I’m in the midst of packing for my flight tomorrow to NC where my Daughter and S-I-L live. They are attending a wedding this weekend on Long Island which means I finally get to baby-sit!! This will be parents first time away from the baby who is almost 5 months old and first time for Grandma and Grandpa to baby-sit little Cora 
Now my dilemma, I am determined this time to take everything I need in one carry on (usually I check bags). Since we go to NC so frequently I keep a bag of "my stuff" in their guest bedroom closet so I don’t have to lug it back and forth all the time. Obviously I don’t have enough "stuff" there or I wouldn’t be fretting right now.
Today I check the TSA page for carry on regulations. Fine it hasn’t changed since the last time I flew. Then I go into the kitchen for this quart size zip lock bag and discover I don’t have any! I have gallon bags and sandwich size but no quart size. Off to the grocery I go for the bags and some travel items. Gotta love the travel size section that many grocery stores have added. Get home and pull one out of the box…you’ve got to be kidding me!! It’s a tad bigger than a sandwich bag! How in the hell am I suppose to get cosmetics – lipstick, mascara, lotions, eye creams, face cleanser, medications such as eye drops and inhaler in this dinky bag? Now I know why I ALWAYS CHECK BAGS…to avoid this hassle! Back to paragraph 2… I am determined to be the frequent flyer that gets on a plane with carry on luggage, my purse and nothing else.
So back to packing…good thing it’s going to be a baby-sitting weekend cause it’s going to be slim pickings in the clothes department. Not to mention shoes! This is getting worse by the minute. My poor suitcase is already getting full and I still have all the items I will use in the morning such as hair dryer, curling iron, round brushes, cosmetic bag. Not looking too good here.
My hub is in DC right now so he will be flying from there while I fly out of Michigan. We both arrive in NC within 15 minutes of each other. So he won’t be with me to hoist that bag into the overhead bin. Seeing how I fall a tad short in the height department this might be a problem or prove quite entertaining to other passengers as they watch me. Hopefully someone will come to my rescue if I am having trouble.
Wishing you all a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend. I’ll be back next week.
Flying is such a hassle. I have given up and just always check my bag now.
Packing things for travel is really not good. Especially carrying big bags. Good luck and have a safe trip!
This comes under my general heading WHY I LOATHE AIR TRAVEL. But all you’re gonna do is hold Cora and play with her, right? So no worries! All you really need is your arms and they’re attached to your body! Seriously luv, have a wonderful time. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you return!
I’m certain you’ll have no problem relying on the kindness of strangers when it comes to hoisting up your bag. I appreciate the importance of making room for makeup, etc. I have a bag set aside with duplicates of my essential items so I don’t forget them. Have a safe trip; I’m sure you’ll enjoy every minute!
Elaine… I hope you got all of your bags arranged and someone helped you with the bag hoisting… :-/ Most of all, have fun with your grandbaby.
Look forward to hear how it all went when you return. Have a great time!
I only travel carry-on, but sometimes coming home, that backpack can get heavy. I’ve had gentlemen offer to help me even when I did not need it. When I flew to San Francisco back in March, I had my handy-dandy quart size bag all set, but the TSA did not inspect it (at least, they did not ask me to take it out–maybe they looked at it with the x ray machine.) Have a *wonderful* visit with your grandchild!
Being another short person, and knowing how the flying men are so often helpful and gallant, from personal experience, I don’t think you will have a problem.
My travel make-up fits into “a quart size bag”, as I have to consider weight regardless of flying rules, and am apt to only take a carry on and purse. My key words for travel are comfort and practicality. I also have a mini-hair dryer which I consider a treasure.
Flying here to visit, I took travel shampoos and packs, but wouldn’t need to do that going to VA, as I know where to find them, if I visited my children or friends. The States have better prices and selections too.
Wishing you a safe, comfortable trip and lovely time with your granddaughter. May you have the least hassle possible, and the best memory making times, to share with us later.
I quit carrying make-up, toiletries and stuff long ago. Only if it is a script that I have to have do I carry it on in the bag. Otherwise I get them when I get where I am going.
Check out Carole’s Fairy Door post.
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I used to travel a lot and enjoyed it. Now, you’re treated like a criminal when you fly. I had a 6am flight and had to have my bag inspected at the CTX machine. OK fine, I grumble through it. Well, after, the guy says a snide comment to me because I didn’t thank -him- for going through my bag.
I understand they are all doing their job and I appreciate what they are doing, but it is frustrating. Hopefully flying will become fun again someday!
Hi there,
First off I’m a fella, so I know I don’t have as much to carry, but… I do travel a fair bit and hate bringing more than absolutely necessary with me. I live in Belfast (Northern Ireland) and travel to London pretty frequently for 4-5 days at a time and I can do that with just carry on bags. The trick is in the packing
There are sites online that give you packing tips, go and google it. There are some pretty great tricks including ways of packing socks t-shirts which take up a ridiculously small amount of space.
happy packing
cool post.