With year-end super-busy holiday air traffic and jammed check-in lines, senior flyers should consider this new go-to-the-head-of-the-line gimmick. Called the TSA PreCheck system, and costing $100, it now permits some pre-security approved airline passengers to get to their aircraft more quickly.

After their status is confirmed, the privileged few are allowed to keep shoes, belt and coats on. They may also carry laptop computers and eligible personal liquids and gels in carry-ons. The only negative could be enduring the dirty looks and curses of the poor peasants who must wait in the long security lines as the special boarders sail past them.

If eligible passengers have kids under 12 with them, all can go through PreCheck. To keep up with the constantly changing status of PreCheck, when booking new flights, always review requirements with your favorite hometown or online travel agency. It may also be expedient to call the airline directly at least 24 hours before your departure to make sure your lofty status is on record.

For more information about PreCheck, go to www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

Can you remember way back when comic strip artists and movie moguls pictured flying cars? The idea was driving out of your garage onto the road, and then, to beat the traffic, take to the sky. Actually, Henry Ford predicted it way back in 1940.

Despite all the advances in jet engines, computers and just about everything else, this dream never happened. Well, at least not until now.

According to Yahoo News, a Slovakian company's prototype, Aeromobil 2.5, really works and can rev up to 90 mph and take off into the skies. It will then cruise at 120 mph over all the stalled traffic below for distances up to 430 miles.

The practical use is still in the distant future, because flying cars will revolutionize traffic controls and other  regulations for both air and ground transportation systems. Of course, we senior auto drivers will be easy to identify when we take to the air. Our turn signals will always be blinking. For more information, go to airomobil.com

Singapore Airlines (SIA:SP) has discontinued its daily passenger flights between the Asian island city and Newark, NJ. It had been the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight. The 19-hour, 9,500-mile journey was a great convenience for those who could afford the ticket prices that started at $11,000. For more information, go to www.singaporeair.com

USA Today recently had a provocative story about whether people (especially we senior citizens) are allowed to pass on frequent flyer miles, hotel freebees and other earned perks. The implication is that we of a advanced certain age must decide before we hear the flutter of angels’ wings.

According to the article, depending on which airlines and hotel chains you consult, you’ll get confusing yes, no and maybe answers. Therefore, we suggest that when you believe your ultimate one-way flight to join the angels seems to be approaching, consider several options.

Do the research yourself or have a trusted travel agent make the contacts, and then complete a list of all the unused, still-valid points, miles and perks you’ve accumulated for various airlines and hotel chains. Contact each of the organizations and determine what, if any, can be passed on and to whom (family member, friend, business associate, charity, etc.).

Perhaps a selfish, but more practical, solution is to gather all those freebees and indulge in fulfilling your own personal bucket list of destinations around the world. Then, before the little cherubs take you, use them all while you’re still able to get up, get out and travel.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2013/09/01/deceased-travelers-frequent-flier-points/2749761/