Leaving on a Jet Plane
Jun 24th, 2008 by Diane Cordell
Diane Cordell is the mother of two adult, married children. In her position as a K-12 teacher/librarian, she interacts with students of all ages on a daily basis - good practice for future grandchildren! You can read more about Diane here. Diane also blogs at Journeys and can be found on Twitter as dmcordell. Click here to read more of Diane’s posts.
Saturday morning, my husband and I will leave for San Antonio. I’ll be participating in NECC 2008 (the National Educational Computing Conference); Tim will be visiting art museums and checking out the “Cold Margaritas and Hot Senoritas” (Hmmm).
I’ve already mentioned in Twitter that we’ll only be taking carry-on luggage: a duffel bag for hubby, and a backpack, with laptop compartment, and a small handbag for me. After a few less than successful incidents with airline baggage handling, we’re convinced that traveling light is the only way to reach your destination with wardrobe intact.
If you would like to follow our example, you might want to visit One Bag for tips on how to avoid overpacking.
A challenge faced by vacationers hoping to travel light is the restriction on the type and size of liquids and gels that are permitted in carry-ons. The Department of Homeland Security’s TSA gives updates on the current regulations on its site. Remember 3-1-1…no more than 3 ounces per container packed in a 1 quart ziploc bag with 1 bag permitted per traveler.
The size of the carry-on is also important. Rules vary by airline, but a general rule of thumb given by the FAA is “the maximum size carry-on bag for most airlines is 45 linear inches (the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag). Anything larger should be checked.”
A final tip to make your trip less stressful: go to Expedia and read the guide to whichever airports you connect through. There you will find information about food, shops, activities, even smoking areas. Rather than settle for the limited (or non-existent) food choices on an airplane, purchase a sandwich or regional specialty to munch on. Oh, and be sure to include some extra ziploc bags to contain leftovers - you don’t want any drips or leaks to stain your pared-down wardrobe! [I usually tuck in a Tide pen, just in case]
I love to travel and am very excited about exploring San Antonio for the first time. I’m bringing along a small tote bag to contain any tiny treasures we find there. Anything larger can be shipped home.
No checked luggage for this couple - we want to get there and go, not wait at a carousel for cases that have taken an unexpected left at Albuquerque !
“Suitcases” by masochismtango
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Diane -
I just experienced having to deal with the liquid restrictions on our trip this past weekend and also have to admit that I’m not as good at you are about packing! My husband and I took 1 carry-on and checked 2 bags, but in our defense, we had to pack a lot of dressy clothes for the events we were taking part in. I was also reluctant to deal with the liquid and carry on restrictions after having my tiny scissors confiscated during a past trip - I didn’t even know they were still in my bag, but the resulting mayhem at the security checkpoint was too much for me 
Have a blast at NECC - I wish I was going with!
Wow, how timely
Uugghh I hate flying and I totally understand what you mean when you don’t trust the ppl with your luggage. It is so wise to carry whatever you can with you.
Domestic Divas last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
You are going to love San Antonio! It’s going to be hot, but there are plenty of places to stop in for a cold drink (as Tim will find out). Try to make it to The Liberty Bar if you can for dinner or lunch one day. Remeber the Alamo!
Hi, Ladies!
I’m old enough to remember when air travel was more of an adventure than an ordeal. Sigh. Anything you can do beforehand to minimize stress is well worth the effort.
Besides, it you need more clothes, you can go shopping for some new ones - the ultimate souvenir.
And Sherry, thanks for the tip. I’ll have Tim do some scouting while I’m at workshops.
Diane Cordells last blog post..Leaving on a Jet Plane
And there is what some alternative?