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Since we are not allowed to bring liquids on the plane, when I travel I carry an empty water bottle. After passing through security I fill the bottle with water from the fountain, therefore, I have water to drink on the plane.
By Walter from Chapel Hill, NC
When traveling consider a cooler/ ice chest on wheels with the expandable handle as your carry on luggage at the airport. When you arrive at your destination, you also have a cooler at your disposal.
Many times we have purchased an inexpensive cooler when we arrive and leave it in the last hotel. We have found this to be far more economical. Happy travels!
Tips for traveling by airplane. Post your ideas.
My dad was a commercial pilot who first started flying during WWII. He taught me many things about flying (and life!) and I still use most of them, not necessarily just in the air. One very small tip he showed me has helped me in flight even as a young child (I started flying at three weeks old), and still I use it today.
Back before plastic bags were common, he always carried small paper grocery sacks in his flight bag. During flights, if he was deadheading (flying home from a trip, usually seated in economy), he always pulled out his grocery bag and placed it in the seat pocket of the seat ahead of him. In the bag, he carried all that he would need for the flight-writing material, book, flight manual, magazine, snack, etc. He never had to pull down and sort through his flight bag looking for a pen, book, etc. He was always well organized (crucial for a pilot!) and considerate of others.
Today, I am always prepared for a flight. I stow my purse in my carry on under the seat and keep my large zip-type bag on top of my carry on items so that I can quickly pull it out and place it in the seat pocket when I sit down. I organize the bag when I pack and include what I need for flights; writing material, books, embroidery/crochet project, snack, etc. I am often amused by passengers crowding the aisle while rummaging through an overstuffed bag or two for a pen, pills, etc. Seems almost every time I fly, my seatmates like this small and simple idea.
When the family is going on a trip and going by airplane, luggage can be lost or detained. So, when packing have each family member pack some items of other family members so if it does happen you will all have a change of clothes.
By Linda J. from Oceanside, CA
Now days, so many airlines are taking the pillows they use to hand out to people on their flights, off the planes, to cut expenses. We, all, use carry-on bags anyhow, to carry valuables, etc. in. Why not make yourself a small, lightweight pillow to pack in your carry-on and have to use for yourself? I'd make it a pretty or vibrant color so someone else might think it belonged to the airline. Some flights are just too long to not have a pillow for!
Whenever he flies overseas, my boyfriend wears a nice shirt and sports jacket. He does this so he doesn't have to pack them, but also because he occasionally gets bumped up to first class, seemingly due to his clean cut looks and attire.
By Viaux from Miami, FL
I've learned to be flexible when traveling by air. Flights are often overbooked and airlines will request volunteers who will give up their seat and take a later flight.
Water Bottles For Your Flight. When flying, you are not allowed to take drinks through security. However, those that are purchased after going through security are allowed to be taken onto the plane with you, but they are quite expensive.
Air Travel with a Companion. When traveling by air with a companion, be sure each checked piece of luggage has a change of clothing and some toiletries for the other person.
Be sure to take a change of underwear in your carry on while traveling on an airplane. Sometimes your luggage is lost temporarily or delayed and having a change of underwear with you makes the delay bearable.
When traveling, consider staying at a hotel close to the airport and taking the hotel's shuttle bus to and from, leaving your car at the hotel (most have these accommodations, just inquire about it).
When we fly, we each carry a cloth tote bag or a plastic shopping bag with handles. It is much easier to slip your coat in that and carry it while you are in the airport. Some of the coats are slippery and poofy and awkward to hang onto along with your carry on. By Syd
There is a wide variety of air fares available to travelers. This fact sheet will help you choose the one that's best for you.
Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.
I'm trying to put together a gift pack for my mom who is leaving for a vacation this week. It's the first time in many years that she has been able to do something like this, and I want to give her something to make the flight enjoyable. I already have a book and some candies, puzzle book & pens, but have no idea what else to put in it! Any help would be appreciated :)
Thanks!
Melanie from Ontario, Canada
Chewing gum (if she can chew it) is good for "popping ears", small pack of wet wipes, sample size moisturizer as I've heard airplanes tend to have dry air, small pack of toilet seat covers, tiny pack of tissues (good for noses as well as bathroom visits), and maybe a tiny pack of snack crackers, like those new 100 calorie pack cookies/crackers. Hit the sample size bins in Walmart for many of these items. Hope this gives you a few ideas!
Remember the restriction on liquids and gel products.
How about a nightlight for her hotel room and a small flashlight? A miniature Bible is handy & appreciated, too. Also, a notecard from you telling her to relax & enjoy her trip!
Hi, Melanie --
what a nice idea! How about dried fruits in sandwich bags (good for the irregularity that can accompany trips), granola bars, crackers and cheese (the protein is helpful). She can get water, soft drinks, etc on the flight. An empty zip-lock bag will be helpful for trash until she can empty it into a trash can. What about a large-print paperback book (easier to read). Earplugs for the jet noise? Stamps for postcards? Extra change?
Bon voyage to Mom!
Nancy in Nokomis
In the U.S. they don't allow any food or drinks in the carry bags. It's a good idea to put a few mints and gum in your pocket before you get on the plane.
tissues
lipbalm
hand lotion
artificial tears
puzzle book or hand held game like yahtzee
magazine or favorite book
emery board
An inflatable neck support (usually found in drug stores), and a sleep mask. Ear plugs could come in handy too.
Don't forget new airline regulations on some items such as lotions and oils. Baby wipes are always useful and Target and WalMart have great travel size sections. I personally like the tooth "scrubbies" which let you clean your teeth and mouth with little or no water.
Is there a way to fly with your toiletries without them exploding all over the place?
For all liquid toiletries in soft plastic, be sure there is air space in the container. Open the container and squeeze the air out, the bottles should look dented. Recap without letting air back in. Try to not travel with any aerosol cans, like hairspray.
In addition to Faye's idea about squeezing the air out of the containers, I always put potential "explodables" inside a ziplock gallon bag just in case!
Many airplanes do not compress the air in the cargo holds and so if I absolutely have to bring those items I carry them on in my carry on bag.
I usually decant all my toiletries into small bottles to save space, (I travel light!). I put them in plastic bags as previously suggested, but if I have anything I particularly don't want to lose, (expensive lotions, etc.), I carry it in my hand luggage - the pressurized cabin prevents expansion and leakage.
I save all the free samples I get from the internet and take them.
I cut up small strips of saran wrap and rubber band them to the top of my bottles before putting the caps on. Then I follow up with a piece of masking tape over the caps to keep them from coming undone during travel. then, all of my travel size items go into one ziplock baggie. works well. i also masking tape the tops of any perfume or spray pump such as hair spray, body spray, etc.
I have not heard of this happening. I fly a lot and use 4 ounce bottles for liquids. I put those and all my toiletries in zip lock bags.
