Tag: travel

Fetch NW Ticket Glitch

Ahmar Wolf1 Comment

As posted on their Telegram

Hi everyone. I have some updates for you on the ticket sales for for In Heat 2026, including an explanation of what went down, and what the next steps are.

——————————-

What Happened
Tickets were supposed to go on sale at 7pm last night, but when that time rolled around the ticket still had not released. We contacted the venue and the ticket vendor, and eventually found out that there was an error on the ticket vendor’s side of things.

They told us at this point that they would not open ticket sales for us until a later date, to make it fair for everyone. We communicated this to our community in our Telegram channel – and soon after we did, to our surprise, the ticket vendor released tickets. Some people noticed this and bought tickets. It was only open for a couple of minutes, and we nearly sold out during that time before they turned off sales again. This led to a lot of confusion from the community and we’ve taken some time to figure out how to handle this mix up.

It’s important to note that Fetch does not have any control over this ticket vendor, and we are contractually obligated to use them. The vendor made the error here. The owner of The Hiyu was also VERY helpful last night and did his best to make this situation right for us which we greatly appreciate.

Next Steps
1) Anyone who managed to buy a ticket last night will have their orders canceled and full refunds issued to them. This will include any fees or taxes.
2) We will release tickets again on Mon, Jun 1st @ 7pm. That’s two weeks from now. This will hopefully give everyone enough time to plan and give any refunds enough time to process.
3) We will all be over here praying to dog that everything goes smoothly with the vendor next time and once again setting very clear explanations for them.

We’re terribly sorry for all the inconvenience this has caused. I’m very grateful for the patience, sense of humor, and support that all of you gave us last night.

So, let’s give this another go!

In Heat 2026
July 11th, 2026

Tickets on sale Monday, June 1st @ 7pm (http://fetchnw.com/tickets) 🦊

Get your tickets at FetchNW.com/tickets (http://fetchnw.com/tickets).

General Admission
$80 + $14.80 fees

Golden Paw
$150 + $27.75 fees

More info and FAQ at FetchNW.com/events (https://fetchnw.com/events/).

Thank you again!

Anthro New England 2027 Venue Updates

Ahmar Wolf1 Comment

Frequently Asked Questions – Venue Announcement
How will attendees get between the Westin and the Omni?
The hotels are located directly across Summer Street from one another, and connected by two convenient crosswalks. To make your journey safe and easy, we will be providing crosswalk assistance to help manage traffic and safely guide attendees between the two convention spaces. For those with accessibility concerns, the street crossing is level, and both hotels are fully accessible.

Where is the Vendor Hall going?
It will be relocating across the street to the Omni! Relocating the Vendor Hall to the Omni will allow a slightly larger space, with a much larger, dedicated space for queues and crowd management. The Art Show will be relocated into a space nearby to allow better spacing of both vendors and artists.

What else is going to be at the Omni?
In addition to the Vendor Hall, the Omni will feature headless lounge spaces, high capacity panel rooms, and its own Zoo! We also have a significant amount of additional event space available to us at the Omni, and we look forward to announcing the final floorplans as we get closer to the convention next January.

What is changing at the Westin?
With the Vendor Hall moving out the Westin, this will allow Registration to move downstairs into the Galleria Ballroom. This allows us to use the full space of the Galleria as queue capacity and allow additional registration kiosks, which will help keep lines from overflowing into the Westin’s lobby and entrance area. The Marina Ballroom, formerly used for Registration, will be made available for other use, stay tuned for a final floorplan closed to the event dates. We are also thrilled to announce the return of the Zoo at the Westin’s Commonwealth Ballroom!

Is that all that’s changing?
Our 2027 event layout is still being finalized, but what we’ve stated above is what we can announce at this time. Please keep an eye on our socials for future announcements or changes, as well as the event map (typically released in December).

How will hotel booking work? Will the other overflow hotels return?
For 2027, we will initially open the room blocks for the two main hotels, the Westin and Omni on the same weekend. Once these main blocks sell out, we will proceed to open the Aloft and Element hotels. From there, we will continue to open our other partner hotels as needed.

Will Vendors book early? What hotel will they be offered?
As with previous years, vendors are provided early booking access for our convention! Vendors will be offered to book rooms at the Omni Boston at the Seaport hotel as it is the location of the Vendor Hall for ANE 2027, but if a vendor requests the Westin, we would be happy to accommodate!

Why not the MCEC? Is ANE ever moving to the Convention Center?
We are continuously working with the convention center to expand into the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC)’s space as future schedules permit. Currently, existing event contracts during our future dates prevent us from securing the space through the end of 2027.

Las Vegas Fur Con 2026 Reg Open

Ahmar Wolf1 Comment

Registration Tiers

For 2026, LVFC has four registration tiers: Attendee, Sponsor, Super Sponsor, and Lifetime Attendee.

Attendee ($99*)

*$60 on Saturday and $25 on Sunday of the event. You must purchase them after the clock hits 12 AM for those dates.

Attendees receive:

  • Access to the convention all weekend.
  • A convention badge.
  • A convention wristband to more easily enter 21+ areas.
  • Other swag TBD

Sponsor ($199)

Sponsors are people eager to support the convention, and receive Attendee perks plus the following additional benefits:

  • A convention T-Shirt
  • A Sponsor ribbon
  • Earlier access to registration.
  • Priority for Dealer Den tickets; you will have a limited window for exclusive access after Super Sponsors
  • Access for one to our Sponsor Meal; please grab a Sponsor Meal ticket via ConCat when they become available.

Super Sponsor ($299)

Super Sponsors REALLY want to support the con, and receive all previous benefits plus the following:

  • Priority for Dealers Den tickets. Supers will receive an exclusive window to grab tickets closer to the convention.
  • A Super Sponsor ribbon.
  • Earlier access to registration at-con.
  • Super Sponsors have their own block of rooms initially; this block has a higher proportion of high-demand rooms (Crown Lofts, Party Block, 2 beds, ground floor); most Super Sponsor rooms are at Alexis Park with the rest at Serene Boutique next door. Super Sponsors are limited in number initially to ensure non-Supers also have a chance at a room. Once registration has opened to general attendees (July 30th at 12 PM Pacific), Super Sponsor no longer confers this benefit.
  • Guaranteed ability to buy a Super Sponsor ticket the following convention year, provided it is purchased within an exclusive time window. Once this time window elapses, tickets may be purchased by the general public too. We always reserve some Super Sponsor tickets for general purchase either way.

Lifetime Attendee ($1200)

Lifetime Attendee is a premium tier for those planning to regularly return to our event.

  • Comped Super Sponsor attendance for your first year, then Attendee for every year LVFC exists. Comped Attendee has the at-con value and can be used as a discount on upgrades to Sponsor+ each year.
  • Lifetime Attendee does not grant Super Sponsor privileges after its first year; you must pay the difference to upgrade.
  • Lifetime Attendee does not guarantee any particular hotel room; you will have a registration created at the start of each con cycle, allowing you to book in-block hotel rooms before they open for general sale. It does not guarantee the Alexis Park.
  • LVFC reserves the right to buy back Lifetime registrations after the first year for the face value at time of purchase.
  • Lifetime registrations are paid in installments of $600, $300, and $300.

For more Info https://lasvegasfurcon.org/

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