Some positive changes in airport security — but not enough James M. Loy, the head of the Transportation Security Administration, is looking to get rid of more stupid rules. Already gone are the “security questions” that never foiled a terrorist in sixteen years, the ban on nail clippers, and the rule against carrying coffee through security. Others potentially on the chopping block: The 30 minutes without peeing rule, which forbids getting up from your seat within half an hour’s flying from Washington National airport Restricted parking within 300 feet of the airport (making parking lots at many airports useless) “Random” searches of passengers at the boarding gate after the same folks have been searched at the security checkpoint (also known as “gate rape“) These are a good start. They are all obvious changes that can…
About Gary Leff
The funniest joke in the
The funniest joke in the world revealed.
My colleague, George Mason University
My colleague, George Mason University professor of economics and law Vernon Smith, was just awarded the Nobel Prize in economic sciences. Smith is a research fellow and director at the Mercatus Center where I work.
More bonuses:Double miles on all
More bonuses: Double miles on all Alaska airlines flights through Oct. 31st. Make sure to register Register for two free weekend nights after three separate stays before January 31st with Marriott Priority Club is offering 2,000 bonus points or 500 bonus miles for every second stay at Inter-Continental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, or Holiday Inn Express. Naturally, you have to register (and enter promotion code 5700) Hyatt is offering “Faster Free Nights” — a free night after every two stays when paying with MasterCard before Feb. 28, 2003 (redeem from Nov. 1, 2002 through April 30, 2003). Register here and then try a trick — when using a free night, make sure to charge something to your room (a bottle of water from room service?) — you may get lucky and have the free night…
The cover story in the
The cover story in the current Washington City Paper is a “Best of the Protest” awards piece. My favorite: Best Obvious Anti-Protester Sign.. “Welcome Rich White Kidds.”
Not as good as the
Not as good as the 25,000 mile bonus offer I posted at the end of May, but there is a 10,000 mile bonus for signup up with the Northwest Visa.
Random notes from my travels.United
Random notes from my travels. United airlines needs to mix up its first class meals a bit. In 9 days I at the portabella ravioli three times and the Reuben sandwich twice. Come on! Noise reduction headsets are back on United’s Boeing 777 aircraft! Security is still a joke. United Express stations are still pulling the first person in the boarding line aside for random screening. The major airports wait for the third or fourth person. It’s still easy to board without getting gate raped as long as you hang out and make sure to line up when security is already screening someone else. Security is still a joke, part two. At Los Angeles, I watched final boarding of a Sacramento-bound flight. A man and woman rush up at the last minute to board. The…
I’m back with a vengeance.
I’m back with a vengeance. Let’s start with some ideas for free miles: Register at Lufthansa’s Miles & More for 2000 miles American Airlines is offering double miles to promote their new DC-NY-Boston “shuttle” operation Starwood hotels (Sheraton, W, Westin, Four Points, St. Regis) is offering triple points or triple miles through Jan. 31, 2003 Hawaiian Airlines will will give you 500 miles for filling out a survey Update: the Starwood promotion I mention above has already been cancelled! 🙁
Just got back from Florida
Just got back from Florida last night and I’m off to Michigan to lecture on the evils of mental health parity legislation. Then on Wednesday it’s California… and my high school reunion on Saturday night. Blogging will be nonexistent until Thursday morning, and light until next Monday. Please don’t abandon me, though! I’ve worked hard for you, my reader, and I’d appreciate it if you would continue to visit regularly upon my return.
Despite financial uncertainty in the
Despite financial uncertainty in the airline industry, a pretty good piece by Michael Conlon suggests that your miles are safe.
