Get Through Airport Security in Practically Record Time

April 15, 2015 Erica Ho 2 minute read

Learning to perfect the TSA ritual is a rite of passage everyone’s gotta go through at one point or another.

Get Through Airport Security in Practically Record Time via @maphappy

Indulgent Travel Porn: National Geographic’s ‘Living in the Age of Airplanes’ Debuts April 10

April 7, 2015 Erica Ho 1 minute read

I’m watching a documentary about airplanes up in the air on a private plane flight circling over Los Angeles. Did I mention Harrison Ford is involved? Yep, that Harrison Ford.

Indulgent Travel Porn: National Geographic’s ‘Living in the Age of Airplanes’ Debuts April 10 via @maphappy

Airports Business Flights Hacks Lounges

Book a Refundable First-Class Ticket To Get Lounge Access

March 24, 2015 Erica Ho 3 minute read

There are tricks and then there are tricks. This is one of the dirtier ones.

Book a Refundable First-Class Ticket To Get Lounge Access via @maphappy

Airports Business Lounges Loyalty Reviews Technology

LoungeBuddy Is Practically Yelp for Airport Lounges

March 9, 2015 Karina Martinez-Carter 3 minute read

I’ll never forget my first introduction to airport lounges. I was discreetly loitering outside a lounge that had wide-open Wi-Fi, hoping the hours would pass quickly.

LoungeBuddy Is Practically Yelp for Airport Lounges via @maphappy

Airports Customs Documentation Security Travel Trip Planning

Should I Apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?

February 18, 2015 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

Is a question I get asked a lot. Short answer: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck. And it’s only $15 more. You’re welcome!

Should I Apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck? via @maphappy

Airports Packing Technology Tools Transit

The My TSA App Is Actually an App You Need

February 9, 2015 Erica Ho 1 minute read

I know: it’s a government app. But it’s the one government app out there that isn’t completely useless.

The My TSA App Is Actually an App You Need via @maphappy

Airlines Airports Flights Lodging Trip Planning

How to Travel During a Snowpocalypse

January 27, 2015 Erica Ho 3 minute read

Unfortunately, Arctic dogsledding is not an option for most travelers this week. Here’s what to do if Winter Storm Juno has you trapped under her cold, icy thumb.

How to Travel During a Snowpocalypse via @maphappy

Airports Cars Ground Money Travel

Why You Want To Avoid the Car Rental Airport Pickup

January 21, 2015 Rosa Nam 2 minute read

It’s almost always more expensive renting a car from the airport versus picking it up in town. Just go to town.

Why You Want To Avoid the Car Rental Airport Pickup via @maphappy

Airports Flights Packing Security Travel

Reminder: Gift Wrap Presents Once You’re Home

December 22, 2014 Karina Martinez-Carter Less than a minute to read

I like to consider myself a smart cookie by having all my Christmas presents wrapped ahead of time. But that’s probably not a good idea.

Reminder: Gift Wrap Presents Once You’re Home via @maphappy

Airports Features Flights Opinion Security

The True Guide to Proper Airport Etiquette

December 18, 2014 MH Staff 5 minute read

DEAR ABBY, there are so many rude passengers over the holidays. How do I prevent myself from becoming like one of these terrible people? Is there a way to deal with them? — Frustrated at LAX

The True Guide to Proper Airport Etiquette via @maphappy

Airports Flights Security Travel Trip Planning

How To Survive the Airport During the Holidays

November 25, 2014 Erica Ho 2 minute read

While the holidays are about nice, happy things like spending time with family, it’s really every person for him or herself at the airport. Better get your battle helmet on.

How To Survive the Airport During the Holidays via @maphappy

Airports Documentation Flights Security

Your Global Entry Card as Counts as Valid ID

November 3, 2014 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

That means if you’re a Global Entry member, you can show them that card instead of your driver’s license at the security checkpoint.

Your Global Entry Card as Counts as Valid ID via @maphappy

Flights Security Technology

Turn On Full Brightness for Mobile Boarding Passes

October 22, 2014 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

Do you know what’s embarrassing? When you scan your phone… and then nothing happens.

Turn On Full Brightness for Mobile Boarding Passes via @maphappy

Flights Misc. Security

What You Can Learn From the TSA’s Instagram

October 7, 2014 Karina Martinez-Carter 1 minute read

What do firearms, doggies and a potload of weed all have in common? I’ll let you take a guess.

What You Can Learn From the TSA’s Instagram via @maphappy

Airports Money Packing Trip Planning

The Best Items To Buy Duty-Free at the Airport

October 7, 2014 Karina Martinez-Carter 2 minute read

I never paid attention to airport duty-free shops until I moved my life outside the U.S. to a country with seriously tight importation policies.

The Best Items To Buy Duty-Free at the Airport via @maphappy

Airports Business Flights Lounges Loyalty

Are Airport Lounges Worth It?

September 30, 2014 Erica Ho 4 minute read

It’s easy to fall in the trap to think because most North American lounges suck, all lounges are like that. But when I’m gunning for status, I’m not gunning for free upgrades or checked baggage. I’m gunning for lounge access.

Are Airport Lounges Worth It? via @maphappy

Airports Flights Security Travel

Explaining CLEAR’s Benefits

September 30, 2014 Karina Martinez-Carter 2 minute read

Things really are looking up when it comes to airport security these days. Not only is it possible to jump the line but there is more than one way it can be done.

Explaining CLEAR’s Benefits via @maphappy

Airports Bags Flights Gear Security Travel

Lay Carry-On Suitcases Headfirst on the X-Ray Belt

September 22, 2014 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

Little did I know most airport security procedures prefer you lay your suitcase lengthwise—handle going in headfirst—along the scanner belt.

Lay Carry-On Suitcases Headfirst on the X-Ray Belt via @maphappy

Airports Flights News Security Transit

PreCheck Will Soon Be For Those Who Paid For It

August 12, 2014 Karina Martinez-Carter 2 minute read

Since PreCheck rolled out in 2011, TSA has continued to expand and refine the program, which almost seemed too good to be true at first.

PreCheck Will Soon Be For Those Who Paid For It via @maphappy

Airports Flights Security

Explaining Exactly What TSA PreCheck Is All About

July 31, 2013 Erica Ho 1 minute read

The first time I went through TSA PreCheck, I was pretty much thoroughly weirded out. I’ve gone through the security dance so many times that my first inclination was to take off my shoes. Que?

Explaining Exactly What TSA PreCheck Is All About via @maphappy

Airports Misc.

NOMO Design’s Airport Maps Spruces Up the Walls

July 30, 2013 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

In an attempt to hide the fact that I have no idea what to write for today, I present to you airport maps as wall décor, perfect for your expertly decorated vintage pad.

NOMO Design’s Airport Maps Spruces Up the Walls via @maphappy

Airlines Airports Flights Hacks Trip Planning

How To Use Hidden-City Ticketing to Your Advantage

June 6, 2013 Erica Ho 2 minute read

So here’s the scenario: you need to go to Houston, but flights to Houston are mad expensive. But what if you find a cheaper flight that connects in Houston and you just ditch the last leg?

How To Use Hidden-City Ticketing to Your Advantage via @maphappy

Airlines Airports Flights Packing Trip Planning

Rediscovering the Joys of Curbside Check-In

April 9, 2013 Erica Ho 1 minute read

To be fair, I totally forgot that curbside check-in even existed until I rolled up to the airport this past Friday.

Rediscovering the Joys of Curbside Check-In via @maphappy

Airports Cars Hacks Money

Can Renting a Car Save Money on Airport Parking?

April 8, 2013 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Well, possibly. If you’re going for a reeeally long time somewhere, it may just make sense to rent a car instead of paying to have your car sit in an empty airport parking lot.

Can Renting a Car Save Money on Airport Parking? via @maphappy

Airports Culture & Science Misc. Security Videos

Someone Saw the Future Making this Security Spoof

April 2, 2013 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

If this is indicative of the future, better start brushing up on your Rubik’s cube skills.

Someone Saw the Future Making this Security Spoof via @maphappy

Airports Flights Travel

This Is an Airport Screening Courtesy PSA

October 22, 2012 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

Do everyone a favor by moving your belongings to the end of X-ray machine after you’ve been screened at the airport and then put on your shoes. Phew, that felt good.

This Is an Airport Screening Courtesy PSA via @maphappy

Airports Customs Flights Travel Trip Planning

How Long Does It Take to Clear Immigration?

September 10, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

About 18 minutes just after noon in July at Chicago O’Hare. That’s what this government website says, anyways.

How Long Does It Take to Clear Immigration? via @maphappy

Packing Security Trip Planning

Use Free Samples to Double as Travel-Sized Toiletries

August 14, 2012 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

The best way to stock up on free travel-sized toiletries is probably to take a cue from Hoarders. Hoard, hoard, hoard.

Use Free Samples to Double as Travel-Sized Toiletries via @maphappy

Airports Budget Flights Lodging

Your Guide to Sleeping (but not Snoring) in Airports

August 13, 2012 Erica Ho 2 minute read

In the name of sleep! Whether it’s for a couple of zzs or for a full snore-fest, just don’t take a nap on a baggage carousel.

Your Guide to Sleeping (but not Snoring) in Airports via @maphappy

Airports Customs Documentation

The Global Entry Program Puts You in Front, Literally

July 25, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

See you suckers on the other side of immigration! The Global Entry program lets you beat the crowd and you don’t even have to be anyone important or fly 3 billion miles a year.

The Global Entry Program Puts You in Front, Literally via @maphappy

Airlines Airports Flights

What’s the Best Layover Time to Make Your Flight?

June 15, 2012 Erica Ho 2 minute read

If I had a dollar for every time I thought I might miss my flight because I didn’t book a long enough layover, I’d probably be able to buy myself a steak.

What’s the Best Layover Time to Make Your Flight? via @maphappy

Airports Technology Trip Planning

Find Airport Power Outlets With AirPower Wiki

June 4, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Where are thou, power plug? I’m sure battery power by any other name wouldn’t smell as sweet.

Find Airport Power Outlets With AirPower Wiki via @maphappy

Airports Documentation Money Trip Planning

Explaining the Mystery of the Airport Departure Tax

May 23, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

If you’ve spent all your Philippine pesos before you leave the airport, you’ll be in for a rude surprise on the way out: It’s called the airport departure tax. But understand it and you might even be able to get it refunded.