Delayed Flights: 15 Packing Tips to Do When Traveling

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Tap here for more travel tip videos and here is Amazon Specials for Prime Day: bit.ly/TravelAmazonPrimeDay Tips for an ultimate packing list: bit.ly/VideoPackingList 2. bit.ly/OutfitsNOTWearinPlane 3. Do not get pickpocketed by following these tips: bit.ly/AntiTheftGadgets 4.Get more space for your carry-on: bit.ly/AirplaneOverheadBinSpace Hotel Room Freebie ~ download from my blog: traveltipsbylaurie.com/?page_id=31 My vacation shirt: bit.ly/2YJUo4i My black suitcase: bit.ly/3Uidera My pink suitcase: bit.ly/442yZRl Blue suitcase: bit.ly/3yuNqz4 Light gray backpack version 15.6: bit.ly/3gddd9o Compression packing cubes: bit.ly/3EdPzBv Sandals: old Steve Madden Electronic cord case: bit.ly/3NGbOop Pink FLY pouch: bit.ly/3LfDaAJ Stamp collector shirt: bit.ly/MyTravelShirts Charger for phone: bit.ly/3hqoYKu (check if fits your phone) Blue white striped shirt: bit.ly/3NnIYe6 Coral jeans: old Loft

[@kimelizsabeth]

What was the brand of compression socks you suggested? I missed it but am interested.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

@@kimelizsabeth Hi, they are Dr. Scholls. They look like business socks, but I bought mine on Amazon 4 years ago lol.

[@kathryncashner3294]

Don't hesitate to ask for what you want. For instance, I was on a flight home from visiting my adult daughter. We were supposed to have a 30 minute stop with no plane change, then a plane change in Denver. We arrived for our "short stop" and were told to get off the plane as we would have at least a 3 hour delay due to weather in Denver. This, of course, meant that I'd miss my connecting flight and have n way to get home till the next day. I realized that the airline personnel were scrambling and trying to find a way for me to get home or find a hotel for the night, but I asked if they could send me back to my origin city and rebook the whole thing for a day or two later...whatever would work on their schedule. I had nothing that I had to be back for and my daughter wouldn't mind mom for a couple more days. The computer "wouldn't allow" this, but they called a supervisor who was able to get it thru. It worked for me (no sleeping on an airport floor), and for them because I was happy to wait a couple days till the crazy rebooking settled down. They even gave me a credit voucher for "being so nice about everything."

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh that is great you could change. They can be wizards with the technology!

[@jenharvey3397]

Being nice never hurts, and if they have, for example, a single seat open on another flight, who are they going to give it to? The person who is kind and polite and says "I know this is absolutely not your fault, but if there is another option..." Or the person who is yelling and swearing at them, who do you think they'll give the seat to? Besides, it's just good karma to be nice to everybody!

[@annettefertitta6868]

Great idea!

[@WiseFamin]

I love this tip! When a flight delay happens (especially when dealing with weather), most people are looking for new ways to get to their destination, but few people think to look for a flight back to their original destination! If it's something you can do (I'm looking at you college students going home for the summer!), it's a great idea, especially if the weather is good at your starting destination but bad wherever you're going!

[@HemlockDreams]

1. The gate person is NOT responsible for the flight being delayed, so don't snap at them. I got on a StandBy only flight, at Chicago O'Hara, because I sympathized with the agent, told her I was so sorry her day was sucking SO badly and I offered her a hug. Everyone's job is to prevent your plane from hitting the ground at 600 miles per hour due to things like bad weather. 2. Don't be the jerk who starts dropping multiple bags in the overhead bins, as they make their way to their seat. Only TWO bags folks - One under the seat and ONLY one in the overhead. If you can sneak on a fanny pack, be my guest. 3. Sit in the seat you were assigned and don't make me physically remove you or your carry-on from the seat I paid for. This will cause not only tension on the whole plane, possible delaying takeoff and you being removed from the plane. Civility Starts with YOU

[@jenharvey3397]

I could not agree more! Manners seems to have become an obsolete concept, and that does not enhance the travel experience for anyone involved. Working as a flight attendant or gate agent is a very stressful job, smiling and being polite and kind will get you a lot further. IMHO, anyone who takes up more than their share of space in the overhead bin or takes over the floor space of the passenger next to them should get one warning only, then be put on the airline's no fly list. Also, flight attendants are there for your safety, it is not their job to lift your roller bag into the overhead bin. If they have to lift 50 passenger bags per flight, 3 or 4 times a day, can you imagine how long it will be before they end up on disability leave? Yes, some people are not physically able to lift their own bag. That's fine, gate check your carry on bag instead. By the same token, do not pay for the cheapest seat possible, then try to either emotionally blackmail or downright bully somebody who paid extra into giving up their seat to you. Paid to book your child a premium seat but cheaped out on your own, counting on being able to force someone else to give up their premium seat "so you and your child are not separated"? I'm going to tell you to offer to exchange your child's premium seat with the base economy seat beside the one you ended up with. It is really not all that difficult to not be a total jerk!!!

[@kathleenbrown3180]

@@jenharvey3397 AGREE!!!!! In fact, during one of my delays, we bought the gate agents a snack. People were biting their heads off left and right and like you all said, DELAYS ARE NOT THEIR FAULT!!!

[@shellykzookzoo5922]

I gave the gate attendants a big bag of chocolates as a winter storm was approaching and they had to deal with lots of crabby people. They were so surprised! They then kept me updated on flight status and boarding. Thankfully the storm hit shortly after our flight took off so everything went well minus some turbulence on the flight.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

so true

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

I agree with you in general, but about #2, be aware that most (or maybe all, not sure) airlines (all airlines that have flights into, out of, or within the U.S., and I'm sure other foreign airlines, too) have an "exempt items" list that don't count against carryon allowance, so people are allowed to bring those things on in addition to their normal carryon allowance. My bag of medical stuff, as well as my wheelchair motor and wheelchair cupholder, go in the overhead bin, in addition to any carryon bag I might have with me; my wheelchair cushion used to go in the overhead as well, until I got a foot swing that allows me to sit on my cushion in my plane seat. I still try to put them in the overhead as compactly as possible, but it all takes up a lot more space than just a single carryon - nothing I can do about it.

[@Bozoette]

We travelled from Philly to Newark by train to get a direct flight to Shannon airport in Ireland. After several delays, our 11:15 flight was cancelled at 3:00 am. Several other flights had been cancelled, so the line for customer service had hundreds of people in it. I used the airline app to try and rebook, but there no flights that would have gotten us there in time to start our tour. I then remembered that a different airline (Aer Lingus) had a hub in Boston, so I cancelled our booking for a full refund, then booked flights to Shannon out of Boston for the next afternoon. By this time it was 5:00 am. We collected our bags, got a cab to the Newark Amtrak station, took an early train to Boston, got a cab to Logan Airport, and caught our new flight to Shannon in plenty of time to check into our hotel, take a shower and nap, and start our tour. On the way back, we booked a short flight from Boston to Philly. We paid a bit more for this solution, but it was worth. I am so glad I paid for fully refundable tickets!

[@vickidills6522]

Here are my tips 1-choose a non stop flight, if available, over a connecting flight. Less flights=less mishaps 2-fly earlier in day during summer as afternoon thunderstorms create delays. If you have to travel late in the day, avoid the last flight of the day. If it's cancelled, you're stuck overnight. 3-If you do have a connection, pay extra for preferred seating in the front of the aircraft. Minutes matter when deplaning and getting to the next gate. It can take 15+ more minutes to deplane from the back of a large plane than from the first few rows. It's worth the extra money to not be stressed. 4-take snacks and a refillable water bottle. 5-review your credit card or auto club membership for travel delay/cancellation coverage.

[@lisalu910]

Definitely 1, 2, and 3! I'm okay with buying snacks and drinks at the airport rather than haul them along (I'm skeevy about drinking tap water at the airport, I've gotta have bottled but that's just me.) Fortunately our cancelation on Delta yesterday was automatically refundable, and I didn't even pay extra for the refundable fare. Not sure how that works, but it turned out okay. (Even if I had gotten an e credit, I would have used it to book another flight.)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes! I cannot believe I did not share tip 1.

[@bethiebigs550]

Yes! Those afternoon thunderstorms have done us in twice now! Once a 6-hr delay and the next time a 2-hr which we chose to go back to my daughter’s and missed the flight! Oops!

[@robinps52]

Brilliant! Whenever possible I definitely follow tips 1-3 if only to save my sanity. And I got an airline credit card which has the insurance so that will be helpful. Thanks for pointing these tips out!

[@shellykzookzoo5922]

Also if connecting, study the layout of the airport so you can navigate it quickly once off the plane. I have become very good at navigating through Atlanta’s airport and not missing connections just from studying the map ahead of time so I know where my next gate is. I don’t run through an airport but I move quickly and at a good pace so usually even sitting in the back of the plane, I can catch up once off the plane.

[@jaygeecee13]

Great video, Laurie! I'd like to add that if you take meds, pack at least 4 days extra of each med. And check with your pharmacy or fulfillment mail order pharmacy how you can get extra emergency meds if you were to run out due to delays.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Great tip!

[@sarahwebber7384]

Yup, I have had to do that. I always carry extra of all my meds including my injected meds.

[@sha.elaine]

As someone who loves to travel, but is very anxious until my plane is actually taking off...I appreciate all the 'just in case' precautions. For me it allows me to not worry about at least a few things!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh good; glad they helped.

[@bethiebigs550]

We learned the hard way that just because your flight has posted a 2-hr delay before you got to the airport, you still need to go at your regular time! We went back and stayed longer with my daughter which a mom always loves, but then when we were in a super-long security line in SLC, the airline texted that our flight was departing 20 min from that time! Even after running, which I don’t usually do, we missed the flight! It’s also the one time we checked bags! Southwest was very accommodating, maybe because I was still bawling my eyes out from leaving my daughter as well as the stress of being so late and running through their huge airport, and they got us on the next/last flight out of the night. Our bags came in waves. 2 got on the new flight but 1 was left behind and came in almost 2 hours later. They ended up giving me a travel voucher for my patience and being nice! I guess many people are rude! All in all, lesson learned!

[@Shakashack2022]

Love your video’s sweet chime intro, straight to business. Funny abt the vest… I had one; used my thin-layer long sleeve to thread through vest’s arm holes to tie around my waist. Then on airplane, used the vest as lower-back pillow & wore the long sleeve when chilly. 👍🏼

[@jenharvey3397]

I understand your aversion to vests for flying, Laurie, but I always wear my 15 pocket travel vest for flying, or for other forms of public transport while on trips. It is made of safari type cloth, so it's not like it's wool or something, and it is like an extra carry on I don't have to pay for. It's sure harder for someone to steal my passport if it is zipped into an inside pocket of a zipped up vest than it would be if it was in a purse by my feet while I was fast asleep.

[@meganmorris6155]

Priority Pass - that’s the credit card benefit that you were looking for. Minute suites are typically included with it, as well as lounge access. As someone who travels internationally at least a dozen times a year, it’s a no brainer for me to have these perks. It comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum card as well as a few others.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

YES! That is what I was trying to think of duh. Yay! Now I will sleep better tonight lol. Hope your flights are all on time this month!

[@acatismansbestfriend5719]

And Capitol One VentureX comes with Priority Pass as well.

[@chelsabrinkman417]

Venture X does have Priority Pass, but it recently dropped the Minute Suites benefit.

[@angelrosee73]

Definitely definitely pay the little extra for trip interruption insurance! Allianz was fantastic to work with, refunded ALL of our expenses due to a cancelled flight last month - no questions asked with valid receipts& documentation

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That is wonderful to know.

[@maryhuiatt8518]

Thank you for this info. We’ve been using Allianz but have never had a claim so we weren’t sure about them. Great to hear this!

[@DrineThePoet]

Great tip thank you❤

[@ritasnellgrove6343]

We have bought trip insurance thru Allainz several times. Filed a claim for the first time this spring for a medical reimbursement. They have requested additional information twice. We've sent all info requested. Still waiting to know the outcome. Thought it would be quicker. Hoping to be reimbursed. It's a rather small amount. If declined we will have to find another company. Just not sure what the delay is. Just fyi

[@lisalu910]

Laurie, maybe do a video about flying with mobility issues. After my husband broke his leg badly a couple of months ago, he has joined the ranks of those with mobility issues (thankfully, in his case it is temporary, but I know for a lot of folks it is a way of life for them.) Yesterday we got to experience first hand what it is like to maneuver through the world's busiest airport when you can't walk and it was an eye opener. One example is that on the Plane Train an announcement informed us that the elevators for the stop at Baggage Claim were shut down, so we'd need to get off one stop sooner if we needed elevator access. That was the kind of thing that would have gone right over my head in the past!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh no! Yes, now I do have this one that may be available in your airport. It is amazing-TSA officer is on here too: bit.ly/DisabilityTSALine

[@lisalu910]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Great, thanks! We did go through a special TSA line yesterday for people who had special needs, and I do have to say the TSA agents were very understanding and respectful of each person's individual issues.

[@shellykzookzoo5922]

I flew with my 86 yr old mom who can’t walk long distances. Ask ahead of time by calling the airline or even when you check in. They will assign a person to you and you will be navigated the whole trip, plane to plane and through security and customs. It made the trip so much easier! We flew through security and customs so fast I could hardly keep up and it still is a complete blur to me. The help was so appreciated and my mom was able to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

[@samantha-pm1ks]

Not only physical but emotional issues can get assistance. The airport and airlines were very helpful to my daughter who had to fly with 2 small children just after her husband died, including allowing me to accompany her to the gate without a boarding pass.

[@moniquevann9950]

Always pack your patience and be kind ❤️

[@joygouge236]

Another reason to pack snacks. If your flight is canceled late at night. The restaurants may not be open. I was stuck at the Charlotte airport last year. Absolutely nothing was open.

[@jenharvey3397]

Another reason to always have snacks, as well as single serve packets of coffee and other beverages. Also, I recommend putting one of those tiny military can openers in your wallet, just in case nothing else is available and you get some tinned soup or something similar at a 7-11 - you'll need a way to open that!

[@lorenadugan6355]

We arrive two hours early for domestic flights (MCO). We have lunch or breakie at a restaurant. Our luggage has always made it. We include the important stuff in a pouch in our carryOn.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Aweome news!

[@toddgoodwater8031]

I was stuck in the weather madness too. Took two extra days to get home. I never check a bag unless I have to. I use all your tips.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Good stuff!

[@chelsabrinkman417]

Pack extra money. American delayed our first class flight by two days. Once we were able to take off, we were forced into economy and charged extra for an exit row seat and two bags after already paying for a first class fare. After going round and round with customer service, they offered 5,000 measly miles as a consolation. My husband is 6’6”/300 lbs, so he books first class for that reason. We’re not entitled people by any stretch, but being nickeled and dimed after already paying for the highest fare was no fun. So definitely plan to have extra money!

[@labtechsuperstar]

I never book through 3rd party travel sites anymore. It's just easier to deal with the airline (and hotels) direct. I have been in your shoes regarding delays. It's not fun, but looking back, the delays were never very severe.

[@TeamKipp]

Curious to know if booking through your credit card companies travel portal for your airline tickets is considered a third-party, such as capital one venture X credit card. Does anyone know this?

[@labtechsuperstar]

@@TeamKipp Yes, it is considered 3rd party.

[@marianufkes7367]

We always try to eat at our favorite restaurant on the way to the airport and eat a full meal. We bring snacks as well. We save money and have food in case we are delayed and feel we have started the trip when we get to the restaurant

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ahhh sounds great!

[@SuziPoozi]

ALWAYS bring snacks and water!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

True! Great minds think alike.

[@pamw8102]

Always great advice! 💕 I do screen shots of all my important documents (plane ticket, hotel info, etc) then make a new album folder in photos (iphone) just for that trip. Then you can delete the whole folder after the trip is over. Recently, we paid in advance for our Disneyland hotel reservations, direct thru Disney, then hours later wanted the insurance and were told it was too late. So if you want insurance be sure and ask about it beforehand.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for those tips!

[@ztouma]

I love your videos. I don’t travel much but when I do I binge watch your videos.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I am so glad they may help you one day!

[@OkieJammer2736]

A POSITIVE STORY: 😃 JUST got back yesterday from an 18 day trip to 7 countries, rental car and 5 different flights. A big family blow-out with three just-graduated-college grandkids. We were SO FORTUNATE. All of our flights were on-schedule (DELTA, KLM and LUFTHANSA). However, our tight connection coming home caused us to RUN TO THE GATE, our forwarded bags stayed in Amsterdam, but we're told they will arrive soon and be delivered to our house. Exhausted? HA! .. Comfortable? NO. .. Airplane food? 🤥 NOT GOOD. .. Memories made for a Lifetime? ABSOBLOOMINLUTELY!😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh I’m so glad! I bet the college kids just rolled with it. I’m so happy for y’all

[@deedeemeares-elliott5859]

I have learned that if there isn’t at least 3 hours between connecting flights, either my checked bag or me self won’t make it in time. Between TSA screening and Customs and changing concourses, and delays from the beginning flight, it can be nerve racking. I’ll take an extra hour or 2 in an airport anyway if it means my luggage and me self can get on the connecting flight without time drama. We would prefer straight thru flights but when traveling to Europe, can’t always make that work.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That is true.

[@kathimazzone3233]

After boarding a flight from Montgomery, Alabama to Atlanta, we were told our plane had a bird strike, and they were trying to fix the nose cone. 45 minutes later they had us get off the plane because they needed to get a replacement part and it had to be flown in from Atlanta. They anticipated a three hour additional delay. My tip is to stay in the gate area or close by and keep tabs on your airline app. After an hour, they started boarding the plane again because they were able to fix it before the part arrived. So many people were not available to get on the plane because they left the area. Some people even rented a car to drive to Atlanta. Thanks for all the great tips and advice on your videos. I really enjoy them and learn a few things.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh wow! Yes we did that from Birmingham when we diverted there otw to Atlanta. Crazy!

[@shellykzookzoo5922]

I usually look up alternative flights ahead of time. Then if a flight gets canceled or delayed, I can make change suggestions that work with my plans rather than be at the airline’s mercy for changes. Prior to going to Australia, my flight was cancelled and the airline tried to put me on a flight two days later which would make me lose 3 precious days with family in Australia! I was able to call the airline and explain what choices I saw from their site and get on a different flight the same day but with a connection and only losing a few hours rather than days in Australia. Knowledge is power. When you fly to Australia you lose a day in flight so leaving 2 days later would have ruined my trip. I had flight insurance through IMG and it had an easy to navigate web site in case I needed to file a claim and numbers to call. I also was able to locate a covered provider in the area I was going to prior to my trip. I have friends that have used other travel insurance companies but some won’t cover you if you are older. It is good to shop around for travel insurance and know just what is and is not covered. I also discovered calling during the airlines busy times has long waits on the phone but calling during their off hours got me through to a person quickly.

[@JC-sf2qm]

Lauri ... I so need this .. flying 7/20/23 from Florida to Vancouver with a 35 minute layover in Seattle... I know that I am not going to make it! I am taking an extra packing cube of clothes in my personal item bag but all I can think of is packing enough food to get me through the travel day.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi and yay! No humidity! If they park beside each other...there's a chance.

[@Shakashack2022]

Seattle… if you haven’t experienced this busy airport before, note you may need to jump on the airport train for the next gate. How to know in advance if you need the train, idk, but be aware of that. Easy, just need to pay attn to signs & the train stop for your gate.

[@JC-sf2qm]

@Shakashack2022 ...Thanks for the heads-up... I will be sure to ask about Seattle when I board in Atlanta!!!

[@lorids1969]

I was once on the same exact plane at the same exact gate and the same exact seat..I didn’t tell anyone in case it was bad mojo 😂

[@21majc]

Spot on as always Laurie! Every single flight that we’ve been scheduled in over the last couple of years has been rescheduled. We’ve also experienced lots of flight delays and loss of flight snack/meal service. I’ve been packing protein and granola bars and sometimes wished I’d packed more when delays push us into when the airport restaurants are closed. I need to save more for the flight home.

[@neresq]

Priority Pass. So many people have it now that the lounges have been very crowded of late.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh the lounges can be awful!

[@jenharvey3397]

Great video Laurie, it seems somehow more exciting to watch this in real time :-) This one is important for me, because I will be flying 4,000 km to visit my mother this fall and there is no direct flight from my area, so there will be at least 2 flights with a changearound at a smaller airport. Even if both flights are on time (pretty much unheard of these days for Canadian airlines!!) there will be at least a few hours between flights. With my blood sugar issues, I always travel with plenty of food, as well as 2 contigo bottles (1 for cold water, one for hot) and various drink/soup powders. I don't tend to do screen entertainment when I travel, but I am perfectly happy to read for hours on end. I also bring a small travel toiletry kit, separate from my usual travel kit, specifically for being stuck at airports, etc.

[@Shakashack2022]

Do you go to a restaurant, obviously past security check, to ask for a hot-water fill for your thermos? If yes, do they charge? Thanks, & great tips!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I had not researched and did not know I could watch with everyone and comment! I will try it another day though. Plan for the worst and expect the best? Wait, that's not it lol.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

They usually do not charge.

[@jenharvey3397]

@@Shakashack2022 I always ask at a restaurant, usually they do not charge. If they don't charge, I always tip, if they do charge, I don't (because I don't think it's reasonable for them to make me pay for water!)

[@TeacherKellyTag]

Great tips. I was on a train that got delayed and the food truck was closed. I was STARVING. Good tips about the book too.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ooh yummy food truck food! Where were you going?

[@chriscotter7306]

I try to book an early morning flight before storms have a chance to start building up in the heat of the day.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes yes especially in the summer...unless it's Chicago.

[@rhondaf2214]

Each one of these tips is important. I especially liked the info regarding the"behind the scenes" reasons that may be the cause of some delays. Thank you so much for your important and interesting channel!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I am so glad you watched!

[@michellnav]

My husband flies out of Denver every Monday for work. His flights have been canceled 3 times now in the last 6 weeks. It messes up his whole week but thankfully he can just return home to work in his home office. But it's still a pain.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I would be so frustrated too.

[@akaPugMom]

I’m someone who travels with Xanax for emergency panic attacks. One time in Hawaii, my purse was stolen, with my Rx inside. Although Hawaii is part of the U.S., they would not allow me to get a refill…because I didn’t have my I.D. With a little workaround 😉 at the doctor’s office, it all worked out in the end, but I now keep photos of I.D., travel docs, and suitcases on my and my husband’s phones to possibly help in true emergencies like this turned out to be.

[@sarahwebber7384]

I am a type 2 diabetic and shop the little stores in the concourse. I can find all kinds of diabetic/keto compliant food.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yay they have come a long way!

[@sarahwebber7384]

I only have lay overs at DFW. I don't know about other airports.

[@WiseFamin]

I've been traveling by plane for most of my life, but my most difficult cancellations happened when I was a student. Partly that was because I had no money and partly that was because I just didn't know then what I know now! In college, I would have to move out of the dorms and fly home at the end of the semester. As is the case with most college students, I had no money left at the end of the semester, and because of finals, I hadn't eaten or slept well in days. I thought to myself: I just have to get through these two flights home and then I can eat my mom's cooking and sleep in my own bed! What I hadn't thought of was that my connecting flight would get canceled at ORD due to bad weather in Chicago, and I would be stuck there with no food, no warm clothes (ORD was 30 degrees colder than my college town), no credit card, and only $5 in cash in my pocket. The flight attendants were amazing--they really tried their best to rebook me, but there's not much you can do when your whole airport shuts down! Eventually one took pity on me and gave me a food voucher to use at the airport cafeteria (the only thing still open), but the voucher didn't cover tax, so that's where the last of my money went! I spent 18 hours freezing in that airport and finally got home two days late. What I SHOULD have done was run and booked a hotel as soon as my original flight was delayed, which is what all the smart business travelers did! Within three hours of the airport shutting down, all the hotels within 60 miles had sold out and taxis started charging surcharges. Now, I'm older and wiser...and a little better prepared when I fly! If you have to have a layover (nonstop is best when weather is bad), scout out hotels near your airport in case your flight gets canceled. And always have some cash and a sweater with you! And if you're a poor college student, it doesn't hurt to have phone numbers of friends who live nearby and would be willing to let you sleep on their couch for a night!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes! Oh what tips we learned during college. Our only leaves in 3 weeks!

[@christinahardesty9160]

My mom and I had a 2 hour delay on our 2nd leg of travel on the way to Puerto Rico. The plane had to get refueled and then additional luggage had to be added to the cargo hold before we could taxi away from the gate. We got to our hotel at 3am. On the way home from the trip, our luggage and carry on items had to go through an agricultural check point before the gate agent could check our bags. It got me wondering as to what kinds of souvenirs can’t be brought back from other countries while traveling internationally. My mom wanted to bring back a coconut from the beach, but I wasn’t sure if we were allowed to bring it back so we left it there.

[@misscarmen491]

Great tips! Arriving early and bringing snacks are essential. We travel with grandchildren so being able to get the wiggles out right before boarding really helps. Also, thank you for tip on contacting TSA via Facebook. They answered my question about bringing small (size of coffee cup), personal air filter carry on. Answer was yes as it is processed as personal fan. They noted however, that if security alert was high on day of flight, they may ask for it to be checked. Really appreciate all your videos. Thank you so much!! 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Super! Way to go.

[@fionafrazer8820]

All of these tips are so good - as usual! Once again , the anxiety that all of these scenarios cause is making me long for the days when air travel was exciting and special (way before your time!). I'm feeling more and more that travel is becoming such a nightmare - wish we could all be transported magically to where we want to go!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Just being prepared can help. It's like becoming an adult-couldn't wait to get older but with all that knowledge comes the not-so-fun of knowing what could happen.

[@jaygeecee13]

I feel that way, too. It paralyzes me! And because of the pandemic, all that time has passed since my last flight, making it all seem especially hard.

[@kenbrown2808]

I read a tip years ago that while booking through a third party website may get you a cheaper ticket price, the travel company (airline, hotel, etc) knows who booked directly and who went through a discounter - and will be biased in favor of those who booked directly. I've had only two delay situations - in one case, it was due to mechanical issues, and the planes just weren't available. in the other, the plane reported a problem with a windshield on arrival, and the airline preemptively rebooked us to avoid the possibility we would miss our connecting flight - with the net result that we were on a direct flight, and arrived 45 minutes early. I do habitually have a granola bar or something like it in my jacket, and I think I'm going to start a policy of having our electronics and Mrs K's medications in the same bag, so it can't be checked. I may have to think about an underseat bag for that. I also like to load up my kindle as if I'll be offline for the entire vacation, so that isn't an issue, and I still use dedicated cameras, so I'm not burning phone battery.

[@lisalu910]

I never, never, never book through third parties. Not just flights, but hotels and rental cars. I've done it enough times to have learned my lesson but GOOD.

[@shellykzookzoo5922]

I find by booking through the airline I usually get the same prices and more options in case changes have to be made.

[@prairiemakeup8453]

I know I’ll get flack for this but I would discourage snacks with peanuts and/or peanuts and peanut butter. The smell of pb alone is enough to cause an allergic reaction and being 30000 feet in the air is not the best place for that to happen. For the few hours in the air I would encourage people to bring different snacks or even try the pea based butter that tastes very similar to pb.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I hear ya-thanks for the reminder.

[@jenharvey3397]

Yes, although I enjoy nuts myself, I never bring them or peanut butter for flights. I have never heard of anyone being allergic to tahini though, so that can make a great substitute.

[@prairiemakeup8453]

@@jenharvey3397 What a fabulous suggestion!

[@jaygeecee13]

Isn't that true for any nut butter? I'm not allergic, but I no longer bring nut using snacks on flights because of friends and relatives who have educated me. Cheeses, like string cheese or baby.bells travel well and Trader Joe's has many nut-free snacks that are great. Even turkey sandwiches can travel.well.

[@prairiemakeup8453]

@@jaygeecee13 Peanuts and especially peanut butter are highly scented, and pb is very sticky, which makes them more dangerous, imo. My daughter is highly allergic and for a few hours I hope people can refrain from eating nuts if all kinds. Yes, I know that she has to be prepared for anything and she is, but like I mentioned previously, 30000 isn’t the greatest place for a life threatening allergic reaction. String cheese is a great option!

[@patriciadiaz5622]

Oh my gosh what a great video! I remember those awful storm delays & cancellations when I worked in Res and as a crew scheduler 😭😭😭😭 thanks for explaining things that most travelers don’t understand about airlines !!!! Please don’t take out your anger on airline employees or crew!😞crazy busy year for air travel! 😳

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@kristinshaw1555]

Laurie, please be a tour guide on my next trip. I love your down to earth honesty. Keep it real.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It would be so fun but way too much work lol.

[@kathleenbrown3180]

Thanks for this video! OMG this has been the summer of DELAYS for me. I had a flight that was 9 HOURS DELAYED...was supposed to leave at 3:20pm. The flight took off at 1am THE NEXT DAY!!!!!!! Then when returning from DC, there was a ground stop, flight was 3 hours delayed.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oy! So frustrating

[@sally3570]

Thanks Laurie!

[@jenharvey3397]

I'd like to offer a few suggestions for high food value snacks that will sustain you if there is a lengthy unplanned delay - there's nothing like trying to cope with flagging blood sugar as well as delays and you can't always count on being able to access food on the plane or in the airport. (And for the love of everything cute and cuddly, do NOT try to force your better prepared seat mate to share the food they packed, they packed their own because they needed it and did NOT bring enough for the whole class!! Yes, I am speaking from experience, someone once accused me loudly of "trying to murder her child" because I would not give the girl my own lunch!) The gold standard, IMHO, is New Millenium bars, which are essentially lifeboat rations in a more convenient form factor. Any other lifeboat ration type of bars work too, as do RX bars. Freeze dried cheese is a great snack with the mouth feel of a cracker, but with high protein that sustains you for a long time. IMHO, Moon Cheese is the most delicious, but Trader Joes Cheddar Bites are good too, especially when paired with dried nori seaweed. Any type of jerky is also a good protein source. You can get shelf stable cheese and summer sausage sticks (I always buy a couple of Hickory Farms gift baskets when they are marked down at those holiday popup stores in malls after Christmas, they make great travel snacks and power outage meals.) These can be nice paired with "oloves", which are tiny packets of maybe half a dozen or so olives packed without any liquid, specifically for air travel. Whole grain crackers are good with pate, and if you want to treat yourself, you can usually find delis that sell tiny tins of pate that fall within the airline's liquid restrictions (pack it in your liquids bag prior to going through security). Just make sure you bring a dull wood or plastic knife to spread it, if you bring a metal one, airport security will confiscate it. Something I recently became aware of is "Flocks" chicken skins - about the size of a single serving bag of chips, it is deep fried dry chicken skins that taste like richer chips (like those pork rinds chips, but chicken). While I don't normally shop there, for longer flights I will sometimes treat myself to a box of "protein bites" at Whole Foods. They are costly, as each bag only has 6 and they are small, about standard marble size. Delicious and sustaining though. Also, please be mindful of other passengers and avoid stinky food! While I enjoy nut mixes, I never bring nuts on a plane, you don't know if someone else has an allergy and, from what I understand, nut allergies can be almost instantly fatal. You wouldn't want to be responsible for that!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh wow, I cannot wait to try Flocks!

[@shellykzookzoo5922]

I have been on a flight where nut products were checked and not allowed on the plane due to a passenger’s nut allergy. I have since developed a nut allergy but mostly my eyelids swell and I get really itchy. I just make sure to have my allergy supplies and EpiPens in reach for just in case and wipe down my table and seat when boarding. Thankfully many airlines have gone to nut free snacks.

[@kimberlyann1029]

I don't eat from 7PM until about 11AM, so if I have to miss a meal or 2, my body adapts. I don't eat the airplane snacks because they're crap anyway.

[@shellykzookzoo5922]

@@kimberlyann1029 Qantas had really good snacks! All Australian products. They also had a “snack bar” in the back of the plane for passengers. The toasties were especially nice (mini grilled cheese).

[@sara42269]

I love your videos and your personality! God bless you and your Husband always 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You are so kind

[@akaPugMom]

Just two weekends ago, we boarded our connecting flight at Chicago O’Hare and it was sweltering in there. We were told that the A/C something-or-other broke on the last flight and they were trying to fix it. Tech after tech came into (and left) the cockpit while the entire plane of passengers and crew (including crying kids) were pouring down sweating. They FINALLY deplane and tell us it’ll just be awhile until they get it fixed and we’ll be on our way. Hour by hour sitting in the airport, being told it’s just delayed a bit longer, finally turned into a cancellation. At this point we should have already arrived on the east coast and there are no more planes departing for the night. My husband and I are very calm and understanding but it was a huge let down for sure. We got to see everyone again in the morning as they had booked a brand new flight just for us. We made it safe and sound with some new travel stories.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

So many disappointments this summer.

[@donnaharris8722]

I am going on a western tour in September. We are flying out of Atlanta to Salt Lake City. Planning is half the fun. Thanks for your great advice.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ooh, beautiful time to be there! I'm a Georgia girl.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

SLC will be gorgeous - the leaves will be turning and everything!! The weather can be nice and warm or pretty chilly in that region that time of year (with it generally colder the later in September it gets), so definitely make sure to dress for the weather and whatever activities you'll be doing - the lack of humidity (SLC airport is 3200ft higher than ATL, so definitely watch out for signs of altitude sickness) causes the temperature to drop pretty significantly as the sun goes down, so be prepared for evenings and mornings (particularly mornings) to be significantly cooler, and potentially even chilly (even right now, in the hottest part of the summer, the high and low there are an average of 25-35 degrees apart, with the current forecast looking like an average of a 20-30 degree difference in September, though the difference in actual feel can definitely be more than that, especially as temps go down in the fall) - the rock and pavement hold a fair amount of heat for a while if it was a sunny day, but the air not so much because of the lack of humidity. Just some tips from someone who lives in the central American Rockies (only 5 hours from SLC, so I've been through there at all different times of year).

[@donnaharris8722]

@@SnowySpiritRuby thank you for your advice. We are going to Yellowstone, Tetons, Jackson Hole, Virginia City, Whitefish Montana for2 nights, Glacier National Park, and flying out of Spokane. I have been on a Rhine and Danube River cruise in March, so I am well outfitted for cool weather, even though I live in Hot Alabama.

[@debbieworth7865]

You are so right, planning is half the fun. Write out what you want to do, check days and times certain things are open. Think London, Abbey, Kensington Palace, tower of London, making up the schedule, buying tickets in advance, counting down the days, deciding what to wear, shopping for the toiletry items, packing, repacking, getting money changed , goodness I'm ready to go now!!!!!!😊

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

​@@donnaharris8722 Ah, so you'll be within 3 hours of where I live - Tetons and Jackson are a day trip for me. The higher you go, the colder it gets, so be prepared for it to be cold at night (when we tent camped in Yellowstone, it was July, yet I still wore sweatshirt, sweatpants, wool socks, and a hat to bed because it was so cold), and potentially chilly at times even during the day (especially the later you get in September), at those higher elevations (Tetons, Jackson, Yellowstone for sure, haven't been to the other places so not entirely sure what they're like elevation- or weather-wise, but I'm guessing probably similar). Have you seen Laurie's video about going to CO in the warmer months (she made 2 CO videos - the newer one was Breckenridge, the older one was during a warmer part of the year)? That would be a good guide for the kind of weather to expect, though with WY being further north, it might be a little colder in that region than in CO, but probably not by much - elevation is more of a factor than latitude in this case. You'll definitely see fall colors, especially in CO, UT, and southern WY. To be perfectly honest, I'm a little jealous - I've wanted to go to Glacier for years but have never been. I fell in love with this region 12 years ago and won't move from it unless I have no choice.

[@aliceadler4569]

Thanks, Laurie!!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hope it helps and that you will not need these tips

[@aprylburtchin5178]

Hi Laurie! I've been a subscriber of yours for awhile now, and have appreciated many of your tips. This video is the best! Thank you!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You are so welcome! And thanks for saying hi,

[@kathydyer5133]

I’ve been watching your videos and really appreciate them! One request- for people with severe allergies just being in the place with someone eating nuts/ peanuts could actually cause anaphylactic shock. My son missed an important business meeting because the plane could not be guaranteed to be nut free. Thanks for the consideration!

[@gayemarianesfox2405]

Lots of great tips as usual! We always make our way to our gate first and then look for food and whatever else.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Food! Yummy

[@ThickeyMartin]

You are such a gem! Thank you for your helpful videos!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Happy to help!

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

What airport was that gate E7 pic at? Almost looks like MSP. And were those night shots the Budapest parliament building, or am I way off? Looks like it could also be somewhere like London. As for tips: -Decide on a minimum (i.e. not go shorter than) amount of time to allow for layovers (if any), transition time (to/from airport, getting through security and to the gate, etc.), etc. (length of each might vary from one airport to the next, depending), and stick to it when booking flights (particularly to/from the airport and any layovers). I always fly through DEN, and in my experience, I know myself well enough that I always allow a minimum of 90 minutes for layovers there, *_no matter what,_* even if there is a significantly cheaper flight available with a layover shorter than that, because if I don't, I risk missing my second flight due to potential weather, mechanical, or traffic (runway traffic) delays - I've had all 3, though not all on the same flight, and one of the either traffic or weather delays meant we had to circle around and land at a different airport to refuel - so I know better than to try to cut it close. If I miss my flight because I either knowingly booked too short of a layover, or didn't allow enough transition time (that "arrive 2 hours before boarding" tip is extra important if there end up being delays at security), that's my own fault and the airline isn't under any obligation to help me. -If it's an airport I'm not familiar with, I ask people I know who have flown through there how long I should allow for a minimum layover length, and I also study the airport map to get at least some idea of where I might be coming in and going out (though I've discovered that DEN is a gamble - I've flown both in and out of both A and B on United) - some airlines give an estimated gate number in the flight info, so that can give you a rough idea. -Always pack some food, as well as a waterbottle - we had turbulence on at least 2 of my flights last month that kept the flight attendants from doing the regular drink and snack service, and if I hadn't packed something to eat and drink, it wouldn't have gone so well. Allow yourself enough time after security to fill your waterbottle, as well as on any layovers (more and more airports are installing waterbottle filling stations, so you can still get nice cold water without having to buy overpriced bottled water). If you want to get food in the airport, make sure you plan in the time for it, taking into account the fact that lines might be really long (though, even though the Chick-Fil-A line in B in DEN can be super long, it still moves really quickly). -Make a backup plan for in case you miss a flight, or your flight gets canceled, and you end up stuck overnight - United has always been more than happy to help the times when that happened to me because it happened through no fault of mine: I've missed flights due to delays, and the last time I was stuck overnight on a layover, I got a hotel voucher and meal vouchers, as well as a complimentary toiletry kit, in addition to getting my flight rebooked (I've never had a smartphone, and I don't think rebooking through the app was even a thing back then anyway), at customer service. In the future, since there is only one flight a day into my home airport, if I get stuck overnight on a layover (b/c of flight schedules, I could only get stuck on the way home, not on the way out), I will be stuck for about 25-27 hours, so I'll rebook my flight, then call my relatives who live in the Denver area to see if I can stay the night with one of them (my aunt and uncle, as well as all of their kids and grandkids, live there, so plenty of options for places to stay). I also bring an extra day's worth of meds and anything else additional I might need another day's worth of if stuck an extra day.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

IAH and probably in Budapest from my in-laws’ river cruise. Thanks for the tips of how you prepare

[@Degirl1563]

Uploading your airlines App was my saving grace when my flight was cancelled several months ago. When everyone else ran up to the counter for help, my American Airlines app notified me that my flight was cancelled and then offered a list of the other flights that were available that day. I was able to rebook my flight without ever having to leave my seat at no extra cost. Unfortunately that flight was also cancelled and I ended up not being able to go. But then again, I was able to get a refund before I ever left the airport.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It pays to have it for so many reasons. Sooo glad you used it.

[@nancyh.7420]

Espresso m&m’s? Yum!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

So yummy!

[@mayragarcia71111]

Laurie!!!! Love your content! I always struggle when you start getting a big pile of dirty clothes, trying to keep them separated from clean clothes it’s a chore. How do you manage clean/dirty clothes situation, especially when you have multiple destinations in your trip. Thanks for all your tips

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I use the mesh pocket in my bag

[@katypye745]

Hey, Laurie, thanks again for so many great tips. So critical since they are specific to the travel mess right now. My husband and daughter are headed out on our first flight since COVID started. Direct 2 hr flight to Seattle, so fingers crossed. Sent them both this video so if anything happens we’ll be a team instead of me having to play anxious den mother. Europe in September. Ahhhh!!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh so many good vibes for them-direct is best! Hope September is wonderful too.

[@nadefaz]

I love our airport, but it isn’t a hub. I try to always book connections with at least 2 1/2 hr layover even if a shorter one is available.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That is a smart flight tip!

[@Elliesaunt]

Oh no. I missed the live stream. Hopefully the first of many. All these tips are essential right now. We are flying from Canada to San Diego in August with a Canadian airline well known for cancellations and delays so use all your tips. You are killing this. You are totally 100% the reason I have travelled carry on for the last 3 years.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I am so happy it works for your packing! I did not know I could comment and watch with lol. Will do premiere another time though.

[@sunsetatshabooms4558]

Never ever fly without snacks. In fact I don't do anything without snacks lol we learned this once on a bike ride many years ago. I also download audio books from the libraries libby app.

[@jackielang481]

My daughter’s flight from Detroit, Mi to Kansas City last weekend was delayed due to the head pilot getting sick, they had to fly a pilot from Savannah,GA . Three hours.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh wow!

[@AnnikenAllis]

Re travelling in Europe. Our flight from London to Oslo was delayed by 4 hours last summer. We claimed over £200 in compensation from the airline (flight only cost £90) but they didn't tell us we were entitled to this. We landed at 3am. My dad picked us up but several people were stranded at the airport as no public transport at that time of day. Someone knocked on my dad's car door while he waited for us to ask for a lift into Oslo City centre.

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

In 3 weeks I'm flying for our local airport to O'Hare before connecting to international flight to London. I'm even more anxious now that delays may play havoc with my plans. I always book my flights through AAA getting travel insurance but that won't help if I miss my connection due to delays. Thanks, though, for giving us all this useful information.

[@terrigodmother]

In 2 weeks I am flying from Albany, NY (quite a small airport) to Washington, DC for an international flight to Amsterdam. We only have an hour and a half in Washington, so fingers crossed there are no delays. I am already getting anxious about it! Luckily we were booked through Viking cruises, tho, so I'm pretty sure sure they will take care of us and we have travel insurance! Maybe we will just have a different adventure than we are expecting!

[@yaowsers77]

I'm going to London and Edinburgh in the spring and my theater tickets and going to Edinburgh will be at least three days into the trip. I just don't trust the weather.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ooh, have a beautiful time!

[@roannabrummel1423]

Great video Laurie! I appreciate all your tips.

[@katrinastewart5456]

Not all airlines allow you to add a Duty Free bag to your allowance! British Airways often specifically announces at the gate that Duty Free or other purchases must fit into the 2 bag allowance.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh that is awful! I be the Duty Free owners are not happy about that,

[@loriramminger222]

I’m thankful I only been delay 45 minutes to 1 hour. Hi my name is Lori too.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi! Our son has been delayed 4 hours now-he is most frustrated!

[@pattiheilman1630]

Hi! Have you made a video about how to plan the booking of a flight when you need to be overseas at a certain time? Such as flying out of the USA and arriving in Australia before a cruise the next day. For those of us bad at math this would be a great tip! Thanks for all your wonderful videos!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, I have not, but for a cruise, I would definitely say get there the day before...plus maybe another one for AU so you can catch up on sleep. But have a beautiful trip!

[@brigittes5955]

How exciting! Australia is almost a full day ahead of the United States, depending on location (Sydney is 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles). Plus, flights can take 15+ hours to get there... I've read that you should fly out of the US a minimum of 3 days before an Australian or New Zealand cruise, but 4 days would be better. Just think, you are going to lose a day, but you will get it back on your flight home. Enjoy your journey!

[@pattiheilman1630]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie thank you!

[@pattiheilman1630]

@@brigittes5955 thank you!

[@maximilian9295]

With so many flights being canceled, car rentals have been awful. One time there were no cars left and they won't give refunds. It's near impossible to call car rental companies too.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes, if this video will help, I love using this Hertz hack: bit.ly/RentalCarHack

[@deniseargueta4213]

I've been watching your videos for months now in preparation for our month long vacation back in may. You helped so much!!! I was so stressed out over it, but everything went well. We went to central america & it was awesome. Thank you for your videos. We purposely traveled in May BEFORE school ended and got back right in time before everyone started travelling when school did end. Keep the tips coming. They really help.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh I am so glad it went well! Thank you

[@martharinger7569]

I traveled this May for an overseas land tour. My first flight from IAH was delayed for four hours which made me miss my connecting flight, they booked me on the next flight, which was delayed by 5 hours, needless to say I missed the first 1/2day of my trip . I thought that was pretty bad, but on my return flight from Amsterdam to IAH the plane needed a part before we could leave, we were loaded on the plane and stayed on the plane for the full time. Flight was supposed to take off around 10am, we didn’t leave until 6 pm, then they informed us that they had to stop in DC to change crew. I was scheduled to arrive at IAH at 2:20 pm and we finally arrived after 11pm.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh that sounds awful.

[@martharinger7569]

It was!

[@melodymills5432]

As always such wonderful tips/tricks. Thank you Laurie for your wonderful expertise.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you Melody.

[@tammycarpenter3770]

Thanks for all the useful advice

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Always welcome!

[@notesfrompatience]

Ok, I need the bag that you packed your cords, chargers and battery pack in!!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes! Hubby has one too. Did you see the link: shoptripped.com/Laurie-instagram-teal-pouch

[@dawnecamacho2601]

Very good tips.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you!

[@findingjillian]

Hi Laurie. Great tips. I love the grey backpack on your shopping list. Do you have a hard time keeping it clean? I love the color but worried it will look dingy quickly so I'm considering the black.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Same worries! It’s spotless but my gorgeous plum colored satin-y backpack has a stain that you can see from miles away. Nothing on the gray bag

[@stephb3321]

Yes, to travel insurance, 💯! I bought it for New Zealand this past February, when the weather in the states and in NZ was iffy at best. Had heard horror stories about cancellations due to airport flooding (there) and travelers being re-routed. I decided I better get the insurance. I made it to my destination without issues, but purchasing the insurance gave me peace of mind. It’s not that expensive. BTW, my hubby is also a pilot in the USAF. The term they use for the pilots and staff’s legal duty and rest time is “duty hours” and “crew rest”. 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Pease of mind is everything! Please tell your hubby thank you for his service!

[@jilllovesbeegees70]

Airlines are ok with peanut snacks? I was concerned about whether i could bring nut butter items.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

They are as much as I know of.

[@carmenirizarry7632]

Wonderful as always!

[@kimhortongale1160]

We lost a cruise to Europe due to plane cancellations due to weather that never materialized. United was NO help at all. After hours and hours we have up and went home

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That is so frustrating and maddening!

[@lisalu910]

Oh gosh - just yesterday we spent six hours in the Atlanta airport only to end up coming back home when our flight was canceled. First it was delayed several times, and we waited and waited. Then we finally boarded, and waited and waited some more. Then they told us to get off the plane because the delay would exceed 2-1/2 hours. We waited and waited and finally the flight was canceled resulting in a STAMPEDE to the nearest counter to rebook. I just canceled our whole trip on the app rather than rebook, but then we had to get our checked bags. That meant going back to the baggage claim area to request them to be pulled off the plane and we had to wait and wait and wait some more. So including our trip time to/from the airport, it was an eight hour day with nothing to show for it but exhaustion and a missed event at our destination (I checked when I got home, and all flights today were sold out, of course.) Only "good" thing was the time we spent in the Delta Sky Club having a nice lunch before our flight that never happened. PS...apparently our cancellation was due to thunderstorms in the NYC area plus an issue with ATC not being able to handle the incoming traffic.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ugh that is so frustrating. It is hard to explain how exhausted you feel by just sitting all day.

[@DrineThePoet]

Great tips as always❤

[@phoenixvj8824]

I just came back from a trip to Europe this week. I will never travel with Air Canada again. I booked the trip 6 months before, there were 4 itinerary changes. Like every month I got notification that the time change 2 hours ahead, 15 minutes here and there. And I have to keep track of seat changes everytime they change the time. On the departure day there's 1 hour delay on the first flight and 30 mins delay on the connection. For the return flight, they notified me early in the morning that there's 2 hours delay, so I won't be able to get to my connection flight. I spend about 45 mins wait on the phone to speak to someone from the airline to change my flight. There were a flight available that day, but I have to be at the airport within 2.5 hours. Luckily I stayed at an airport hotel only 15 minutes away. So we literally ran through the airport all the way to the boarding gate. The one thing that I did right was choosing to stay at an airport hotel to prepare for our trip coming back home. Oh...I need to add, that when we came back 1 of our luggage did not come with our flight. There were quite many people (15-20) people at the queue to report baggage missing. Air Canada have pretty good bagage tracking system, and they kept me updated about the status of my bagage. They sent my luggage to my address 2 days after.

[@Shakashack2022]

Oh no, we booked Air Canada to Greece for this Fall. Thank you for the heads up!! We will tweak our itinerary.

[@phoenixvj8824]

@@Shakashack2022 FYI, I was told by the agent to book a connection flight that is minimum 4 hours apart. So if there's a delay, we still have ample time to catch the connecting flight. I wish you a smooth and safe trip.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh it is so maddening!

[@jenharvey3397]

I think pretty much everyone who flies with Air Canada swears they will never do so again! Sadly, those of us in Canada have very little choice, we have virtually no competition for most routes. Everything about that airline is horrific, and has been for many, many years.

[@Shakashack2022]

@@jenharvey3397 Jen, yikes… do the poor reviews include quality of flight service & flight safety?

[@suz0000]

I just got back from a trip. Worst travel I’ve had so far. (American Airlines) Several hours delayed and plane changes both directions due to mechanical issues. Appreciate that they need to make them safe but wonder if they should do more to keep their planes well maintained. I was patient with the 1st delay, but very disappointed it happened again.

[@lisalu910]

Honestly, sometimes I wonder if they are shining us on with their explanations for delays. A few years ago, we sat on the plane on the tarmac for nearly two hours at CDG. The explanation was that one of the automatic illumination signs needed to be fixed followed by a story about how the maintenance report had to be approved by a team in the U.S. which caused further delays. Two hour delay for a burned out lightbulb, basically!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I hear ya!

[@TalliesbyDee]

As always, great advice. 👍

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad you think so!

[@jeffreywagner5234]

Great tips!!! ✈️✈️✈️✈️

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@susannedoe9320]

We were on the tarmac for 4 hours because after waiting out a storm, the pilots were at the hours limit then we had to wait longer

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh man! So frustrating and out of our control as passengers. Was this in the US? I was thinking 2 hours was the limit.

[@lindah.1104]

If you pack clothes in a restaurant bag, where do you store it in flight? In the overhead? Then you are taking up more than your share of the overhead if you also have a regular carryon and a personal bag?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ooh that is a good point.

[@jenharvey3397]

I wouldn't pack clothes in a restaurant bag, but I have been known to wear more onto the plane than I can possibly stand wearing through the flight. I have a packing cube in my pocket, and before sitting down, I quickly fold the extraneous layers into a rectangle and slip them in the packing cube. I have my extra clothing plus a nice soft tush cush for the flight!

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

Thanks so much for the video

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You bet!

[@mercyp7151]

Hi Laurie! Thank you for the tips! Im trying to get every scrap of help I can and its frustrating sometimes because you dont know what you dont know until you know it, ya know ? .😂 Anyway, I wanted to ask you a question seeing that your husband is a pilot. I'm planning on becoming an Air Traffic Controller in a few years, wondering if pilots let up and coming pilots/those wanting to work in aviation, to have a peek inside the cockpit? I will be landing at JFK after a long haul, which is well known amongst the ATC community for Kennedy Steve a popular controller now retired. I would love to ask the pilots a quick question about things they wish ATC would do better etc. I doubt I can but I don't want to make a fool of myself asking the flight attendants if its isn't allowed at all. I would so appreciate anything you or your husband would have to say about this, if its alright. Thanks! Sorry for the novel.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi most of them will let ya - just ask the flight attendant…unless it’s running late

[@kymhornak4706]

I will be flying United and I am curious about the personal carry on. If the bag is not full and squishes to fit down to the 9D x 10W x 17H, can I still carry on? Because the gray backpack on Amazon says dimensions are 19H and 12W. I haven't flown in years and seriously would be in so much trouble without you Laurie! Thank you!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I have bought tickets on United so much over the past year of travelers being back in the air, and they have never said a word about my backpacks. Yes I agree if it squishes, that makes it less stressful for you though.

[@gildasteves3341]

Hi Laurie, I love watching your videos! thank you so much. My daughter wants to be a pilot. She has a 7-month-old daughter. Do you have any advice you can give regarding family time? Right now she just has me for child care and I'm not retired just yet:o)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi I do not. But it’s hours in the air that she needs. I wish her all the best. When she does have family time, it’ll be quality!

[@jenharvey3397]

Laurie, would it be OK if I ask your followers if any of them have flown Flair Airlines from Toronto to Victoria (or any other major longer routes within Canada on Flair)? It's the only nonstop flight from Toronto to Victoria in September, but many people say it is the worst airline to fly on, and I really need some advice (older woman, not neccesarily in the best condition or health). Many thanks!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hubby equates it with SW so we have not heard anything bad about them. No frills.

[@jenharvey3397]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Thank you. I have heard horror stories, but it seems to be when things go wrong. When flights are more or less on time, people seem happy with them. But they seem to take no responsibility for cancelled flights or lost luggage and do nothing to help passengers, from what other people report.

[@deborahconkle6822]

Looking forward to it! ❤️

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hope you like it!

[@jillefting7128]

Laurie … what is your favorite carryon luggage?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I think the light pink one because I can take it to Europe. Love the wheels. But the blue is same company but I no longer have to have an outer pocket.

[@lifewithgrandmabev]

Wow! How could someone not know to carry medications in your under the seat bag. They need to watch your videos more. I always travel with peanut M&M’s. Yummy. TFS these tips.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Experience is such a great teacher.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

I can easily see several reasons why people might pack them in their carryon - not needing to take them while actually in the air, or being only as-needed meds, are just 2 of them. Good thing gate agents tell people to take out any necessary meds before checking their carryon, whether gate-checked on a regional jet or volunteering to check it all the way through.

[@TeamKipp]

Laurie your hair looks great in this video ‘

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you so much-no humidity.