Lets Chat #6: Tips on Flying

Hi guys,

Happy early weekend everyone!  It's weekend for me because I have no classes on Fridays.  I've been extremely busy this past week and have not been as active on my blog as I would like to have been.  I finally have a chance to sit down and blog *sigh*.  I went to a science conference and was out of town last week and when I came back I was hit with two quizzes and a test.  It's really good to have a break, so I am really looking forward to doing nothing this weekend.

In addition to the stress from the conference and studying.  I had problems with my flights including a cancellation that resulted in returning home one day later than planned.  *sigh* (again, I know, so much sighing).  As much as I love traveling, I just wanted to go home; even if that meant going to Chemistry lab for three hours the next Morning.  I'd rather not talk about that right now and just get to what I planned on discussing: How to pack for a flight.  

Everyone knows that flying especially in the U.S. can be a pain.  Here are some tips to make your flight easier.

1. What are you doing on the trip?  If you know what you are doing on the trip you will know how to pack.  My trip was for business, so I packed mostly pencil skirts, dress shirts and blazers.  
2. Bring a comfortable set of clothing.  I usually chose these to be my "traveling clothes"; the clothes I board the plane (or whatever mode of transportation) in. 
3. Try to pack all makeup and beauty products together.  This makes your life so much easier.  If you are afraid your beauty products will leak, put the leak-prone products in a plastic bag that you can put into your beauty/makeup bag. When you unpack you can simply place this bag in the bathroom and your set; no rummaging through you bag looking for that misplaced eyeliner.
4. Make your suitcase  unique (when flying).  This helps you identify your bag especially if it is a plain black bag.  I usually put colorful yarn on the zipper and handles.
5. Make sure your bag is not overweight (when flying). In the U.S. overweight suitcases are 50lbs+.  Try to shoot for 40lbs max when departing.  This allows you to bring back 10lbs of souvenirs.   I brought back around 7 extra lbs of clothing in my bag.
6. If you are flying and bringing a laptop.  I suggest bringing it as a carry-on.  I know people put their laptops in their suitcase but to be extra careful, carry it with you.  Who knows what happens to your bag after you check it in?
7. If you are bringing liquids make sure they follow the requirements.  There is a specific number of ounces allowable in carry-on bags. 
8. Don't wear too much jewelry and wear shoes that are easy to remove.   In the U.S.  You are required to remove your shoes at security check points.  Also you may be asked to remove jewelry.
9. Bring some food for the ride.  Although the guidelines for this is strict in the U.S. you can still bring a sandwich if you don't feel like spending on expensive airport food.  

Although I faced problems traveling I honestly can't wait to travel again (for vacation purposes this time).  If I ever came across a large amount of money I would travel the world.   I'd love to go and experience different places, cultures and foods.  

This reminds me... If you also enjoy traveling you might want to check out the Around the World tag I did a while back.