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There’s a good chance that you’re going to be bringing a laptop on board.  I know that every time I like to fly, I bring one on board because I can keep myself entertained before the flight takes off, as well as keep myself entertained when I’m on the actual plane.

Before you set forth to the airport, there are a few things that you’re going to have to know when it comes down ton bringing a laptop on the plane.

The carrying case

If you’re going to bring your laptop in a carrying case, make sure that you take it out at a checkout.  If you don’t, trust me, you’re going to get an earful.  I guess the TSA just expects us to know everything.

You will also have to put your laptop in its own tray.  Make sure that the laptop is completely separate from everything else that you’re bringing on board.  As for the case, you can throw this in with your other stuff.

Unless you have a TSA approved carrying case, you will have to take it out of your bag.  The TSA approved bags are rather new, so make sure you check and see if you have one.  There really aren’t that many on the market right now.

Tips that you will want to use for bags

• Make sure you avoid putting things in pockets of your laptop bag.  This is just going to hold up the line.
• If you have a zipper, it’s probably best to unzip your bag.
• Try and keep the items to a minimum in your bag.  If it looks suspicious to you, it’s going to look suspicious to the TSA agent.
• Open up the fold of the bag on the top.

Now, the TSA won’t endorse any bag holder, so if it says TSA approved, you will find that it may be a lie, but if they say it’s “TSA Friendly”, this means that they meet the criteria listed on their site.

To get more information on laptops, you can check out the official TSA page here.

There are so many things that you want to bring on board, but with the TSA regulations, you’re probably wondering what you can and can’t bring.  As part of our TSA regulations series, I wanted to make it easier on what you can and can’t bring.

Keep in mind that this always changes, so you will always want to make sure that you refer to the main TSA website to view any updates.

With food, the process isn’t really hard to understand and let’s start off with the liquids.  If you can, be sure to check your liquids in, rather than bring them on the plane.  If you’re going to bring a carry on online, you will want to limit your total liquids to 3 ounces or less.  Your liquids must be in a TSA approved container as well.

Now, when most people think of liquids, they generally think of soda or some water.  This isn’t the case with the TSA.  You’re going to find that the following items will be considered liquids as well.  Basically, if you can pour it, consider it a liquid.

• Dips / Spreads (Peanut Butter, Cheese spread, Jelly)
• Gravy
• Sauces  / Syrup (If you can pour it, it’s a liquid)
• Oils
• Dressing
• Salsa / Salad Dressings
• Any type of soup

This is where most people get confused.  Sure, you can put your gravy in a 3 ounce container, but I don’t think people realize how small this container is.

Now, when it comes to food, you can bring solid food on board, but if you do bring items that can be filled such as pies or cakes, it may be subject to further inspection.

The TSA advises that you don’t wrap your food in gift wrap.  If you do, you’re going to find that 99% of the time, they will make you unwrap it.  This is wh you will want to check these type of items in, rather than risk the check at the checkpoint.  Shipping is also another option as well.

To get further information on food, the TSA has a great sub page on what you can and can’t bring, as well as more information.  If you’re questioning it, keep it at home or check it in.  By doing so, you will be safe most of the time.

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I had the idea this morning that I was going to start up a series on TSA Regulations.  Here at FindAirlineCards, we have found that some of our most popular searches are in regards to regulations.

Now, keep in mind that you will always want to refer to the TSA official website to get up to date information.  These regulations can change on a daily basis, so if you ever have a question about your medication, you will want to call the airport.

As of 2010, this what the TSA says about any medication or medical condition.  Yes, they know that passengers have to take medicine, so if you have a 14 hour flight, you may have to take some bills.

The rules with medication…

You’re going to be able to bring all prescription based medication, as well as over the counter medications that include things such as liquids, gels, as well as eye drops, and more.

If you have a disability, you will be able to bring fluids such as water or juice.  Now, the TSA regulates that you have to have less than 3 ounces in regards to fluids.  If you need these fluids for a medical condition, you may meet with an officer at a checkpoint and explain your situation.  From there, they will be able to give you clearance.  It’s always best to bring any medical papers to prove your case.

To make things easier at checkout, you will want to take all of your medication equipment / prescription and put it in a separate bag.  The TSA will want to x-ray all of these items separately.  The best thing to do is get a smaller pouch and equip it with medical equipment only.

While there are millions of medications / items that you can bring on board, you may find that you won’t be able to find the answer to your problem.  To make things easier, the TSA has provided an easier list for you to use.  You can view it here.

When you have special needs, you’re most likely going to find that they will work with you.  Just make sure that you bring any documentation, make sure that the prescriptions belong to you, and you shouldn’t have a problem.  As long as you separate the items, you will have no problems at the checkout.

Anytime that you’re going to travel overseas outside of the United States, you’re going to want to make sure that you look into any warnings when you’re ready to travel.  Not only is this going to alert you of any potential problems, it’s also going to assure you that you can be safe when you’re going to go to that particular country.

When is there a travel warning?

The United States government will issue a travel warning anytime they feel a country is dangerous to a United States citizen.  In order to make you safer with your travels, it’s very important that you follow these warnings and not go to the country, if you can avoid it.

How can I find these travel warnings?

Since these warnings are updated on a daily basis, it’s important that you check right before you head on your trip.  Just because the warning isn’t there last week doesn’t mean that it won’t be there tomorrow.

When you want to find out about up to date warnings, you will want to head to this travel page.  There, you’re going to be able to see each country that is added, as well as when it was added.  When you click on the link, you’re going to get information on why you shouldn’t travel there.

Why do countries usually get on this list?

By looking at the list today, a majority of them are on there due to wars, terrorist activity, or the country just doesn’t like United States citizens.  You will also find that on occasions, the US will advise that you don’t go there based on the fact that a natural disaster has occurred, such as the Haiti incident.

Now, just because a particular country is on the list, it doesn’t mean that you can’t fly there.  You will still be able to fly there, but you will just have to assume all risks.

You will want to take these warnings very seriously and if you find that a country that you want to travel to is on the list, I would just avoid it at all costs, until it is save to travel there again.

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This Summer, if you’re thinking about heading to a Dude Ranch, you’re probably wondering where the heck you should go, or where you should even start.  Surprisingly, there are a lot of them out there that you can choose from.

Before we get started with the list, let’s take a look at what you’re going to get when you head down to a Dude Ranch.

On these type of trips, you’re going to be able to enjoy the open air country, something that you may have not been able to experience before.  You get to ride horses through the country, fish in the local rivers, wait around for the sunset and eat when the dinner bell rings.  If you want something that is truly unique, this is it.

What should I look out for in a Dude Ranch?

There are a lot of types out there.  Your most common types are your working, resorts, or your just plain old, “Dude ranches.”  A working one will make you do the dirty work.  You will herd up sheep, cattle, or even help out with dinner.  A resort allows you to make it like a vacation, giving you the resort style experience.  As for the regular ranch, this is the true cowboy experience.

There are going to be other features as well that you should look out for.  Do you want one without kids?  Do you want a spa on site?  Do you want a campground?  Do you want to stay in a hotel room that is comfy rather than under the stars?  Yes, some people want to experience the horseback riding and everything else, but not the sleeping part.

Where can I find the best Dude Ranch?

Keep in mind that 99% of your ranches are going to be out west in states such as Arizona, New Mexico, and more.  A side called duderanch.org has a great search engine that allows you to find something in your local area.  It doesn’t hurt to look up reviews as well to see what other people thought of their experience.

What should I look out for?

You will want to look into pricing, how long the experience is going to last, as well as what you’re going to do.  You will be able to get most of this information online.  If you ever have questions, you will want to contact the ranch directly.