crowds.

Last Call For REAL IDs!

The time has finally arrived. REAL IDs will be required for all flights this spring with few exceptions.

The goalpost has been pushed back until May 7, 2025 when TSA will be enforcing the new requirement to board flights.

While nobody wants to visit the DMV, nobody wants to miss their flight either over something so simple.

Every passenger aged 18 and over must show a valid ID or U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card.

There are some other options to bypass the new REAL ID requirements. For example, I don’t need one since I have a SENTRI card.

To view a full list of exemptions, click here.

A Little Patience Goes A Long Way

As frustrating as airports can be, try to remember TSA agents are human like you and me and are simply doing their job to keep us all safe.

While certain tactics and rules may seem over the top, it’s for our own good whether we like it in the moment or not.

The truth is if you’re an avid traveler this spring, you’re going to experience some airport headaches, so it’s best to simply embrace it’s going to happen.

A little patience goes a long way and helps keep the security process running smoothly. And just know it’s illegal to harass and impede the work of federal employees, including TSA.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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Hot diggity dog! Our tax dollars have finally been put to good use by the very people we pay to represent us.

It’s been a contentious year in the world of politics, but no matter if you’re Team Donkey, Team Elephant, or toeing the line in the middle, surely we can all agree it’s long overdue for an overhaul of travel-related fees, especially sneaky ones!

I mean, wasn’t it popcorn-worthy to watch the CCOs of Frontier and Spirit squirm being grilled by the Senate for incentivizing gate agents to scope out oversized baggage?

Well, now it’s hotels’ and vacation rentals’ turn to make things right, so there’s no more sudden surprises.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just announced a bipartisan rule officially banning so-called ‘junk fees’ just months after other traveler-friendly protections were implemented for flight delays and cancellations.

What Are ‘Junk Fees’?

Travel long enough, and you’ve probably encountered the ol’ bait-and-switch tactic at some point.

In fact, my girlfriend, who is a hotel manager, says add-on fees are guests’ most common complaint.

Fortunately, in this case, they’re bozos who didn’t read the clearly marked parking fee, but she also says there are many guests asking if her property charges a ‘resort fee‘ – Exhibit A for junk fees.

There have been many bad apples who hide charges at first glance only to tack them on your final bill, and you know exactly who the main culprit has been.

Is it a sin to tack on resort fees?

Ehh, maybe not. But ‘Sin City’ is the Mecca for sneaking in charges, where oftentimes tourists are caught by surprise with exorbitant fees higher than their room rate.

It’s similar to budget airlines selling $25 flights, only to tell you your bag is too large for a ‘carry-on’ as you board and charging you double (if not more) than what you spent on airfare before allowing you to take your seat.

In other words, a cheap trip can stack up really quickly! The FTC has taken notice and is putting a stop to it.

The bottom line is to check your bottom line. There will be so much more transparency moving forward.

Hotels and vacation rentals will still be able to charge extra fees, but you’ll know about them upfront.

“The FTC’s rule will put an end to junk fees around live event tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals, saving Americans billions of dollars and millions of hours in wasted time”.

– FTC Chair, Lina M. Khan

How Hotels And Vacation Rentals Will Look Going Forward

Truth be told, after visiting nearly 40 countries, the research that goes into a trip can be more exhausting than the travel itself.

Confirming prices, scouring reviews, and navigating complicated policies can be such a drag to the point you might ask yourself if it’s worth taking a trip at all.

The good news is those days will now be few and few between – at least for domestic trips.

The U.S. obviously has no bearing on what Cancun, Punta Cana, or Timbuktu charge.

Let’s use Airbnb as an example. When I plan out a trip and want more space or an amenity that hotels don’t typically have, like in-unit washers and dryers, I opt for Airbnb.

When searching apartments, you’ll see nightly rates all over the map, quite literally and figuratively, but what you won’t see right away are the big question marks that reveal themselves on the final checkout page.

These can range from pet fees, extra guest charges, and the company’s much-maligned cleaning fees, which can often be outrageous.

I’ve even had a host try to charge me extra for their electricity bill, which was never discussed until after checking out.

Needless to say that Venmo request was denied, but you can see why the FTC has needed to step in.

The primary issue with hotels is the aforementioned resort fees, so rather than think you just scored the deal of a lifetime on a $99 beachfront villa; it will now be listed as, say, a $500 beachfront villa with an itemized breakdown of resort fees, etc.

The FTC’s press release states, ‘the most prominent price in an ad needs to be the all-in total price—truthful itemization and breakdowns are fine but should not overshadow what consumers want to know: the real total’.

Live Events Are Affected Too

In a day and age where travelers follow their favorite musical acts and sports teams, the FTC is tackling the same issues for live events.

For example, when I buy tickets for my beloved Padres, I never pay anything close to the price listed for tickets.

If I think I’m buying $30 outfield seats, that likely means $55 outfield seats with all the extra fees tacked on.

Now those tickets should be listed as $55 (or close) to avoid any headaches and surprises.

The FTC estimates that consumers across the board will save over 53 million hours of time and over $11 billion over the next decade.

The new rules have already passed in a 4 to 1 vote and will become effective 120 days after it’s published in the Federal Register.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.