The TSA Is Now Monitoring Passenger Behavior
July 5, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
In this age of global terrorism, most air travelers recognize and accept the need for enhanced security measures.
Let’s hope so. For, in addition to the many indignities you endure at airline security checkpoints, your behavior is now being “monitored.”
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
As reported on 4/27/11 by Kate Auletta of AOL Travel News, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has deployed “Behavioral Indicator Officers” in 161 U.S. airports to monitor passenger’s antics while in security lines. The particular behaviors they are trained to spot include a cocky attitude, verbal expressions of displeasure at long lines, and fearful or impatient looks.
Auletta indicated that ” … the immigration agent who stopped the so-called 20th 9/11 hijacker recalled that his behavior was ‘arrogant.’ The TSA modeled this program off that argument and other conversations with would-be hijackers.”
On their website, the TSA describes the Behavior Detection Officer’s duties as “screening travelers for involuntary physical and physiological reactions that people exhibit in response to a fear of being discovered. TSA recognizes that an individual exhibiting some of these behaviors does not automatically mean a person has terrorist or criminal intent. Individuals exhibiting specific observable behaviors may be referred for additional screening at the checkpoint to include a hand-wanding, limited pat down, and physical inspection of one’s carry-on baggage.”
Predictably, many civil liberties advocates strongly oppose this practice, and question its effectiveness. Michael German of the ACLU called it “anti-American.” And national security analyst Peter Bergen told CNN that “it doesn’t make any sense to me.”
However, while the politicians and security experts continue to hammer this out, it also means that everyday travelers will have to put a check on their impatience and their annoyance at waiting in longer lines. While it might make you feel better to voice your frustration, just remember that it may be misinterpreted, and give you some unwanted extra attention.
Related articles
- TSA ‘Behavioral Officers’ Monitor Airport Passengers (VIDEO) (huffingtonpost.com)
Adoption Travel Tips
June 28, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
People travel overseas for many reasons. Some pursue the challenges of international commerce, while others seek relaxation in exotic locales.
But, few overseas trips combine discipline and pleasure quite like adoption travel — a series of complex journeys to a foreign country for the opportunity to enrich you and your spouse’s life, along with that of an orphaned or unwanted child.
Image by real00 via Flickr
As reported at Travelsense.org, adoption travel is increasing in popularity due to the reduced number of U.S. newborns available for adoption. The Department of Health and Human Services indicated that over 20,000 Americans adopted foreign-born children in 2002, over 75% of whom came from China, Russia, Guatemala, South Korea and the Ukraine.
International adoptions typically include several visits (pre-adoption, actual adoption and homeland heritage trips) and a certain amount of unpredictability due to the involvement of foreign bureaucracies. Therefore, we recommend planning your trip with a professional agent who specializes in adoption travel, and allowing ample time for unexpected delays.
During your pre-adoption visit, it’s important to immerse yourself in the child’s native culture. Absorb as much as you can by keeping a journal and taking plenty of pictures as you interact with the locals. By developing a thorough understanding for your child’s birth country, you’ll be able to answer his or her questions as they grow and their curiosity intensifies.
Preparation is key during the actual adoption trip. Be sure to bring all boarding passes, reservations, passports and adoption documentation. When packing your Travelpro Rollaboards, make sure you leave enough space for your child’s belongings for the return trip. Or, better yet, fill that space with supplies (diapers, infant clothing, wipes, etc.) to be donated to the agency or orphanage you’re working with.
If bureaucratic oversights do delay your departure, use the opportunity to soak in more of the local landscape. Many foreign adoptions take place in “non-touristy” areas, so take full advantage of your chance to take the path less traveled. Just be sure to confirm with your contacts which destinations are safe for sightseeing.
Should your budget allow (which, with the expense of an international adoption, isn’t always the case), homeland heritage trips are highly recommended. Enabling your child to see his or her birthplace firsthand will deepen their appreciation for their native culture and their relationship with you.
Adoption travel — a substantial investment with a tremendous return. Safe travels, and enjoy your new family.
Related articles
- Adoptive parents or considering international adoption? (goaupairphiladelphia.wordpress.com)
- Inside the mind and heart of an internationally adopted child (1morepage.wordpress.com)
Travelpro Announces Its New WalkAbout® Lite 4 Line of Rollaboard® and Spinner Luggage
June 1, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
We’re very proud to announce the launch of the new WalkAbout® Lite 4 collection of Spinners, Rollaboards, Totes and rolling carry-on luggage. Our design and development teams have worked very hard to come up with the latest improvements in design and materials, in order to provide lightweight durable luggage at an affordable price.
The WalkAbout Lite 4 collection is extremely durable with a lightweight, strong honeycomb framing system and EVA foam. In fact, the 22-inch Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter weighs less than 8.5 pounds. The extension handle is made with airline grade aluminum tubes for added strength and stability. It has two stops at 38” and 43” to ensure a comfortable roll for users of different heights.
Walkabout Lite 4 22" Expandable Rollaboard Suiter
The 20-inch Business Plus Rollaboard® includes a padded laptop sleeve and business organizer. It’s ideal for the business traveler who only wants to carry-on one bag, eliminating the need to bring a separate briefcase.
Our 360 degree, dual-wheel Spinners roll effortlessly any way you want them to move. Their over-sized rear wheels switch easily from rolling upright beside you to being pulled behind, making it easy to navigate through busy airports.
Our new WalkAbout Lite 4 collection includes:
- Deluxe Tote
- Rolling Tote
- 20” Expandable Business Plus Rollaboard®
- 20” Expandable Wide-Body Spinner Suiter
- 22” Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter
- 24” Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter
- 26” Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter
- 28” Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter
- 25” Expandable Spinner Upright
- 29” Expandable Spinner Upright
- Carry-On Rolling Garment Bag
For more information go to Travelpro.com.
Make Your TSA Screening Go More Smoothly
January 4, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Airport security screenings have been getting a lot of negative publicity lately. This has lead the flying public to look for ways to make the process as painless as possible. Travelpro has several suggestions for doing just that.
First and foremost, be courteous to and cooperate with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that terrorists don’t board a plane armed with items that could be used to destroy it. 
Remember, your agent doesn’t enjoy full body scans and enhanced pat-downs any more than you do. These approaches have been proven effective in identifying hidden, lethal materials, and are now required by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and TSA.
Secondly, make sure you’re fully prepared for the security checkpoint process. According to the TSA’s website, certain clothing and accessories can set off metal detectors. Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal when traveling through the security checkpoints:
- Heavy jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyards or bolo ties).
- Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs.
- Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration.
- Metal belt buckles.
- Metal under-wire bras.
Hidden items such as body piercings may result in your being directed to additional screening for a pat-down inspection.
Take metal items such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs) out of your pockets. Place heavy jewelry and other metal items in your carry-on baggage or in plastic bags until you clear security.
Also, be sure to comply with the TSA’s “3-1-1″ rule, which allows travelers to carry-on one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag containing 3.4 ounce (100 ml) bottles of the gels and liquids.
Finally clear your carry-on bag of excessive clutter. This lets Transportation Security Officers get a clean, X-ray image of its contents.
Enhanced airport security measures are here to stay. Being polite and prepared is the best way to deal with them.
Tips For Avoiding Packing Hassles
December 14, 2010 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Many travelers hate packing, and they often ask Travelpro for ways to reduce the drudgery. And weight.
Granted, packing luggage isn’t fun, but neither is arriving at your destination with wrinkled, damaged or missing belongings. So, instead of looking for shortcuts around packing, it might be best to find the easiest way to pack effectively.
First, there’s the folding vs. rolling debate — whether it’s faster and safer to fold or roll your clothing when packing your rollaboard. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and each technique has a loyal following. We recommend trying each approach, and see which works best for you:
Fold Wardrobe:
- Place heavy objects, such as shoes and toiletry kits, on the bottom of the main storage compartment.
- Fold clothing like clothing stores do, then carefully arrange them in the storage compartment.
- To maintain crispness, wrap them in dry cleaning bags.
- Secure clothing with interior tie-down straps to prevent shifting and wrinkling in transit.
Roll Wardrobe:
- Roll all clothing very tightly and arranged it beside your carry-on from heaviest to lightest.
- Place your shoes in the rollaboard along the outside edges of the main storage compartment.
- Pack your rolled jeans and pants beside the shoes, lining the “perimeter” to form a layer of heavy items on the bottom of the bag.
- Place a second layer of lighter rolled garments on top of the bottom layer.
- Form a top layer by tightly packing your lightest rolled garments, then place your toiletry kit on top of the three layers of clothing.
Of course, the best case scenario for headache-free travel is fitting all your essentials into one bag that you carry on your plane. Here are some tips:
- Carefully consider each piece of clothing in your wardrobe and how important it is, or how frequently you will wear it. Can it be borrowed or bought at your destination?
- Select neutral colors (so your outfits are easier to match), “traveling silk” clothing (which is lighter and less bulky than cotton), and limit yourself to two pairs of shoes.
- On long trips and extended stays, take only the essentials with you on the plane and ship everything else to your final destination.
- Minimize the number of items that require electricity, as converters can be costly and space-consuming. Like shaving – do it by hand.
- Buy small-sized toiletries or transfer liquid contents like shampoo into miniature travel bottles. Good tip: Save hotel toiletries so you can pack them the next time you travel.
In the big scheme of things, packing is a pretty small price to pay for being able to see the world. Especially when you’re packing a lightweight, durable Travelpro rollaboard.
Enjoying Food During International Travel
November 29, 2010 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
One of the great joys of foreign travel is sampling the international cuisine — assuming you take the necessary precautions.
Though the foods you eat overseas aren’t necessarily unsafe, your body isn’t accustomed to them. This gastric unfamiliarity combined with the use of natural fertilizers abroad can lead to digestive difficulties.
So what’s an adventurous foodie in a foreign land to do?
Indulge intelligently. Enjoy the cuisine you travelled long and hard for, but use your head while filling your stomach.
First, research your destination’s most popular restaurants through www.tripadvisor.com, making sure to study the reader reviews closely. If praise for a given eatery is universal, chances are that most travelers aren’t getting sick.
Also, check the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) websites for information on any outbreaks in the countries you are visiting, and plan accordingly.
Plus, maintain a healthy routine during your trip by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet. Taking vitamins or other supplements is also recommended.
To minimize your risk of contracting any food-borne illnesses while abroad, be sure to:
- Drink only bottled water, and avoid ice
- Don’t eat raw or unpeeled foods. The foreign traveler’s rule of thumb is “Cook it, wash it, peel it, or forget it.”
- Only eat condiments that come in sealed packages.
- Order entrees “well done”, and send them back if they’re not served hot.
- Use caution when ordering seafood, and steer clear of clams, mussels and oysters.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk, cheese and yogurt.
By taking these simple precautions, you’re free to savor the exotic delicacies. Stride by the Americanized restaurants and find the local bistro offering the most authentic cuisine. Make sure you drink in moderation, however, since most foreign beers and wines are much stronger than domestics.
With a little planning and common sense, you’re in for a gourmet vacation of a lifetime.
We’d like to hear from you. Do you have any tips to share on enjoying food during international travel?
What Are The Must-Have Stocking Stuffers For Travelers?
November 17, 2010 by Karen Amin · Leave a Comment
As the Holiday season approaches, you’re probably wondering what you’re going to stuff into the stockings of the frequent travelers on your Christmas list. May we suggest Austin House Travel Essentials? Austin House, a leading brand of travel accessories, features a variety of practical and cost effective items that are ideal for loved ones who are always on-the-go:
- Flash Drive Combo Lock: Keeps personal and business information protected while traveling.
- Dual Voltage Kettle: Allows friends or family members to have their morning coffee, tea or hot chocolate wherever they are.
- Purse Hanger: An elegant hanger that can be placed on nearby tables or desks to hang a purse, keeping it safe, clean and conveniently close-by.
- Croco Compact Jewelry Case: A multi-compartment jewelry case that protects rings, necklaces and bangles.
- Croco Travel Wallet: Features multiple interior dividers that can be used to separate currencies, documents and receipts.
- Croco Passport Cover: Stylishly and effectively protects invaluable passports.
- Universal Adapter Plug Compatible with outlets in more than 160 countries, and comes standard with built-in surge protector.
- Travel Scale with Built-in Tape Measure: Weigh and measure luggage in advance, avoiding overweight baggage fees and unnecessary frustration at the airport.
- Leather Bag Tag: Conveniently holds a standard size business card, and features top-grain leather for durability and a flap which covers your name and address to protect confidentiality.
- Cell Shelf: Keeps cell phones off the floor while charging in inconvenient locations.
- Auto Neck Rest: Provides a soothing massage to relieve tension during long car commutes.
Austin House started in 1974 to make travel as safe, comfortable and hassle-free as possible. Today, the strength of Austin House is its vast selection of travel essentials and clever ideas, including safety locks, travel clocks, luggage straps, luggage tags, passport and document holders, personal security, comfort and care items, leather goods, adapters and converters and electronics accessories.
Visit the Austin House website for a full list of the latest products and retail locations.
For more information on Travelpro luggage, visit our Travelpro Retail Locator on our website.
Etiquette 101 For Business Travelers
October 29, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 3 Comments
The rules of travel etiquette intensify when you’re traveling on business. You not only need to observe common courtesies, but avoid social miscues that could derail your business objectives.
During your trip you should follow the same general rules of etiquette that apply to leisure travelers:
- Don’t be rude to flight attendants or fellow passengers.
- Refrain from operating electronic devices when instructed not to.
- Carry on only two bags, placing one bag in the overhead bin and one under the seat in front of you .
- Don’t occupy your seat-mate’s “space.”
- Don’t talk endlessly to fellow passengers who are not interested in a conversation.
Beyond these basic civilities, as a professional business traveler you should always:
- Dress appropriately for every business occasion (and make sure to transport and protect your business wardrobe in Travelpro luggage).
- Respect your customers’ and co-workers’ time by always being prompt for meeting, meals and gatherings. Be aware that in some cultures “on time” means late. Check with your in-country associates.
- Allow coworkers some down time by not doing business around the clock.
- When traveling internationally, research and follow local customs, as well as learn and use key phrases in the host country’s language.
Besides observing business etiquette, you should also follow basic rules to ensure your safety when abroad:
- Don’t dress in a way that would mark you as an affluent tourist.
- Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets, and avoid traveling at night.
- Appear purposeful when you move about, and only ask for directions from someone in authority.
- Keep a low profile, and avoid loud conversations or arguments.
- Don’t discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
- Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
- Be wary of scam artists, pickpockets and groups of vagrant children.
- Keep your hotel room locked at all times, and don’t leave money or valuables in it when you’re out.
- Only take taxis that are clearly identified with official markings.
- If confronted, don’t fight back. Give up your valuables.
To summarize Etiquette 101 for Business Travelers: Be courteous, knowledgeable and safe.
For more information on Travelpro luggage, visit our Travelpro Retail Locator on our website.
Etiquette 101 For Leisure Travelers
October 27, 2010 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
If you fly regularly, you’ve undoubtedly at some point been seated next to an inexperienced traveler.
He or she is usually (but not always) a leisure traveler who’s nervousness, carelessness or cluelessness ruins the flight to everyone within a five row radius. If only every passenger was required to pass a travel etiquette class before being allowed to fly.
Such a class would emphasize:
- Being courteous to fellow passengers. It only takes one rude jerk to undermine the flight for a cabin full of people.
- Being courteous to flight attendants (who have a lot of authority on board). According to the Air Transport Association, “if a passenger’s behavior is offensive to other passengers, the airline reserves the right to deny boarding or remove the passenger from the flight.” So, boorish behavior may not only offend fellow passengers, it can get the offender thrown off the plane.
- Refraining from operating electronic devices when told not to (they really can interfere with the plane’s navigational systems).
- Carrying on only two bags (Travelpro, of course) and placing one bag in the overhead bin — without crushing the luggage already there — and one under the seat in front of you.
- Respecting your seat-mate’s “space” by not occupying two arm rests, taking up more than one seat, deeply reclining your seat, or spreading out work or reading materials beyond your area.
- Respecting everyone’s right to solitude by not talking endlessly to fellow passengers not interested in a conversation.
If you’re the “talkee” instead of the “talker” in an unwanted conversation, there are ways to diffuse the situation without being rude. You can convey your disinterest through body language by providing short answers, not asking questions, turning away, or reading a book or your computer screen.
If this doesn’t deter the talker, politely tell him or her that you enjoyed speaking with them, but now need to get some work done.
Air travel can be stressful, especially for inexperienced travelers. Don’t add to their stress by being rude or inconsiderate. And, if you’re on the receiving end of poor travel etiquette, manage the situation with finesse.
Do so, and you’ll pass Etiquette 101 with flying colors.
For more information on Travelpro luggage, visit our Travelpro Retail Locator on our website.
