The TSA Does Get Things Right Sometimes

By Danielle Contray
January 7, 2013

We give the TSA a lot of guff for invasive searches and tactics that humiliate passengers. And rightfully so. But that makes it even more exciting when the agency gets things right. Take a blog posted on their official site (which is a fascinating insight into the agency and what they deal with). From December 28, 2012 to January 3, 2013, there were 26 handguns discovered at U.S. airports—17 were loaded. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Agents also uncovered a (inert) bazooka round from WWII in a traveler's checked baggage at O'Hare in Chicago, a gas-operated automatic bb machine gun in Newark, and a belt-buckle knife in San Francisco (check out the photo on the blog). And that's just for that one week.

The TSA does point out that many of these items were not packed with ill intent—though that belt buckle is seriously terrifying. As a reminder, they point out that even novelty weapons (like the five grenades that were found at four different airports) must be placed in checked baggage and you must alert the airline. This reminds me of a family trip to Disney World back in the early 80s, when my parents bought my brother an authentic-looking toy gun as a souvenir (he was a big Daniel Boone fan, if I recall correctly). He, being a child, of course put it in his backpack full of toys for the plane ride home. Which led to a security alert and my father running through the airport to get a box to pack the toy gun in so it could be checked. I was very young at the time, but still remember the stress of not wanting to miss the flight. A very weird way to end a first trip to Disney.

Have you ever had anything confiscated by the TSA? Let us know!

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Inspiration

How Much Would You Pay to Get Through Security Faster?

You've likely seen them at the airport—the expedited security lines that business-class, first-class, and top-tier frequent flyers glide through while you stare wistfully. With a new Even More Speed program being tested by JetBlue, you could be one of those people. For just $10. Worth it? The airline, as well as others, has been including passage through the expedited line when you buy other, pricier upgrades, according to an article in Travel Weekly. This is the first time a passenger can pay for the privilege as a stand-alone fee. The program is being tested out at 40 U.S. airports, including JFK and LaGuardia, O'Hare, Orlando, and both Dulles and Reagan airports in Washington, D.C. How do you feel about this fee? If you are someone who is typically running late for flights, it might be a good idea. If you are usually early for flights, it might be worth saving that $10 for a snack while you wait at the gate.

Inspiration

Secret Hotels of Washington, D.C.

Phoenix Park The Irish-American owner has sprinkled Irish charms throughout this nearly 90-year-old property (with an adjacent pub) in Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill, where this gem is located, has a lock on the landmarks, letting visitors easily connect the dots between the Capitol, Union Station, and the National Mall's monuments and Smithsonian museums. The area hums with activity during the day, when government workers are busy bees and tourists madly try to squeeze it all in before closing time. However, the area quiets down in the evening, once folks have loosened their ties and the laces on their walking shoes. The hotel's owner, a proud Irish-American, brings a touch of his ancestral land to these shores, creating a country-estate aesthetic in an urban space. Irish charms are sprinkled throughout the nearly 90-year-old property: The hotel's moniker honors the eponymous park in Dublin; toiletries are made by Galánta, a Celtic company; and the in-room Irish breakfast tea comes courtesy of Bewley's, the country's leading coffee and tea company. The artwork further enhances this fantasy trip to the Emerald Isle, with paintings of castles and foxhunts, and a glass case that displays gleaming Waterford crystal. The 149 rooms are as jubilant as a cloudless day in County Clare, due in part to the color wheel of gold, burgundy, and green. The attached restaurant and pub, the Dubliner, brings in crowds with its Irish brews, traditional plates (fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage), and live Irish music every night. Later, work it off in the 24-hour fitness center. 520 N. Capitol St., NW, phoenixparkhotel.com, from $149 per night. PEEK INSIDE THE HOTELS Akwaaba This inviting 1890 brownstone has eight chic rooms with a subtle literary theme. Nestled in the 16th Street Historic District, Akwaaba is just steps from the cafes and boutiques of the trendy U Street area and a 10-minute walk to Dupont Circle. Run by a husband-and-wife team, the hotel's name translates to "welcome" in a language spoken in Ghana, and so you are. The 1890 brownstone creates a warm and inviting space with fireplaces, a piano, and parlor-esque furnishings appropriate for a literary salon or a Merchant Ivory film. A literary theme runs through the eight chic rooms and an apartment suite that was once a retreat for writers completing works in progress. Each accommodation centers on an author or genre, whose spirit and style subtly inform the interior designs. To wit: the African mud-cloth pillow covers in the Toni Morrison chamber; the vintage suitcases and framed print of Cuban cigars in the Langston Hughes room (conveniently outfitted with a balcony). During the evening happy hour, sip and snack on Akwaaba-labeled red and white wines (the owners work with vineyards in Napa), cheese, nuts, and olives. A gift shop in the foyer sells souvenirs such as Akwaaba microfiber robes, bottle openers made in South Africa, and textile notepad boxes from Ghana. The only drawback? No elevator, which means a StairMaster-like climb to the fourth floor. Breakfast is included. 1708 16th St. N.W., akwaaba.com, from $150 per night. Woodley Park Guest House Guests will feel like they're staying at the home of a well-to-do local with impeccable taste for art and antiques. Located in an upscale residential neighborhood near the zoo, you'll feel like you're a guest at the home of a well-to-do Washingtonian at the Woodley Park Guest House. The hotel feels very quiet and subdued—due, no doubt, to the absence of televisions and radios, and the fact that no children under 12 or pets are allowed. A former boarding house, the property has been tastefully upgraded with beautiful lighting, ceiling fans, central A/C, and granite countertops in bathrooms, yet retains its original appeal thanks to details such as bay windows and dormers. Though rooms are fairly small (especially the single-occupancy ones with shared bath), you'll feel cozy rather than cramped. There are six parking spots available to guests for $20 per night, which is a steal compared to other hotels around the city. The free breakfast is a cut above continental and is served in an elegant dining room. The afternoon brings complimentary cookies and brownies. If you ask, they'll do laundry for too, though it'll cost you $10. 2647 Woodley Rd. N.W., dcinns.com, from $125 per night. Hotel Helix A Kimpton boutique hotel with surprisingly large rooms—some with kid-friendly bunk beds—and a welcoming attitude to pets. This boutique hotel's theme is "15 Minutes of Fame"—meaning guests are invited to think of themselves as celebrities. When you enter the lobby, red drapes open as if you're stepping onto a stage, the check-in desks look like podiums, and the walls are lined with Pop Art-style photos of actual celebrities. The lobby Helix Lounge is popular with guests and locals alike, thanks to its fun drinks and, during happy hour, half-price burgers; in winter, its spacious outdoor terrace is kept cozy with heat lamps. The rooms are surprisingly large—from 400 to 800 square feet—and even the smallest options have separate dressing areas. And in spite of the fact that the modern décor is heavy on bright colors and hard, sleek surfaces, the property still manages to feel homey. A bonus for families: Some rooms have bunk beds fitted into an alcove with a second flat-screen TV, so the kids can watch cartoons while parents tune out. Even Fido is welcome and, to prove it, the staff will provide treats, beds, bowls, and bottled water. Outside your room you'll find Logan Circle, home to eclectic shops and restaurants-and a Whole Foods if you're looking for the familiar. Be aware that rates fluctuate wildly depending on the season. You might find rooms for $99 or as high as $500. Weekends tend to be cheaper, as do low seasons like late summer and Dec-Jan.1430 Rhode Island Ave. N.W., hotelhelix.com, from $99 per night. Adams Inn A cozy trio of early 20th-century houses with a communal vibe, a large garden, and a pet-friendly policy. You'll find the Adams Inn in Adam's Morgan, a neighborhood where restaurants wave flags from five continents and the bars crank up the music and host live bands. The trio of early 20th-century brick-town houses hasn't strayed far from its original roots as a group residence. More than half of the 26 rooms come with private baths; the remainder must share (ask the front desk for complimentary necessities like shampoo, conditioner, and shaving cream before you strip down). The pragmatic, only-what-you-need furnishings are dated in a good way. The color palette is soothing, and there's a refreshing absence of noise boxes (no TVs or phones). Two kitchens and numerous dining nooks mean you can save money by preparing meals or reheating leftovers. There is also a laundry facility in the basement. 1746 Lanier Pl., adamsinn.com, from $99 per night (shared bath), $129 (private bath).

Inspiration

Traveling to Washington, D.C., for the Presidential Inauguration?

Washington, D.C., won't see the 1.8 million visitors it drew for Barack Obama's 2009 presidential inauguration—that was, after all, a once-in-a-lifetime historical event—but the Associated Press reports that the nation's capital is bracing for between 600,000 to 800,000 arrivals for the president's second inauguration, on January 21, and that hotels are filling up. If you've only watched presidential inaugurations on television, there's really nothing like being there on the mall as the president takes the oath of office, delivers the inaugural address, then parades down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Regardless of weather, the air crackles with excitement and aspects of the day can provide significant signals about leadership style: After delivering his inaugural address in January 1977, Jimmy Carter, a former peanut farmer from Georgia and the first president elected after the Watergate scandal, skipped a ride in a fancy limo to become the first president to walk to the White House in an inaugural parade. While many of Washington's big downtown hotels will be offering pricey packages for the inauguration weekend—and a lot of the city's budget hotels are already sold out—you can typically find doubles for under $200 by booking major chain hotels such as Comfort Inn, Red Roof, and Quality Inn in communities adjoining D.C. in Maryland and Virginia. If you check now, you might even land a short-term vacation rental on sites like AirBnB.com. If you're headed to D.C. for the festivities, here are some inauguration-focused must-sees: U.S. Capitol. The ceremonial swearing-in will take place at the Capitol on Monday, January 21 (also Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday, so the building will be closed to visitors that day. But hour-long tours are offered Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, and it's best to reserve a spot on one of these popular tours in advance (visitor center entrance at First Street and East Capitol Street, N.W., visitthecapitol.gov, admission free). National Museum of American History. Here, you'll find countless artifacts from the nation's history, including the especially appropriate exhibits "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden" and "Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963" (1400 Constitution Ave., N.W., americanhistory.si.edu, admission free). The National Archives. Sure, the name may sound ho-hum, but you may have heard of some of the manuscripts on display in the rotunda of the National Archives: The U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence (700 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., archives.gov/nae, admission free).  

Travel Tips

Beware This Sentence When Booking Online

How often do you read the fine print before you make travel arrangements? You might think you've seen it all, but those diminutive stipulations aren't evergreen—hotels, airlines, even tour companies are continuously updating their list of exceptions. Miss something pertinent to your trip, and you could find yourself spending far more money than you ever intended. Here's one that recently tripped up a friend of mine—a single sentence, embedded deep in a sea of small letters, that read: "hotel may not be able to accommodate more than two people in a room." For couples traveling together this poses no problem whatsoever, but as soon as you start booking vacations for three or more people it can be a challenge. It's especially confusing when you're booking into a hotel that has two double beds to a room. My friend learned this the hard way when reserving a room in a classy hotel in the Dominican Republic.  Failing to read the fine print and assuming that the photos of rooms with two beds assured enough space for her and her two traveling companions, she jumped on the great rate the site presented and booked the room. Fortunately, she was smart enough to call the hotel to confirm their reservation before she set off on her vacation (something I always recommend when you book through a third party). At that time, she learned that it would cost them the full price of the five-star hotel room if they wanted to have a third person stay with them. Yikes. Thanks to the fact that she called in advance, she was able to speak to someone at the hotel who eventually agreed to eliminate the exorbitant fee and let her friends stay in her room for the flat rate she booked through the online travel agent. Crisis averted. She got off easy, but not everyone will be quite so lucky. The lesson? Read the fine print. And always call ahead to confirm your reservation details. Have you ever been misled by the fine print when traveling? Share your story below so that others can avoid the same fate.