Pre-caution I use when I fly....

[readmylips]

When I need to fly to visit relatives, I send my belongings ahead of time by UPS. I pay a couple of dollars and my stuff is delivered to my relative's front door. I do the same returning home. I don't pack anything my family already have; hair blow dryers, etc. If I need anything when I get to my relatives, I buy them and leave them after I use them.

A few times, I've taken nothing but a small carrying case. When I got to my destination, I bought my clothes at a Thrift-store, send it to a same day cleaners, and donated the clothes back to the Thrift store.

I don't buy souvenirs for anybody or for myself. That's a big waste of money and I don't want to carry anything.

When we went to Europe, we donated our American clothes and bought a few things we wanted, and used a carry-on bag.

Today, we mostly travel by RV and we love it.

[impeachthescoundrel]

1. Good ideas

except for one--use FedEx instead of UPS. They are big contributors to the republican party.

[mcscajun]

2. A very interesting idea...

...something to use in future, although I can't see donating my clothes in Ireland next February. Mailing ahead for domestic travel is something I could think about, though.

Of course, nothing is foolproof: I'm reminded of the pre-Christmas fire at a UPS Chicago Area Consolidation Hub that destroyed over 2,000 parcels contained in seven tractor-trailers.

[sui generis]

3. why is that a precaution?

I check everything except my book or laptop if carrying one. I really hate the morons who wheel aboard with a "carry on" bag big enough to fit Ma Cass in it and don't even have enough strength to lift the damn thing over their head. Then they glare at you if you try to put your coat in the overhead. Fucking entitled hyperconsumer republicans.

People from Texas are the absolute worst in the nation (and on the planet) bar none.

[Shopaholic]

4. Great idea-but the package I sent via UPS ended up grounded

for three days in Louisville, KY because of the snow storm!

[readmylips]

8. Pre-caution...

How you ever tried to get your luggage at JFK airport or any large airport? It's a mess. How you ever watched how your luggage is handled? They are handled like a football.

I'd rather pay $10.00 or $15.00 (insured) to FedEx/UPS to deliver my belongings to my family's door step and enjoy a relaxing time. If my belongings are lost, it is much easier to deal with FedEx/UPS than the airlines. I mail my stuff one or two weeks ahead of time, cheaper, and it's already at my relative's home. I mail my stuff back home the day before I leave, and get my delivery a week after I arrive at home. They are things I don't need immediately.

Other things we do: carry our own healthy lunch, take Airport service buses to our destination for a small fee. If we rent a car, to avoid traffic messes at the airport, we use car rental services from a nearby hotel and not at the airport. The hotel picks us up at the airport or back to the airport front door, free.

[Kingshakabobo]

5. My father worked for American Airlines for 35 years

and he NEVER allowed us to check bags.

[roguevalley]

6. DAMN! You're brilliant. I will do this. I HATE LUGGAGE!

[eleny]

7. that's a great idea

just carry on a tiny bag, walk off and keep going to your ground transportation.

we're rv'ers, too. :hi: nice to be able to do that.

[CrispyQ]

9. I suggested this to my boss a couple of years ago . . .

She tried it & after the second time gave me a very nice bonus ($250!). Our corporation had a great deal with FedEx & considering the cost of her time, it was worth every dollar.