Get Ready To Jet Set

The holidays are a wonderful time to get together with family and friends. Many of us schlep through airports trying to get Thanksgiving dinner "back home". I thought I'd offer some of my tried and true travel tips, especially for those who haven't traveled lately.

First of all, I highly recommend checking the TSA web site before you travel. Yes, I'm a geek and I check out the site. http://www.tsa.gov/
Not only do they list what items you can and can not carry on the plane but, they also have helpful packing tips, as well.

I thought it was slightly comical that on the TSA web site some of the things that they ask you NOT to pack include gravy, wine (yes, they have a bar in the terminal) and snow globes. Anything that you feel you just can't live without and you refuse to check, please, for the love of God, send it FedEx to your destination. Take my advice on this one. Or, make Aunt Ethel's Jell-O mold when you get there. Seriously, no one will know the difference!

Sorry, I digress… the TSA web site has great packing tips. For example, DO NOT pack wrapped presents. They're going to make you unwrap it when you go through security, anyway. Also, keep in mind that TSA has the authority to riffle through your stuff - even if it's checked luggage. Yes, it's happened to me. They'll leave a lovely note in your suitcase stating that they looked through your stuff. (Another reason not to pack anything too embarrassing, if you know what I mean.)

The general rule for liquids is what TSA calls their 3-1-1 rule. Make sure any liquids that you want to carry on are less than 3 ounces. This does not mean pack the 5 ounce tube of toothpaste that's half used - make sure it's a 3 ounce container. (Just think of this as a great time to try out all of those sample sized moisturizers that you receive as a gift with purchase.) Put all of your liquids (this includes mascara, toothpaste, and moisturizer) in ONE quart sized plastic bag. One bag is allowed per passenger, that it.

Of course, as you know we all have to take off our shoes and schlep through the metal detector with our bare feet (what a way to mess up a pedicure). And for those of you who think that you're exempt from this rule, you're not. Just take the shoes off and put them in the bin, just like everyone else. Please don't try to walk through security with them on - you'll just slow down the line.

If you have a lap top, they WILL ask you to put it in the bin. I was recently on my way to Chicago when the guy in front of me in the security line didn't take off his shoes, or his lap top out of his bag, and just stood there like a bump on a log. Come on! We're all in this together! None of us want to spend an hour in line in security when we could be enjoying a pre-flight chardonnay and a little schmoozing at the bar. If you're a novice traveler, just remember to follow the person in line in front of you and READ the signs posted. They'll tell you what to do.

On a more personal note, I'd just like to say that I love my weekend jaunts. My Samsonite black label carry on and I have a good relationship - better than most that I've had with men. I do understand that flying coach (gasp!) is quite uncomfortable, especially for those of us who do get quite claustrophobic. But, Darlings, that's no reason to go around looking like a jackass! Please, leave your neck pillow in your bag where we can not see it. After all, one can not jet set with a bright red neck pillow hooked to our Samsonite like a life preserver.