Costco Cards Banned By TSA At Airport Security

COSTCO CARD: Bad news for travelers who don’t have a REAL ID yet: You can’t use your Costco membership card to get through TSA.

Sometimes  I wonder about people. I saw a note from TSA to Costco members​ ..that their card is not sufficient ID.  People, REALLY? 
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 So this is prompted once again​......
REAL ID or Passport required as of May 7 to fly within the US - do not mistake Costco card as valid ID to fly!!!  What counts as a REAL ID for air travel?  Beyond a Real ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or identification card, alternate forms of acceptable identification at the TSA checkpoint currently include:

State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) -for states that offer these 
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)

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Arrival at the AMS (Amsterdam) (On May 29, 2025) a few minutes ago and the passport control agent asked about this stamp on a passport. He said that some countries will deny you entry. (This passenger had never really noticed it and it’s never been mentioned before in the 10 or so trips to Europe taken over the last 4 years.)  Times do change.  Be aware of that. It has Nothing to do with Politics so don’t go there.

A vanity stamp- the ones that tourist shops offer for people who just want “stamps” in their passport? I used to do that years ago before I found out that they could render your passport void. We used to get them in the Caribbean- they would have mantas or dolphins on them sometimes
Unofficial stamps or markings can invalidate your passport. Acceptance is at the discretion of the immigration officer.

Sometimes Alaska (if you drive in via Canada) possibly six or so years ago they were being done. Interesting for those who do drive back and forth to check their passports. If it’s there? Get a new Passport. Why take a chance and be very aware.  ONLY in or through Immigration or Customs should you allow anyone to stamp a Passport/
Souvenir shopping while outside the US?  Tempted?  Don’t do it. {OR if you really cannot resist - For anyone interested but would rather not deface their actual passport - Muji sells passport-size booklets that are perfect for souvenir stamping.}
 The photo example is one that people can get in Berlin.

Congratulations!!  You have decided on where and when you want to go and relax on your Mexican Vacation.  Now is NOT the time to overthink about packing, etc. 

Take a look at our list as it will make your trip much easier!  Send me your EMAIL to get the full information.

Your Carry On; Do Not Pack; Packing Advice; General Items; Very Important; Convenient Extras; Basics, Things to Pack;  The Basics (Toiletries); Do's and Dont's; and more.


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2025 Playa Mujeres Golf rates

GOLFERS!! WHO TRAVEL!
For those who are Mexico bound, specifically Playa Mujeres and want to know golf rates? Go to BELOW to the photo and check the rates sheet.

A lot of the countries in Europe are now accepting credit cards for payment for use of bathrooms while out and about or on tours.  I also think that some countries are slower to accept credit cards and are still takaing cash only - probably moreso in Hungary and Bulgaria to name a few.  To be on the safe side, I think I'd be carrying both in case you need them.

However, Even the public toilets have machines that take coins and also credit cards for a €.70 entry.  

If you’re in a city in the Netherlands and want a clean bathroom, the HEMA stores have them (usually on the second level) and their machines accept cards. In Rotterdam,  the central market has them on -1 (they boast over 100 toilets) and the machines accept cards too.

This TSA announcement just came out the other day - however, I would check with the official TSA site prior to travel to make sure things have not changed.  These dozen or so items will no longer be impacted by the TSA’s 3.4-ounce restriction, especially those that might be medically necessary according to the agency.First, breast milk, infant formula and even pouches of puree food can be packed in a carry-on bag and will not need to be packed in a quart sized bag.
In addition, accessories used to keep these things cold, like ice packs and freezer gel packs, in any state of being frozen.
The TSA warns that travelers should inform the security officer of the presence of infant food and remove it from the carry-on for seperate screening.
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Medications will also be exempt from the rule, along with any necessary accessories.
Newly allowed items include:

• Non-prescription medications
• Prescription medications in gel, liquid or aerosol form
• Ice packs or gel packs for medically necessary items
• Breast milk, formula, or baby food
• Liquid-filled teething aides
• Nasal sprays and saline
• Artificial tears, eye drops, and contact lens solution
• Non-flammable deodorant spray
• Liquid for dental prostheses
• Medical creams and lotions

When you’re traveling within the United States, we recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. All customers are required to be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before scheduled departure.
If you are traveling domestically and not checking baggage, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
For travel on or after April 8, 2025, baggage must be checked-in at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Airports requiring additional time are listed below
If you are traveling internationally, please review the international check-in requirements.  (Uusually 3 hours prior to travel)
Bags may be added to your reservation at the time of check-in. However, checked bags will not be accepted at the airport more than 6 hours prior to scheduled departure time.

Also - International Travel - I strongly suggest at least 2-1/2 hours for a layover and recommend to my clients at least 2-1/2 to 3 especially at major international (BIG) airports like Paris, Amsterdam and London/Heathrow - been through all 3 many times and personally know of whereof I speak.