Tag Archives: carry-on

Cracking Down on Carry-Ons

Weeks ago when American Airlines announced it would be charging passengers $15 to check in their first piece of luggage (and $25 for the second bag) every travel analyst in the country echoed the same comment: Beware of an impending crack down on carry ons. Sure enough a few days ago American Airlines announced it will be clamping down on the size of carry-ons (and you can bet other carriers will follow suit in a timely manner). American is the first airline to issue a statement regarding carry-ons. According to an American spokesperson, the airline usually adds extra staff during … Continue reading →

Carry-On Rules—-Let’s Review

Think you know everything you need to in regards to getting through airport security screening areas without a problem? Then you are in the minority. According to a new report by the Transportation Security Administration, a number of air travelers are still in the dark about certain restrictions. Given this I thought it might be a good time to offer this review: BATTERIES As I mentioned in a previous blog, on January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation implemented a new restriction on how batteries can be carried on planes. Passengers can no longer pack loose batteries (meaning those not … Continue reading →

The New and “Improved” Carry On Rules

Finally, some good news for travelers: today the government announced it plans to partially lift its ban against carrying liquids and gels onto airplanes. (Even if you aren’t a frequent flier you probably know that a total ban on liquids and gels was instituted last month after a plot to bomb jets flying into the United States was foiled.) When I heard the news the first thing that came to mind was “baby steps.” (Regular readers of my Travel blogs know that I have been following this carry-on issue closely.) Officials elaborated by saying that passengers can bring liquids and … Continue reading →

Travelers Learn A Lesson From A Hollywood Star–Keep Your Eyes On Your Bags

If you missed the news flash allow me to fill you in: Actress Lindsay Lohan has been reunited with her carry-on bag. Yes, Scotland Yard has been notified (literary) and they have called off the search. According to news reports, the 20-year-old actress whose tear-stained face was plastered inside of London’s Evening Standard newspaper Friday can smile once again. British police said they had recovered a handbag that went missing from the star’s luggage cart at London’s Heathrow Airport. Hours after Lohan realized the orange Hermes bag (which contained cash, Lohan’s passport, asthma medication, and jewelry worth an estimated $1 … Continue reading →

Travel Alert—What You Can’t Pack In Your Carry-On

Wow! What a way to start off a family vacation. That’s what I was thinking this morning as I watched video of the thousands of travelers stranded in London’s Heathrow airport following the announcement that yet another terror plot had been uncovered. Homeland Security Department investigators say terrorists were targeting United, American and Continental Airlines. It is believed the terrorists were planning to board flights as passengers with masked explosives hidden in their carry-on luggage that could not be detected by metal detectors and X-ray machines at security checkpoints. Once on board the international flights officials say they believe the … Continue reading →

Travel Alert: New Airline Carry-On Restrictions

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I was just hoping that it would be a bit later than… now. I’m talking about the airlines tightening requirements on carry-on luggage. As a mother who routinely flies with a toddler in tow, I can tell you that any change to rules governing carry-on luggage is not good news. I cringed when I heard that Air Canada just issued a strict weight limit on passenger’s carry-on bags. The company’s reason for the move: “it’s an effort to lighten each plane’s load” as the carrier struggles against rising fuel costs. The … Continue reading →

The Great Carry-On Debate

Alaska’s Republican senator, Ted Stevens’ (who chairs the Senate Commerce, Science and transportation Committee) recent suggestion to restrict airline passengers to one carry-on bag sparked a lively debate at a dinner party I attended last night. Stevens’ theory is that airport screeners would be able to pay closer attention to potential terrorists if they weren’t so burdened by checking two carry-on bags. He has a point. But, I am a mom and two carry-ons is the way I travel. (Frankly, in the past, I have gotten away with having three carry-ons, but the flurry of activity that surrounds getting me … Continue reading →

“Carry-On Envy”

I suffer from “carry-on envy.” That is to say, I envy travelers who need nothing more than a carry-on. They never lose a bag. They by-pass the crowded luggage carousel and they never have to shell out money for a porter. Of course, they are usually the ones flying without children, but there’s a lot to be said about having a good carry-on bag. You get what you pay for. It’s true, good value starts with quality. I have gone through my share of carry-ons, from the traditional wheeled carry-on to the modern tote and everything in between. Recently I … Continue reading →

Travel Gadgets—Turning Your Suitcase Into A Stroller

I’m a sucker for gadgets that claim to make your life easier… and that goes double for products that claim to make traveling with children easier. So recently, as I was traveling through an airport and saw a child sitting in a folding chair attached to a suitcase being pulled by her mother, I immediately said, “I need one of those.” I didn’t get the chance to track the mother down so instead I spent weeks trying to find the product online. I finally found it on a website featuring baby specialty products. For all you mothers with small children … Continue reading →