Once you arrive at the airport, checking your luggage can become a problem. Many airlines have become very picky about weight limits. Keith, my husband and I, were flying together recently and his luggage was over 50 lbs. and mine was under. I was given the option of transferring some of the contents of his luggage in to mine or paying an extra $25. Hmmmm!. Is that really a difficult decision? Needless to say, I transferred some items, however, as best as I can tell, the total weight was still the same. I’m guessing that the policy has something to do with lifting requirements for staff, but that’s never explained or mentioned as the issue.

Then one time I changed purses right before leaving home and didn’t realize I had a very small jar of hand lotion (1 oz. maybe). I was told I either had to throw it out or go purchase a quart size zip lock bag to put it in. Then the airport personnel noticed that I had a zip lock bag of coin for the slot machines in my purse and suggested I just put the lotion in the same bag. By the way, the slot machines don’t even take coins anymore. I’m not really sure what the purpose is of having items in the bags is, but some airlines are even providing them.

My niece was flying from Montana to Ohio for Thanksgiving. She was only going to be there for four days, so she just had a carry-on bag. Well, in the bag she had a gift for her Grandma. What a sweet Granddaughter! It was an 8 oz. jar of Huckleberry jam which Helena, MT is apparently known for. Anyway, they confiscated the jam. She told them that it was for her Grandma, but they wouldn’t budge. They did tell her that if she had brought two 4 oz jars, that would have been acceptable!?! Poor Grandma, no jam!

I do have to say, carry-on luggage really bugs me. I don’t understand why people insist on trying to shove a piece of luggage which is overstuffed into a compartment that’s made to hold blankets, pillows and coats. Trust me, I understand having a few personal items with you in case your luggage gets lost, but there is a reason they check bags.

On the way back from Europe a few years ago, the first point of entry into the United States was in Cincinnati, Ohio. This wasn’t that long after 911, so security (rightfully so) was high. I was traveling with my sister and my 81 year old mother. As we shuffled our purses and bags on to the conveyor, a light started flashing and a supervisor was summoned. The bag in question happened to belong to my mother. She was mortified. They asked if we were traveling together and escorted the two of us over to a security area while they searched my mother’s purse. My mother is a smoker and in her purse were four tiny lighters. They informed us that two lighters were the maximum per passenger. However, they were kind enough to allow Mom to take two and me to take two? I’m pretty sure we still had four lighters and we were sitting together. Go figure!

In August I flew to Louisville for a training program with the Red Cross. It was very warm in August so shorts, sandals and sleeveless tops were common attire. I was with three other women and as we approached the gate, I removed my sandals, my sweater and my jewelry. This left me wearing basically nothing but shorts and a sleeveless top (of course I had on underwear unlike Britney). Anyway, much to my surprise, I get singled out for a wand check. I had to laugh because they waived the wand under my arms and down my sides. Then she told me that she had to do the same to my waist and my legs. Hello! I’m wearing shorts! Trust me, I understand the importance of the high security. But I did tell my friends that I was traveling with that I think they thought that the fat rolls around my waist might be something that I was trying to hide! (I am!!)

My flight west on my most recent trip to Vegas was quite uneventful. Then there was the trip back. Again, it was rather warm in Vegas. My flight was in the morning, so I had quickly gotten my things together and headed to the airport. All was going well until checking through the gate. Dang! I forgot I had a water bottle in my bag. Could they just let me throw it out and go through? Oh, no. They had to call a supervisor over to look at the bottle and give me a short lecture. Mean time, the line behind was backed up and I could feel oodles of eyes glaring at me. I never looked back.

Now I get to Chicago, the weather starts to change and, you guessed it, the flights get cancelled. This is when you need that small carry on with some personal items. Well, because I get so frustrated watching other passengers bringing on bags that are too big and belong down below, I protest by bringing as little as possible. Not a good idea when your flight gets cancelled. Here I am with no toothpaste, no deodorant and only the clothes on my body. Thanks to the clerk at the hotel desk, I at least was able to brush my teeth and put on clean deodorant in the morning.

There are so many things that can go wrong when flying. It’s almost impossible to be totally prepared. Even when everything goes as scheduled, I think your body still suffers from the stress. So, I just wanted to share a few stories and offer some tips. Hopefully, both will help any of your upcoming travels go smoother.

Tips:

* Check your schedule and flight status before leaving home.
* Pay attention to the weight of your bags. If necessary, weigh yourself without the luggage and then with it. The difference is what you need to be concerned about.
* Make sure when you check in that you get the tabs with your luggage numbers on them just in case they don’t make to the same airport or at the same time that you do.
* You can take along something to eat as long as it’s not a liquid or gel. Things such as apples, breakfast bars, crackers, etc. are acceptable. If your plane should get stuck on the tarmac for some reason, it helps to have a quick bite to eat to keep your sugar level up.
* It’s best to drink water while flying. Drinking other liquids can cause dehydration and/or swelling.
* It’s always good to take something to read or do (Sudoku, crossword puzzles, etc.) Electronic items may work, but sometimes they’re not allowed to be on and if you’re stranded for a long period, batteries may run out. If you do use electronics, remember to pack the cables, cords and chargers.
* Essentials – toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, medications, and extra pair of underwear and maybe something to wear to sleep in (t-shirt, nightgown)
* Passport – may or may not be necessary depending where you are traveling. However, there are new regulations. As of January 23, 2007, all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air to Canada, Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean will be required to present a valid passport to re-enter the country. A valid driver's license will no longer suffice for re-entry documentation.

Safe travels and enjoy the holidays!