Tag: travel

TSA introduces new $45 fee option for travelers without REAL ID starting February 1

Ahmar Wolf1 Comment

Original post https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/12/01/tsa-introduces-new-45-fee-option-for-travelers-without-real-id

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026.

Travelers will be able to pay $45 to use TSA ConfirmID for a 10-day travel period. TSA urges travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
    • If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles.
    • A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. passport card
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
  • HSPD-12 PIV card
  • Foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

All travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA ConfirmID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line. This process will differ airport to airport, and TSA is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.

There it is I copied and pasted it

Anthro Northwest 2026 Reg Open

Ahmar Wolf1 Comment

Adult Membership

The standard adult membership includes admittance to all four days of the convention. Minors age 16-17 please view the minor information page.

$99Age 16+

Sponsor Membership

Sponsors receive everything in the adult membership package, early access to the vendors’ room and convention store, sponsor gifts, discounts at the convention store, and admittance to a sponsors-only catered event.

$200

Super Sponsor Membership

Super Sponsors receive everything in both the adult and sponsor membership packages, plus access to a special badge pickup location, a commemorative medallion, and front of the line priority access at select events.

$325

Ultra Sponsor Membership

The Ultra Sponsor Membership includes everything in the adult, sponsor, and super sponsor memberships, as well as a luxury suite and a complimentary ultrasponsor badge for the guest of your choice.
Membership Details

Thank you for your interest in being an Ultrasponsor. This form of support helps keep the convention accessible for a wide range of guests.

As an Ultrasponsor, you will receive:

  • Ultrasponsor collectible badge with front-of-the-line privileges for you and your Guest
  • Furry Family Winter Meal tickets for you and your Guest
  • VIP catered reception vouchers for you and your Guest
  • Daytime and Evening Hospitality Suite access for you and your Guest
  • 50% off one of a selection of items at the Convention Store
  • A special gift
  • A prepaid luxury suite

Suite Accommodations

Depending on your level of sponsorship, you will receive either a prepaid Regency, Executive, or Summit Suite. Information regarding these suites can be found on the hotel’s website. Links are provided below for your convenience.

Suites are available for check-in starting at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Check-out is at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 5, 2025. You may request additional days by contacting Anthro Northwest.

You will be responsible for any charges other than the base room rate and any applicable taxes and fees. These charges might include room service, gratuities, deposits, or any charges for damage.

All suites are on quiet floors and are not suitable for party rooms. Well-organized and respectful social gatherings are welcome.

For More Info https://www.anthronw.com/anw8/index.html

MFF 2025 The Year of Major Changes

Ahmar Wolf1 Comment

I will say MFF 2025 was The Year of Major Changes. Like the Dealers Den, taking advantage of the full space available in Artist Marketplace. Even allowing artists to set up space in the Dealers area. Frankly something I have been personally pushing for since the end of the pandemic. Why? We already saw the results, everyone did massive business. I even heard Mary Mouse and her “Certified” badges were almost sold out.

Speaking of which on Sunday as a friend was looking for this one dealer. I ran into Artimus Wishfoot, no photo as I didn’t want to be pushy. But they are so nice, did find out that one of the reasons they decided to do IFC was because of the new hotel.

My friend didn’t find that dealer, it seems they sold out. So was quite a few others.

I think one of the biggest changes was to the opening and closing. Frankly most of what I seen are in fact boring. Not this year!!! dumping the table, bringing on musical acts was FANTASTIC.

The Art Show which normally we don’t hear much about did $90,000+ in sales

Planning was nothing short of amazing, bigger panels saw the Convention Center, smaller ones the hotel. The Biggest result less traffic in the Skybridge. Heard it was only shutdown a few times, and despite the snow many did take the outside route.

We did have escalator shutdowns, a few times. Overworked motor from what I heard.

Ran in to some paramedics who were on standby. There is something to be said when they say it’s been quiet. I only heard of 1 ambulance run, and that was due to drinking too mush.

I call it the elephant in the room and no not the one from Zootopia 2. Which was playing at the nearby theater.

No we only had a 125 bump in attendance, why same thing hit Anthrocon a few years back, who btw also made major changes…. will this effect numbers. Like we say in Chicago “Wait to next year”.

Minus The Airlines

Ahmar Wolf

With the 10% cut in airline travel starting this week, and with the threat of a total shutdown of all airline travel. I felt it was time I address the issue. I am fully aware a lot of furries count on the airlines. Mainly due to work schedules. As in they can sneak a fur con in when they got the time off.

I am fairly lucky where I live, MFF is not that far away. I take the local public transportation, CTA and PACE. Then Uber back and forth from my hotel. Unfortunately I am not on any of those handy buses routes.

I know many of you can, and do.

Which only leaves getting to the con. I call this article “Minus the Airlines”, because that is a good possibility. By the time MFF rolls around in just a few weeks. There might be nothing flying. Let me make that clear, I am not saying it’s going to happen… but it might.

Then what to do?

I have made it no secret that I love trains. I think train travel is the best, wide seats, food options and if your inclined you can get an adult drink. Are all great.

But I am also fully aware that this is not an option for some, neither are the buses. For all 6′ 2 of me I don’t exactly sit comfortable on a bus. But I do take them when there are no other option. You see I don’t drive, that is a choice, too many aggressive drivers.

So that only lives the final option… DRIVING

Is driving halfway across the country a real option?!!!

For some this maybe the only option.

Look I am not saying change your actual travel plans. But be aware of what is going on in that Looney Bin we call the White House.

I would also advise everyone “Know what your options are”.

If that includes cutting back what cons you see that maybe is another choice.

I was contacted by more than one, telling me they have already cutback. Limiting to cons they can actually drive.

Because we don’t know what those nuts in DC are planning to make our lives worse.

Anthrocon 2026 Reg Open

Ahmar Wolf1 Comment

Attending

Limited Availability

Pricing:
Pre-registration price: $80
On-site price: $100

As an Attending member, you’ll get:

  • Access to the convention space and activities for the duration of this year’s convention once registration opens (Thursday, July 2 pre-registered — Friday, July 3 at the door)
  • Our souvenir con book and other publications
  • A weekend of fun

Limited Availability (2200) – Pre-registration only

Pricing:
Pre-registration price: $140
On-site price: not available

Sponsors are generous patrons who like to help us provide even more services and events for our membership. A Sponsor gets the full privileges of an Attending membership, as well as the following:

  • A nifty Sponsor ribbon
  • A free Anthrocon t-shirt
  • An expedited pick-up line on site
  • Earlier entry into the Dealers Room on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (after Ultrasponsor and Supersponsor entry)

Supersponsor

Limited Availability (700) – Pre-registration only

Pricing:
Pre-registration price: $350
On-site price: not available

Supersponsors are some of the most generous persons on the planet! We heap lavish praise and gifts unto them. A Supersponsor gets the full privileges of a Sponsor membership, as well as the following:

  • A nifty Supersponsor ribbon
  • An invitation to the Artists & Dealers reception on Friday evening
  • Earlier admission into the Dealers Room on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (after Ultrasponsor)
  • Advance admission to selected main ballroom events
  • A unique gift available to Supersponsors
  • Our wonderful Supersponsor Brunch on Sunday
  • An advance opportunity to book select hotel rooms before general availability**

Ultrasponsor

Limited Availability (35) – Pre-registration only

Pricing:
Pre-registration price: $1200
On-site price: not available

Our highest level of sponsorship, with our utmost gratitude! An Ultrasponsor gets all privileges of a Supersponsor membership, as well as the following:

  • A nifty Ultrasponsor ribbon
  • VIP badge pick up at registration
  • First opportunity to register for a hotel room, based on availability**
  • Front-of-line privileges for early admission into the Dealers Room on Friday
  • Front-of-line privileges to main ballroom events (plus 1 guest if desired)
  • An exclusive gift available only to Anthrocon Ultrasponsors
  • Our wonderful Supersponsor Brunch on Sunday
  • An exclusive Saturday Ultrasponsor and VIP Cocktail Reception
  • Special Ultrasponsor Badge
  • Free access to the Anthrocon River Cruises (if cruises are available)
  • Expedited elevator line privileges in the Westin Hotel (guest floor elevators)

For more Info https://www.anthrocon.org/

Anthrocon takes place July 2 to 5th

Furry Ski Weekend Cancelled

Ahmar Wolf1 Comment

We’ve got bad news for you, I’m afraid. Due to dramatically low interest we’re canceling FSW 2026.

We had hoped that officially taking a year off would give people the space and time they needed for their love of FSW to rekindle, but sadly it wasn’t enough. We understand what we’re up against isn’t a lack of enjoyment or desire, but an issue we’ve been running from for years that has finally caught up with us: cost. We’ve long provided an elevated experience – and certainly in more ways than just accommodations – but it’s those accommodations that are the overwhelming majority of our costs (~80%) and the source of almost all our price increases.

And for as high as our proposed costs were this year, know that we fought to provide you a more affordable experience by negotiating 1/3 off the rental cost (and it was almost $1000/person >.<). Over the years the value of the houses have tripled, and so did the prices, though I doubt many of you saw your incomes triple in that time.

Lift tickets also dramatically increased in price over the years, and we’re unable to offer them at a discount until we reach a certain threshold of attendees, which we couldn’t do this year.

Overall, organizing FSW post-covid has become an arduous slog, and so between that, the rising costs, and waning interest, we no longer believe the FSW model is viable.

There’s a chance that we may pursue a new approach in the future. It is, after all, Furry SKI Weekend not Furry House Weekend, and bringing friends together, new and old, to share a blended experience of fursuiting and snow-sports is what we always wanted to give people. We would likely move to a model where we provide dates and locations where we’d be fursuit skiing, and invite others to join in if they wanted, deferring all details to them aside from the minimal coordination. Though this would address the cost and our cost in time and effort, there’s nothing about this that would differentiate us from some of the other furry ski events that have arisen and we’ve supported and fostered over the years. So there’s still much for us to ponder.

Even if this is the end of FSW, we’re fiercely proud of all we’ve accomplished as the first, and for a long time largest and (in our humble opinion) best, furry ski event in the world. We built new friendships, saw furs who met on our trips get married, made incredible videos and took countless incredible pictures. We were a furry event that interacted with the public back when that was much less common (And answered many “do you have sex in those” questions with a whispered but resounding, “Yeah. Why? Did you wanna hook up with me?”). We’ve been featured in news articles and weird sports books. In short, we made a small mark in the world while giving back to our community and our friends.

For all that we did to make the last 18 years possible, we can’t thank you enough. Without you we couldn’t have pooled our resources and gotten a big house to share. We couldn’t have filled the slopes with wild hoots, howls, and chitters as an unexplainable sea of animals flew over sunlit snow, making our fur and faces damn near glow with joy. And we couldn’t have made memories and friendships that will last us a lifetime.

If this is the end, it was an incredible run. We loved what we did and we love all of you. Be good. Be kind. Be unapologetically you.

MFF 2025 Reg Opens 5pm CT

Ahmar Wolf

I made a point about the time to remind everyone to be patient.

As promised here is the details

Standard Membership

$100 – through November 25, 2025
$110 – at the door

Purchasing a Standard Membership includes:

  • A themed badge printed with your name
  • Lanyard
  • Access to our Dealer’s Den, Artist Alley, Art Show, game room, and more!
  • Admittance to our extensive programming, including the Main Stage events, a wide variety of panels, and dances
  • Access to our digital program guide

Sponsor

$225

A Sponsorship shows that you think the con is kind of awesome and you’d like to help us make it happen. As a Sponsor, you will receive all of the benefits of a Standard Membership, as well as the following gifts:

  • Priority seating for some of our most popular events
  • Early badge pickup Thursday afternoon for pre-registered sponsors
  • Sponsor Brunch on Saturday morning
  • Sponsor Badge Ribbon
  • T-shirt
  • Sponsor Pin
  • And MORE!

Shiny Sponsorship

$450

A Shiny Sponsorship is for those who not only really, really like the convention, but wish to provide that something extra to help us continue to bring you the best convention that we possibly can! As a Shiny Sponsor, you will receive all of the benefits of a Sponsor membership, as well as the following gifts:

  • Highest priority seating for some of our most popular events
  • Shiny Sponsor Reception on Friday evening
  • Shiny Sponsor Badge Ribbon
  • Polo Shirt
  • And MORE! 

UPDATE

I see Shiny Sponsor went down by $100. But still $450 is it worth it?

So what exactly opens today

Ever wondered how they decide what sponsors get? The Board actually votes on it. A combination between what fits in the theme and and what they can get on time.

There has been a couple of rumors of items not gotten due to shipping times and makers dates.

Finally the LINK your looking for https://www.furfest.org/attend/register

Brasil FurFest 2025 Starts Today

Ahmar Wolf

🥳 Good morning, Heroes and Villains of Brasil FurFest 2025! 🥳

Get your capes, masks, and claws ready! ✨ Friday, July 18, has arrived to kick off our epic Heroes & Villains journey! Today is the day to unleash your most heroic or villainous side and dive headfirst into a universe of fun, friendship, and lots of art. 🐾 Have a day full of adventures and amazing encounters!

📅 Friday, July 18 Schedule:

🎭 Jaraguá Theater
🕓 4 PM to 6 PM – Opening Ceremony
🕕 6 PM – Pepper Coyote in Brazil (EN)
🕖 7 PM to 9 PM – Whose Lion Is It Anyway? An Improbable Activity
🕗 9 PM to 10 PM – Gringos vs. Brazil

🎉 Main Events Room
🕕 6 PM to 8 PM – I Don’t Know Anyone Here, Now What?
🕗 8 PM – Dance Party with DJ RohWolf
🕙 9 PM – Dance Party with DJ Sopero
🕚 10 PM – Dance Party with DJ Fake Reality

🎙 Lecture Room 1
🕘 7 PM – How to Add Electronics to Your Fursuit with Mock
🕙 8 PM – 3D Modeling and Printing for Fursuits with Kaiser Skullbeast
🕚 9 PM to 11 PM – Penguin Cinema + Behind-the-Scenes Talk with OPinguim10

🎨 Lecture Room 2
🕕 6 PM – Fursuit Dance Workshop with Jinlong
🕘 7 PM – Project Hope with B. Rosa, L. Daniel, N. Azevedo, D. Silva
🕙 8 PM to 10 PM – Traditional Art Workshop – Experiment with Different Art Materials with MichaelMax
🕙 10 PM to 11 PM – São Paulo After Dark with Mecer (+18)

🤝 Meet and Greet Room
🕕 6 PM – Dragons Meet & Greet with Mekhy (Pudim)
🕖 7 PM to 10 PM – Heroes & Hordes RPG with Ratoruja
🕙 10 PM – Plushie Meetup with Kuma

🎮 Gaming Room
🕑 2 PM to 9 PM – Games
🕘 9 PM to 11 PM – Furrokê

Don’t miss a single moment of this epic party! Download our app or check the schedule online to have everything at your fingertips:

📱 Android (Play Store):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.furmeet.events.bff

🌐 Web (iOS/Apple and other browsers):
https://bff.furmeet.app

Have an amazing day, and may the furry force be with you!

Brasil FurFest
Friends Forever

Galactic Camp Reg Open and Big News

Ahmar Wolf

and

Mission Updates:
We have over 500 folks who have pre-reg’d now, and we are excited to bring you an amazing show next weekend. If you are looking for a day pass, we will have $50 day passes Sat/Sun at the door, as well as a new $25 pass on Monday. We will be selling $80 discounted pre-reg tickets until Friday, and are still doing free tier upgrades while supplies last.   
As of this email, we have about 100 upgrades left for Sponsor–> Super Sponsor. This means for $175 you get a patch, a glow-in-the-dark UV cup, and 50% off drinks all weekend + free non-alcoholic drinks too. You can also log in and upgrade your existing ticket, paying the difference.   
We have a limited number of Admiral tickets (https://galacticcamp.com/reg) for sale if you want to sleep on the ship!Otherwise, there are plenty of Hotels, including several that offer a special discount to con goers. See our Hotels page (https://galacticcamp.com/hotels). (https://galacticcamp.com/hotels)  
We are doing a fursuit runway, similar to how our friends at PAWCon (https://pacanthro.org/) do it, with furries filling out an index card with a bio and getting announced, except ours will be on an actual runway. The Flight Deck Sat at 5pm.   
Our Schedule is live. (https://www.galacticcamp.com/schedule) We have panels, DJ’s, a band, theme bars, a car shop, fursuit games, and so much more to do all weekend long.  
Check out all of our panels here. (https://www.galacticcamp.com/panels) If you would like to host a panel, please apply soon. We are finalizing selections next week.   
Learn more about our 4 theme bars here (https://www.galacticcamp.com/bars). (https://www.galacticcamp.com/bars) We are bringing you 100% furry-run bars with value-priced drinks all weekend long!   
Check out our 2025 Dealer’s Den Merchants here (https://www.galacticcamp.com/dealers-den). (https://www.galacticcamp.com/dealers-den) We have over 30 confirmed dealers attending the con this year, and we are the only con where you can shop for a fursuit next to an actual 70-million-dollar F-18 fighter jet!   
Check out our  DJ lineup (https://www.galacticcamp.com/2025-dj-lineup). (https://www.galacticcamp.com/2025-dj-lineup) We have multiple stages, a live band, and over 25 hours of talent coming your way!   
Awoo Cru (https://bsky.app/profile/awoocru.bsky.social) is hosting a Furry Car Show. Show off your ride at Galactic Camp! Meet and greet with the fandom’s most unique automotive enthusiasts.  
We have 4 food trucks coming, plus an onboard cafe on the ship!   
Dress Code – while we want people to be able to express themselves, please use your best judgment; we are in a museum where people have lost their lives, and the museum is run by volunteer vets, many of whom are in their 70s to 80s.

You haven’t got too much time left that con starts May 24 to 26

https://www.galacticcamp.com/