Here are the stories that some of my favorite bloggers covered this past week. We had everything from TSA and DOT policies to free culture in England, so take some time to get caught up.

The TSA announced that it will up security when it comes to remote control toys. As reported by the New York Times:

“Citing credible specific information about terror tactics, Transportation Security Administration officers nationwide today stepped up their scrutiny of passengers carrying remote-control toys aboard airplanes.”

With the holidays not far off, it’s good to keep this in mind. If your child receives remote control toys as a gift and wants to carry them on, he or she can be subject to extra screening. This can add time in line, so be prepared.

Free Entertainment in London!

With the weakened dollar, it’s becoming harder for Americans to do everything they want to when traveling to Europe. Whether you’re facing the Euro or the Pound, the exchange rate just isn’t in your favor right now. Luckily, Fodor’s has pointed out some fantastic sites and sounds you can take in for free while in London. The list includes museums, galleries, music venues, and much more.

New Passport Rules are In Effect

Fly Away Cafe is quick to remind travelers that the new passport rules are in effect. The suspension that caused more than a few problems this summer is no more. Here’s what that means for travelers:
“U.S citizens who travel by air to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean must have a passport, or other approved travel documents, to enter or depart the country.”

Deplane, Deplane!

Some of the fervor over the possible Passengers’ Bill of Rights is subsiding now that the House passed a bill that extends certain FAA policies. However, much of the passengers’ rights language in the bill is seen as toothless by many, and there are those at the DOT that feel more needs to be done and that airlines need to set time limits for how long they can keep stranded passengers on the tarmac. Business Travel News Online recaps the DOT report that has at least sparked a Passengers’ Bill of Rights debate among politicians.

One More Superjet Takes Off

Most of us in the travel industry have been looking forward to the maiden flights of the Boeing Dreamliner and the Airbus A380. However, as the Cranky Flier reports, another superjet has recently been rolled out. It’s the Sukhoi Superjet. It’s a plane from a Russian manufacturer, and Cranky is quick to point out that Russian planes haven’t fared well with the West in the past. But maybe this will be the one to turn the tide. It looks good, and Cranky has a nice photo, so check out his post.

Have a great weekend!