Make packing a thought-provoking process
Last week, I watched an elderly woman seated in a wheelchair go through airport security. It was an alarming situation. Literally.
When the agent ran the magic wand over her, bells rang. But it wasn't her replacement knee that set off the security warnings. It was her underarms.
The woman had bags of jewelry pinned to her undergarments. In fact, there were so many pins, bracelets and necklaces tucked into plastic bags, she could have opened her own jewelry store.
But more interesting than what she had was what she would have after she got through security. Keeping track of the stuff while three agents sifted through the bags was not a one-woman job. She was at the mercy of both passengers and security agents.
The lady was clearly a remnant of the bygone days when fashion was in fashion. Those were the days when a seven-day trip meant seven matching outfits, seven pairs of shoes with seven color-coordinated purses, plus a plethora of jewelry, scarves and other accessories.
Those days are long gone.
Before considering fashion, today's traveler must deal with weight and security restrictions. Overweight luggage might bring a heavy fine. Expensive jewelry might be lifted by a light-fingered handler.
So, how do you pack it all in without losing your luggage or your cool? Here are a few tips:
• Think minimum.
When it comes to air travel, less is definitely more. When pilot Norm Cook travels to Europe for a three-day trip, he looks like he's heading for the gym. Norm packs a small duffel with a change of clothes. He doesn't bother with toothpaste and other toiletries. Most hotels carry complementary items. If they don't, he makes a quick trip to a local pharmacy.
• Think black and white.
When Jean Cowden packed for a two-week trip to the Orient, she limited her wardrobe to black pants and skirts and white blouses and T-shirts. To change the look, she added colorful scarves. Because her suitcase was relatively empty, Jean had space for souvenirs without having to deal with shipping headaches when she returned home.
• Think multiples.
Flight attendant Cince Pringle doesn't pack anything that can't wear two hats. Her favorite item is a large scarf. During the day it acts as a swimsuit cover-up. By night it passes as a dressy skirt. The scarf has also played the role of tablecloth, beach towel and evening wrap. And by tying the corners together it makes a great knapsack when hiking.
• Think small.
Business traveler Mary Ann Gutterman still prefers carrying on to checking her luggage. But limiting liquid cosmetics to a quart-size plastic bag becomes challenging. Because she prefers her own shampoo and conditioners, she packs the plastic bag with enough three-ounce containers of these products to last her through the whole trip. She uses powdered toothpaste, powdered make-up and stick deodorants that don't need to be included in the one-quart count.
• Think carefully.
Before you pack, consider what you really need. If you must bring valuables or prescription drugs, pack them in your carry-on bag. Keep credit card numbers, insurance cards and emergency numbers with you at all times. Some frequent travelers keep copies of their documents on a zip-drive around their necks. In case of an emergency, they can retrieve copies of important documents from any computer.
But whatever you decide to take with you, be sure to pack your sense of humor. In today's climate, it's the one thing you can't leave home without.
Gail Todd, a free-lance writer,
worked as a flight attendant
for more than 30 years. She can
be reached via e-mail at