TSA Drops Shoe Removal Rule for All Travelers

LATEST NEWS
TSA Drops Shoe Removal Rule for All Travelers

Starting July 7, 2025, the TSA will no longer require passengers to remove their shoes at airport security — a major shift from a rule in place since 2006.

Thanks to advanced screening technology, travelers can now keep their footwear on, regardless of TSA PreCheck status. This update follows years of inconsistent enforcement and aims to streamline the screening process while maintaining safety standards.

While PreCheck still offers perks like shorter lines and laptop-in-bag privileges, this change challenges the value of its $77–$85 fee.

The move is especially welcomed by families, business travelers, and anyone tired of going barefoot in busy terminals. It’s a long-overdue improvement that reflects both modern tech and evolving security priorities.

BOARDING PASS
Why You Should Always Print Your Boarding Pass

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to rely solely on mobile boarding passes—until your phone dies, the app crashes, or you lose service. Don’t risk travel chaos!

Here’s why a printed boarding pass is still your best backup:

• Tech Isn’t Foolproof: Your phone battery can die, or you might lose service/Wi-Fi, leaving you stranded without access to your mobile pass.

• App Glitches Happen: Even the best airline apps can fail, causing your digital pass to disappear during flight changes or cancellations.

• Extra Key Details: Printed passes often include your ticket number—essential for refunds—while mobile versions may only show a confirmation code.

• Pro Tip: A screenshot of your mobile pass can help, but a printed copy remains the most reliable backup.

Why It Matters: Avoid stress and delays—always print a backup! 📄

LONG FLIGHT HACKS
Flying Far? Avoid These 12 Travel Fails

Former flight attendant Tiffany Hawk shares the top ways passengers sabotage their comfort—and how to fix them.

🛫 Top 12 Flight Fails (And How to Fix Them)

1. Neck Pillow Regret – Many travelers haul bulky U-shaped pillows only to find them uncomfortable. Fix: Test yours at home first.

2. Sleeping Pill Dangers – Mixing sleep aids with alcohol or taking too much can leave you groggy and unprepared for emergencies. Fix: Consult a doctor before flying with meds.

3. Kids’ Screen Overload – Nonstop movies = wired kids + brutal jet lag. Fix: Mix in books, coloring, or quiet games.

4. Barefoot Blunder – Airplane floors are dirty (think: spilled drinks, bathroom runoff). Fix: Wear socks or slippers if walking around.

5. Dehydration Disaster – Dry cabin air worsens jet lag. Fix: Drink water regularly—ask the crew or bring a refillable bottle.

6. Temperature Trouble – Planes swing from freezing to stuffy. Fix: Dress in easy-to-adjust layers.

7. Entertainment Letdown – Seatback screens often fail. Fix: Bring a backup book, podcast, or downloaded shows.

8. Dead Device Drama – Outlets don’t always work. Fix: Charge all devices before boarding.

9. Overdoing Alcohol – Cabin pressure intensifies alcohol’s effects. Fix: Sip slowly and pair each drink with water.

10. Forgotten Comfort Items – Dry air + noise = misery. Fix: Pack lip balm, earplugs, an eye mask, and a toothbrush.

11. Gassy Food Regrets – Pressure expands stomach gas (yes, it’s painful). Fix: Skip carbonated drinks and bloating foods pre-flight.

12. Ignoring Layering – One outfit won’t cut it. Fix: Pack a light sweater, scarf, or zip-up hoodie.

💡 Why This Matters

Long flights are exhausting enough—don’t make them worse with avoidable mistakes. A few smart tweaks can mean the difference between arriving refreshed or miserable.

📌 Pro Tip

"Prep like a pro: Hydrate, layer up, and always have a backup plan for entertainment."

PASSPORT TIP
The Passport Mistake That Could Cancel Your Entire Trip

🛂 Think a valid passport is enough for international travel? Not always. Many countries require your passport to be valid at least 3 to 6 months beyond your return date — not just your departure. Missing this detail could get you denied at the gate.

Travelers often assume their passport is fine as long as it hasn’t expired, but countries in the Schengen Area, much of Asia, and the Middle East enforce strict validity rules. For example, traveling to Vietnam in July may require your passport to be valid through January.

✅ Always check the passport validity requirements for your destination
✅ Confirm with both the country’s embassy and your airline
✅ Renew your passport at least a year in advance if expiration is approaching
✅ Don’t forget blank pages, name changes, or visa requirements

Experts warn that airlines can legally deny boarding, even if you’re just a few weeks short. For peace of mind, consult the U.S. State Department or your destination’s consulate, and double-check travel advisories.

This small but crucial step can prevent a last-minute travel disaster and ensure your international plans go off without a hitch.

LUGGAGE HACK
Want Your Luggage to Arrive First? Try These 6 Smart Hacks

🧳Tired of waiting forever at baggage claim? While there’s no guaranteed way to make your suitcase appear first, aviation experts say there are ways to boost your odds.

✅ Fly First Class or Hold Elite Status
Airlines often tag premium passengers' bags as priority, meaning they’re loaded last and unloaded first.

✅ Gate Check on Full Flights
If overhead bins are full, gate-checking can result in faster delivery — especially on smaller domestic routes.

✅ Request a “Priority” or “Fragile” Tag
These tags may place your bag on top of others, leading to quicker unloading — even in economy.

✅ Check In Later (But Not Last-Minute)
Bags checked closer to departure often end up on top, meaning they exit the plane sooner.

✅ Fly Through Smaller Airports
Less traffic = faster baggage handling. If you have the option, choose newer or smaller hubs.

✅ Frequent Flyer Perks Pay Off
Airlines use baggage sorting systems that often favor loyal customers, even if they’re not in first class.

None of these tricks are foolproof — but use a few together, and you might just beat the carousel rush.

WONDERING!!
Can Border Agents Check Your Social Media?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has increased scrutiny of travelers' electronic devices, including social media, at border crossings. While such searches are officially rare and regulated, legal experts say they are becoming more common, raising concerns about privacy and freedom of expression.

Travelers—both visitors and U.S. citizens—can have their phones searched without a warrant, including access to photos and social media accounts if the device is accessible. Visa applicants must often make their social media public to facilitate vetting, but U.S. citizens and lawful residents can keep accounts private or delete apps before crossing.

Refusing to unlock or hand over devices may result in denied entry for visitors, but citizens generally retain their right to enter. Devices can be confiscated for extended periods, sometimes without clear suspicion, prompting advice to prepare in advance.

Travelers should weigh the risks and consider scrubbing phones or social media profiles, especially non-citizens. Consulting an immigration attorney beforehand is recommended. Overall, travelers should stay informed and plan accordingly to avoid complications at U.S. borders.