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By Dr. Dave Siefkes I’ve seen it all… from the frantic gate sprints to the smooth-gliding luxury lounge arrivals. But 2025 is shaping up to be a new chapter in airport security and air travel strategy. If you’re a curious traveler or simply an avid adventurer wanting to stay a step ahead, here’s everything you need to know about the new TSA confiscation rules, smarter ways to fly, and why a great travel agent is your best secret weapon. TSA’s New Confiscation Rules: What’s Now Getting Tossed The Transportation Security Administration recently tightened screening procedures, with a new focus on personal electronics, certain snacks, and health-related items. Here’s what’s on the current no-fly list (and it might surprise you): Powdered Supplements Over 12oz: Protein powders, baby formula, and other granular substances now require extra screening. If you can’t explain or verify it, it may be tossed. Mini Humidifiers and Rechargeable Hand Warmers: Due to lithium-ion battery risks, these are often confiscated unless factory-sealed or properly documented. Alcohol over 140 Proof (70% ABV): That duty-free absinthe or private reserve overproof rum is officially banned—even in checked baggage. Gel-based Snacks and Items: Think peanut butter packs, yogurt tubes, or soft cheeses in large portions—these count as liquids and will be taken. Smart Bags Without Removable Batteries: Stylish but impractical if the power source can’t be removed. Pro Tip: When in doubt, check the TSA app or website the night before flying. Rules evolve frequently, and it’s better to repack than to watch your favorite items vanish into the bin. Air Traffic is Up—WAY Up As of mid-2025, U.S. air travel is experiencing its highest post-pandemic volumes. The TSA screened nearly 3 million passengers per day over recent holiday weekends, and international travel is surging thanks to strong dollar value and pent-up demand. What this means for you: Security lines will be longer, even with PreCheck. Gate delays are more likely, especially midweek afternoons and Friday evenings. Check-in counters close earlier, as airlines tighten operations to avoid ripple-effect delays. Flyer Tip: Morning flights (before 10 a.m.) still offer the best odds for on-time departure. Airport crews are fresh, weather disruptions are rare, and traffic is lighter. When to Book for the Best Fares Airfare remains volatile, but patterns still hold. Use this guide to time your ticket purchases: Best Days to Book: Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday early morning—this is when airlines usually match each other’s fare drops. Sweet Spot for Domestic Flights: Book 30 to 45 days out for the best prices. International Travel: Aim for 2 to 5 months out, depending on the season and destination. Avoid: Last-minute weekend bookings, which often cost 35–60% more. Smart Packing Strategies for 2025 With TSA cracking down and planes fuller than ever, you need a leaner, smarter packing plan. Here’s my top checklist: Personal Carry-on Bag: Pack one day’s worth of essentials—meds, chargers, clean socks, toothbrush, passport copy, and travel insurance info. Roll Instead of Fold: Saves space and reduces wrinkles. Use Packing Cubes by Activity: One for swimming, one for dress clothes, etc. Ziploc Trick: Keep small liquid containers in double bags. It helps if you’re asked to pull them out. (Also good for wet swim suits on embarkation day before cabin access) Leave Room to Return: If you’re shopping abroad, make sure your suitcase isn’t packed to the brim. Packing Pro Tip: Snap a photo of your open suitcase before you zip it… this can help with insurance or lost luggage claims. The Confidence of Using a Travel Agent In times like these—when rules, routes, and restrictions change almost weekly—having a professional travel advisor is less luxury and more necessity. A good travel agent doesn’t just book your trip… they protect it: We keep track of changing TSA policies and airline requirements. We find the best times to book and flag price drops. We get you rebooked faster if your flight is canceled or delayed. We know which resorts, ships, and tour companies are thriving, and which are cutting corners. We handle the fine print—from travel insurance claims to passport renewals. In short? We give you confidence, clarity, and a backup plan when chaos strikes. ✈️ Final Boarding Thoughts Air travel in 2025 requires a sharper eye and a smarter strategy. But for the savvy traveler… and especially one with a seasoned travel agent… this new era can be smoother, safer, and more enjoyable than ever. So before you head to the airport… double-check that peanut butter, trust your agent, and book that sunrise flight. The world is waiting, and you’re more than ready.

You may not. If you’re simply booking a flight to stay with relatives or staying at a resort you’ve frequented and loved in the past, you may be fine on your own. But even then, there are benefits to booking with a travel advisor. For example, he or she might advise you about which airport offers the most reliable connections so you don’t spend hours or even a night in an airport. Your travel advisor also might be able to get you a special deal at your resort or suggest a getaway that you’d like even better. And if your flight is canceled, your travel advisor can probably handle your rebooking far better than you could. More importantly, a travel advisor helps you sift through the confusing array of hotels, tours, cruises, and even room types to make sure that your trip fits your dreams and your budget. They’ll also open your eyes to special experiences you might not think of and prevent and/or sort out any snafus that might come up during your trip. And they often have access to money-saving deals, upgrades and perks that can enhance your trip. Travel advisors especially earn their stripes as heroes when disasters such as the pandemic or a hurricane strike and they have to pull strings and use their creativity, knowledge and sometimes, their connections, to get their clients home.

Don’t let Florida’s recent brush with snow fool you, the springtime splendor of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is just weeks away – and that means the return of the Garden Rocks Concert Series! From March 5 to June 2, 2025, internationally recognized artists as well as local bands will take the stage at America Gardens Theatre, rounding out a day full of fresh flavors, dazzling blooms, and the coolest character-themed topiaries. Here’s a look at this year’s rockin’ lineup: March 7-8 – Tommy DeCarlo, former lead singer of Boston March 9-10 – Air Supply – 50th Anniversary Celebration March 14-15 – Blue October March 16-17 – Rick Springfield March 21-22 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone March 23-24 – 38 Special March 28-29 – Jason Scheff, longtime singer of Chicago March 30-31 – TBD April 4-5 – THE ORCHESTRA Starring ELO and ELO Part II Former Members April 6-7 – Sugar Ray April 11-12 – Simple Plan April 13-14 – Jo Dee Messina April 18-19 – Mike DelGuidice April 20-21 – A Flock of Seag

The new venture will begin taking bookings this year, with initial operations focused on European rivers. The ships will feature design elements inspired by Celebrity’s Edge Series ocean vessels, combining the brand’s signature hospitality with river cruising. “We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best – innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences”. This expansion follows Royal Caribbean Group’s strong financial results in 2024, with Earnings per Share reaching $10.94 and Adjusted EPS of $11.80, a 23% increase compared to 2023. Looking ahead, the company projects a positive outlook with 2025 Adjusted EPS expected to range between $14.35 and $14.65 per share. The move is strategically significant for Royal Caribbean Group, with approximately half of their current guests having experienced or expressing interest in river cruising. The company plans to leverage its loyalty programs across its three brands to enhance customer engagement. Source: gcaptain.com

Action-packed rides, immersive dining, meet-and-greet characters… what more could you ask for? Well, let’s not forget, no adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom would be complete without a little competition, right? That’s where the Power-Up Band comes into play. This item, which is available for purchase in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and other retail locations throughout Universal Orlando Resorts, grants you access to a variety of interactive activities throughout the world. My favorite feature? Every time you win a new Key Challenge — the five interactive games throughout Super Mario Land — you’ll be awarded with a digital key. With enough keys (*cough* three is the magic number *cough*), you’ll unlock access to Bowser Jr.’s Shadow Showdown. The Power-Up Bands also allow you to collect digital coins, track your score, and see how you rank against friends, family, and other guests. This very much comes in handy if you’re as competitive as I am. Game on! I am counting down the days until I can escape into the wo

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