What is digital pickpocketing? Should you be concerned? The newer passports contain chips that emit information that can be read by a scanner. The State Department and the Department of Homeland Security say that even when passport books are open, the digital information can be read by a scanner no more than a few inches away. But passports and some of the new credit cards, such as Mastercard’s PayPass and other debit cards can be read with any scanner. Those that want to protect their identity are purchasing these new RFID blocking passport cases. These cases block RFID chips from being read by unauthorized persons. They are lightweight, and hold up to five credit cards in addition to your passport. If nothing else, it gives you piece of mind and keeps your information encrypted and safe from hackers. Remember to carry your passport on your person, and a copy in your luggage.
April 7th, 2008
Beware the extra charges you’ll encounter when flying. Besides the cost of snacks on the plane, and the headphones, you may now be charged for “extra leg room.” Jet Blue Airways has announced that they will begin selling optional seats with 38″ inches of pitch on April 1. This is four more inches than its standard seats. This was reported in the New York Times on April 6, 2008. The new seats are in rows 2 through 5 and in the emergency exit rows on the 150 seat A320’s. There will be a total of 36 on each of these planes. The airline’s 100 seat Embraer 190’s will have only four seats per plane. The additional cost to the passenger will be $10.00 on flights under 600 miles, $15.00 on flights up to 1,500 miles, and $20.00 on longer flights. For more information, you can check out www.jetblue.com. Remember to be cautious when packing. Your luggage must meet the airline requirements and be no larger than 62” linear inches, and must also meet their weight requirements, if you do not want to be charged extra. The airlines have different requirements, so be sure to check with your airline before packing. All of the luggage brands have introduced smaller sized Pullmans and lightweight luggage. Additionally, some of the airlines have changed their carry on luggage requirements, so be sure to check with the airline if you wish to use carry on luggage.
April 7th, 2008
