Packing Mistakes (Carry-On, TSA Line, First Time Flying) 

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My flight is in two months, heavily relying on these videos rn. I’m autistic & need a lot of research to feel comfortable doing something.

One of my favorite tips for the TSA line (particularly for the guys) ... Put an empty ziploc bag in an outside pocket that's easy to get to. While you're standing in line for security, go ahead and empty your pockets and take off your watch, and put it all in this bag and then slip it into your carry on. Don't wait until you're in the front of the line to get one of those little round bins and start emptying your pockets. I don't know how many times I've seen one of those little bins get bumped by a larger bag and the contents get dumped.

My flight is in 3 days and it’s my first time flying! Kinda nervous but also excited. Thank you so much for this video! It definitely helped.

I went on a trip for the first time in years and was SO nervous about going to the airport by myself! I watched your videos religiously last week and my experience was a breeze :) the tsa officer even told me thank you for doing everything perfectly bc it makes their job so much easier. Tysm Laurie!

i’m fourteen and i have to do this all myself. i’m so scared but you are making me feel so much better and i feel like i can do it. :)

I do not pack any liquids that I can get at my destination, then I stop at the drug store or Walmart and buy the travel size of the things I need. Less to pack there and back. Every trip I take I see what I didn't wear and the next trip I pack that many less. If I packed 4 shirts and I only wore 3 then I only pack 3 next trip.I have gone from a 21" carry on to an under the seat bag. My goal is to fit everything into a back pack.

The one statement that should be included in every TSA Video. Empty your shirt and pants pockets, “before” you come to a Screening Checkpoint. “Everything” you normally carry in your shirt and pants pockets, should be placed inside your carry-on bag. Wallets, Keys, Coins, Ear-buds, Chapstick, Photo I.D.’s, Phones, Boarding Pass, and Passports, should be placed inside a carry-on bag. “Never” place anything you can hold in your hand, inside a screening bin. Fewer items placed in bins, means faster screening for everyone! You can put things back

Another thing to think about. If you plan on buying a t-shirt wherever you are going, you could pack 1 less and then wear the one you purchase. Save room in luggage on your way and have room to carry it back. As usual love all your tips!

That’s why whenever I’m packing for in the summer, I try my best to stick to one piece outfit: rompers, jumpsuits, dresses, etc

My daughter needs to see this. She has one bag just for shoes whenever we go on vacation.

Here's my favorite travel hack. When you go to the airport, wear a comfy jacket or sweater and a neutral color blanket scarf. Use the scarf as a privacy hood over your head for when you are sleeping and don't want people to see you snoring, mouth agape. Use scarf as a robe for chilly hotel rooms. I have a gauze material one and I use it as a swimsuit cover up as well. Use as a shawl for dressy evenings. Dress up casual outfits by wearing it as a scarf. In a pinch, I've used it as a beach blanket to sit on at the ocean or at a festival. It is my must-have item for all trips.

Packing list! Yes, very important.

Perfume, always leaks and then stains clothing inside my suitcase, carryon. Even when I double bagged a new sealed perfume bottle. So instead of bringing the perfume bottle, when I pack now, I dab perfume onto cotton balls, put those in a baggie or a plastic bottle. Note:When I am ready to use perfume, I squish the perfumed cotton ball flat, and then tuck that inside my bra, and the perfume lasts all day. Also, these perfumed cotton balls pack easily in your purse, again in a baggie, if you need to refreshen your perfume "on the go". Laurie, you have the BEST and the most travel tips. You are doing a fantastic job, helping us with all your travel experience tips. Thank you!

This was amazing, thanks! Regarding TSA lines, your tips are so so so needed! As a frequent traveler I'm glad you mentioned getting ready BEFORE you are at the conveyor belt. Make sure your laptop and liquids are on top or easy access from your carryon before heading to security. Also, make sure your stuff starts to go through the conveyor before getting in the line to the body machines (be aware that oftentimes a person in front of you probably forgot to take off their watch or bracelet or mobile phone or something and will need to grab a small bowl and push it through before your bags). The unwritten rule on the other side of the conveyor is that once your stuff comes through then slide everything away toward the end to give yourself room to put things back on and so that the next person can retreive their things and then slide towards you. If you have a lot of stuff to put back on don't do it right where the bags come out because that causes a bottleneck. While in line, I am emptying my pockets putting my mobile phones, wallet, keys, change, etc into my carryon pockets. While in line I always pat myself down a couple of times to make sure I'm not forgetting anything like a pen or a watch or my belt or something that I don't have a specific purpose for while going through TSA. Before you leave to go to the airport, briefly look at your outfit. Did you put on the shirt with attached metal ornaments? Are you wearing that huge metal bracelet/watch/necklace? Everyone at some point accidentally wears a TSA-unfriendly outfit, so before you leave you can easily either put some items in the bags or change up the outfit to be less metalic. Like you said, untie/unzip shoes while in line, so easy to slip off. (Personally I would say to avoid wearing flip flops because that is just disgusting walking around barefoot in TSA, but if that is your thing and I know it is for many because I always see it then you do you). I'm Pre-TSA and I always take off my belt while waiting in line and roll it up and put it in my carryon pockets. Yes it is not required for Pre-TSA but if it has too much metal and sets off the alarm then that takes up everyone's time. Just as easy for me to take it off and put it back on the other side. There are almost always benches or tables or something where you can re-dress. Also, another tip. Be polite/professional with TSA. Unless you are getting a 5am flight, the TSA agents have had loads of people already come through the lines before your party. They have to do certain things and have to use their judgement quickly. Every two minutes some TSA person has to announce loundly to everyone to use one bin per laptop, to take off shoes, to empty everything even paper out of pockets, etc. I would be cranky too after 4 hours listening to that while having to keep my security scrutiny about me. I don't know how long for the mask requirement, but right now the TSA agent will at some point ask you to "lower your mask" so s/he can compare your ID with your face. So be ready for that part of the interaction when it is your turn. Watch what they are doing with the passengers ahead of you (sometimes they want to handle your boarding pass, sometimes they want you to scan the boarding pass, sometimes they want you to scan your ID). There are basically two things they want to see (ID and boarding pass) and almost always they want to handle at least one of them, sometimes the other item can just be scanned so watch and listen. Avoid, if possible, putting any light/small items "loose" onto the conveyor unless you are putting it closely between two of your large items. My wife put her hat on the conveyor at the last second once and it never came out on the other side and the security people looked at her like she was crazy wondering where it was, so we had to head to our gate without it. Oh and while I'm thinking of it, if you are putting your phones/electronics/wallets etc in their own bins then put them on the conveyor before your bigger bags because if your bigger bag gets pulled off to the side for more searching then you will already have your electonics in your possession again since it will have come out first anyway.

Love your videos! There are so many gadgets, bells, and whistles for travelers that it's easy to buy and bring lots of unneeded items. Go minimalist especially on the flights. No blanket, no pillow (except maybe for overnight flights), no doo-dads. Most or all of these you've mentioned in one or more videos, but these are things I've learned that help me: - Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane, but not ones that take forever to take off and put back on in security. - I wear or put on no-show socks so I don't walk barefoot through security, then put them in a sandwich bag to take home. Or you could wear old ones and throw them away, but I don't. - No need to buy shoe bags; use those very thin plastic bags your purchases are in when you check out in stores. Much thinner and lighter, free, and it doesn't matter if your shoes get them dirty or damp. I take a few extra for any damp items I might need to pack on my return. - I still use the basic eBags packing cubes like the one I saw in your bag. I can cram them full (neatly of course) and they are wonderful. (I want some of those beautiful Tripper compression bags but they might cause me to overpack or be overweight! I might still yield to temptation, LOL...) - LLBean makes lightweight, strong, water resistant "everyday tote bags" (not the heavy canvas ones) in many patterns. I use one for my personal item. The slim eBags packing cube fits right in the bottom of the medium size. I can pack an extra pair of lightweight pants plus a few tops and undies in case my luggage is lost. My purse, Kindle, battery pack, sweater, etc. go in it too. I have fancier ones but this has become my standard for flights. Good to use as a day bag, too. (I struggle with backpacks but they are a good option for some.) - Of course, keep meds, expensive jewelry (or leave it at home!), Rx glasses or contacts, and important documents in your personal item bag. Sometimes carry-on bags have to be gate-checked at the last minute. - Measure your carry-on luggage before you buy it. It's a pet peeve, but luggage manufacturers often don't include the wheels or carry handle in their given dimensions, but only the size of the actual box. Airlines count the whole thing! Some are stricter than others and that can vary from trip to trip. - Take a photo of your luggage so you have it in case it gets lost. Put your name and destinations inside. Perhaps put an Airtag inside, too. Attach a colorful handle wrap, ribbons, or tape (your tip!) to make it easier to find in baggage claim and to prevent someone mistaking your bag for theirs. - Bring a small thin pack of disinfectant wipes and wipe your armrests, tray table, and any buttons or knobs you might use. Bring a small pack of wet-wipes to wipe your hands. - I just don't put anything in the seat-back pocket, mainly because it seems very germy (I don't like hidden nooks and crannies) but also because I might forget them. I put items I'm not actively using in my personal bag which goes under the seat. Didn't intend to list so many but hope they help someone. I'm becoming addicted to your channel, btw!

I loooove that cat chillin in the background 😍😍😍

I consider myself a fairly experienced traveler but I've learned a lot from your videos! Thanks for going to all the effort to make travel easier for the rest of us.

So glad I found this video! Going on my first plane ride next week and am extremely anxious about it. I wanted to see someone's routine of packing visually and am very grateful this video popped up. Especially grateful for that TSA tip about the app! Now I can study that everyday to make sure I get it all right.

As the person who always seems to get pulled out of line, this channel has much improved my travel experience! Thank you Laurie.

Laurie - Thank you for your travel tips and tricks. I watched a few of your videos and they really helped me with my trip to France! I so appreciate your help!

Laurie, you are so fun to watch. I learn so much. Once a teacher , always a teacher. You are taking out some of my anxiety of flying.

I decided to rewatch some of these videos because I have been invited for a weekend trip in October to Texas. Instead of flying with my aunt in march this will be my first flight and solo. As always very informative. Thanks Laurie!

Laurie I just love your videos and this video is a reminder of how far you’ve come with not saying “I want you to” and “I don’t want you to”. I so appreciate you for now treating us like your students…but your adult students. :)

I love this woman! Her videos are always clear and helpful.

Thank you Laurie! Your videos have really upped my travel game and I look forward to each one. I’m better at planning toiletries and clothes...and shoes!! Looking forward to traveling overseas again. Safe travels and thx again!!

i always make a packing list and it’s SO detailed! like „mini mascara from benefit“ „5 black socks, 2 white socks“. i even write in what bag or compartment everything goes 😂 i pack PERFECTLY! 👌🏼

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us!

You’re the best! I love how you’re straight to the point!❤🙏🏻 thank you!

When I traveled often pre-cv, I used lists that I made and just switched out the outfits. Now that so much time has elapsed, I'm glad to get a refresher today and will make sure to review the airline sites!

I want to thank you so much for your travel guide videos! my first flight in 18 years is coming soon (and ill be by myself no less) and as someone with a pretty bad anxiety disorder i was freaking out for a while, but your videos have definitely helped with any question i had! im definitely going to be saving a bunch of these videos to watch later as the date of my trip closes in!

TravelTipsByLaurie , If I ever travel again I will watch your updated videos. Thank you for making such a friendly, information packed, well-edited video with links! Love your staight forward, no nonsense style and your sense of humor! Happy trails to you and yours.

I love how professional you are. Thank you so much for sharing! ❤️

I like to leave extra space in my bag on the way down so I can fit any purchases I make while on vacation.

So glad I watched your video before closing my suitcase last night. I went back and took out a good chunk of stuff. Was able to carry on without any issues

As always, great tips for a no fuss trip. Thank you!

Great information! Most of it I knew, but I learned something as well. The well-organized script makes it easy to remember.

I'm really needing this Laurie! I like the packing list and my carry-on is definitely overstuffed! 😫 Removing items now!! 🙌

Great video! Your soft-sided luggage suggestion is smart. This past trip, for the first time, I used a gorgeous backpack that matched my suitcase. Got compliments on it and how it looked with my carry-on. Big problem! It's very structured, and it doesn't do the Laurie schmoosh thing very well! I had a heck of a time getting it under the seat. Sadly, it's the last time I'm using it for airplane travel. I've got plenty of other personal bags to take its place. Be well, stay safe.

Look forward to your videos, great information whether new to traveling or seasoned. Thanks!

Very good advice. You do all the things I do! I’m a pretty good packer due to years of experience. Can’t say as much for my mom. She brings EVERYTHING with her! I think I’ll send her this video!

Great video! Love the kitty in the background just chilling! Looks just like my cat Midnight. Loved the bloopers too

Another wonderfully useful and super-clearly-explained video! 👍👍

Recently found your channel because I'm traveling soon and so glad I did. You're a joy to watch and have so much knowledge. Love the bloopers at the end!

Love all the reminders! It makes me feel closer to traveling again, plus how to pack properly!

Thank you for all of your tips and tricks. I have purchased many things you have suggested in the past and have been happy with everything. Unfortunately, I haven't traveled yet. Missed out on Jamaica last March. But I intend to do something later this year.

Thank you! I haven’t left my house in a year because of the pandemic, but as hope for travel safety gets better this was super helpful. Haven’t been on plane in many many years. Thank you.

Another great Video! Was great to see the fur babies! I'm down to the travelpro underseater & my back pack for the next trip (if it happens) thanks to the compression bags. Can't wait to walk the aisle again....

I already have my carry on packed and ready to go, yet here I am watching this video and loving it!! As far as wearing your heaviest shoes, I normally agree with you, but I have hiking boots I pack, and I will not be wearing those on a plane 😆 That TSA line is so stressful for me though! I always feel like I'm rushed and moving way too slowly 😓

I flew my whole life traveling back and forth between my parents but my boyfriend has never flown before and I think this video is VERY helpful for new fliers like him! Even if he doesnt watch it, it helps me know how to better explain to him the things he will need to know!

Your blooper is the way I feel after loving on my daughters dog....he’s a German “shedder” !!!! I’m going to share your video, my other daughter is flying with kids soon and the reminders and changes will be great !!! Thanks

So glad I found your channel! My wife went to work for United at IAH a few months ago and we are using those benefits. Such great tips!

I'm glad you commented on not packing "outfits" for everyday. I bring a pair of bottoms (jeans, pants, shorts) for every 2 or 3 tops. And I try to make sure every top goes with at least 2 of the bottoms. A "capsule" wardrobe, if you will. If I can't walk all day in a pair of shoes, they aren't coming on the trip! It isn't a fashion show! I think your advice is spot-on. I'm looking forward to a short flight a couple of states away to visit my Grandchild this summer.

Thank you so much for all the tips. I hope to fly in december 2021 or early Jan 2022. I will DEFINETLY review how to pack things and what to pack.

Your doggie is adorable!!! Thank you for your information!

Thanks for all of the much needed information. I'm flying for the first time next weekend and I'm going solo. I've been crazy anxious yet excited about this whole experience.... Watching your video has boost my confidence and confirmed I'm not taking half the stuff I thought I was...

I just got TSA precheck which makes travel much easier, too! If you have a lot of anxiety about traveling, consider getting that!

Laurie, thanks for another informative and encouraging video. Really working on the minimal packing idea. Can hardly wait to travel somewhere to try it!

Laurie, I’m so sorry don’t understand people giving you a thumbs down. You are so helpful with lots of info for all of us. Plus your just telling us the rules and how it is. 🧡

I loved this video! Gave me all the info I needed for my upcoming travels.

I recently started travelling again and the statement about dropping your phone between the seats was a new one for me! Thank you for the explanation and a bigger thank you for your videos. I learn something new every time!😊😊

A written packing list is so important to me, because as a flight newbie, there is simply no way I can mentally remember every item I am suppose to pack. So thank you for pointing that out.

I always make a list, because I’m always changing something lol but that way I have all I need.

Thanks Laurie, i haven't flown since 2000 so it's gonna be a whole new world for me and I feel like your channel is just the thing i need to get through it :)

Thank you for tellling us about scarf-shack. She truly is a wonderful person and I love the masks I have gotten from her. I can’t say enough about her!!

Thank you so much for your information about liquids, make up and other important things for a woman to take ! I feel much better knowing my packing for 3 to a month is considered acceptable for me and the TSA !. A bring a large suitcase to check out and a small bolso w/ the needs during my flight.Thank you so much for your prompt replay , I feel I accomplish all according w/ regulations. My trip will be wonderful thanks to your expertise and super informative video. Thanks again Alma

The TSA Twitter account is so fast about answering questions!

Thanks for all the tips! So informative!

Flying for the first time!! Thank you for helping me I’m not as stressed out anymore !

Thank you so much I’m flying by myself for the first time next year and I’m scared so this is going to be helpful

Thank you Laurie for all the tips. I am now ready for all my trips this year. I am not going to overpack this year😂😂😂. And I also wanted to say thank you for being an educator and I appreciated your video on traveling with someone who is on the Autism Spectrum. My son has Autism and is turning 30 this year. I am lucky because he has always been a pretty good traveler. Celebrating at Walt Disney World in December❤️

Super essential video, Laurie - thanks for all your valuable knowledge! Bon voyage to us all in 2022!!

I found your videos in good time!! My very first flight and by myself is in 2 days and literally two minutes into this video I felt SO MUCH better about packing!! Thank you!

I just packed my suitcase. Im glad I heard that hand sanitizer size tip.

I have a master packing list that I use for all my traveling. I just change up the specifics based on destination (like will i need my hiking boots or just sandals? Cold weather clothing or warm weather, etc...) I love having this list so I never forget any essentials.

Always great tips. Love your videos.

Thank you so much for all your tips! We are flying from the UK to Florida in May and to say im nervous is an understatement! I haven’t flown in 20years so i am super excited. Your tips and guidance are so clear i feel im getting more confident with every video i watch, Thank you so much❤

That was really nice. The blooper part was really funny.

Love the bloopers! Thanks for the reminders; good tips. My biggest hangup when I start flying again will be having snacks in a single bag for screening. I usually have nuts in the suitcase, protein bars underseat, and hard candies where ever they fit. 😂

Omg thank you I’m flying in march and it’s my first time and I didn’t know how to pack and what I couldn’t bring but your video’s really help me

As someone who had my first flight when I was 16, I have made several of these mistakes. But at 36 years, I got this down. But thanks for a awesome video!

I am so happy someone said it about hard-sided luggage!! I have never understood the obsession with it.

Thanks Laurie! Flying in three weeks...first time since covid so this is super helpful

Thank you for the tips! You definitely make my anxiety about all this better ❤

I always make a list for trips. I usually have a lot of time before my trip, so I just start a list. I detail which clothes I’m bringing and jot down things as I think of them during the weeks before the trip. Then I go through the list and add or delete whatever I need to, and use it as a guide to make sure my clothes are clean and ready to go etc. Then, a day or two before my trip, I start to pack. I only cross items off after I put them in the bag. That way, last minute things I need to pack are still on the list, so I won’t leave without them. It has always worked for me.

I’m soft sided luggage gal too, most of the packing videos I see on RU-vid the people have hard shell cases. I never had good luck when I tried them anyway.

I actually prefer hard sided carry ons - you are less likely to overpack. I have been forced to check my overstuffed soft-sided suitcase because it didn’t fit in the sizer in the terminal. So I chose to buy a hard-sided carry on that I knew would fit every time and could not be overpacked. I found it on ebags. Hard sided bags are also less likely to pick up hitchhiker bedbugs in the overhead compartment.

Thank you for this! We are flying to Vegas in June and I haven’t flown a plane since 2005. Your tips are helpful as I’m so nervous !

Great video. Very helpful, and the cat in the background is super awesome too.

The clothing tips make total sense but for me I feel gross wearing pants/jeans more than twice on holiday. Especially after a flight.

I wasn't aware we could bring 12 ounces of hand sanitizer - thanks for the info. as I will be flying in a few weeks. Regarding the comment on hard sided luggage, after using soft luggage for a lifetime, I switched to hard sided a few years ago. It helps prevent overstuffing of the bag (especially helpful for the carry on piece) and avoids arguments regarding whether it "fits" in the measuring thing airlines have at the gate. I had various encounters where the carry on met the measurement size requirement however was too stuffed to fit in the measuring thing and had to be checked in. Needless to say it was aggravating so I switched to hard sided. 😊

Love your tips and I love your advice. I am getting prepared for a trip to Orlando, and I am traveling from Hawaii. I have anxiety on what to pack and what I can for go. Thank you for all you do. Keep posting.

Long time cruiser REALLY appreciates your video.. THANKS from Yuma Arizona

I love your advice! Except for one thing hardshell luggage Gives you limits and it keeps you from having your bags be overweight it’s like a built in set of outlines I find it was easier for me to over stuff my soft bags and have them be overweight

Gosh I did not know about the cell phone catching fire...that is staying secured in my bag 😬

Im going to Las Vegas this summer, thank you for these tips!!✨

Your family photo is so cute; your son is obviously thrilled. I've been watching your videos. Usually I travel alone and kept it really simple. I even pack samples packages for everything from shampoo to perfume. So I pack light. But my husband... he'd pack the kitchen sink if he knew how to remove it. We're about to travel for the Labor Day weekend, and I'm stressing over all the crazy balls things he wants to bring for our 2 day trip. Thank you for these videos. They are a huge help, even for someone who is fairly experienced in traveling. I grew up with a dad who worked for American Airlines, and now my brother also works for an airline.

I love how your void is in the background with a face like 'this is exhausting...wake me up when you're done...'

Wow I love these! I always feel sooo stressed going through security! (And that was back when I was single lol) I am traveling internationally for the first time in 7 years...and for the first time with a toddler!

Great tips!!! I’m traveling overseas in a couple of weeks and this helps a lot!