More airports will offer TSA’s PreCheck contactless ID
TSA PreCheck reduces the time it takes to get through airport checkpoints.
But if your airport and airline participate in TSA PreCheck Contactless ID Plan and you might get through the security checkpoint a little faster.
The program allows travelers who opt into PreCheck to use a shortcut to verify their identity with a photo.
To opt in, you’ll need to add your passport information to your frequent flyer account, and participating airlines currently include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
A PreCheck contactless ID indicator should appear on your boarding pass, and if you’re passing through an airport that offers shortcuts, you can use the service’s dedicated lanes.
So far, only 15 airports offer this service. But the TSA just announced that it will expand the program to 65 airports by the end of spring.
See the map above for airports that currently offer PreCheck contactless ID and those that will soon offer the option.
American Airlines is latest airline to offer free Wi-Fi
Slowly but surely, free Wi-Fi is coming to your planes.
JetBlue Airways Available to everyone.
Delta Air Lines This service is available to SkyMiles members on most flights.
Hawaiian Airlines The service is currently available free of charge on all A330 and A321neo aircraft.
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards members receive the service for free on equipped aircraft.
Atmos Membership Alaska Airlines By 2027, the system will be on most aircraft.
and United Airlines Free Wi-Fi is available to Mileage Plus members on board aircraft equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi.
Several other airlines also offer Wi-Fi for purchase. And, depending on their plans, T-Mobile customers can also get free Wi-Fi on certain airlines.
Now American Airlines Checking in and offering free Wi-Fi.
The carrier announced on Tuesday that it plans to offer free Wi-Fi to all AAdvantage members.
The program is rolling out first on American’s narrowbody and twin-class regional fleets, with free Wi-Fi planned to be available on all aircraft by early spring.
Tourist Attractions and the “Hotel Hopping” Trend
We knew we couldn’t go anywhere. But we want to. Here are some of the “wants” on our list:
Rochester, NY: MAG and Eastman Museum
Yes, it can snow and be cold in Rochester, NY in January and February.
But we will visit there Memorial Art Museum (MAG), exhibition venue Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings at the Worcester Art Museumfeaturing works by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Marie Cassatt, Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargent and Paul Signac (above), is on display until March 1, 2026.
We also made sure to visit the historic Rochester mansion Eastman Museum.
The photography mecca beckons in winter with its annual event Dutch connection The installation showcases thousands of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, amaryllis, tropical orchids and other flowers.
The museum says that between 1905 and 1932, George Eastman ordered tens of thousands of bulbs from the Netherlands each year. Most of these are used in gardens, but many are “tricked” into blooming indoors during the winter.
The annual flower display pays homage to these original orders. In addition, the museum provides free light bulb kits to children with museum tickets, which is also a thoughtful service. Kits include a pot, soil and a forcing bulb that can be taken home to plant and watch growth and flowering.
Are you a “hotel geek”?
We’re happy to learn that we’re not the only ones inclined to “hotel hopping” when visiting a city.
We sometimes book a hotel near the airport, another in town close to a few attractions we want to visit, and then book a third hotel in a neighborhood we want to explore.
hotels.com claims this is a trend, noting that more than 50% of travelers book multiple hotels in a destination so they can explore different neighborhoods and maximize offers and discounts.
Have you ever done this?
Thank you for your visit stuck at airport. subscription Get daily travel tidbits. And follow me on Twitter: @hbaskas and Instagram.