Tip: Pack 2 nights before you leave, not the night before. Work from a list, and check things off as you go.

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 🤩

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!!☺

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.

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.

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!!!

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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!

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!!!

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!

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 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.

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.

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!

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!

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! 💖

Thank you for the great advice, most of them are common sense however some people are rude to everyone they meet.

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.

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

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!

Love all your tips, Laurie. Thank you so much for all your great videos.

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

Thankyou very much Laurie.🙋‍♀️ I appreciate all your time and effort in helping us with travel tips and advice. 🏞🌏 Very helpful!!! God bless you Linda😊

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.

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 😁

I really appreciate your generosity to educate/ inform us on how to organize/do when we travel.

Am watching your videos ,this my second flight, little nerves this time,am packing accordingly to your videos Thier great .Thank you Laurie.

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!

Love your tips! I travel for work and wish everyone would listen to you.

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

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

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

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 give the best tips. I'll re-watch some before we travel to make sure we are well informed. I did have a incident when in San Francisco. I was taken in to another area for security check. I was told that my clothes were to baggy and they had to check to make sure I was safe to fly. It scared the crap out of me. All turned out well.

Again, love the helpful hints. Especially standing in security line. So much has changed since I last flew. Your videos keep me confident

Love your videos and your accent. Greetings from Slovakia

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😊

Mahalo for all the good tips. One airport I always buy water is LAX because Los Angeles uses reclaimed sewage water for drinking water.

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.

I Frickin love you 😀!

U have help me not be overwhelmed I packing for a month!😞😂

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.

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.

If only people would listen to you! The lines would go so much faster!

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.

Hi Laurie as always great tips! I'm leaving Sunday for Punta Cana & my biggest mistake is always over packing! I'm going to try & use your tips & hopefully I'll pack light! Thanks for all the great traveling tips!!

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.

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.

Hey Laurie!! Thanks for the 32 tips. I’m soo ready to travel...now where to go?🤔

You said you're moving your KZfaq 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.👍😊

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!!

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.

I wear Keen’s shoes for travel, and I love them.

👏👏👏👏👏 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!!!

Hi Laurie! I've been traveling the world all my life and appreciate so much your tips! There's always something to learn. I'm headed to Amsterdam next, just a quick trip. The following a couple of weeks later to Hamburg, Germany and Rome! I'll be using some of these.

I’m a flight attendant! We hate the Diet Coke! It takes Forever to pour! Excellent tips! Thank you!

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.

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 Laurie. I found you three days before my flight to Manchester England in December. I found your tips very helpful especially since it was my first time flying internationally. My name is Jane and I'm thankful for your channel. I'll be going to Australia in April, flying out of South Carolina and you have wonderful tips and they are very handy. Thanks!!!

I have a tip that might be helpful. Use a bulldog clip over the razor blade. It works well and does not fall off

There is really no need to speak at all during the Security process, you should be busy listening to their instructions. Smiling is enough.

Great tips Laurie❣️

This is by far the best travel tip channel!! I love it so much

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 thought it was against regulations for the flight attendants to pick up passenger's bags for the overhead compartments

I love all of your videos... thank you so much for the advice 😊

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 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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. 😫😭

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!

I agree! Omg this is definitely very helpful and a nice reminder! I’ll be heading to Belize soon and am soooo excited!!

Thank you for your awesome tips, we're going on a first trip to Europe this fall 2019, and we need all the advice we can find. I'm going to check out all your posts 👍

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.

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.

Hi Laurie, loved your suggestions, I will be traveling to London for 4 days and then on to Scotland in August. Loved your hacks! Very informative and you did not go on and on and on. To the point is what I liked! Keep doing what you're doing!

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.

Tip: Get TSA Pre-Check

I’m a lady and if someone needed help putting their suitcase in the luggage compartment I would help them.

Just found your channel thank you 🙏🏻 for your tips as I am traveling to Bangladesh in a couple of days and I never really thought about some of the stuff you mentioned. So helpful.

Excellent video! Thanks so much Laurie

I already booked my first flight 49 mins 🤦🏾‍♀️😩 idk what I was thinking

Why do I never take my liquids out of my bag

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!!

I hope the thieves are not watching this

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

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.

I love all your videos. I’m going to Syracuse NY from Atlanta. Watching as many as I can.

Laurie, I love your videos!!!!!