Airline Credit Cards

When you’re a kid, snow and ice mean potential days off from school, building snowmen and dreams of a soft and white holiday season. Once you’re all grown up, however, you know better than to wish for winter storms, because they usually mean dangerous driving conditions, long travel delays and even power outages. To brace yourself against the snow, ice and freezing temperatures this year, take a look at this list of 25 winter weather hacks.

Travel

Traveling during the winter months can be tough. Airlines often cancel flights due to dangerous storms, and the holiday season complicates schedules even more. Read below for tips to help ease the burden of winter travel.

1. Check the weather: This tip seems like an obvious plan of action, but stalking Weather.com or The Weather Channel on TV will give you a heads up if bad weather is headed your way. If you’re traveling by car and can afford to be more flexible, try to plan your departure around heavy rain or snow to minimize the risk of getting in an accident.
2. Guard yourself against germs: This article dispenses great advice for travelers who will be flying during cold and flu season. To protect yourself against contracting an illness, pack moist towelettes and wash hands regularly, get a flu shot and stretch your legs every once in a while to avoid getting blood clots.
3. Book flights in advance: If you’re planning to travel during the holidays, book a flight well in advance to ensure a reservation. If you can, try to make a reservation with a non-stop flight to your destination, even if it means driving to another city with a bigger airport. You’ll probably spend a little more on gas and parking, but you won’t have to worry about getting stranded in the airport because you missed your connection and can’t get another flight.
4. Start your travel early: MSNBC reports that "as a rule, airports are least congested at times when normal human beings would rather be at home or even asleep. Delays are far less likely for morning flights," and starting out on a road trip in the morning can be beneficial too, as long as you don’t run into patches of ice that haven’t had a chance to melt.
5. Pack snacks: Bad weather can keep travelers stranded for hours, and it’s always a smart idea to pack your own snacks. If you’re stuck in traffic in between rest stops or cooped up on the runway waiting to depart, the last thing you need is a rumbly tummy.
6. Ice and Snow, Take it Slow: The Washington Department of Transportation urges winter weather drivers to remember the mantra "ice and snow, take it slow." Avoid speeding when the weather is bad, even if you don’t think there’s ice on the road. Take extra caution when driving over bridges and on overpasses, as these areas are especially vulnerable to icing over. Check the WSDOT website for more information on practicing safe winter driving tips.
7. Allow time for delays: CNN.com estimates that "arrival delays can exceed two to three hours at cities where there is snow, sleet and ice," so allow for these extra delays when booking a flight. Another smart tip to remember is to try to book a flight that lands between 11a.m. and 5p.m., when runways are less likely to be iced over.

Hacks for the Home

Prep your home for the unforgiving winter weather by checking the roof, pipes and heating systems. Read below for more tips.

8. Prepare your roof: The Home Improvement Blog urges homeowners to give the roof a thorough check up before snow and ice are predicted in the forecast. This particular post lists "signs that your roofing needs repair includ[ing] ceiling spots; blistered, buckled, curled or missing shingles; cracked flashing, granules in the gutter, peeling paint or wallpaper, and excessive energy bills."
9. Make sure your heater works correctly: At the beginning of the winter season, test your heater to make sure it’s working properly. If you notice odd smells or the indoor temperature doesn’t seem to be warming up, call a maintenance company to check the system.
10. Install a carbon monoxide detector: Carbon monoxide poisoning is especially risky during the winter months due to possible emissions from fireplaces and heaters. Use this guide from About.com to help you select and install a carbon monoxide detector for your home.
11. Trim tree branches: Tree branches can hang dangerously low and even snap when weighed down by ice and snow. Lifespy.com encourages homeowners to trim any branches that hang over your roof or car to avoid weather-related damage.
12. Clean out the chimney: When the mercury drops, your family will be tempted to light a fire in the fireplace. Don’t, however, start a blaze if you haven’t checked for bird nests, leaves, cracks and extra soot.
13. Check insulation: Make sure your windows and other outdoor outlets are properly insulated, otherwise you’ll end up overspending on your utility bills. PowerHouseTV.com lists several ways to check the insulation all around the house.
14. Clean out the gutter: eHow.com recommends cleaning out your gutters before a winter storm, as "clogged gutters can result in basement flooding when the snow melts." Remove leaves, pine straw and any other nests or debris that have accumulated.
15. Insulate outdoor water pipes and outlets: When the temperature drops below freezing, you’ll need to protect your pipes by insulating all outdoor water outlets and pipes that could be exposed to extra cold temperatures in the basement. Check here for tips on how to do it yourself.
16. Prepare for a snow or ice day: If you live in an area that is particularly susceptible to dangerous winter weather, prepare yourself for the day (or week) that you’ll be stuck inside, perhaps without power. Make sure you have extra blankets to keep warm, plenty of extra water and non-perishable food items that you can prepare without using electricity. Battery-operated radios are also good to have on hand so that you can get updated on weather conditions. Charge cell phones before a storm knocks out your power, and keep extra batteries and a generator on hand at the start of the season. These supplies sell out fast.
17. Protect your pets and plants: When temperatures reach freezing, move your pets and potted plants inside. If you’re afraid your dog isn’t potty-trained enough for the living room, make a warm nesting area out of towels and old blankets and move him into the garage.

Car Maintenance

Keep your car running even when storms dump snow and ice onto the roads.

18. Load up the trunk with supplies: No one plans on getting stranded in a snowdrift in the middle of the night, and that’s why, if you live in a cold climate, you should always be prepared. Items to keep in your trunk include a sleeping bag or extra coat to keep yourself warm, snacks like peanut butter or granola bars that are nutritious and will last a long time, a flashlight, a battery-operated radio and an ice scraper for your windshield.
19. Invest in snow chains or tires: If you spend most of the winter months driving through snow, consider investing in snow tires or snow chains to give your car extra stability and help prevent weather-related accidents.
20. Pay attention to your car’s oil change: MSNBC reports that drivers need to pay special attention to their cars’ oil change during the winter, because "oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated." When your vehicle is due for an oil change, make sure the maintenance crew puts in oil with the appropriate viscosity.
21. Check belts and hoses: According to this article, "cold weather can do a number on belts and hoses, so they deserve attention." Take your vehicle in for a quick check up before the temperatures get really low.

Helpful Resources and Websites

Turn to these helpful resources and websites for more advice on dealing with the hardships of winter, including storm advisories and preparation ideas.

22. Precautions a Must for Safe Winter Travel: Use this guide from the Red Cross website as a checklist before heading out on the road during the winter. Tips also include what to do in case you get stranded in freezing temperatures and important items that you should keep in the trunk.
23. Driving Safety Tips: Driving in Snow and Ice: This article from Weather.com gives great advice for driving through the ice and snow. If you think bad weather is coming your way, take a look at this list to refresh yourself on tips like "Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills" and what to do if your rear or front wheels skid.
24. Pet Care: Top Ten Cold Weather Tips: Pet owners should take a look at this guide from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Winter weather hacks for pets include "never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm [because] dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season." Cats should be kept inside during when the weather gets cold, and all pet owners should be especially aware of antifreeze spills or leaks, which are poisonous to animals.
25. Winter Weather Energy Efficiency Tips: Keep your energy costs from skyrocketing during the winter by checking out these tips given by the Allegheny Power company in Pennsylvania. Readers will learn how to check their homes for air leaks, install storm windows and conserve energy even during extra cold days.

While airlines only lose about 1% of all the total luggage processed, there’s always the chance that you’ll be that unlucky passenger stuck waiting at the baggage carousel for luggage that will never come, and there’s nothing to put a damper on a vacation faster than having no toothbrush or PJs to change into. There are a few things you can do, however, to help lower your chances of having your luggage lost. Here are a list of some preventative measures, as well as some tips on what to do if your bag is lost.

1. Check as little as possible. The best advice for travelers worried about losing luggage is to simply try to avoid checking as much as possible. It’s much more difficult, if not a considerable effort, to lose luggage that you keep with you rather than checking in. Pack less to help keep your checked bags to a minimum whenever possible.
2. Tag your luggage. Make sure each piece of luggage you’re bringing with you, especially those you’re checking in, are marked with sturdy luggage tags. They should have at the very least your name and a phone number where you can be reached on them. If you’re worried about privacy, get those that cover your information unless opened or put your business contact information on them instead. After all, you want to make it easy for the airline to contact you if your bag is found.
3. Double check all tags. Airline counters can be busy, confusing places, and employees checking your bags are only human-they can make mistakes. You can help reduce any mix ups with luggage tagging, however rare, by making sure to double check your tags before you leave the counter. Check to see if the destination on the tag matches your final destination. You could save yourself a lot of time and trouble.
4. Put some things in a companion’s luggage. If you’re traveling with a friend or family member, use the situation to your advantage. Put a change of clothes into your friends suitcase and have them put one into yours. Even if either bag is lost, you’ll both still have something to change into, and won’t be at a complete loss.
5. Get a distinctive piece of luggage. While it may not prevent your luggage from being lost, it can make it a lot easier to find if your bag isn’t the standard black without any distinctive features. Try buying luggage in an uncommon color or attaching a luggage tag or ribbon that will help it stand out. It’ll make it easier to describe to airline employees if it’s lost, and easier for you to spot on the baggage carousel.
6. File a claim immediately. If your bag is lost, don’t wait until later to notify the airline. In most cases, lost luggage must be reported within 24 hours if you will need to be reimbursed, not to mention that your claim of lost luggage is a lot harder to dispute if you’ve never left the building. File a claim as soon as you think your bag has gone missing, as the sooner you do it, the sooner the airline can get on getting your bag back to you.
7. Know your information. In the event that you do need to deal with the hassles of lost luggage, it will be a whole lot easier on both you and the airline if you carry your contact information with you. This means hotel addresses and phone numbers of the hotel or residence where you’ll be staying. Looking up this information takes time, and could cause a delay in getting your bag back to you, which is the last thing you want.
8. Don’t panic. If your bag doesn’t show up on the baggage carousel along with the others from your flight, don’t freak out. It’s tempting, especially after being on a long flight, but it’s possible that the bag is being held in the luggage office or with customer service. Check with the airline to see if it might already be waiting for you. Even if it is lost, panic or tears aren’t going to make it travel to you any faster, so calm down and deal with the problem as rationally as possible.
9. Get compensation. Most airlines are responsible for making sure that you have the necessities you need to survive while your bag is being located. This can include toiletries and even basic clothing depending on the length of the delay of your luggage, and if your bag is entirely lost or damaged they should have to provide monetary compensation. Check with your airline to find out what your rights are regarding your lost bag.
10. Pack essentials in your carry on. While you might choose to pack the bulk of your wardrobe and vacation provisions in your checked bag, you can avoid quite a bit of discomfort by packing essentials like a toothbrush, a change of clothes, makeup, and deodorant in your carry on. That way, if something happens to your bag, you’ll have at least enough to get by on until the rest of your things can get back to you.
11. Take inventory. If you want to protect the contents of your bag, create a packing list or inventory of the contents of your suitcase. If it happens that your bag arrives without your favorite pair of jeans, you’ll have the documentation to back up your claims of theft.
12. Use an outside service. If you really want to guarantee that you bag arrives in your destination city at the same time you do, consider using an outside service. Rates aren’t always cheap, but you will be assured that your luggage will end up where it was supposed to. Try a luggage shipping company like The Luggage Club, Carrymyluggage.com or even FedEx.
13. Take a photo. A picture can be worth more than a thousand words. It can also save you valuable time in describing your bag to airline employees if it happens to go missing. Snap a quick photo of your suitcase before you leave home and carry it with you, either printed or on your cell phone, just in case.
14. Place your itinerary in your suitcase. Make sure your wayward luggage comes with everything the airline needs to ensure that it returns to you safely. In addition to tags on the exterior, make sure to place your itinerary and contact information on the inside of your suitcase as well. When it’s found, it can help expedite getting it back to you.
15. Check in early. A significant portion of the luggage that is lost by airlines is the result of passengers that check in at the last minute. Last minute bags may not have time to make it to the flight, and as a result, won’t arrive at your destination at the same time as you. Unless you have some sort of extenuating circumstances, you should arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance for your flight, and three if you want to be safe.
16. Remove old airline tags. Frequent travelers may find themselves with old luggage tags still attached to bags the next time they go to fly. This can lead to a lot of confusion, not to mention potential bag misplacement. Before putting any new destination tags on your bag, make sure the old ones have been completely removed.
17. Don’t ever check medications, jewelry or other valuables. If you’ve checked in a medication you need to take within the next 24 hours you may be out of luck if your bag can’t be returned to you right away. This can be an uncomfortable and even potentially dangerous situation. While jewelry and other valuables may not affect your health, they can be stolen from your bag, and many airlines won’t reimburse for the full cost of replacement for items like these. Always put these kind of things in your carry on bag, a purse, or even your pocket so they won’t get lost on the trip.
18. Be civil. If your bag does get lost, yelling, threatening or disrespecting the airline employees isn’t going to get you your bag any faster. It’s normal to be frustrated, angry and distraught over lost luggage, but the person you’re yelling at wasn’t personally responsible for your inconvenience and is probably trying their best to rectify the situation. You’ll likely get better service if you calm down and give the customer service agents all the information they need to get your bag back to you as quickly as possible.
19. Avoid overbooked flights. While you might really need to catch that last minute flight the day before the holidays, it’s likely that it will be full. Full flights may cause an overage in luggage, especially if people are traveling with especially bulky pieces, meaning that it just might not all fit on the plane. Rather than risk this, try flying on less crowded or out of the way flights. It might take some schedule rearranging, but you can save yourself hassle later of tracking down your bag.
20. Keep your checked luggage stub handy. Your luggage stub it what links you to your bag. Check in agents normally affix it to the sleeve of your boarding pass so it won’t get lost. Hang on to this puppy. While it’s not impossible to track your bag without it, the numbers on this stub make it much easier to track your missing luggage.

Lost luggage doesn’t have to be a constant worry on your next flight. These tips can help reduce the chances of having to deal with the hassle of lost baggage or make your life a little easier in the event you do. Either way, your trip will benefit.

As a frequent business traveler, you’re probably used to packing up your carry-on and hoisting it up into the overhead compartment every week. Tight schedules have become even harder to manage thanks to flight delays and unpredictable airline issues, and you don’t exactly have the extra time to wait around for your suitcase to come around the conveyor belt with all of the tourists and first-time flyers. But many travelers are wising up to the carry-on suitcase trick to avoid lost luggage nightmares, and unless you’re the first one on the plane, it can be quite a challenge to find a spot to stash your overnight bag. To help you keep your bags light, portable and even malleable, read below to get some tips on how an efficient business traveler should pack a carry-on.

• Only pack the things you really need: If you’re traveling alone, it can be tempting to add all kinds of goodies to your bag to keep yourself entertained during lonely nights in the hotel or long flight delays in the airport. Before loading up your travel bag with heavy books and DVDs, however, be honest with yourself and really consider how likely you are to use any of the extra items. You can purchase a magazine at the airport, and many hotels offer Pay-Per-View or DVD rental systems for their guests. In addition, leave out your swimsuit and tennis shoes if you’re not going to have any downtime after late meetings, and don’t bring the family photo album just because you think you’ll start to miss everyone back home. Instead, upload your favorite digital pictures onto your laptop or limit yourself to one picture frame to put up in your room.
• Invest in a mini: iPod shuffles, mini DVD players and travel-sized personal hygiene items like deodorants and razors will save you lots of room in your carry-on. Many of these electronic items have been on the market for a while and are worth investing in if you’re a frequent business traveler. If you’re wondering whether or not to pack a certain item, first ask yourself if it comes in a mini or travel size. If it doesn’t, and you’re not absolutely sure that you’ll need it on your trip, ditch it.
• Carry your coat: If you’re a regular on the New York to LA flight, you’re probably used to dramatic changes in temperature from the time you leave one city and arrive in the next. During the winter months especially, these changes can be extremely inconvenient for travelers who need to pack light. Instead of stuffing your coat into your carry-on bag, carry it on the plane with you and stash it wherever you can once you get to your seat. Wear layers so that you can go from mild climates to chilly temperatures easily without overloading your carry-on.
• Stick to one color palette: One of the key tricks to packing light is limiting your travel wardrobe to one color palette. This method will help you avoid packing extra shoes, jackets, ties, purses and makeup, and will also save you space in your bag and time getting dressed each morning.
• Know how to pack for security: Frequent flyers are familiar with the aggravating back ups that occur when inexperienced travelers don’t respect security rules. Avoid making one of their amateur mistakes by emptying out your pockets, taking off your shoes, throwing out your water bottles and beverage containers and packing all of your travel-sized gels in one clear Ziploc bag in an easy-to-access place in your carry-on. Current TSA guidelines are available here.
• Upload your work files onto your computer: If you’ve got a big presentation to give, you may want to use the plane trip to prep yourself. Instead of packing extra files and materials that you won’t need once you’re at the meeting, upload your documents and charts onto your laptop ahead of time. Web-based systems are usually great, but you won’t be able to access the Internet when you’re in the air. Use a USB device for maximum efficiency and portability.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you have to jump on another cross-country flight but want to pack light. Flight delays and trouble making connections make keeping track of your luggage more and more difficult, so it’s always best to pack a carry-on that will fit under the seat in front of you.

Anyone who has visited an airport in the past few years knows that airport security, though a necessity, can be a huge hassle. Long lines, pat downs, and even the occasional full luggage search can break down even the most stalwart of travelers and sometimes even results in missed flights. While you may not be able to do a thing about long lines or random security checks, there are ways you can make airport security a little less painful for yourself and speed up the process as much as possible so that you can get through and back on your way to your next exciting (or perhaps not so exciting) destination.

1. Check to see what items are banned. Before you embark on your journey, check with your airline or the TSA to see what you’ll be allowed to bring in a carry on, what you’ll have to stow in a checked in bag, and what simply isn’t allowed to be brought on a flight.
2. Remove every possible metal item from your person before walking through the metal detector. There are any number of things that you could be carrying that might set off the metal detector and hold up the line. Empty out your pockets, including your wallet, remove your belt, and any kind of jewelry you might be wearing. To speed things along, prepare before you reach the checkpoint by putting your items into a small clear plastic baggy.
3. Wear easy to remove shoes. You would think that most people would know to wear easily removable shoes on a flight by now, but there are always those few that are laced and buckled up to a ridiculous degree and end up holding up the line. Don’t be that person, wear slip ons or a comfortable alternative.
4. Prepare your electronics. To go through security you must remove your phones, PDAs and laptops from your bags and place them in a separate container. Have them stowed in your luggage in such a way that makes this easy, and pull them out before reaching the front of the line. You should also be prepared to turn them on, so make sure your laptop has at least a little charge remaining.
5. Make sure all your luggage has appropriate tags. While it may or may not be checked, make sure it’s clear that your luggage in fact belongs to you. Unsuspecting travelers could be duped into carrying dangerous items aboard, so clearly mark your bags with your name and phone number your your own tags or ones that the airline provides so that there won’t be any confusion.
6. Put your belongings on the conveyor as soon as possible. Don’t be that person who gets to the front of the line and then seems surprised to find that they must empty their pockets, remove their shoes, and take out their laptop. Be prepared when you get to the front and put your stuff in those little bins as soon as you get close enough.
7. Keep a photo ID handy. You should always have a photo ID, whether a drivers license or a passport, in an easily accessible place. Security may check to make sure that the name on the ID matches the name on your ticket, so purchasing a wallet for travel that holds both can greatly simplify matters.
8. Don’t lock checked bags. While TSA approved locks are permitted, regular old suitcase locks are not, as bags may need to be checked or searched. To prevent locks from being cut off and compromising the security of your items within, not to mention holding up your bag, purchase an approved lock ahead of time.
9. Dress appropriately. This may sound like a silly bit of advice, but you’ll save yourself a great deal of trouble if you aren’t wearing something that just screams "troublemaker" or makes you look suspicious. You’ll undoubtedly be subject to greater hassles from security and maybe even your airline, as passengers have been removed from planes for wearing clothes that were too sexy or offensive. It may be unfair that security gets to police your fashion choices, but you’ll move through much more quickly if you work with it and not against it.
10. Consider joining the Clear program. Frequent travelers may benefit from joining a program like Clear (for a fee, of course) to help them speed more quickly through security lines. Members have their IDs, photographs, fingerprints and iris images scanned beforehand and are given a special pass which they present along with their fingerprints to security fast lanes. You’ll still have to go through all the scanners, but you could speed things up by about 30%.
11. Don’t make small talk with others before you get through security. While this doesn’t advocate being rude to your fellow passengers, it’s best not to make friends at the airport, at least not until you’ve actually got onto your flight. Many people may seem nice, but have ulterior motives and when they ask you if anyone else might have handled or put something in your luggage, you’ll want to be able to definitively say no.
12. Bring along some clear plastic baggies. You can help speed up through the line by making use of some simple sandwich baggies when going through security. Place all allowable liquids in your carry on into one, as well as all items from your pockets into another so they’ll be easy for security to check and easy for you to keep track of.
13. Keep your medications in their original containers. While medications are exempt from many of the rules that apply to other small items, you can still come under questioning if you store your medication in a day-by-day container instead of in its original packaging. Make it easy on yourself by bringing along the packaging that has your name on it, even if it’s bulkier than your other pill container.
14. Remove your coat and shoes before you’re the next in line. When you see that you’re approaching the front of the line, begin removing your jacket and shoes. You might have to walk a few feet in your socks, but you’ll be ready to go when your turn comes and hopefully get in and out of the scanners quickly.
15. Allow yourself some extra time. Airport security, even at its speediest, can take a long time on busy traveling days. To avoid the hassle of missed flights, arrive at least 2 hours before you plane leaves, 3 if you want to be safe, and try to arrange connecting flights with enough time in between so you won’t be left behind if you’re delayed.
16. Don’t wear a lot of jewelry. Keep it simple when traveling and save your best jewelry for another day. Some jewelry like watches frequently set off the metal detectors, and with increased sensitivity of the machines, other things that might have passed previously will start the bells a-ringing as well. It’s better to stow these items in your carry on or personal bag.
17. Don’t try to be funny. The hard and fast rule at the airport is that nothing involving your luggage, you or anyone else being a danger to a flight even in the most ridiculous manner is funny. You can expect to be greatly delayed or even arrested if you try to get a laugh out of security personnel with this kind of talk, as even a baby was thrown off of a recent flight for suggesting that a plane go "bye-bye".
18. Leave gifts unwrapped. If you’ve bought gifts for others on your trip make sure to leave them unwrapped in your luggage. If security needs to check them, they’ll have to tear apart that lovely gift wrap instead of your little niece or nephew.
19. Watch bags very carefully. This should go without saying, but it bears repeating. Always have your bag with you at all times, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable it may be. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
20. If you’re not sure, ask before you get there. If you aren’t sure of the regulations for international travel, the size of your carry on, or just what kind of liquids are allowed on a plane, check the website of the airport you’re departing from or ask your airline. If you’re still unsure, give them a call. It’s better to check beforehand than to get held up debating the issue when you’ve got a flight to catch.
21. Avoid duty free items. While the appeal of tax free alcohol and cologne may be hard to resist, when traveling internationally these can cause you a huge hassle. Duty free items in Europe are packaged in tamper evident bags or boxes which are allowed to easily travel between cities. Unluckily for US bound travelers, this type of packaging won’t pass muster, so if you’ve got a connecting flight you’ll have to find a way to store your unacceptable liquids in your checked luggage, which is a huge hassle and likely not worth the few dollars you saved. Avoid purchasing items like these until you’re safely on your way out of the airport.
22. Limit food items. While there are many food items that are allowed on board without too much question, there are those that skirt the line of being too gel-like to be allowed through. So while it might seem like a good idea to bring along some mashed potatoes from your Thanksgiving dinner, it’s likely that they won’t be allowed through. Save yourself the trouble and limit the food you bring or check beforehand to see if it will be permitted.
23. Know the rules when traveling internationally. While many of the rules are the same, make sure there aren’t any special circumstances or rules that apply when you travel to another country. Security threats cause airport guidelines to change frequently, so stay informed even when you’re away.
24. Fly with airlines that are forgiving. No matter what you do, sometimes there is no way around being held up in security. To avoid a ridiculous amount of headache and hassle, fly with an airline that makes it easy to switch to another flight in the event that this happens. Sometimes this might cost a little more, but it can be well worth it not to get stuck languishing in an airport.
25. Use common sense. Above all, don’t be a moron about security. It isn’t going to get any less tight anytime soon, so do your best to work with the system instead of against it by being prepared, knowing the rules, and not doing incredibly stupid things like joking about bombs.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, airport security is a fact of life. You’d probably rather not deal with it, but it doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. The key is to know the rules and be prepared before you get there. Follow these guidelines for a stress-free screening experience the next time you take to the skies.

• Take an early flight

  Early birds enjoy more than fewer flight delays: they get to be first in line at security. Monday mornings are even better, as lines are generally populated with ultra-efficient business travelers who know what they’re doing. Some airport security screenings open as early as 4 AM.

• Keep your paperwork up to date

  Have you forgotten to renew your driver’s license? I can tell you from personal experience that if that’s the case, you’d better be prepared for a second screening. Anyone without a valid government ID will be subject to extra security screenings that take longer and are more invasive. This generally means they’ll look through your carry on and have you go through a physical pat-down or puff test.

• Check wait times before you leave

  If you take a look at TSA’s average wait estimates, you’ll be able to figure out a good time to get to the airport. As an added bonus, you may even be clued in to smaller security checkpoints that are less utilized and therefore less crowded.

• Become a Registered Traveler

  Under the Registered Traveler program, you can pay a fee and have your background checked to get registered. You’ll then get credentials that give you access to reserved security lanes and shorter lines. Registered Travelers are also allowed to keep coats and shoes on as well as leave laptops in their bags. However, this program has been criticized for privacy problems, specifically the extent of information that is collected about a traveler.

• Be prepared

  This is simple: pay attention and be ready to go through security. If you’re still on the phone when you get to the metal detector, you’re going to cause problems for everyone, including yourself. Empty your pockets into your carry on, hang up your phone, and get your ID and boarding pass out for inspection.

• Leave your box cutters at home

  Sharp objects like box cutters, ice picks, and swords are all on the TSA’s prohibited list. Even if you only brought the item by accident, it will get confiscated and you’ll be treated with extreme suspicion at best. Other items that are regarded similarly are baseball bats, guns, ammunition, and tools like hammers and crowbars. If you absolutely must have one of these items, check to see if you can put it in your checked luggage, as many items are permitted this way.

• Don’t bring explosives, either

  This should go without saying, but items like hand grenades and lighter fluid are a no-go. Basically, anything that can blow up or create a fire. So if you’re thinking about smuggling fireworks back from China, think again. These items can’t even be checked.

• Take your shoes off

  Yes, it’s a little gross and somewhat humiliating, but taking your shoes off is just part of the process now. Don’t raise a stink about it, either: the screeners don’t make the policy and they can’t do anything about it but enforce the rules. Complaining just makes you look suspicious. Wear socks or protective booties to create a barrier between you and the floor if you have a problem with the germs.

• Take off your belt and large jewelry while you’re at it

  This is old-school airport security advice, but it’s still important. Don’t be the person who has to walk through the metal detector five times, taking off one item at a time until you make it through. Make it easier on yourself, your screeners, and fellow passengers by removing items that will probably set off the metal detector. This includes belts, watches, cuff links, and keys. If you have body jewelry, consider taking it off before you even get to the airport. Otherwise, you may be subject to a pat-down inspection, or have to get out of line to remove the items in private.

• Don’t stuff your carry on

  If you end up going through a second screening, your carry on will be inspected. So if you’ve got it stuffed to the gills, it’s going to be a pain to get everything out and back in again. Pack lighter and consider placing items in plastic bags so they’re easier to handle and organize.

• Put liquids and gels in a baggie

  Certainly you’ve heard of this by now, but passengers are required to limit liquids and gels to containers that are three ounces or smaller. These items must be placed in a quart size plastic bag with a zip top, and you can only use one. Be sure to keep it out and place it separate from your other items when going through screening. Many airports offer bags outside of their checkpoints, but it’s generally easier to take care of this step before you leave home. Otherwise, you may find yourself scrambling through your bag at the last minute.

• Mind your electronics

  Take your laptop, camera, DVD player, and other electronics out of your bag and put them in a bin to make it easier for agents to inspect them. It also pays to keep everything on, especially laptops, in case the screener needs you to verify that it’s working. You don’t want to have to wait for things to get booted up.

• Don’t be a smartass

  Joking about having a bomb or gun might seem like a funny way to pass wait times, but doing so will make things very serious very fast. Security will be all over you, as they’re trained to zero in on these words. You’ll even be subject to prison time and/or a fine. Stick to jokes about cattle or sardines instead.

• Be nice

  Screeners are people too, and they’re working to keep you safe. Be polite and cooperative, and you just might have a more pleasant airport security experience. There’s no reason to be a jerk to the people that protect you.

Gearing up for that big trip to Europe? A bachelorette party in Vegas? Or just going down the road to Grandma’s? If you’re planning to stay overnight during your next trip, you’re also probably getting yourself pumped up for that inevitable fight with your suitcase. Packing for any kind of trip can be frustrating, so we’ve assembled a list of 44 easy tips that will save you space and time and help you avoid another packing nightmare.

Clothes

Start thinking ahead of time about what kinds of clothes you’ll need for your trip: going out clothes, beachwear, outfits for fancy occasions, etc. Go shopping if you need to while you still have time!

1. Match up outfits before you start packing. Lay out the clothes you want to pack before setting them in your suitcases. Organizing your clothes by day and occasion will prevent you from forgetting certain items, realizing you brought nothing that matches another clothing item, and forgetting to bring enough appropriate outfits. Evaluating each outfit ahead of time will also save you time once you’re on vacation, since you’ll already have an idea of what you plan to wear each day and night.

    

2. Put the heaviest items in first. Heavier items like wool, corduroy, and denim should be place in your suitcase before other items. They are more wrinkle resistant, so piling the rest of your clothes on top of them won’t matter as much. Jeans, khakis, and heavy tunics are also harder to stuff into your suitcase if you’ve already got it mostly full, unlike tank tops and slinky dresses which can be easily stashed in corners or laid out on the very top layer.

    

3. Use underwear and socks as fillers. Stash your underwear and socks anywhere they’ll fit. They’re great to use as filler space between bulkier clothes to make sure you’re not wasting any space. Also, who cares if your Calvin Kleins are a little wrinkled? Just be sure to count out enough pairs before you start packing…especially if you won’t be able to do laundry at any point during your trip.

    

4. Take clothes that can be worn over and over. If your closet will allow it, try to pack as many clothes that you can wear at least twice without washing. Jeans, denim skirts, and khaki shorts usually withstand a couple of wears, provided you’re not doing any rock climbing or have to stand out in the sun all day. If you limit the amount of heavy clothing items, you can stock up on plenty of layering pieces like tunics, lightweight tees and tanks, and shawls or windbreakers to give lots of variety to your vacation wardrobe.

    

5. Avoid packing easy-to-wrinkle items. Material like linen does not travel well. Unless you plan to do a lot of ironing during your trip, avoid packing linen clothing, and instead opt for similar, cool materials like featherweight cotton, seersucker, or eyelet cottons. You may have to fight some wrinkles, but at least you won’t be spending all your time slaving away a hot iron instead of enjoying your time off.

    

6. Wear only one sweater or jacket the whole trip. If possible, try to pack only one sweater and/or jacket for your whole trip. Unless you’re going to Paris Fashion Week in the winter, you should be able to get away with sporting the same outerwear for a few days. You can jazz up your outfits with different accessories to keep your look from getting too tired out too quickly. You’ll be saving yourself a ton of extra packing space, so you can stock up on more fun items like shoes and shirts. Even better if you decide to wear or carry your jacket on the plane instead of forcing it into your luggage.

    

7. Start rolling. Most experienced packers already understand the significance of rolling your clothes to save major space in your suitcase. Fold each of your shirts in half lengthwise, then start rolling it up from the bottom hem up to the neckline. Do this with as many cotton and casual tops as you can in order to leave space for your dressier items that need to lie flat. Plus, rolled-up clothing items are more likely to fit side by side, allowing you to easily spot your outfits once you’re ready to wear them, instead of having to dig through layers and layers of stacked items.

    

8. Tuck plastic around the top layer. Even if there’s no rain or snow in the forecast, tuck plastic around the final layer of clothing before you zip it closed. Old dry cleaning bags work especially well, and won’t take up any extra space. You’ll need the protective layer to prevent water from seeping in and damaging your clothes.

    

9. Take outfits that you can mix and match. Picking out outfits days or even weeks ahead of time seems like a foolproof way to organize your packing, but it can be problematic. The weather can change suddenly, or even more probably, your mood will alter and you won’t feel like wearing whatever it is you picked out for that day. Pack plenty of mix and match pieces so you’re wardrobe is flexible enough to match your mood. Try shopping at stores like J.Crew or Polo Ralph Lauren, which supply new twists on classy basics.

    

10. Pick day-to-evening outfits. If your trip requires you to constantly change your clothes from one type of event to the next, you’re probably pulling your hair out trying to find a way to fit double (or triple) the amount of clothes into your bag. Instead of packing separate outfits for each occasion, select simple ensembles that transfer easily from day to evening. Stick to neutral shades like black, gray, or even white during the summer. Changing shoes, accessories, and hairstyles will allow you to pack less but still look appropriate, no matter the occasion.

     

11. Bring Ziploc bags for dirty clothes and underwear. To keep your dirty socks and underwear separate from your clean supply, bring a few large Ziploc bags. Store them in a separate pocket of your suitcase so you’ll never wonder which ones you should wear and which you already have.

     

Accessories

To avoid looking the same each day, have fun with your accessories. Stick to one color palette to minimize the amount of extras you bring.

12. Stick to one color palette. To avoid bringing enough accessories to satisfy both black-based and brown-based wardrobes, limit yourself to one color palette. Black belts, bags, shoes, and hair accessories will go with most clothing items. If you simply can’t decide, try going metallic. Silver and gold mix and match more easily than solid blacks and browns.

     

13. Bring one evening bag. Now that you’ve narrowed down your day bag to just one purse, it’s time to do the same for evening. Try a color like off-white or emerald that will go with many outfits but still make your look pop.

     

14. Jewelry: Use a separate bag just for jewelry and place each earring, bracelet, and necklace in its own pocket to avoid tangling. Just as you decided on one color palette with your other accessories, try to stick to either gold or silver-based jewelry. Jewelry is easier to mix and match, but limiting yourself to one general color scheme will keep you from adding to the pile and taking too much.

     

15. Perfume/cologne: It sounds simple, but picking just one perfume or cologne to bring with you on your vacation will save you a lot of trouble. Take another look at your outfits and determine which of your scents best compliments your style, as well as the predicted weather pattern during your stay. (Hint: overly sweet scents are nauseating in extremely warm, humid climates.) Put your bottle into a plastic bag and then slip into a thick ankle sock for added protection. Surround with other stable but soft items to prevent breakage.

     

16. Silk scarves play up repetitive outfits. If you look into your suitcase and all you see is boring shades of black, white, or brown, don’t let the blandness of your vacation wardrobe frustrate you. Toss in a couple of light, easy-to-pack silk scarves to add punch to your look. Brightly colored scarves can work tied around your waist, neck, or even shoulders. The best part? They don’t take up any room in your bag!

     

17. Wrap shoes in plastic. To protect your shoes and your clothes, wrap each shoe in a plastic grocery bag or dry cleaning bag. You’ll keep your clothes cleaner and prevent shoes from scuffing against each other. Pack your shoes anywhere they will fit, alternating between layers of clothing and using socks and underwear as fillers space.

     

18. Minimize swimwear. Bathing suits hardly take up any space at all, but if you get carried away with different cover ups, beach towels, and totes, you’re going to end up taking up way too much room. Minimize your beachwear by throwing in no more than 4 bathing suits and no more than 2 cover ups that can only be used at the beach. If you want more variety, pack a couple of extra tank tops that you can wear on or off the sand.

     

19. Pack a case for your glasses and/or sunglasses. If you’re not going to wear your glasses or sunglasses on the plane or in the car, make sure you pack them in a special case for protection. Your bags are probably stuffed with clothes, shoes, and other odds and ends that could topple on top of your pricey shades and scratch or even break them before you arrive at your final destination. Save yourself the heartache and invest in a simple case like one of these, from the Sunglass Hut.
20. Personal items. Don’t forget to pack your extra special personal items. Whether it’s prescription medicine, sanitary items, or anything else, you may or may not have a chance to restock your depleted supply as fast as you’d hoped. Carry medicine with you on the plane, making sure that the amounts correspond with the strict carry on restrictions.

     

21. Evaluate your lingerie situation. Unless you’re headed on a romantic honeymoon or anniversary trip, you probably don’t need to stuff your suitcase with hoardsof fancy lingerie. If you can’t sleep unless you’re dressed to the nines in a favorite teddy, pack your silk and satin pieces, foregoing other, heavier items like fluffy terry robes and loungewear.

     

22. Make a list of what goes with what. To avoid pulling your hair out trying to decide which shoes are supposed to go with what pants or which tie your wife picked out for your poor, color-blind self, make a list of items as you pack that go together. If you really think you’re going to be confused, delicately pin a tie to its corresponding shirt in an inconspicuous place, or loosely tie a belt around its matching pants.

     

Makeup & Personal Hygiene

Stick to the basics and go mini to avoid overpacking unnecessary items.

23. Use a separate bag or tote. Pack your personal hygiene items — shampoo, deodorant, dental care, shaving items — in a separate bag from your clothes. You’ll reduce the risk of spilling all your gooey products on your clothes and shoes, and it will help you stay organized.

     

24. Buy 2-in-1 Frizz control shampoo and conditioner. 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner will alleviate the burden of lugging around an extra bottle of hair product. Choose a frizz-control kind, like this one from Pantene, to reduce the amount of time and product you’ll have to spend on your hair outside the shower. Most of your frizz fighting battle is won with your shampoo anyway, not with waxes or sprays.

     

25. Go mini. Whoever invented trial size beauty and bath products was a genius. Stock up on mini lotions, shaving creams and gels, toothpaste, loofahs, and more to make packing personal hygiene as easy as possible.

     

26. Only bring product that will shorten your beauty prep time. If your hair is normally wavy but you like to wear it straight, chances are you have to enlist the help of a blow dryer and hair straightener each day. To avoid weighing down your travel totes with unnecessary hair care items, only pack products that eliminate steps in your usual regimen. For instance: try letting your hair go wavy during vacation. Bring a styling mousse that lets you skip the blow dryer and straightener, yet keeps your locks looking luscious.

     

27. Stick to one makeup trend for day and one for night. Think of your makeup as being another accessory. Stick to one trend for daytime and one for nighttime. You’ll save yourself a lot of space if you only bring half your makeup arsenal with you on vacation.

     

28. Go oil-free. Laura Mercier’s stick foundation is heavy enough to cover up bad blemishes but light enough to keep your facefrom breaking out and looking greasy. Traveling can make pimples appear easily, so using a makeup that’s fresh and simple will not only save space in your makeup bag, it’ll help your skin adjust to its new surroundings more smoothly.

     

29. Use the same product for lips, cheeks, and eyes. All-purpose makeup is a traveling girl’s best friend. Use the same product for lips, eyes, and cheeks and watch your beauty prep time be cut in half. You’ll also be able to perform quick touch ups more easily if you’re dealing with one little make up case, instead of a whole trunk full of goodies.

     

30. Stick to the basics. Whatever your morning hygiene and beauty regimen, it’s best to stick to the basics when you’re traveling. There’s no need for a pumice stone or time for an all out wax. Bring moisturizing lotion that’s appropriate for every part of your body, use tweezers to get through your in-between days, and bring disposable razors instead of an electric one, if possible. If you can get away with it, wash your hair every other day to save yourself time and make your trial size shampoo bottles last longer. You don’t want to look like The Ugly American as you make your way down the streets of Paris, but sticking to the basics will make your suitcase lighter and give you more time to enjoy the sights.

     

31. Wrap liquids and gels in plastic. Wrap each liquid and gel product in its own Ziploc or plastic bag. If anything spills, every item that’s packed in the same bag will get sticky as well.

     

32. Double check carry on restrictions. Before you start packing, check the Transportation Security Administration Web site to double check with items you can and cannot bring with you on board the plane. After stocking up on all those trial size items, you won’t want to have to throw them away because they’re not packed in a see-through plastic bag!

     

33. Keep like items together. To keep you better organized, keep like items together in different travel bags. Pack makeup and jewelry together, ties, belts, and bags together, and shower items together. This system is to help you avoid bringing 3 separate bags into the bathroom every time you shave your legs or fix your hair. If your shampoo isn’t packed alongside your bath soap, you’ll be hopelessly confused.

     

Extras

Get organized to avoid getting frustrated.

34. Keep your library at home. There’s a right and a wrong way to do your summer reading. Pack a book and/or a couple of magazines to read while you’re in transit to your vacation destination and to look over during down time, but don’t be tempted to throw in the entire contents of your bookshelf. Select a paperback book to stash in your carry on bag, and if you happen to finish it way ahead of schedule, pass it along to another reader or donate it to the local library in the city you’re staying. Feel free to pick up a new one, but keeping several books in your suitcase will take up unnecessary space and add major weight to your load.

     

35. Stash portables in easy-to-reach pockets. If you have to store your carry on bag in the overhead bin, chances are it’s going to be shoved to the back of a number of other bulky bags, or located somewhere 12 seats ahead of you. To avoid having to go to even more trouble finding your in-flight entertainment, make sure you know exactly where you’ve packed your iPod, reading material, and snacks. Designate a certain bag and specific pockets for all the items you’ll want to reach during the plane ride.

     

36. Invest in an iPod or mp3 player. Schelpping around dozens of CDs in a bulky binder and keeping track of an oversized Walkman or Discman is sooo 10 years ago. If you travel frequently, go ahead and invest in an iPod or mp3 player. They’re not even that expensive anymore, and you’ll save yourself lots of space in your bag, not to mention the frustration of searching for CDs every 30 minutes.

     

37. Sneak in a portable iron. Even though you decided to ditch the linen in the packing process, you may still need an iron. Some fancy hotels provide one for you, but you might want to call ahead to make sure. If they don’t, bring a portable iron that won’t take up much space in your suitcase. Instead of wearing wrinkled clothes during your vacation or business convention, you’ll look and feel crisp, savvy, and professional.

     

38. Small first-aid kit You can never be too prepared. You should also keep a small first-aid kit in your suitcase or carry on (if the contents comply with security regulations) just in case. You might grumble about the extra room it takes up, but as soon as someone slices their finger on an unruly suitcase lock or gets stung by a bee waiting for the ferry, you’ll be glad you have it.

     

39. Snacks As if peanuts could ever fill you up. Now, many airlines are only serving tiny snacks to hungry passengers, no matter how long the flight lasts. Pack some snacks to take along with you to fend off nausea and irritability. You can choose to buy them at the airport, but you’ll be paying a lot more than you would at your local grocery store. Try Nabisco’s 100 calorie snack packs or Nutri-Grain bars to keep you going. You’ll stay satisfied and won’t be as likely to cave in to the greasy fast food during your long layover.

     

40. Save a little room for the presents you’ll bring home! Reserve a little extra space for the goodies you’ll be bringing back after your vacation. If you can, fold up an empty, soft duffel bag that you can fill up just for souvenirs.

     

Things to Buy Once You’re There

Not everything should be packed ahead of time.

41. Laundry soap If you’re going to be able to do laundry wherever it is you’re going, wait until you get there to buy laundry detergent. Liquid soap will undoubtedly spill and ruin your belongings and your luggage, while powdered versions also risk spilling and causing a mess.

     

42. Sunscreen You should never forget to pack the sunscreen before you head out to the beach, but you don’t need to pack it in your suitcase next to all your pretty beachwear. If there’s a beach nearby, practically every store will carry sunscreen, so just wait until you’ve arrived to make the purchase. If you don’t use it all during your stay, leave it with friends or relatives, or just throw it away.

     

43. Kitchen, food and beverage items Perishable items might spoil in your suitcase, or even worse, spill. Wait until you’re at your final destination to buy things for the kitchen, food, and alcohol. Unless you plan on consuming it during your flight, it’s probably best not to bring it at all.

     

44. Anything you’re not sure you’ll need. If you’re not at least pretty certain that you’ll need to bring your own beach towel or other unwieldy items, don’t bother packing them. If you have to shell out a few extra dollars for an item you didn’t know you needed to bring, that extra room in your suitcase will more than make up for it.

     

Packing for a trip shouldn’t take away from the excitement of an upcoming vacation. Start planning your outfits ahead of time to give you enough time to go shopping for anything you might need. Stick to one or two color palettes for clothes, accessories, and makeup, and keep your beauty and body care regimens as simple as possible. And most importantly, don’t forget to pack that extra duffel for presents and souvenirs!