Love your content! And rewatching a few as I prepare for a 2 week trip to France. Your comment about asking a flight attendant to hoist their bag in the overhead is spot on!! I was on a Delta flight many many years ago and I’ll never forget what an attendant told a young lady with a huge carryon bag when she huffed and puffed about not being able to lift it. The Delta attendant said, “You bring it. You sling it.” 👏🏻👏🏻 And that stuck with me and I hear those words every time I pack.
My husband says the same thing. But as I have gotten older (68 now) I do find it difficult to hoist a roller bag over my head. On my last trip to Houston (without hubby) I did not have to ask for help-on each flight someone offered to help me. 😍
Feb 2020: We 75+ types do NOT have to take off our shoes [proven last month on flights to/from DC from West Coast.] As a disabled Vietnam Veteran with very limited stamina, I was told to ask for a wheelchair, with a 'pusher' [sometimes it's a man, other times a woman], and they were so great, polite, helpful. It was also highly recommended to tip them, so they got at least $5 each time... AND, being in a wheelchair gets you to the front of the TSA line; I still had to empty my pockets, take off my belt (my pants fall down without a belt, so I managed to use one hand to stay modest). . I also wear knee-high compression stockings [for chemotherapy-induced edema] anyway, but also because of avoiding DVT/ Deep Vein Thrombosis/blood clots, which can occur when sitting for so long. And I do not take my shoes off, since feet are known to swell. I wear lace-up athletic shoes, which I can loosen a bit just for comfort, but I never take my shoes off -- and the carpets aren't that clean anyway. . As far as packing, I choose basically one outfit [shirt, under/T-shirt, pants and sox] for each day -- a day or two before flying out -- then usually put back 1/3 to 1/2 of my choices, except for extra underwear, when doing my final packing. To board, I wear a T-shirt, shirt [usually medium-weight wool or flannel], a light cotton hoodie, with pockets, and a sport coat: layers, 'cuz temps can change, and putting the hoodie up keeps my head off the headrest. . A small pack of sanitary wipes AND hand-cleanser are a must for buckles, tray table, armrests, etc., toilet seat, faucet handles, etc., AND I carry a plastic sandwich bag to put the used items into [instead of leaving them in the seat-back pocket or on the floor. I also buy a bag of something chocolate [salted caramel 'bark' is always a hit] that I hand to the first flight attendant as I enter the plane and say: "This is for all of you!" That got me free drinks on one flight, nothing on the next, but that wasn't the real point: I just didn't want to be a 'taker', I wanted them to know that I was more than just a nameless face, and that they were not mere glorified wait-staff. I had not flown in so long that when I had to pay for a rum-n-Coke, I offered the attendant actual cash, even the exact change, she actually wanted a credit card instead... no problem [other than a rather confiscatory price of $9]. . Thank you, Laurie, for a very pleasant, fun, fact-filled set of tips. Being quiet, polite and thankful are things that many of us need to be reminded of when stress overwhelms common sense.
Do you realize that you are the dream passenger? My husband does the baggie thing. One viewer handed out packets of gum, but chocolate is awesome too. Thanks for watching!
I've found airports to be very variable about the amount of measures taken for security; whether or not you have to take your shoes off to go thru, whether iPads are considered computers to be scanned separately, whether cardigans have to be taken off and scanned separately. So I think another thing is to be mentally prepared for things to not be exactly as you expect and be ready for the most invasive inspection (liquids out, all technology out, belt, shoes and all layers above your shirt off) but take your guidance by listening and watching carefully when you're in line. Not every country has the same concerns
Thanks Laurie. The world would be a happier, more pleasant place if everyone was polite and considerate. These tips remind us to think about how our behaviour can impact others.
Airport Suggestions . . . Wear two pairs of socks to the airport. Good/new socks close to your skin. Very, very, old socks over the good ones. After Security . . . and walking on airport floor . . . toss old socks and put shoes back on over good socks!!
I take "Peds" (can't remember non-brand name!) -- low cut socks that you can even get at a dollar store. Slipper socks are also just fine for this purpose. I put these on while having to be without shoes. It's yucky to get feet/ socks dirty from airport floors!
George Shepherd It is for when you are required to take off your shoes, and walk without shoes, on the dirty floor. This way, you take off the ones that got dirty and have a clean pair beneath them when you put on your shoes once returned to you.
I learned with lace shoes is to simply tie them very loosely IF you must wear them. Tie them tight enough to stay on when walking or running and loose enough to slip them on or off easily. I have also found if TSA is close to the tram or train to just go in and put your shoes on there. Most have benches to sit on in them. For instance MCO (Orlando international) the tram is 20 feet from TSA exits on both sides of both lines. Also when you look like you're in a hurry, you are more likely to be pulled aside by TSA for a random check. The reason is most people who intend to do something bad or are doing something bad act like they are nervous or in a rush. Same with talking loudly. If you look like you might get belligerent, they will focus more on you. Don't be afraid to ask the flight attendants for ibuprofen or alka-seltzer AFTER you get to cruising altitude. Most are glad to see if they have a unopened sample pack for you to have. They want to make you comfortable just as much as you want to be comfortable in a reasonable amount. Also, if you get a soda in the airport before boarding, open it even if you don't want to drink it right away. This releases some of the pressure before takeoff when it builds up. It will be less likely to explode. I also leave it open a tiny bit to let air escape and just hold it. My husband also was told this by the military. Try not to talk with your hands in a foreign country until you learn what his old army unit called the No No Gestures. For instance here in America we curl our index finger repeatedly to say come here. In South Korea that is a No No Gesture that would be exactly the same as calling them a B****. You don't want to accidentally offend them with your hands. That also being said most foriegn locals, just like Americans, appreciate the Hello's, P's and Q's in their language. Just three words is not hard to learn or have texted to yourself on your phone (offline language access). Ps. I do hope one day you can do a pet travel tips video in the future. Especially for big dogs in cargo
Lauri, I travel every month and sometimes 3 weeks out of the month. Your tips are fabulous. Would you please add one more. If you must make phone calls during the boarding process, do it quietly. No one wants to hear your business or personal calls. And don’t make the flight attendant have to ask you more than once to put your phone away. Thanks for your info-even a seasoned traveler can learn new tips.
52 year old grandma flying from Maine to Florida next month ALONE! I’ve only flown a couple times and last time I flew from Maine to DC with my then 4 year old granddaughter and it was quite the adventure. Thanks for all these tips!
I'm not traveling any time soon, Laurie; I just love watching your videos and learning new tips. I tuck them away and share them with friends. Thanks for the time and energy you put into sharing these fabulous ideas with us!!!
One main reason why I love watching your videos is the way you speak. You don’t speak like a fountain, not too fast, not too slow. It’s very convenient to listen to you 🤩
May I add another tip? As a former stewardess, this is from my own experience. Do not unfasten your seatbelt unless you are going to the restroom. I don't care if the pilot has turned off the seat belt sign, turbulence happens and the pilots don't always know it is coming. Keep your seatbelt fastened tight at all times during the flight!
Thanks, Laurie for your tips. I have not flown internationally in over 30 years and have my dream trip to Greece next year after I retired from 43 years of teaching. I am trying to travel with a carryon and a personal item after watching your video tips (I'm an overpacker.). I have to travel with a CPAP and have not had a problem on any US flights. Since I will be flying on Lufthansa, I contacted them with my questions and they replied within 2 days. I also visit the TSA online site before every flight I make to check if there are any changes. I did have a Delta checkin attendant tell me my CPAP was considered a personal item, but I politely showed her the email from Ask TSA, and she "allowed" it. Security did not question me at all. They did not question my frozen water bottle (though I told them I had it), my medications, or my snacks. Bless you for helping us!
WAY.TO.GO. So smart-no wonder you're a teacher!! Retirement is awesome-both my parents are retired teachers with awesome insurance lol. Finding water over there may take longer than normal so don't run too low. Thanks for watching!
LOVE your Tip about Not organizing your stuff right away after passing through security!!! Just grab your stuff in that gray bin and put it on that Bench off to the side...MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!! Happy Travel's Everyone!!☺
That is so true. "You are saying I need to unlace these boots all the way up?" It's the same idea everywhere: drive-ups, grocery aisles, merging(?)into traffic... The "Princess Thing" doesn't help. Perhaps there are other worlds that would be honored to revolve around you.
Another suggestion that goes along with “don’t be rude to the messenger”, don’t give TSA attitude or argue when they ask for you to show something in your bag or for you to remove something you were asked to BEFORE getting to the scanner. I cant tell you how many times I’ve seen this. They have a job to do and deal with thousands of people in a day, staying quiet or just saying something NICE can really go a long way and also keeps you from getting overly upset. Another... keep personal grooming for home or hotel or bathroom! Example- Don’t clip or file nails in your seat. Don’t pluck your eyebrows. Keep your socks on!!!! No one needs your bare feet all over the cabin.
You seem like you are just the absolute sweetest and most humble person. Your smile is infectious! I'm moving from Australia to Canada in 2 months and your videos are so helpful and succinct. Thank you xx
Brilliant tips, thank you! As a regular traveler these are completely spot on 👍🏻 I hate waiting behind people who argue over the 100ml rule and all the things in place for years now. It makes me smile every time, when they ask my Mum if she has a tablet, she gets her meds out! 💖
Thanks Laurie I use your tip when I travel to Florida. The TSA agent complimented me on how quick, smooth, concise I was and she said you have traveled before truth was I just watched your video I've only traveled maybe four times by air in 34 years . Thank you because, everything you said saved me greatly from reducing items I didn't need, save me from over packing, and keeping my documents right where you said to smooth transition and it didn't hold up anybody and a 10 in the morning no one was grouchy . Thanks so much.
Hi Laurie. About blending in so you don't attract pickpockets - when I visited San Francisco our tour guide told us never to stand at a street corner checking a streetmap, it makes it obvious that your are a tourist who may be worth robbing. Also in Venice, Italy, the tour guide told us ladies not to have our purses hanging from a shoulder, but to hold them firmly in front of our bodies, again to dissuade pickpockets or bag thieves. Always be aware of someone invading your space! Thank you for all your travel tips, your videos are so interesting.
1. Wolter's World is great! I watch a ton of his videos. 2. Thank you, Laurie, for mentioning compression socks. I swell up like a puffer-fish when I fly and never thought of wearing them. I will do that on my next trip (Rome/Florence) in June.! Thanks!
I am so thankful i have found your videos. I have a girl scout troop and we are traveling out to Europe this summer. I have been sharing your videos with my girls to help us all be preparred. Thank you for all the info and taking the time do rhis videos. Super helpful!
If your flight is more than two hours, wear a bladder pad as a backup. If you cannot get to a restroom or the plane is grounded and you’re forced to remain seated, you have a backup that will keep your undies protected and you can release just enough so you don’t feel like your bladder is going to burst. Take baby wipes for cleaning hands or cleaning up. I worked for a utility company, in the field and couldn’t always get a bathroom so I wore a bladder pad as backup until I could get to a restroom. Then I’d either replace it if my workday was longer, or throw it away because I was going home.
I kind of know all of these tips because I travel quite frequently and have for many years but I just love watching your videos because you have such an engaging way of speaking. I also looooooove your accent 😁
Some real gems in this lot of tips Laurie. Thanks for spreading them far and wide. I try to be considerate of others and really get get annoyed when other people don't, especially in already stressful situations like airport security checks. It's really not that hard to keep things flowing and be nice to everyone. I'm travelling to China soon and passing through Singapore. It will be my first visit to Asia so I'll be very interested to see how things compare to Australia, UAE, the US and the UK.
I would be a little nervous, but my husband says that when you get out of your comfort zone, you learn so much. You'll be even more confident I bet. Thank you for watching!
I love all your tips. One thing I would suggest is researching the food culture where you are visiting, especially if you have food allergies. While it does take the fun out of exploring and sampling a little bit of everything, it’s important to know what is and isn’t available. In CA, where I am, there are a lot of options. It might be different in Japan or Cuba.
I just discovered you a few days ago when I Googled "packing light" videos. I have traveled a fair amount but don't feel like I'm very good at it or organized. I have already learned quite a bit from you! My husband and I are about to move back to Africa to work with a Children's Home during our retirement years so I appreciate your many tips and hacks and suggestions to make the travel go more smoothly! Thanks and God bless!
OMG I just came across your channel and I'm watching all of them. I have not flown since before 9/11 and I feel like a brand new flyer! Im learning how to travel all over again! Great tips! Keep the videos coming!!!
Laurie- you’re so knowledgeable!!!! I wish I would’ve found this particular video but Lesson learned: my husband and I only had 1 hr to dash from Madrid and ‘connect’ to our next flight for Málaga airport. We missed our 2nd flight of course. I highly agree with your valuable tip: 3, 4, 5 hours to easily make it to that 2nd flight is the best without running out of breath and worse, waiting for that next flight that could be SEVERAL hours down the line.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Only from street side Laurie. We were so unprepared and quite honestly, we forgot to bring our passports to enter the Rock of Gibraltar. Which leads me to ask you: is it safe or not to carry our passports when we’re out and about or leave them behind in our hotel room and just use in situations such as Gibraltar?
Ona trip to Rome, I took a second wallet for my money and kept a "dummy-wallet" in my back pocket. On the subway, the "dummy" got taken. I keep a dummy-wallet all the time now.
Using moneybelt when you travel to cities like Rome, Paris making you worry-free when you’re commuting on train. What I always do is using moneybelt to keep my large banknotes and creditcard safe inside my shirt. Divide the amount expect to use on the day and keep it with money clip inside jeans front pocket and never keep too much money outside the moneybelt you think you will be in trouble if you’ve lost it . By this, in worst case, you may lost just money on that day but it will not ruin your trip.
Hi Laurie... so glad I found you. My daughter is a flight attendant for American Airlines. She’s coming up on her first year! We’re from Houston as well. She was based out of NY but just got transferred to Dallas! She’s so happy!
Unless you fly out of MCO. When we went to England we had to take everything out of our bags except cellphones. Our little family had like 5-6 bins. It was such a mess. Coming back home through Gatwick was so nice because they have a family and special needs security screening lines. They were so nice. Compression socks are amazing. Glad I wore mine both ways. Thank you for your tips, always.
Oh my god!! Thx so much for the tip about the compression sleeves! I simply hate the regular ones cause they make me feel super hot cause they cover my feet. You’re a lifesaver! I already ordered mine
Traveling to Costa Rica with people from my college May 2020 and it's going to be my first time both on a plane and going international. Your videos have been such a huge help with getting prepared and knowing what to expect!
I almost always fly Delta, as we can choose out seats free of charge. All we have to do is go to the app after we’ve made our reservation and choose it there. I’ve never been moved involuntarily. And I second the tight connections tip! I always try to have at least 2 hours or more layover.
Often times you'll find out more about delayed flights by going online or onto the app - one time I found out my flight was cancelled before the gate agents knew...how? It was cancelled on the 'flight status' section of the app! I got on the phone to rebook for next flight the next day, then let the folks around me know they should do the same.
My husband too is an Intl pilot and everything Laurie says is correct..... however the TSA rules change daily and I could go through DFW 3 times in a week and I’m never told to do the same thing! My pony tail drives TSA crazy and they mess my hair regardless of the “employee status”, the Pre-Chek status OR my US Gov ID ! It’s crazy !!!!! They don’t care ..... just move on ...... a lot of her stories simply drive me bonkers too ! I wanna scream HAS NO ONE EVER FREAKIN FLOWN on an airplane before for heaven’s sakes?.... you know the rules;, follow them as best u can!!!!! Right Laurie....... I have had to tell the gate agent that my husband just parked his 777 at the gate and could she please get someone to go open the plane!!!! He called me on his cell cause no one was answering the phone!!!!!! Oh, one more thing.... if you have a close connection and are trying to run for it and you have checked bags - rest assured r bags are not going! No one is running them to your gate for you..... just saing......
Love your travel airline/airport and packing tips. We're headed to Hawaii in 2 weeks with Avon -- a trip we earned and it's all expenses paid. Lots of things we didn't think about and know about airline travel. Thanks.
Laurie your tips are so good! As a previous frequent business flyer (in economy) these are so great. At 5 foot tall the overhead was a real trial and not an option. Only once in all the years I flew did I get a grump, I was happy to ask a taller lady too.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Even if I had taken off my shoes before standing on my seat, I was told by a flight attendant NOT to do that! I do, however, agree with you to try to do for oneself. 😊
Hi from Sydney, Australia - thanks for these great travel tips. I have been to the USA twice & loved it. Am hoping to visit Houston (especially Mission Control Centre). I am visiting my sister soon in England & taking the very long (17 hours plus) flight with Qantas from Perth, Australia direct to Heathrow.
You said you're moving your UA-cam studio to your dining room (converting it). But - the setup you have in your bedroom with the sofa behind you, putting your props on that sofa to show your audience, is ingenious. Well done.👍😊
Wonderful tips, specially to those pasengers w/ no maners or proper education!. I'm ready to "depart" for first time in a long long flight ( around 18 hours ) and I just enjoyed your suggestions of how to pack!. Since my trip will be for 30 days I do believe 6 pants, 10 blouses and 2 sweaters plus a jacket will be more than sufficient .Always is great to buy Novelties in the countries you will touch. Wonderful video, very explicit and communicative .Keep your great work alive !!! Sincerely Alma Rans tive
I’m Southern. I can’t not talk to them. 😂 But I restrict myself to “Hello” or “Good morning,” or “Thank you” or “Have a nice day” when we’re done. Hopefully I don’t have to say “Bless your heart” in my head…
Thanks for the connection tip. I plan to fly Delta into Atlanta then to Heathrow London, and was planning to get 1 1/2 hpur connection, but will rethink that. I even watched a video where a guy showed how to take the train to the international flight terminal. But better safe than sorry in case the first flight is delayed. THANKS!
Tks for the tips..will be travelling soon to HKG and OSA japan soon ...another thing i do is i always have a copy of my passport in my fone so i dont have to get my passport everytime i have fill up the arrival and declaration/custom card😊
Laurie... love your tips. Really try to apply many of them. LOVE the packing cubes to keep things organized. My tip for checked bags... Pack a small luggage scale in your carryon. That way after buying gifts etc. at destination you can make sure your checked bag isn't overweight on your return flight. Remember to pack light when leaving home helps!
Diet soda takes twice as long to bubble down. I found that out working food service in my teens. One tip I learned young was don't stand right up on the luggage carousel because no ine can get their bags. Leave a couple feet. Great tips!!
I recommend a passport, global entry + TSA pre-check, business class airfare, Vera Bradley soft side carry on, that all makes travel soo much more doable. Happy Cruising!!
Mix & match is where it’s at. I grew up flying…my dad worked for Pan Am and courtesy is the best policy, I was taught as a child… great tips though…some things I never thought of ..😳 but the liquids differ from current I just saw 🙏🏽🙋🏻♀️👍🏽 I don’t get angry and avoid rushing, I am grateful for customer service.. I think having been in the military further instilled in me patience and understanding of things beyond my control. Thanks so much, Mia
If you are booking with a travel agent, they should be getting your seats together or notifying you that they were not able to. It is not advisable to wait until the day before to get those seat assignments. It should be done when you are booking. Also, do NOT book basic economy if you are picky about sitting with your loved ones. It is not going to happen.
Thank you Laurie. Your tips are amazing. I’m watching them all…I’m heading up north from Florida to Connecticut to my granddaughter college graduation…. Your tips are just what I need. Keep ‘em coming. I nervous as a house Cat..
Oh how wonderful! Just know that you'll make a mistake and that most people do. You just keep smiling and do the next thing. Read signs and your ticket and listen to the TSA officers. Here is a video that may help: bit.ly/HowToGoThroughTSA I also have one called airline jargon.
Hi Laurie!! I’m new to your channel and I absolutely adore you!! Thanks for all your helpful tips. I’m Michelle and am headed to Athens for a 15 day cruise to Egypt and disembarking in Dubai in October. Keep filming and keeping us up to date. Thanks.
Thank you, Laurie. As always they are wonderful tips. Some of them I write them down. I didn’t know about the tennis shoes or the t-shirts. Love seeing you!
When touring around, close to home or abroad, I love a jacket with multiple pockets, one with closers & inside hidden pockets. So much easier than having a purse dangling off one's arm or constantly slipping off your shoulder. Cargo pants are nice too. Pickpockets have a tendency to think if your not hauling a purse or tote around with you, you may live nearby & just stepped out for a quick errand. Just remember, keep all pockets securely closed! Heavy velcro closures are the best!
Ok, I know this one sounds semi ridiculous, but I am so opposed to the airplane lavatory floors oh, that I now pack a few puppy pee pads with me so that I can spread it out on the floor. If you get the small ones they are approximately 24 by 24 in and folded they are not as thick as a maxi pad. I feel much better about my pants hems hitting the floor with one of these. A package of 14 costs less than $4 at my local Walmart. They also are tremendously handy as a disposable mud mat during rainy season.
Just found this. Love it. Thanks so much. Hoping to go on a nice 32 day trip to Europe (2 cruise ships and 8 days on our own in Southern England. God will with this virus.
Thank you, Laurie. Now I remember the reason I hate travelling. OMG too much, and I'm sure that there are a couple more rules/tips you did not mention. Next time I travel I'll make sure that see my therapist first.
great tips. nothing irks me more than helpless people that expect the flight attendants to do everything for them. it's your bag people, you pack it you carry it and YES YOU put it in the overhead bin!
Yes! There are people who really cannot pick it up. I fell down our townhouse stairs-well bounced-on our way to a flight at 4 am one time and did not want to even try to pick it up. And my hubby wasn't near my section of the plane. Thank you for watching!
Heidi Gigandet I understand your frustration, but there are some people (like myself) who have serious neck and back issues. I have a disc is my lower back that has bulged out twice, to the point of causing breathtaking pain (for weeks) and I have grade 4 arthritis in my neck that causes pain (all the time) and numbness in some of my fingers. So, please be understanding that there are some people that truly need the help. I also look younger than I am and people think I'm relatively able-bodied, when I'm not. That said, I usually ask a nearby man for help.
@@i_love_rescue_animals I am not referring to people who actually need the help, trust me I've got relatives that have Cerebral Palsy and a friend with a prosthetic leg. I am referring to people who are perfectly capable of fending for themselves but EXPECT the flight attendants to handle their luggage for them....which is what Laurie had originally referred to in her video.
@@heidigigandet8235 Sure, I understand. But, I also wanted to make the point that some people can appear able-bodied, when they really have problems with their back or neck. But, yeah, I totally get it - there are a lot of people that act like flight attendants are at their beck and call! I'm flying internationally soon - so I'm actually pretty anxious about it! (the flying part, not the help part!) Best to you.
Thanks Laurie, always nice to see a new video by you. Yeah I do not get the Ryan Air and such. My husband I had to end up checking our carry-ons to Wales, then there was a baggage strike in Paris. We went almost the entire vacation without those bags, but all we had was just a couple of small backpacks and a lunch box type thing for under the seat in front of us for the electronics and valuables. Fjallraven regular Kankan and Doughnut bags, not tiny but the regular size fit the requirements for personal items bags. Bags meant for grade schoolers in Scandinavia have become so popular lately. If I could get away with an American airline out of CPH, then I would fly with one of them. Alas, I have to take a connecting flight out to a major hub in EU/UK or Iceland. Since Ryan Air got away with it, all the airlines have followed suit.
A flight attendant you Tuber says that on her airline (don’t know which one), they can’t lift your bag for you - health & safety risk. So just keep that in mind - if they say “no” it’s because they have to, not because they’re being rude.
Oh yay! I have a whole playlist on my channel called First Time on a Plane. They will walk you through the TSA line and tell you more of the rules. You can google your airline and luggage requirements as well as go to tsa.gov and in the upper right corner it says What can I bring if you have a weird item.
If you need the extra support of lace-up shoes, use elastic laces while en route; these will turn your lace-ups into slip-ons to get you through security & give a bit of expansion room should your feet swell during the flight. You can replace them with standard laces for your holiday proper.
When traveling internationally, wear high-cushion, slip-proof, sure-footed, ANKLE-HIGH shoes so that you don’t sprain or twist your ankle in pot holes or uneven cobblestone. The heavier your luggage, the heavier your shoes need to be to stabilize carrying it. Pack Salonpas w/ Lidocaine patches. Consider packing a pair of shoes to wear and then leave them there or donate them to a poor person. Buy a pair of new clean shoes there to bring home. Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane. Pack Magnesium 250 mg. to take before you start out walking, to prevent leg cramps. Wear Stella leggings or calf sleeves. Apply Aspercreme to your legs before you walk. Apply Tinactin to your feet before you walk to prevent Athletes foot before you put on your socks. PACK moleskin in case you get blisters from your shoes. Make sure you thoroughly break in your shoes before wearing them for travel. Get a pedicure before travel. Bring waterproof shoes in case it rains. Bring a hooded rain jacket with as many zippered pockets as possible. Do not carry anything in your outside pockets that you’d regret if it were stolen. Keep Carmex, Kleenex and handcream in your pocket. Keep any coin shoulder bag/purse inside your zippered jacket. Remove money inside a restroom-NOT in front of strangers or pickpockets. Do NOT allow anyone to “help” or “rush” to carry your luggage-some walk extremely fast and run off with it. Always pack a CABLE and LOCK to secure your luggage inside a train, bus, or at a hostel. LOCK your belongings inside the hotel as well. If in Paris, place your leg/foot inside any straps of luggage at the counter (even at 5-star hotels) because thieves use their foot to slowly pull away your luggage from behind you when you’re distracted. Always look around you. Thieves work together to “bump” you while they pickpocket or “accidentally” pour liquid/food on you and then try to “help” cleaning it off while pickpocketing. Purchase steel-enforced straps for travel purses, luggage, etc. Do NOT leave your cellphone on the outer edge of any table at a cafe. Pickpockets use a newspaper over it, distracting you while they steal it. Do NOT use your cellphone aimlessly walking around. Packs work together to push & grab from behind. Wear an elastic abdominal support to protect from back strain while you’re carrying heavier luggage.
I've lost all desire to visit Europe, but there are tips you've given that can apply to trips closer to home or even in this country. Thanks for the comprehensive report.
Love your tips and videos. I was hoping I could add a tip of my own. Please avoid wearing too much or heavy perfume. It could trigger allergic reactions. It sets off my asthma, and is very uncomfortable and could be dangerous too. Thanks.
Hello Laurie, I have piercing in the tops of my ears and the earrings that I have take tools to remove. Will security make me take them out? Should I buy a pair for the plane that can be removed easy and pack the others? Thank you Laurie.
Depends on the jewelry. I have accidentally forgotten that I had certain jewellery on when I went through security and it set the thing off more than once. When I finally realized it was my necklace, I simply took it off, put it in a little dish and retrieved it after. I make sure not to have that one on until after I go through security now. Actually, I generally leave it at home as it is too valuable to me and I would hate to lose it.
I can't answer your exact question. I will say I choose to put my jewelry in a pouch in my personal item. After TSA, I put it on. Now, my bra set off alarms last time so I'm thinking about going thru security sans bra next time. Sheesh.
My husband and I are traveling to Ireland next fall.I’ve only traveled overseas twice and both times were years and years ago and my husband has never traveled internationally, so your tips are especially helpful to two “ well over 55ers” I saved your video so I can refer back to them as our travel date gets closer. Thanks for posting this awesome video. Can’t wait to check out your others!!
I do agree that being considerate of those in line behind you is the right thing to do. However, if you let the idea of hurrying out of the way fluster you, mistakes could happen that will ruin your day, week and month. The 30 to 60 seconds to put away a passport securely is not going to close down an airport. But losing that passport in the airport (especially a foreign one) has consequences that nightmares are made of. 😫😭
I just booked my 1st international trip for May 2023. 16 days in Scotland and Ireland then added 8 days in Paris and Nice. The first leg is in a group ... I'm freaking out and watching and rewatching all of your videos. First thing I discovered is not all carry-ons are universal, eek. 6months till trip but I got this. Oh no all my tenny shoes are white..I am in the old ladies wearing white skechers gang. Guess who'll be shoe shopping? Thanks for all your tips, tricks and good works. P
One of my pet peeves is people not keeping to the right when walking through the airports. It would make traffic so much easier to navigate if folks would do that.
it's a funny one because some of the world walks and drives on the LHS and some of us come through your airports from time to time so mess up your RHS system. The worst place I have found where nobody seems to know which side to walk on is London. They drive on the LHS but then Europe drives on the RHS so the footpaths of London are full of people who don't know which way to swerve! lol.
If you are going through security with a carryon bag, you are supposed to. I know in the Atlanta airport, they are using dogs now so we haven't had to take liquids out since November there.
I fell going down our townhouse stairs on the way to a flight so i know it can happen. I have no problem asking a man though. If someone is kind, that's a plus in my book. Thanks for watching!
I'm 5'1" and 70 years old with arthritis so I definitely need help to put even a small, lightweight bag with emergency articles, jacket etc in the overhead compartment. Thank you to all the taller and younger kind souls both male and FEMALE who have helped me so many times over the years. Thank you also to all other helpful passengers who have helped me lift my suitcase etc. at the check in counter or at baggage claim. There can be many breaks in pre-requested airport and/or airline assistance for senior citizens and a little help from others has made all the difference.
Well the first is good advice, I usually try to lift my carry on bag at home to see I can lift it up to the upper compartment. The second though well Only because you ask a man to help you lift a bag up do not mean you are less powerful as a woman or it do not make you as valued as a man , and has nothing to do with living fthe 50 "s. Only because I let a man do something or realise I am not as strong as a man do not make me feel less :) Because we are in the end two different gender. :).
Think about this: your carry on is in the overhead bin (do they ever clean those?) and your personal item bag is on the yucky floor under the seat in front of you. I always wipe down my luggage when I get to my destination, and I NEVER put it on the bed! All my bags get wiped down when we return home too!
I am getting ready for my first overseas vacation and live watching your videos for tips and ideas. Thanks for all your videos and helpful ideas and tips ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your travel tips. I used the Tips on one of your other videos on how to prepare for TSA, with the backpack, the little money purse/pouch, travel documents and liquids pouch and saving my belt and coat all through the gray bin for putting it on later . The TSA agent commended me (very loudly I might add) on being organized and she said " ladies and gentlemen this girl had traveled before! everybody if you need to know how to travel and how to pack.... look at this girl she's got it down... then she said thank you ma'am for being so efficient ! I was so impressed and so proud. It's the first time I ever flew by myself..... in about six years I've learned a lot since then thank you for helping me become organized !!
I'm an experienced traveller from Australia and I'm still enjoying your videos. I'm saying amen to everything..... those people that stand in front of the baggage claim belt and wait for their bags!!! STEP AWAY FROM THE BELT
I've never needed 5 hours for international flights(I fly EU to US) but I try to have at least three. Especially if I'm flying through ORD. I still get lost in there and I almost always have to arrive through ORD. And that's less of the security and stuff, but because of transit between terminals. I go from 5 to 2. :/ Absolutely love your tips.
Thank you so much for your tips, as they are soooo helpful! I used your tip for packing cubes and I really like them. Keep doing these videos. You are greatly appreciated:-)
U r an angel 👼🏻 Lov u lots 💓❤️❤️❤️ Every second every word every tip Is important n use ful One of the every worth watching youtube that I ever come across
Tip: Pack 2 nights before you leave, not the night before. Work from a list, and check things off as you go.
Great thinking! Thank you for watching
bmo, great idea.
Common sense
Correct! We are going yo NZ/AU soon. I started the checklist several months ago and now starting to pack..we leave in a week and almost fully packed!
True! For this reason, I will never travel again. It's just too damn much work.
Love your content! And rewatching a few as I prepare for a 2 week trip to France. Your comment about asking a flight attendant to hoist their bag in the overhead is spot on!! I was on a Delta flight many many years ago and I’ll never forget what an attendant told a young lady with a huge carryon bag when she huffed and puffed about not being able to lift it. The Delta attendant said, “You bring it. You sling it.” 👏🏻👏🏻 And that stuck with me and I hear those words every time I pack.
Ooh that’s a good one! Safe travels!!
My husband says the same thing. But as I have gotten older (68 now) I do find it difficult to hoist a roller bag over my head. On my last trip to Houston (without hubby) I did not have to ask for help-on each flight someone offered to help me. 😍
Feb 2020: We 75+ types do NOT have to take off our shoes [proven last month on flights to/from DC from West Coast.] As a disabled Vietnam Veteran with very limited stamina, I was told to ask for a wheelchair, with a 'pusher' [sometimes it's a man, other times a woman], and they were so great, polite, helpful. It was also highly recommended to tip them, so they got at least $5 each time... AND, being in a wheelchair gets you to the front of the TSA line; I still had to empty my pockets, take off my belt (my pants fall down without a belt, so I managed to use one hand to stay modest).
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I also wear knee-high compression stockings [for chemotherapy-induced edema] anyway, but also because of avoiding DVT/ Deep Vein Thrombosis/blood clots, which can occur when sitting for so long. And I do not take my shoes off, since feet are known to swell. I wear lace-up athletic shoes, which I can loosen a bit just for comfort, but I never take my shoes off -- and the carpets aren't that clean anyway.
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As far as packing, I choose basically one outfit [shirt, under/T-shirt, pants and sox] for each day -- a day or two before flying out -- then usually put back 1/3 to 1/2 of my choices, except for extra underwear, when doing my final packing. To board, I wear a T-shirt, shirt [usually medium-weight wool or flannel], a light cotton hoodie, with pockets, and a sport coat: layers, 'cuz temps can change, and putting the hoodie up keeps my head off the headrest.
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A small pack of sanitary wipes AND hand-cleanser are a must for buckles, tray table, armrests, etc., toilet seat, faucet handles, etc., AND I carry a plastic sandwich bag to put the used items into [instead of leaving them in the seat-back pocket or on the floor. I also buy a bag of something chocolate [salted caramel 'bark' is always a hit] that I hand to the first flight attendant as I enter the plane and say: "This is for all of you!" That got me free drinks on one flight, nothing on the next, but that wasn't the real point: I just didn't want to be a 'taker', I wanted them to know that I was more than just a nameless face, and that they were not mere glorified wait-staff. I had not flown in so long that when I had to pay for a rum-n-Coke, I offered the attendant actual cash, even the exact change, she actually wanted a credit card instead... no problem [other than a rather confiscatory price of $9].
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Thank you, Laurie, for a very pleasant, fun, fact-filled set of tips. Being quiet, polite and thankful are things that many of us need to be reminded of when stress overwhelms common sense.
Do you realize that you are the dream passenger? My husband does the baggie thing. One viewer handed out packets of gum, but chocolate is awesome too. Thanks for watching!
I've found airports to be very variable about the amount of measures taken for security; whether or not you have to take your shoes off to go thru, whether iPads are considered computers to be scanned separately, whether cardigans have to be taken off and scanned separately. So I think another thing is to be mentally prepared for things to not be exactly as you expect and be ready for the most invasive inspection (liquids out, all technology out, belt, shoes and all layers above your shirt off) but take your guidance by listening and watching carefully when you're in line. Not every country has the same concerns
Thanks Laurie. The world would be a happier, more pleasant place if everyone was polite and considerate. These tips remind us to think about how our behaviour can impact others.
You're so right, Helen. Thank you for watching!
Airport Suggestions . . .
Wear two pairs of socks to the airport. Good/new socks close to your skin. Very, very, old socks over the good ones. After Security . . . and walking on airport floor . . . toss old socks and put shoes back on over good socks!!
Several people have loved this idea! Thank you for watching!
I do that now thx to the tip that up suggested in A previous video.
why this tip? i'm confused.
I take "Peds" (can't remember non-brand name!) -- low cut socks that you can even get at a dollar store. Slipper socks are also just fine for this purpose. I put these on while having to be without shoes. It's yucky to get feet/ socks dirty from airport floors!
George Shepherd
It is for when you are required to take off your shoes, and walk without shoes, on the dirty floor. This way, you take off the ones that got dirty and have a clean pair beneath them when you put on your shoes once returned to you.
Am watching your videos ,this my second flight, little nerves this time,am packing accordingly to your videos Thier great .Thank you Laurie.
I learned with lace shoes is to simply tie them very loosely IF you must wear them. Tie them tight enough to stay on when walking or running and loose enough to slip them on or off easily.
I have also found if TSA is close to the tram or train to just go in and put your shoes on there. Most have benches to sit on in them. For instance MCO (Orlando international) the tram is 20 feet from TSA exits on both sides of both lines.
Also when you look like you're in a hurry, you are more likely to be pulled aside by TSA for a random check. The reason is most people who intend to do something bad or are doing something bad act like they are nervous or in a rush. Same with talking loudly. If you look like you might get belligerent, they will focus more on you.
Don't be afraid to ask the flight attendants for ibuprofen or alka-seltzer AFTER you get to cruising altitude. Most are glad to see if they have a unopened sample pack for you to have. They want to make you comfortable just as much as you want to be comfortable in a reasonable amount.
Also, if you get a soda in the airport before boarding, open it even if you don't want to drink it right away. This releases some of the pressure before takeoff when it builds up. It will be less likely to explode. I also leave it open a tiny bit to let air escape and just hold it.
My husband also was told this by the military. Try not to talk with your hands in a foreign country until you learn what his old army unit called the No No Gestures. For instance here in America we curl our index finger repeatedly to say come here. In South Korea that is a No No Gesture that would be exactly the same as calling them a B****. You don't want to accidentally offend them with your hands.
That also being said most foriegn locals, just like Americans, appreciate the Hello's, P's and Q's in their language. Just three words is not hard to learn or have texted to yourself on your phone (offline language access).
Ps. I do hope one day you can do a pet travel tips video in the future. Especially for big dogs in cargo
emily mees Orlando airport code I’d MCO (mouse club Orlando)
@@sharonmcmullen9056 thanks. I got it mixed up with miami for some reason.
Thanks for these and for all the love! I too hope to have a dog so I can do a travel video. Zak George on YT may be helpful. I love him!
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie thank you. I will look for that
Lauri, I travel every month and sometimes 3 weeks out of the month. Your tips are fabulous. Would you please add one more. If you must make phone calls during the boarding process, do it quietly. No one wants to hear your business or personal calls. And don’t make the flight attendant have to ask you more than once to put your phone away.
Thanks for your info-even a seasoned traveler can learn new tips.
52 year old grandma flying from Maine to Florida next month ALONE! I’ve only flown a couple times and last time I flew from Maine to DC with my then 4 year old granddaughter and it was quite the adventure. Thanks for all these tips!
I'm not traveling any time soon, Laurie; I just love watching your videos and learning new tips. I tuck them away and share them with friends. Thanks for the time and energy you put into sharing these fabulous ideas with us!!!
Thank you so much for saying this!
One main reason why I love watching your videos is the way you speak. You don’t speak like a fountain, not too fast, not too slow. It’s very convenient to listen to you 🤩
Ooh, I think I talk too fast! But thank you.
May I add another tip? As a former stewardess, this is from my own experience. Do not unfasten your seatbelt unless you are going to the restroom. I don't care if the pilot has turned off the seat belt sign, turbulence happens and the pilots don't always know it is coming. Keep your seatbelt fastened tight at all times during the flight!
Thanks, Laurie for your tips. I have not flown internationally in over 30 years and have my dream trip to Greece next year after I retired from 43 years of teaching. I am trying to travel with a carryon and a personal item after watching your video tips (I'm an overpacker.). I have to travel with a CPAP and have not had a problem on any US flights. Since I will be flying on Lufthansa, I contacted them with my questions and they replied within 2 days. I also visit the TSA online site before every flight I make to check if there are any changes. I did have a Delta checkin attendant tell me my CPAP was considered a personal item, but I politely showed her the email from Ask TSA, and she "allowed" it. Security did not question me at all. They did not question my frozen water bottle (though I told them I had it), my medications, or my snacks. Bless you for helping us!
WAY.TO.GO. So smart-no wonder you're a teacher!! Retirement is awesome-both my parents are retired teachers with awesome insurance lol. Finding water over there may take longer than normal so don't run too low. Thanks for watching!
LOVE your Tip about Not organizing your stuff right away after passing through security!!!
Just grab your stuff in that gray bin and put it on that Bench off to the side...MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!!
Happy Travel's Everyone!!☺
That is so true.
"You are saying I need to unlace these boots all the way up?"
It's the same idea everywhere: drive-ups, grocery aisles, merging(?)into traffic...
The "Princess Thing" doesn't help. Perhaps there are other worlds that would be honored to revolve around you.
It's agravating. Thank you for watching!
Me too 😉👍🏽 @Jacqueline Fossett ! It’s so much easier!! ....and the agents LOVE you for it 😊👍🏽
Another suggestion that goes along with “don’t be rude to the messenger”, don’t give TSA attitude or argue when they ask for you to show something in your bag or for you to remove something you were asked to BEFORE getting to the scanner. I cant tell you how many times I’ve seen this. They have a job to do and deal with thousands of people in a day, staying quiet or just saying something NICE can really go a long way and also keeps you from getting overly upset.
Another... keep personal grooming for home or hotel or bathroom! Example- Don’t clip or file nails in your seat. Don’t pluck your eyebrows. Keep your socks on!!!! No one needs your bare feet all over the cabin.
Hahahaha so true. Yes to the do not be rude...like ever. Thank you for watching!
I hate ppl's ugly, stupid-looking feet
You seem like you are just the absolute sweetest and most humble person. Your smile is infectious!
I'm moving from Australia to Canada in 2 months and your videos are so helpful and succinct. Thank you xx
Thanks for watching!
Brilliant tips, thank you! As a regular traveler these are completely spot on 👍🏻 I hate waiting behind people who argue over the 100ml rule and all the things in place for years now. It makes me smile every time, when they ask my Mum if she has a tablet, she gets her meds out! 💖
Bwahaha Thank you for watching!
Thank you for the great advice, most of them are common sense however some people are rude to everyone they meet.
I agree. Thank you!
Thanks Laurie I use your tip when I travel to Florida. The TSA agent complimented me on how quick, smooth, concise I was and she said you have traveled before truth was I just watched your video I've only traveled maybe four times by air in 34 years . Thank you because, everything you said saved me greatly from reducing items I didn't need, save me from over packing, and keeping my documents right where you said to smooth transition and it didn't hold up anybody and a 10 in the morning no one was grouchy . Thanks so much.
I totally put your comment on my Instagram. This makes me so happy! What a nice agent too. Thanks for watching!
Hi Laurie. About blending in so you don't attract pickpockets - when I visited San Francisco our tour guide told us never to stand at a street corner checking a streetmap, it makes it obvious that your are a tourist who may be worth robbing. Also in Venice, Italy, the tour guide told us ladies not to have our purses hanging from a shoulder, but to hold them firmly in front of our bodies, again to dissuade pickpockets or bag thieves. Always be aware of someone invading your space! Thank you for all your travel tips, your videos are so interesting.
Yes yes! Thank you for watching!
1. Wolter's World is great! I watch a ton of his videos.
2. Thank you, Laurie, for mentioning compression socks. I swell up like a puffer-fish when I fly and never thought of wearing them. I will do that on my next trip (Rome/Florence) in June.! Thanks!
You and me both for #2! I mean even on a 2 hour flight I have swelled up especially if I drink alcohol on the plane. Thank you for watching!
I am so thankful i have found your videos. I have a girl scout troop and we are traveling out to Europe this summer. I have been sharing your videos with my girls to help us all be preparred. Thank you for all the info and taking the time do rhis videos. Super helpful!
If your flight is more than two hours, wear a bladder pad as a backup. If you cannot get to a restroom or the plane is grounded and you’re forced to remain seated, you have a backup that will keep your undies protected and you can release just enough so you don’t feel like your bladder is going to burst. Take baby wipes for cleaning hands or cleaning up. I worked for a utility company, in the field and couldn’t always get a bathroom so I wore a bladder pad as backup until I could get to a restroom. Then I’d either replace it if my workday was longer, or throw it away because I was going home.
Thank you for watching!
I kind of know all of these tips because I travel quite frequently and have for many years but I just love watching your videos because you have such an engaging way of speaking. I also looooooove your accent 😁
Super duper! Thank you for watching!
WHAT accent? 😅😅😅
Ah that Texas accent. What is the plural form of y'all? All y'all!
Some real gems in this lot of tips Laurie. Thanks for spreading them far and wide. I try to be considerate of others and really get get annoyed when other people don't, especially in already stressful situations like airport security checks. It's really not that hard to keep things flowing and be nice to everyone. I'm travelling to China soon and passing through Singapore. It will be my first visit to Asia so I'll be very interested to see how things compare to Australia, UAE, the US and the UK.
I would be a little nervous, but my husband says that when you get out of your comfort zone, you learn so much. You'll be even more confident I bet. Thank you for watching!
I love all your tips. One thing I would suggest is researching the food culture where you are visiting, especially if you have food allergies. While it does take the fun out of exploring and sampling a little bit of everything, it’s important to know what is and isn’t available. In CA, where I am, there are a lot of options. It might be different in Japan or Cuba.
Great idea! Thank you for watching!
I just discovered you a few days ago when I Googled "packing light" videos. I have traveled a fair amount but don't feel like I'm very good at it or organized. I have already learned quite a bit from you! My husband and I are about to move back to Africa to work with a Children's Home during our retirement years so I appreciate your many tips and hacks and suggestions to make the travel go more smoothly! Thanks and God bless!
Woohoo have such a great trip and new-ish life! Thank you for all the views.
Love your tips! I travel for work and wish everyone would listen to you.
I hear you! Thank you for watching!
What are some tips for those who travel for work? I'm wanting to make videos for LinkedIn and want to know what business travelers need to know.
It's been 2 yrs since I've been on a plane. I've watched 3 of your videos and they are helping me to relax. Thank you
Yay I am so glad! Thanks for watching!
OMG I just came across your channel and I'm watching all of them. I have not flown since before 9/11 and I feel like a brand new flyer! Im learning how to travel all over again! Great tips! Keep the videos coming!!!
Laurie- you’re so knowledgeable!!!! I wish I would’ve found this particular video but Lesson learned: my husband and I only had 1 hr to dash from Madrid and ‘connect’ to our next flight for Málaga airport. We missed our 2nd flight of course. I highly agree with your valuable tip: 3, 4, 5 hours to easily make it to that 2nd flight is the best without running out of breath and worse, waiting for that next flight that could be SEVERAL hours down the line.
I learned my lesson too; that is why I shared it lol. We went to Malaga and loved it. Did you get to make it to Gibraltar? So cool!!!
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Only from street side Laurie. We were so unprepared and quite honestly, we forgot to bring our passports to enter the Rock of Gibraltar. Which leads me to ask you: is it safe or not to carry our passports when we’re out and about or leave them behind in our hotel room and just use in situations such as Gibraltar?
Ona trip to Rome, I took a second wallet for my money and kept a "dummy-wallet" in my back pocket. On the subway, the "dummy" got taken. I keep a dummy-wallet all the time now.
Oh, wow! I will share this story. Thank you for watching.
Using moneybelt when you travel to cities like Rome, Paris making you worry-free when you’re commuting on train.
What I always do is using moneybelt to keep my large banknotes and creditcard safe inside my shirt. Divide the amount expect to use on the day and keep it with money clip inside jeans front pocket and never keep too much money outside the moneybelt you think you will be in trouble if you’ve lost it . By this, in worst case, you may lost just money on that day but it will not ruin your trip.
賜龍怜音 Great tip!! THANK you!
lee pagnini What a great tip.
I actually thought about that idea. Good one!
Hi Laurie... so glad I found you. My daughter is a flight attendant for American Airlines. She’s coming up on her first year! We’re from Houston as well. She was based out of NY but just got transferred to Dallas! She’s so happy!
Oh how wonderful to be back in affordable land! Thank you for watching!
Unless you fly out of MCO. When we went to England we had to take everything out of our bags except cellphones. Our little family had like 5-6 bins. It was such a mess. Coming back home through Gatwick was so nice because they have a family and special needs security screening lines. They were so nice. Compression socks are amazing. Glad I wore mine both ways. Thank you for your tips, always.
Oh wow! Thank you for watching!
Oh my god!! Thx so much for the tip about the compression sleeves! I simply hate the regular ones cause they make me feel super hot cause they cover my feet. You’re a lifesaver! I already ordered mine
If only people would listen to you! The lines would go so much faster!
Traveling to Costa Rica with people from my college May 2020 and it's going to be my first time both on a plane and going international. Your videos have been such a huge help with getting prepared and knowing what to expect!
I'm so glad! Have a wonderful int'l trip! Thanks for watching!
It is incredulous to me that people have to told some of this, but they do. Everything you mention I have seen people doing. Thanks for posting
Isn't it crazy sometimes? Thank you for watching!
Exactly. Like some people are insane
I almost always fly Delta, as we can choose out seats free of charge. All we have to do is go to the app after we’ve made our reservation and choose it there. I’ve never been moved involuntarily. And I second the tight connections tip! I always try to have at least 2 hours or more layover.
Love Delta! Thank you for watching and for all the love.
Often times you'll find out more about delayed flights by going online or onto the app - one time I found out my flight was cancelled before the gate agents knew...how? It was cancelled on the 'flight status' section of the app! I got on the phone to rebook for next flight the next day, then let the folks around me know they should do the same.
Yes! Why didn't I mention that? All major airlines have awesome apps. Thank you!!
My husband too is an Intl pilot and everything Laurie says is correct..... however the TSA rules change daily and I could go through DFW 3 times in a week and I’m never told to do the same thing! My pony tail drives TSA crazy and they mess my hair regardless of the “employee status”, the Pre-Chek status OR my US Gov ID ! It’s crazy !!!!! They don’t care ..... just move on ...... a lot of her stories simply drive me bonkers too ! I wanna scream HAS NO ONE EVER FREAKIN FLOWN on an airplane before for heaven’s sakes?.... you know the rules;, follow them as best u can!!!!! Right Laurie.......
I have had to tell the gate agent that my husband just parked his 777 at the gate and could she please get someone to go open the plane!!!! He called me on his cell cause no one was answering the phone!!!!!!
Oh, one more thing.... if you have a close connection and are trying to run for it and you have checked bags - rest assured r bags are not going! No one is running them to your gate for you..... just saing......
Love your travel airline/airport and packing tips. We're headed to Hawaii in 2 weeks with Avon -- a trip we earned and it's all expenses paid. Lots of things we didn't think about and know about airline travel. Thanks.
Love all your tips, Laurie. Thank you so much for all your great videos.
Thank you for watching!
Laurie your tips are so good! As a previous frequent business flyer (in economy) these are so great. At 5 foot tall the overhead was a real trial and not an option. Only once in all the years I flew did I get a grump, I was happy to ask a taller lady too.
Wanda, I bet you're so darn cute being so tiny. Did you ever stand on the seat to put your bag up? Thank you for watching!
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Even if I had taken off my shoes before standing on my seat, I was told by a flight attendant NOT to do that! I do, however, agree with you to try to do for oneself. 😊
Hi from Sydney, Australia - thanks for these great travel tips. I have been to the USA twice & loved it. Am hoping to visit Houston (especially Mission Control Centre). I am visiting my sister soon in England & taking the very long (17 hours plus) flight with Qantas from Perth, Australia direct to Heathrow.
Oh wow! That's a trip! I've been here 3 years and still haven't made it to NASA. Thank you for watching!
omg 17 hrs................no............thanks!
You said you're moving your UA-cam studio to your dining room (converting it).
But - the setup you have in your bedroom with the sofa behind you, putting your props on that sofa to show your audience, is ingenious.
Well done.👍😊
Thanks for the tips! That is my only concern too.
U have help me not be overwhelmed I packing for a month!😞😂
Wonderful tips, specially to those pasengers w/ no maners or proper education!. I'm ready to "depart" for first time in a long long flight ( around 18 hours ) and I just enjoyed your suggestions of how to pack!. Since my trip will be for 30 days I do believe 6 pants, 10 blouses and 2 sweaters plus a jacket will be more than sufficient .Always is great to buy Novelties in the countries you will touch. Wonderful video, very explicit and communicative .Keep your great work alive !!! Sincerely Alma Rans
tive
There is really no need to speak at all during the Security process, you should be busy listening to their instructions. Smiling is enough.
I’m Southern. I can’t not talk to them. 😂 But I restrict myself to “Hello” or “Good morning,” or “Thank you” or “Have a nice day” when we’re done.
Hopefully I don’t have to say “Bless your heart” in my head…
Thanks for the connection tip. I plan to fly Delta into Atlanta then to Heathrow London, and was planning to get 1 1/2 hpur connection, but will rethink that. I even watched a video where a guy showed how to take the train to the international flight terminal. But better safe than sorry in case the first flight is delayed. THANKS!
Hi, and check out Minute Suites inside the ATL airport if you have a super long layover: bit.ly/MinuteSuitesLongLayover
Tks for the tips..will be travelling soon to HKG and OSA japan soon ...another thing i do is i always have a copy of my passport in my fone so i dont have to get my passport everytime i have fill up the arrival and declaration/custom card😊
Oh wow. I didn't know they let you do that. Awesome! Thank you for watching!
Laurie... love your tips. Really try to apply many of them. LOVE the packing cubes to keep things organized.
My tip for checked bags...
Pack a small luggage scale in your carryon. That way after buying gifts etc. at destination you can make sure your checked bag isn't overweight on your return flight.
Remember to pack light when leaving home helps!
Thanks for watching! Thanks for these tips too.
Love your videos and your accent. Greetings from Slovakia
Thanks for watching! Sorry I missed this comment so long ago.
Diet soda takes twice as long to bubble down. I found that out working food service in my teens. One tip I learned young was don't stand right up on the luggage carousel because no ine can get their bags. Leave a couple feet. Great tips!!
Oh that's so true! It's so frustrating to the one trying to get that bag. Thank you for watching!
I thought it was against regulations for the flight attendants to pick up passenger's bags for the overhead compartments
Some people have medical issues. I need help putting my bag into the overhead lockers due to medical problems.
Thanks for watching! Sorry I missed this comment so long ago. I do not think it is but not sure.
I recommend a passport, global entry + TSA pre-check, business class airfare, Vera Bradley soft side carry on, that all makes travel soo much more doable. Happy Cruising!!
Wow, business class would be awesome! Thanks for watching.
I have a tip that might be helpful. Use a bulldog clip over the razor blade. It works well and does not fall off
Love it Pam. Thank you for watching!
Great idea, thanks!
What’s a “bulldog clip”?
@@salimas7979 Also called binder clips
@@pamdleve thanks.
Mix & match is where it’s at. I grew up flying…my dad worked for Pan Am and courtesy is the best policy, I was taught as a child… great tips though…some things I never thought of ..😳 but the liquids differ from current I just saw 🙏🏽🙋🏻♀️👍🏽 I don’t get angry and avoid rushing, I am grateful for customer service.. I think having been in the military further instilled in me patience and understanding of things beyond my control. Thanks so much, Mia
Hi Mia! Thanks!!
If you are booking with a travel agent, they should be getting your seats together or notifying you that they were not able to. It is not advisable to wait until the day before to get those seat assignments. It should be done when you are booking. Also, do NOT book basic economy if you are picky about sitting with your loved ones. It is not going to happen.
Thank you for watching!
Thank you Laurie. Your tips are amazing. I’m watching them all…I’m heading up north from Florida to Connecticut to my granddaughter college graduation…. Your tips are just what I need. Keep ‘em coming. I nervous as a house Cat..
Oh how wonderful! Just know that you'll make a mistake and that most people do. You just keep smiling and do the next thing. Read signs and your ticket and listen to the TSA officers. Here is a video that may help: bit.ly/HowToGoThroughTSA I also have one called airline jargon.
Hey Laurie!! Thanks for the 32 tips. I’m soo ready to travel...now where to go?🤔
You and me both! At least you have cute bags already.
Are you kidding me?! Your collections is just as much eye candy 😍. But seriously, where is you next trip?
Hi Laurie!! I’m new to your channel and I absolutely adore you!! Thanks for all your helpful tips. I’m Michelle and am headed to Athens for a 15 day cruise to Egypt and disembarking in Dubai in October. Keep filming and keeping us up to date. Thanks.
Oh wow what a great way to see those! Where do you fly in to?
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie I’m flying from DTW to EWR to ATHENS. LONG DAY OF TRAVEL!!
Thank you, Laurie. As always they are wonderful tips. Some of them I write them down. I didn’t know about the tennis shoes or the t-shirts. Love seeing you!
When touring around, close to home or abroad, I love a jacket with multiple pockets, one with closers & inside hidden pockets. So much easier than having a purse dangling off one's arm or constantly slipping off your shoulder. Cargo pants are nice too. Pickpockets have a tendency to think if your not hauling a purse or tote around with you, you may live nearby & just stepped out for a quick errand. Just remember, keep all pockets securely closed! Heavy velcro closures are the best!
Thanks for these tips. Thank you for watching!
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Your welcome, my dear. Great video, very informative! 🤗👍💖
Ok, I know this one sounds semi ridiculous, but I am so opposed to the airplane lavatory floors oh, that I now pack a few puppy pee pads with me so that I can spread it out on the floor. If you get the small ones they are approximately 24 by 24 in and folded they are not as thick as a maxi pad. I feel much better about my pants hems hitting the floor with one of these. A package of 14 costs less than $4 at my local Walmart. They also are tremendously handy as a disposable mud mat during rainy season.
Oh that's an awesome idea too for a snowy destination hotel room entrance. Thanks for watching!
Just found this. Love it. Thanks so much. Hoping to go on a nice 32 day trip to Europe (2 cruise ships and 8 days on our own in Southern England. God will with this virus.
Oh what a trip of a lifetime! Have fun!
Thank you, Laurie. Now I remember the reason I hate travelling. OMG too much, and I'm sure that there are a couple more rules/tips you did not mention. Next time I travel I'll make sure that see my therapist first.
I'm so glad I found your channel! I've watched many videos now. Hey and you showed my beloved DIA! 😁
Thank you!
great tips. nothing irks me more than helpless people that expect the flight attendants to do everything for them. it's your bag people, you pack it you carry it and YES YOU put it in the overhead bin!
Heidi Gigandet YES! Even when men offer I always say no thanks, I can do it..... if they persist with “come on I can help” ......well then ok !!!!!
Yes! There are people who really cannot pick it up. I fell down our townhouse stairs-well bounced-on our way to a flight at 4 am one time and did not want to even try to pick it up. And my hubby wasn't near my section of the plane. Thank you for watching!
Heidi Gigandet I understand your frustration, but there are some people (like myself) who have serious neck and back issues. I have a disc is my lower back that has bulged out twice, to the point of causing breathtaking pain (for weeks) and I have grade 4 arthritis in my neck that causes pain (all the time) and numbness in some of my fingers. So, please be understanding that there are some people that truly need the help. I also look younger than I am and people think I'm relatively able-bodied, when I'm not. That said, I usually ask a nearby man for help.
@@i_love_rescue_animals I am not referring to people who actually need the help, trust me I've got relatives that have Cerebral Palsy and a friend with a prosthetic leg. I am referring to people who are perfectly capable of fending for themselves but EXPECT the flight attendants to handle their luggage for them....which is what Laurie had originally referred to in her video.
@@heidigigandet8235 Sure, I understand. But, I also wanted to make the point that some people can appear able-bodied, when they really have problems with their back or neck. But, yeah, I totally get it - there are a lot of people that act like flight attendants are at their beck and call! I'm flying internationally soon - so I'm actually pretty anxious about it! (the flying part, not the help part!) Best to you.
Thanks Laurie, always nice to see a new video by you. Yeah I do not get the Ryan Air and such. My husband I had to end up checking our carry-ons to Wales, then there was a baggage strike in Paris. We went almost the entire vacation without those bags, but all we had was just a couple of small backpacks and a lunch box type thing for under the seat in front of us for the electronics and valuables. Fjallraven regular Kankan and Doughnut bags, not tiny but the regular size fit the requirements for personal items bags. Bags meant for grade schoolers in Scandinavia have become so popular lately. If I could get away with an American airline out of CPH, then I would fly with one of them. Alas, I have to take a connecting flight out to a major hub in EU/UK or Iceland. Since Ryan Air got away with it, all the airlines have followed suit.
I’m a flight attendant! We hate the Diet Coke! It takes Forever to pour! Excellent tips! Thank you!
So it's true??! Too funny. Thank you for watching!
And I've heard the stuff that makes it diet tells your body to go find more sugar anyhow so it really doesnt work very well as a diet.
great! another good reason why I don't drink soda at least that can help you all out:)
as a exserver if you want a diet coke just say I can pour it myself and then we can just go on with what needs to be done I always wanted people happy
Mahalo for all the good tips. One airport I always buy water is LAX because Los Angeles uses reclaimed sewage water for drinking water.
I’m a lady and if someone needed help putting their suitcase in the luggage compartment I would help them.
Yay for acts of kindness. Me too! Thank you for watching!
A flight attendant you Tuber says that on her airline (don’t know which one), they can’t lift your bag for you - health & safety risk. So just keep that in mind - if they say “no” it’s because they have to, not because they’re being rude.
This is by far the best travel tip channel!! I love it so much
I Frickin love you 😀!
I really appreciate your generosity to educate/ inform us on how to organize/do when we travel.
I already booked my first flight 49 mins 🤦🏾♀️😩 idk what I was thinking
You’ll be fine...❤️
Oh yay! I have a whole playlist on my channel called First Time on a Plane. They will walk you through the TSA line and tell you more of the rules. You can google your airline and luggage requirements as well as go to tsa.gov and in the upper right corner it says What can I bring if you have a weird item.
As a minimalist, everything I own fits in 2 carry-on bags, so not overpacking is never a problem. :)
Awesome; share your tips with our community! Thanks for watching!
Tip: Get TSA Pre-Check
If you need the extra support of lace-up shoes, use elastic laces while en route; these will turn your lace-ups into slip-ons to get you through security & give a bit of expansion room should your feet swell during the flight. You can replace them with standard laces for your holiday proper.
Love it!
When traveling internationally, wear high-cushion, slip-proof, sure-footed, ANKLE-HIGH shoes so that you don’t sprain or twist your ankle in pot holes or uneven cobblestone. The heavier your luggage, the heavier your shoes need to be to stabilize carrying it. Pack Salonpas w/ Lidocaine patches. Consider packing a pair of shoes to wear and then leave them there or donate them to a poor person. Buy a pair of new clean shoes there to bring home. Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane.
Pack Magnesium 250 mg. to take before you start out walking, to prevent leg cramps. Wear Stella leggings or calf sleeves. Apply Aspercreme to your legs before you walk. Apply Tinactin to your feet before you walk to prevent Athletes foot before you put on your socks. PACK moleskin in case you get blisters from your shoes. Make sure you thoroughly break in your shoes before wearing them for travel. Get a pedicure before travel. Bring waterproof shoes in case it rains. Bring a hooded rain jacket with as many zippered pockets as possible. Do not carry anything in your outside pockets that you’d regret if it were stolen. Keep Carmex, Kleenex and handcream in your pocket. Keep any coin shoulder bag/purse inside your zippered jacket. Remove money inside a restroom-NOT in front of strangers or pickpockets. Do NOT allow anyone to “help” or “rush” to carry your luggage-some walk extremely fast and run off with it. Always pack a CABLE and LOCK to secure your luggage inside a train, bus, or at a hostel. LOCK your belongings inside the hotel as well. If in Paris, place your leg/foot inside any straps of luggage at the counter (even at 5-star hotels) because thieves use their foot to slowly pull away your luggage from behind you when you’re distracted. Always look around you. Thieves work together to “bump” you while they pickpocket or “accidentally” pour liquid/food on you and then try to “help” cleaning it off while pickpocketing. Purchase steel-enforced straps for travel purses, luggage, etc.
Do NOT leave your cellphone on the outer edge of any table at a cafe. Pickpockets use a newspaper over it, distracting you while they steal it.
Do NOT use your cellphone aimlessly walking around. Packs work together to push & grab from behind.
Wear an elastic abdominal support to protect from back strain while you’re carrying heavier luggage.
Thank you for all of this great info!!
Animal Lover: My pleasure!
I've lost all desire to visit Europe, but there are tips you've given that can apply to trips closer to home or even in this country. Thanks for the comprehensive report.
Love your tips and videos. I was hoping I could add a tip of my own. Please avoid wearing too much or heavy perfume. It could trigger allergic reactions. It sets off my asthma, and is very uncomfortable and could be dangerous too. Thanks.
So true!
Hello Laurie, I have piercing in the tops of my ears and the earrings that I have take tools to remove. Will security make me take them out? Should I buy a pair for the plane that can be removed easy and pack the others? Thank you Laurie.
I would message "Ask TSA" on facebook and ask. I would think jewelry would not matter. Thank you for watching!
Depends on the jewelry. I have accidentally forgotten that I had certain jewellery on when I went through security and it set the thing off more than once. When I finally realized it was my necklace, I simply took it off, put it in a little dish and retrieved it after. I make sure not to have that one on until after I go through security now. Actually, I generally leave it at home as it is too valuable to me and I would hate to lose it.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie great idea, i hadn't realized we could access TSA on facebook.
I can't answer your exact question. I will say I choose to put my jewelry in a pouch in my personal item. After TSA, I put it on. Now, my bra set off alarms last time so I'm thinking about going thru security sans bra next time. Sheesh.
I love all your videos. I’m going to Syracuse NY from Atlanta. Watching as many as I can.
Awesome! Thank you! Brrrr
I wear Keen’s shoes for travel, and I love them.
Do you have a favorite one that you can wear in the rain? And is light weight? Thank you for watching!
I like their hiking boots
My husband and I are traveling to Ireland next fall.I’ve only traveled overseas twice and both times were years and years ago and my husband has never traveled internationally, so your tips are especially helpful to two “ well over 55ers” I saved your video so I can refer back to them as our travel date gets closer. Thanks for posting this awesome video. Can’t wait to check out your others!!
Thank you for watching! Have a trip of a lifetime!
I do agree that being considerate of those in line behind you is the right thing to do. However, if you let the idea of hurrying out of the way fluster you, mistakes could happen that will ruin your day, week and month. The 30 to 60 seconds to put away a passport securely is not going to close down an airport. But losing that passport in the airport (especially a foreign one) has consequences that nightmares are made of. 😫😭
Oh, yes, that would be awful. Never be in a hurry. Thanks for watching!
I just booked my 1st international trip for May 2023. 16 days in Scotland and Ireland then added 8 days in Paris and Nice.
The first leg is in a group ... I'm freaking out and watching and rewatching all of your videos. First thing I discovered is not all carry-ons are universal, eek.
6months till trip but I got this.
Oh no all my tenny shoes are white..I am in the old ladies wearing white skechers gang. Guess who'll be shoe shopping? Thanks for all your tips, tricks and good works. P
Ha! You be comfortable! That trip sounds amazing. Yes, check your airline to see the size allowed for carry-on and personal item bags.
One of my pet peeves is people not keeping to the right when walking through the airports. It would make traffic so much easier to navigate if folks would do that.
SO yes!! And have you seen all the new restaurants that now take up all that walkway space? Thanks for watching!
it's a funny one because some of the world walks and drives on the LHS and some of us come through your airports from time to time so mess up your RHS system. The worst place I have found where nobody seems to know which side to walk on is London. They drive on the LHS but then Europe drives on the RHS so the footpaths of London are full of people who don't know which way to swerve! lol.
You will never know how much I am enjoying and learning from all your videos. Thank you so much for doing them😉
I'm so glad! Best comment today! Thank you for watching!
Why do I never take my liquids out of my bag
If you are going through security with a carryon bag, you are supposed to. I know in the Atlanta airport, they are using dogs now so we haven't had to take liquids out since November there.
👏👏👏👏👏 omg!! Thank you for the tips you give ppl to not be rude, not ring the bell and asking to lift the bags to another passenger!!!
Thanks for watching!
I hope the thieves are not watching this
Amazing with family you all dance so welll. You all have done well🎉🥳🌟🎈🎉🎊🏅🏆
If you can’t lift your carryon bag, you need to pack less. And find a man to lift it? What is this, the 50s?? lol
I fell going down our townhouse stairs on the way to a flight so i know it can happen. I have no problem asking a man though. If someone is kind, that's a plus in my book. Thanks for watching!
I'm 5'1" and 70 years old with arthritis so I definitely need help to put even a small, lightweight bag with emergency articles, jacket etc in the overhead compartment. Thank you to all the taller and younger kind souls both male and FEMALE who have helped me so many times over the years. Thank you also to all other helpful passengers who have helped me lift my suitcase etc. at the check in counter or at baggage claim. There can be many breaks in pre-requested airport and/or airline assistance for senior citizens and a little help from others has made all the difference.
Most men will jump up to help you if you are struggling to put your carry on over his Head! 🤗
Nothing wrong with people helping people. Get a life.
Well the first is good advice, I usually try to lift my carry on bag at home to see I can lift it up to the upper compartment. The second though well Only because you ask a man to help you lift a bag up do not mean you are less powerful as a woman or it do not make you as valued as a man , and has nothing to do with living fthe 50 "s. Only because I let a man do something or realise I am not as strong as a man do not make me feel less :) Because we are in the end two different gender. :).
Think about this: your carry on is in the overhead bin (do they ever clean those?) and your personal item bag is on the yucky floor under the seat in front of you. I always wipe down my luggage when I get to my destination, and I NEVER put it on the bed! All my bags get wiped down when we return home too!
I am getting ready for my first overseas vacation and live watching your videos for tips and ideas. Thanks for all your videos and helpful ideas and tips ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for watching!
Thank you for your travel tips. I used the Tips on one of your other videos on how to prepare for TSA, with the backpack, the little money purse/pouch, travel documents and liquids pouch and saving my belt and coat all through the gray bin for putting it on later . The TSA agent commended me (very loudly I might add) on being organized and she said " ladies and gentlemen this girl had traveled before! everybody if you need to know how to travel and how to pack.... look at this girl she's got it down... then she said thank you ma'am for being so efficient ! I was so impressed and so proud. It's the first time I ever flew by myself..... in about six years I've learned a lot since then thank you for helping me become organized !!
Awwwww I love it. Thank you for watching!
I'm an experienced traveller from Australia and I'm still enjoying your videos. I'm saying amen to everything..... those people that stand in front of the baggage claim belt and wait for their bags!!! STEP AWAY FROM THE BELT
So. True. Thank you for watching!
I've never needed 5 hours for international flights(I fly EU to US) but I try to have at least three. Especially if I'm flying through ORD. I still get lost in there and I almost always have to arrive through ORD. And that's less of the security and stuff, but because of transit between terminals. I go from 5 to 2. :/
Absolutely love your tips.
Thank you so much for your tips, as they are soooo helpful! I used your tip for packing cubes and I really like them. Keep doing these videos. You are greatly appreciated:-)
Yay! Thank you for watching!
U r an angel 👼🏻
Lov u lots 💓❤️❤️❤️
Every second every word every tip
Is important n use ful
One of the every worth watching youtube that I ever come across
Thank you!