Jack Hawkins articles

I had a wrapped birthday present in my luggage to bring for my daughter's birthday. It was cut open by TSA and I was left with the box. Why?

Why would TSA cut open a wrapped birthday present in your luggage? This fun, easy-to-read article explains why it happens, what airport screening sees, and how to pack gifts safely for future trips.
April 8, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I'm on vacation and have been letting my brother stay at my house. My HOA called the cops. He was arrested for squatting. What can I do?

Your unhoused brother stayed at your house while you were on vacation, the HOA called police, and he was arrested for squatting. Here is what to do next, from gathering proof to finding legal help.
April 7, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I'm going away for vacation and want someone to house-sit for me. My HOA says long-term guests aren't allowed. What should I do?

Heading out on vacation but worried your HOA may ban long-term guests? Here’s a smart, practical guide to using a house-sitter without breaking the rules, plus tips for talking to your HOA and protecting your home.
April 3, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I accidentally spilled a bit of water on my passport. It didn't damage it too badly, but some pages are smudged. Can I still travel with it?

Spilled water on your passport and worried you cannot travel? Here is how to tell if a water-damaged or smudged passport is still usable, when to replace it, and how to avoid being denied boarding.
April 3, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I want to bring my cat onboard my flight as an emotional support animal. The airline says cats don't qualify, but she's certified. What can I do?

Can you bring your cat onboard as an emotional support animal? Here is what current U.S. airline rules say, why certification may not help, and the smartest ways to fly with your cat anyway.
April 2, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Airport

I paid $5,000 for a beautiful urn for my veteran son's ashes. It was broken by TSA for inspection, and I received his ashes in a Ziploc. Can I sue?

A traveler says TSA broke a $2,000 urn holding her mother’s ashes and returned the remains in a Ziploc bag. Here’s whether she can sue, how TSA claims work, and what steps matter most.
March 31, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I shipped my father's urn across the country, as I'm the only surviving family. It hasn't arrived yet, and his funeral is tomorrow. What can I do?

A practical and compassionate guide for anyone facing a delayed urn shipment before a funeral, with clear steps, respectful backup plans, and advice for honoring a loved one when everything goes wrong.
March 30, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My luggage didn't arrive off my flight and the airline said they'd deliver it to my hotel. It just arrived—it's not my luggage. What can I do?

Your missing suitcase was finally delivered to your hotel—but it is the wrong bag. Here is what to do next, how to contact the airline, and how to claim reimbursement for essentials.
March 27, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I tried to board a flight with my child's car seat. The airline says it was supposed to be in the cargo hold. Won't it get damaged down there?

A parent shares their frustrating airline experience after being forced to check a child’s car seat into the cargo hold—raising concerns about damage, safety, and confusing airline policies.
March 23, 2026 Jack Hawkins