#away-carry-on

#away-carry-on

TSA PreCheck is a program that vets US travelers to give them access to an expedited screening lane at the airport security checkpoint. Members do not need to remove large electronics or liquids from their carry-on bags, and they can keep on light jackets and belts, too, saving precious time before a flight.

In aviation, we call this position the 'brace position' for flight attendants. Assuming a brace position means strategically positioning parts of the body such as the head and arms, by flexing, bending, and leaning forward to help reduce any potential impacts that may occur.

The flight, operated by Singapore Airlines, is one I'll never forget, and I'd do it again just to eat kaya toast once more.

A recent SITA Baggage Insights Report shows that as of early 2025, the global baggage mishandling rate is approximately 7.6 bags per 1,000 passengers, with Europe the worst-performing region at 12.3 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers.

'Polypropylene fibres are stretched and aligned for extreme tensile strength, then woven and heat-fused into a single composite sheet. No glues, no resins, no weak points,' Mous explained. 'This self-reinforced structure lets the shell flex under pressure instead of cracking, dispersing impact energy and rebounding to shape. 'It stays tough across extreme temperatures, resisting brittleness in the cold and softening in the heat.'

I had my camera stolen while going through security. It was a painful loss, mainly because of the memories captured on it. When she brought it up to the security officers, they told her there was no video coverage of that area.

The biggest cause for slowdowns at checkpoints is when passengers simply forget the TSA's key rules. Those who try to bring prohibited items like liquids over 3.4 ounces and firearms through the checkpoint will ultimately slow down the process. Small oversights can add up quickly, and even the most well-traveled passenger can recall a time when they forgot they had a half-filled water bottle or a small pocket knife, leading to extra time in line.

When traveling by air, take a look at the type of aircraft you're expected to fly with, as it can make a difference in terms of overall flight experience. This can also help you get to know the different cabin classes so you can make the right seat selection for your comfort level and your wallet.

The 10% packing rule is a two-day process where I'll pack one day, including all those things I think I need for the trip - the extra T-shirts, or the pair of shorts I throw in even though I already packed one - and then I'll come back the next day and simply remove 10% of the items. It helps me narrow down my packing to the items I actually need, and it trims the fat of any excess.

Unruly passengers barely register anymore, but truly efficient travelers always do. They board calmly and prepared, slide seamlessly into their seats, and settle in without breaking a sweat. From the front of the plane, it's easy to spot where trips go sideways: overstuffed vintage luggage, items better suited for a bedroom than seat 12B, and habits that quietly add stress before the plane even leaves the gate.

When it comes to travel, I'm proud to be a carry-on-only gal. It doesn't matter if I'm gone for a few days or a few weeks-traveling with my bag as light as possible is crucial for me, not only for peace of mind, but for constant movement, different forms of transportation, and ease. I also find that the more you travel, the less you need.

I spend a lot of time in airports. Like, a lot of time. Last year alone, I took more than 100 flights and logged over 200,000 miles in the air, which means I've seen just about every airport mistake imaginable-usually unfolding in real time at security, the boarding gate, or mid-aisle as someone realizes their phone is at 3 percent.

Packing lightly is not an art-it's a science. If you're someone, like me, who deeply cares about traveling with the right pieces- clothes you feel comfortable in that also match the destination or activity-the process requires research and precision. This is especially true if you're trying to fit multiple weeks' worth of clothes into a small piece of luggage, like a weekender bag.