Warning..Do Not Make These 10 Travel Mistakes at Airports in 2025

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Links from this video: Carryon luggage: bit.ly/4eIY3By My sweater: bit.ly/3Z9n96C Gray backpack (15.6): bit.ly/3P9VVIK Tote bag: bit.ly/3zruEwB Waist band with pockets: bit.ly/4gaTf9u My necklace: bit.ly/4eBiHn9 My bracelets: bit.ly/3ZmLGFE My earrings: bit.ly/3NbjT5c Crossbody bag: bit.ly/4bkXexs Purse strap: bit.ly/3ZVvHyr Other travel tips videos: bit.ly/AirlineUpdateHacks2025 bit.ly/Tips2PackCarryOn ✈ Packing for a Winter Wonderland? Grab this 20 page eBook packing list: bit.ly/eBookWinterPackingList ⚠ Travel insurance for flights: bit.ly/TravelFlightsInsurance 💊 Medical insurance when traveling: bit.ly/TravelInsurMedical 🌎 Tap here to see my Amazon travel essentials: www.amazon.com/shop/traveltipsbylaurie 👚 Tap here to see my travel outfits: bit.ly/LaurieTravelOutfits 😬 Never flown before or in a REALLY long time? Start here: bit.ly/TipsHaveNeverFlown

[@SamSitar]

we also need a law pushes criminals into easy jobs.

[@stephaniecampbell6811]

Travel insurance is a must. My sister went to Greece last summer. She fell there, broke her arm and had to have surgery in Athens. Travel insurance paid for it all. You don't need it.....until you do.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Until you do is right!

[@Galen-864]

Travel insurance is worth every penny!

[@rhondamelancon3676]

Do you have a travel insurance provider you’d recommend?

[@stephaniecampbell6811]

@rhondamelancon3676 Allianz

[@rhondamelancon3676]

Thanks! That’s the insurance I usually buy before my trips abroad. I’ve never had to use it, so I truly appreciate this confirmation that it WORKS when needed!

[@renferal5290]

I always make a point to arrive earlier then I need to. I would rather sit and relax for an extra hour or two, rather then be in a hurry. My airport doesn't require you to take anything out, but I am still prepared to do so. I always check in as soon as they allow me to. I always just do carry-on but I still need to learn to pack less

[@donnahill1224]

Agree - I arrive at least 5-6 hours before flight for international ( I live in rural area an hour from airport, in case of traffic or weather!!) Try to keep everything simple!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You sound like a pro, you've got it covered!

[@kansmill]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Is arriving 3 hours ahead of flight time not sufficient now? We’re a group of 7 (my dh and I and our 5 school age kids), each checking a bag, and travelling CAD to USA on a weekend evening.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

@@kansmill For international 3 hours is plenty! Have a fun trip!

[@barbaralazier8352]

Double check your gate on the Big Board. Don’t depend on what is printed on your boarding pass.😊 I have had my gate change 3 times for one flight

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That’s a good idea. Have the airline's app for sure.

[@Patriotgrl01]

3 tops, 3 layers, 3 bottoms = 27 outfits! Just make sure everything can go together 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That's a really good tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@micheleemmerich680]

I have decide to check a bag and just take my personal item on the plane. One reason is with so many people traveling with carry on bags only, the aircrafts do not have room for all the bags. The second reason is I am 5’ 2” and have difficulty getting my bags up in the overhead bin. I think I will stress doing this way. Enjoy your videos so much.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It is so smart to plan ahead and know your limitations and travel style. I think you’ll be less stressed

[@jrs2024]

Maybe bcuz many are bringing their main carry-on on board, there will be less luggage at the carousel for faster retrieval. 😅 Although there are nice taller people who will offer help, I check-on my bag out of convenience, & I place an Apple Airtag in my check-on, incase my luggage gets lost in transit. I’ve been lucky too, at the boarding gate, the airline reps ask for volunteers to check on bags for free… I immediately volunteer mine (with the Air Tag inside)!

[@PlantPerson58]

I was once delayed in Heathrow by fog for two days before a river cruise. Our travel insurance paid for our hotel rooms, meals, limo to the ship and reimbursed us for two days of the cruise - in total $3000. So it’s one of those things that you hope you never need, but are really glad if you do need it.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Fog in Heathrow is a nightmare!

[@dorissellin9046]

What travel insurance company did you use, and recommend? Thank you!! 🌷

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

@@dorissellin9046 Hi, it is listed in the pinned first comment and in the description paragraph below the video. Here ya go for flights: ⚠ Travel insurance for flights: bit.ly/TravelFlightsInsurance 💊 Medical insurance when traveling: bit.ly/TravelInsurMedical

[@PlantPerson58]

@@dorissellin9046 We’ve always used Allianz. They really came through when we needed them.

[@dorissellin9046]

@ thank you!! 🌷🐈‍⬛

[@bonitachan3375]

I am your Vancouver, Canada fans. Today is New Year Eve. Thank you for all the effort guiding us along. Wish you a very joyful, peaceful, healthy and prosperous 2025 plus a fun New Year Eve celebration.

[@helenblundell9911]

Great tips Laurie. On the liquids issue, we were nearly caught out on a trip to Rome this summer. At the outgoing airport we were able to carry more liquids and were not confined to the little plastic bag rule. When we departed from Rome in the way back, the liquids rule was strictly enforced, due to the older scanners being used. Fortunately I could off-load some of my liquids into my husband’s luggage allowance 😊. Never assume the rules will be the same in both directions….

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank goodness you could use his bag too.

[@irmaradinson2320]

I work for one of the mayor airlines and you're spot on . I don't travel much but I over pack almost my bedroom in my suitcase. 😂 I never learn

[@SbMathis-c4y]

I learned something yesterday😊 Electric toothbrush needs to be in your personal item or carry-on, not in a check bag. Happy New Year🎉

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh wow! In the US?

[@robinps52]

I have rechargeable toothbrush as well as a small rechargeable water flosser that I keep in my carryon with my battery pack.

[@SbMathis-c4y]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie - if it has a lithium battery, yeap!

[@thedavidguy01]

I arrive at the airport the night before my flight and sleep in the terminal. Not really but ever since I got stuck in a 3 hour long traffic jam on the way to the airport I leave very early. As to taking off your shoes, last year the security agent told my wife that she didn’t have to take off her shoes if she was over 75. She was 70 at the time and said something about judging people to the agent, who immediately apologized. I would have just not taken off my shoes and kept going.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ha! I was thinking, "Wow, that's early!"

[@burningmanmike]

Thank you for these reminders. So many travelers forget, it's not all about them, so show some courtesy to others. Bon voyage!

[@livingdivanized]

I wear a travel vest and put my wallet, prescription medications, power bank with the apprpriate cable and my phone in the pockets. This way, if I end up on one of the extremely rare flights that has a problem serious enough to cause an emergency evacuation I'll still have the items that are critical to my health (medications), communicating with getting help, family, and friends (phone), and being able identify myself and pay for any essentials I need. Plus, since I am literally wearing these items in zippered pockets they're a bit less likely to be stolen.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I think it's always wise to have your essentials handy and safely secured!

[@LisaM-TaTT]

Excellent tip!

[@conniekershaw4412]

Can you wear it through security? Or do you have to put it on a bin?

[@lsandiegok8568]

​@conniekershaw4412 To my knowledge & experience, you remove any loose outer garments so they go thru the scanner. This includes coats, sweaters, vests, etc. U

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

@@conniekershaw4412 Anything in the pockets would need to be in the bin. I would put the vest with all in it into the bin.

[@robinps52]

Laurie, my parents taught me well, I have always gotten to the airport no less than 3 hrs. pre-flight, but now thanks to your tip, I arrive 3 hrs. pre-boarding time (4 if international). And if I have to make a connection internationally, I always book w/a at least a 3-hr. layover-passport control can be worse than TSA lines! Thanks for all of your trips & I hope you & yours have a wonderful New Year! 🎉

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh yes customs is yikes!

[@lesliereynolds4492]

I try to always do 2-3 hours before and 2 hour between flights. When Southwest lost all their reservations they had me in the air while my connection had left 1 1/2 hours earlier. They gave me another but right before we left they only gave me 25 minutes for my connection in Seattle. I will never ever go through Seattle again, so many stairs, escalators. It took the full time to get there and there were only a few people not on yet. Talk about stress.

[@thesnoopydance645]

A big reason for not having a short layover time is this: your first flight could be delayed for any number of reasons. If delayed, you could be RUNNING to catch your next flight.

[@dr.d723]

Thanks Laurie, particularly about the early boarding issue. One additional travel tip - if you travel more that once or twice a year, many travel insurance plans offer an annual plan - which is more cost effective. In addition, for people who have Medicare, Medicare does not cover issues internationally, so medical travel insurance is a necessity (either that or lots of cash!).

[@sandybaldwin1883]

With Medicare, it depends if you have an advantage plan or not.

[@dr.d723]

​@@sandybaldwin1883 Thank you for letting us know. That's interesting. I was in Ecuador a few years ago, and a gentleman in our group fell and broke his hip. He had a Medicare Advantage Plan. He was told by the Administrator that Medicare won't pay outside of the U.S. Since I travel a great deal outside of the U.S., and am on Medicare, I choose not to take chances.

[@bepowerful2160]

@@sandybaldwin1883 hum….what advantage plan is that…they all use the wording implying “traveling” but they do not usually cover incidents outside U.S. I’ve checked out a few of those plans but stayed with classic Medicare myself and just buy ins. when needed.

[@sidneybrown9695]

I love stretchy/elastic shoelaces. I can tie them permanently and slip my shoes on and off easily. I replace the laces as soon as I buy new shoes. Great for travel.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That’s a great travel hack!

[@janettesinclair6279]

I was going to get some of those elastic shoelaces! But - does the over 75 rule apply worldwide? If so I won't have to take off my shoes! 😄

[@patf196]

Thank you Laurie. I traveled over Christmas and your tips helped. Stress free flights.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

So thankful to hear that you had a great holiday! Were the airports crowded?

[@MeiLee-t2v]

I recently left my phone by my seat on a VIA Rail trip from Montréal to Ottawa. I only found out the next morning when I woke up and could not find my phone anywhere. I rushed back to the train station, reaching there at 6:30 am, and went up to the ticket counter. I said I thought I had left my phone on the last train in the previous evening. She immediately said "Is it a Google Pixel?" Some crew member had handed it in to the counter. I was able to unlock the phone with my face, and she gave it to me. I was lucky that time. Since then, I've tried to be very, very careful with my phone.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Wow, what a great story about being reunited with your phone! Sometimes it's the sweetest surprise

[@bepowerful2160]

@ May I suggest a coiled phone lanyard. I use mine every day for a couple years now as I’ve gotten in the habit of setting phone down here and there. Also u will never leave it between seats or……

[@MeiLee-t2v]

@@bepowerful2160 Thanks for the tip. Good idea.

[@carolynwilson7806]

Laurie, you are always fabulous! Just a reminder, TSA agents can do whatever they want to. I recently had a TSA agent let 3 people go in front of me in the precheck line that didn’t have TSA precheck. Then, probably because I looked distressed but didn’t say anything about this, she proceeded to take every item out of my bag. I am in my 70s with white hair and not much of a threat. She was just proving a point.

[@Galen-864]

They are government sponsored bullies and thieves.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That is true

[@kathleensmith6311]

Cruel TSA agent.

[@mhtammi]

She was on a power trip.

[@barbaralazier8352]

@@carolynwilson7806 I get the extra scan almost every time. I too am in my 70s

[@lifewithgrandmabev]

Each airport seems to be different. We flew to Kona in Dec and those TSA agents were so friendly. Kidding around with everyone. Made it a pleasant experience.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

So wonderful when you get good ones.

[@jrs2024]

Hence WE LOVE HAWAII!!! ❤

[@djohnson9083]

Once in Japan my daughter tripped while boarding a train and fell on her chin, which resulted in a big gash. The Japanese people around us were extremely kind and helped us. We had been on our way to Narita Airport for our flight home to LAX. At the airport we found a clinic, fortunately. I was lucky in that I still had enough yen to pay for the medical care, about $300 USD. But it could have been a lot worse. I didn’t know how I would have paid for a hospital visit. My friend recently spent 4 weeks in the hospital due to a bowel obstruction. She had actually begun to show signs of illness while still in Rome, but they took a flight and made it to LAX and Cedar Sinai before it was too late. Her story was so horrifying I have promised myself to never fly overseas again without medical insurance. Please seriously consider it.

[@ParkerPetes2013]

Thank you for informing people of layover and connecting times. My husband traveled for his job twice a month and always said the same thing you did!! Never have less than an hour connecting time.

[@janettesinclair6279]

I once had to make a choice between a 2 hour connection to a different airline with checked luggage, or a 10 hour one. I chose the 10 hour connection time - boy, that was a boring day in a small airport!

[@kenbrown2808]

here's a tip: if you have an early flight, check with hotels around the airport if they have a sleep and fly type offer. many hotels near airports have a shuttle, so you can stay in the hotel, leave your car in their parking lot, and ride their shuttle to and from the airport. - and the parking fee is often cheaper than airport parking. another tip: if you are eligible for handicap parking, check your airport's handicap parking policy. at PDX, if you have a placard, ANY airport parking is economy lot rate. so you can park close to the terminal and pay economy rates.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Those are some great tips!

[@jrs2024]

Hence WE LOVE PDX! It’s the most beautiful airport in the USA! ❤

[@ceceelizabeth527]

Great video

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for the visit! Hope you can watch more of it soon. Safe travels!

[@CruisingEngineer]

Timely tips for all travelers. Thank you, Laurie.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching.

[@1511jen]

Thank you for the tips, they are very practical. I once had an airline argue with me about having enough transit time at DFW coming off an international connection and needing to get to a completely different terminal. They were adamant I’d make it in an hour and I only just scraped onto my next flight after a very kind TSA agent helped me through. I’m normally a very early arriver, and it was so stressful! Never again, if I can help it.

[@hetallee3303]

Thank you for sharing Laurie. Love your videos.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You’re welcome! Hope you can watch more of them soon.

[@annesimpson6988]

I always enjoy watching your videos. Growing up in a family of 8 children, we all knew the importance of being early in whatever we do. When travelling, I ALWAYS sort my clothes at least two weeks before, lay them on a bed in another room and also anything else I can think of. My suitcases are packed 2-3 days before I travel, whereas my husband packs his the day before we leave. I take medication daily, they are all packed in a packing cube, in their original packaging, with a letter from my doctor, and in the carry-on. This way, if I am questioned about them, everything is there. To date, I have never once been questioned but continue to pack this way. My husband and I, arrive at the airport several hours before our flight and quite often, we have a very long layover (not by choice) until our next flight. I usually walk around the airport during this time to see where we will need to go for check-in, bathrooms, meals, shops and ALWAYS looking up at the departure/arrival screens. Travel insurance should be mandatory for everyone travelling overseas, regardless of age.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It's a gift to go through all of these processes. Hope you both have many more trips!

[@kristenclarkin7662]

I’m normally a carry-on only girl but my mum and I are going to Europe next December for a Christmas market cruise. She sometimes needs wheelchair assistance in the terminals at bigger airports so I’d rather check our bags with air tags in them and just take our personal items on with us in case I have to push her in a chair. Plus with the carry on allowance changes with Air Canada, I don’t need to be frazzled between that and wrangling a senior when I’m on vacation! 😂

[@alaneolson1040]

Hi, I've travelled with my mother who was in her 80s at the time, and I requested wheelchair assistance for her. In every instance, there was an attendant who pushed the wheelchair and got us where we needed to go, often faster than non-assisted passengers. Bon voyage!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes, check those bags! Have you been on a river cruise yet? She will need to walk on a skinny plank to get into and out of the boat.

[@sapphire6107]

Always very helpful. I appreciate you. I’m traveling in September. Thanks so much

[@patricialarson5919]

Thanks for trip/tips reminder. May 2025 be full of the very best for you and your family. Take care and God bless.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Same to you Patricia.

[@cynthiamahlin4815]

Thank you for all the information,

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad to help!

[@mattlawrence7130]

Experience is what allows you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Experience is the best teacher for me!

[@meetasandhu5786]

Always purchased travel insurance it is peace of mind 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Same for me now

[@KarenDeLaurelle]

Thank you! Great info!

[@harveyh3696]

02:30 I have TSA Pre-Check but, with the exemption of my I.D. and boarding pass, I always remove anything in my pockets and wristwatch and place it in a gallon ziploc bag in my hand carry. After clearing security, I put everything back in its place in my pockets. So glad that I don't have to take my shoes and belt off nor have to take out my quart bag of liquids nor pullout my iPad, etc. etc. I've been asked twice to show my phone in recent encounters. Don't know what that's for as I just dug it out of my bag, showed it, and was cleared. No problem :) TSA doing their job!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

oh interesting!

[@bepowerful2160]

U.S. needs to start making people have correct carry on size bags. Europe is so much stricter and I appreciate it. Sad for them but gratifying when I saw people with oversized carry on told they had to go to counter and check their suitcase…Munich.

[@zizzie4081]

I am curious about this too. I was on an Austrian Air Vienna to Rome last week and the woman in front of me had THREE carry-ons, 2 of which were easy 50% bigger than regulation. The flight attendant looked at me and rolled her eyes. If overhead space is at such a premium and the cause of so much angst, why are the airlines so lax about it? There must be a good reason, anyone know?

[@maryannvelazquez7882]

They should also extend the rule about taking off shoes for people who are even younger than 75 for people like myself who are 64 years old and have trouble bending down to take off my shoes they should also have chairs there for people who are unable to take off their shoes or put them back on

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You may want to watch this: linktw.in/kxROZR

[@kenbrown2808]

you might consider asking for wheelchair assistance through security. tell them you have trouble with the motions in the security line.

[@benjamindover4033]

Getting TSA Precheck will eliminate the need to remove your shoes.

[@sharoncronin-n8c]

I know that you do not like travel vests but I have found that for me the vest is a game changer. It makes going through security a breeze .everything is in the vest so just put it in the bin. On the airplane everything is easy to get to. I do not have to bend over to get anything out of my personal item bag. I travel a lot use only carry on & love your videos. I would like for you to try one of the vests on a long flight one time!

[@staciemounts]

I use a small Fanny pack to put my travel documents in. Easy on, easy off and secure!

[@Melaniexb1]

We so appreciate you ! And love your through up dates!

[@rosaramos7399]

All great tips. The tip I always use if I’m checking in a bag is put a set of clothes and underwear in my carry on bag 👍🏼

[@Cruise-hair-why-care]

Great tips Laurie! I love the gentle reprimands on the actions that slow everyone down, it’s like the domino effect. It’s also a great reminder for me when I’m at the airport and not in a rush myself, someone else always is and I don’t want to be the person slowing them down or possibly being part of the reason they missed their flight. We also ALWAYS get annual trip insurance. You don’t need to list your trips or anything like that, it’s just based on the miles away from home and such. Obviously, depends on the brand/ policy you purchase. Literally pays for itself with one mishap and if you never need to use it, congratulations! You are a very lucky person. Accidents and illness do happen, why not be covered. Thank you for all your great hacks. Be happy and safe.

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

Thank you for all of your advice. Happy New Year🎉

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You are very welcome! Happy New Year to you too!

[@TechRockGamer1]

Thanks for the tips Laurie you helped my travel anxiety 😅

[@sandimcdougall2909]

As per usual, amazing video Laurie. Thanks so much & Happy New Year!

[@terrirojas]

If you’re going to a swimy place, add a swimsuit/shorts to that in case of compression cube in your personal item

[@maryannfournier5404]

Arrived on Christmas Eve from Miami to Charlotte. It takes more than 10 minutes to get people off planes today as everyone uses only a carry-on bag. Also found on our flight from Buenos Aires to Miami the flight attendant was not capable of performing her duties. She was too short to close the overhead bins and continued getting passengers up from their seats to do so for her. All while she was quite snippy about how passengers didn't place their overhead bag in the compartment the way she wanted.

[@tinahenderson9990]

Thank you 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Happy to help!

[@storydale]

When I was younger, I never thought about medical insurance for travel. Thankfully, my husband started getting it through the German auto club ADAC (like AAA but German). I broke my ankle quite badly at my sister's house in TN and needed surgery. That insurance covered everything, including renting a wheel chair in TN and upgrading my flight back home so I could elevate my leg. I would never think of traveling out of Germany (or is it the EU? My husband knows.) without travel medical insurance.

[@amyheelis-cannon811]

Thank you so much Laurie for your helpful travel trips. Because of you I am going to use a carry on suitcase and packing cubes. Please keep your videos coming. They are helpful.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yay, what concerns you about having to pack in only a carryon? Or what makes you think you cannot?

[@lauralossie3893]

Thank you for amazing content as always!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad you like them!

[@ortansaurzica902]

Thank you🤗💕very useful 💝

[@ingridlarocque2938]

The tip re. Layover time is SO key. Innumerable variables can shrink the available transfer time. We will not book anything with less than an hour and we’ve learned not to trust gate agents who assure us we can make it. Insist they communicate with their colleagues to let them know you are on your way if your flight is late arriving.

[@rosemariegreenland106]

Love all your videos! I would love to know more about travel insurance if you could do a video on that subject, thank you!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi Rosemarie. It's just that so many are all different.I don't know that it would be helpful to loads of people.

[@janetacook1375]

Was returning home from Ireland. They consider mascara a liquid. The officer was great. She just reminded me and put it in a clear bag. Who new it was a liquid!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I know right. Yes technically it's a liquid.

[@DianaOfPortland]

I’m 76 and have still been asked to remove my shoes going through security in international airports. Do not assume it won’t happen. *cough* Heathrow *cough* and other UK airports.

[@pjhosang2977]

A few weeks ago, a friend and I were flying home from Vienna. My friend’s bag was pulled aside and security went through it. She had a small hairspray (not in a liquids bag) and a large corkscrew in her carry on. She was upset because TSA pre check didn’t flag it in the U.S. I had to remind her we were in Austria, it wasn’t TSA and we didn’t have pre check there. A reminder that just because you got away with it in one airport doesn’t mean it won’t get confiscated or you won’t get held up in another.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh, that's a tough one. I hate when that happens. Always good to check the rules.

[@amycoleman3994]

Love your channel

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you Amy!

[@lynn9018]

Thanks Laurie most of these tips I do practice. I live north of ATL & we definitely leave wayyy early for our flights out of Hartsfield Jackson. On the subject of travel insurance we have purchased it each time we have a trip to Italy & other countries. This year we are having to make a claim on out travel insurance due to being charged for damage on a rental car that was pre-existing. Even though we had video proof of the damage being there before we drove off, the rental car company said “we don’t accept video proof” only pictures. We are just going to file with the travel insurance to get our $ back. We will never rent from them again in Italy. As far as TSA rules, I will quote Forrest Gump’s mama “It’s like a box of chocolates you never know what your gonna get! at TSA😂

[@deborahkee-urbanek369]

If you have TSA pre check be sure it’s on your boarding pass. My son in law made my ticket and I thought I added it. Well it wasn’t when I got into that line the agent brought it to my attention. Luckily the regular line was very short and moving fast. I was amazed because it was SFO airport during Christmas!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh my goodness, that would have been so stressful! Thank you for sharing!

[@donkiml5805]

MY TRAVELS: Pocket items - I put my pocket items in a small sandwich bag, which makes it easy to put in the bin or my purse during TSA check-in. Coat bag - I use a cloth washable shopping bag to put in my coat and accessories and also put my purse in there during TSA. The bag can be tied at the top. This is a deterrent for stealing items inside the bag. And then use this bag to sit on during the flight for extra kush. Checking bag at boarding area - as a senior, I bring my carry-on to the boarding area and ask if they are accepting bags to be checked. They always say yes and then I get my bag checked for free. Because those bags go on last, they frequently come out first in the baggage area. I always do that extra shirt, etc., in my personal item bag, Insurance - we have used Allianz travel insurance for years. Early on and our first several cruises we never needed it. Unfortunately as we got older, we did use it a lot. They were great on reimbursing for delays, changes, and the family members illness.

[@5877user]

Hawaiian Airlines is currently in the Tom oBradley terminal at LAX. Be prepared for a long long walk between check in and the departure gates. Same with Hawaiian Airlines in Hawaii, Oahu. Another long long walk. If you’re lucky, you may be able to get a ride on their free employee-driven carts. It was a lifesaver for my 80-year old husband. It is at least almost a mile long walk going upstairs, downstairs, and then a “tunnel” area.

[@Gevedon]

Awesome tips and updates, Laurie! Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Happy New year!

[@rajun1231]

Hey Laurie. We chatted via email about my wife getting cursed with "SSSS" on her boarding passes. Well, after several attempts and frustrating phone calls she was able to receive a Redress Number from TSA. She was told that this would eliminate future S's. We'll believe that when we see it. Our next trip is next May; we are traveling to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Taha'a. Oh, and travel insurance is as important as your Passport.

[@sonyaboland113]

What's the ssss mean

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Wow, now I wonder what a redress number is lol. Thx for the update.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It used to be on printed tickets and meant random secondary screening. So you would go through security and then have to be wanded again or something.

[@rajun1231]

@@sonyaboland113 The letters "SSSS" on a boarding pass stand for Secondary Security Screening Selection, which is a designation used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to indicate that a passenger has been selected for additional security screening. My wife has been the unlucky winner of this for the past two flights out of Boston and into LAX. They'd pull her into a side room for a pat-down and stuff.

[@rajun1231]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie A Redress Number is assigned to passengers who have been previously assigned a TSA Precheck number but are getting SSSS on their boarding passes. The Redress Number is supposed to prevent SSSS from being assigned to Boarding Passes.

[@DeedeeSammons]

Great reminders before my next trip 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Heehee

[@magsmom43]

For those short connections, you also have to factor in if the first flight was a smaller plane and they gate checked everything. Landed in one airport and they were training new ground crew. Took 20 minutes to get our luggage. Barely made my connection (1-1/2 hour layover with a terminal change).

[@opv777]

All excellent videos

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you so much!

[@gordongraham7]

I don't know if this is the case with all travel insurance, but I was told I have to buy it within a specific time after booking the trip or my pre-existing conditions wouldn't be covered. I forget if it was 30 days or something different.

[@kimjeffs7787]

Hi Laurie, my husband and I are flying to Amsterdam via Copenhagen for the first time. The airline (SAS) changed our flight by two hours which now gives us only a 50 minute layover in Copenhagen. 😬

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hmmm I would check to see how big that airport is. But that is tight. Are you in the front of the plane maybe?

[@MsBackstager]

I luv mix matching my outfits just to keep it light and simple.

[@catherinecarreiro3955]

A lot of tours are now demanding travel insurance for their tours. ❤thanks

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I think 2020 did that.

[@sgweiss52]

Taos has tied shoes with a zipper. Easy on and off😊 They’re really comfortable but heavy so I’ll wear them on my flight and pack other shoes for my travels.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you!

[@saramclearen3948]

Thanks Laurie,those are great tips as always. We got really stressed last year on the day before our flight when we found out that some European airports require proof that you’re allowed to travel with your own child when the other parent is staying home! Let me try to explain: When you fly into Amsterdam airport and you have your child with you but your husband is staying home, they can detain you unless you have a document that’s notarized and proof that you have the other parent’s permission! It has something to do with human trafficking and parent abduction laws.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I wonder how in the world they enforced that. That seems impossibly strict

[@helenblundell9911]

Yes, this also applies in Europe if the child has a different last name. I took my son and his cousin on a flight to Spain a few years ago, and had to confirm that I had my brother’s permission for his son to travel with me.

[@amandaschneider2366]

I always love your videos. Thank you for sharing 🩷🩷. Have you ever traveled to Egypt? If so, video?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I have not! Hope to

[@andreakramer4159]

If I’m reading correctly please correct me if I’m wrong! This travel Insurance isn’t recognized in the United States because I’m in Idaho flying out of Washington to California

[@blureader1164]

Even when you fly on a larger aircraft, they may gate check the bag. I was on an AB380 and the crew stowed by bag. I was in Zone 5, and they explained to me (not sure if it is true) that because I was sitting toward the front the aircraft is more narrow, hence they ran out of space. I always buy travel insurance. Since I mainly travel overseas, I want a plan that covers air ambulance and repatriation of remains insurance. I wouldn't want my family to be stuck in case of a medical emergency.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh wow, I am shocked.

[@sandybessesmith1952]

Park and fly shuttle saves me lots of stress. They even give you a card with your parking space on it for your return home

[@richardlynngarst3728]

I love arriving much earlier than the regular folks so I can wander after I get to the right gate. Since we generally do carry on only, I use a smaller plastic shopping bag to hold the TSA liquid bag and my electronics that I have zipped in a packing cube (have received compliments from several TSA staff, I am less likely to miss something since it is bright pink and so far I have been told it can stay zipped). This helps me when we get to the conveyor belt - I take the liquid and electronic bags out of my shopping bag and place in the bin, and my watch, etc is already stashed in the bottom of my backpack. It makes it much easier for me to get through TSA.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes, if you have a system for airport security, it helps you not be stressed or lose / forget essentials.

[@deannabosch1434]

All good tips but I’ve traveled for business and personal for 40+ years. No traveling during holidays! Pack 1 pair of shoes + slips ones to wear through security.

[@margolawnerd2776]

In Canada (TSA) we are only allowed 1 litre of liquids (that means you can only have 10 total containers of 100 ml each.) Problem is, in a 1 litre size ziplock, the way it is shaped, you can fit in far more containers (especially those flat packs) that go over the 1 litre limit. I have had to gate check my carry on because my liquids added up to more than 1 litre (even though it fit into the 1 litre bag!)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Wow that is the first time this craziness has made sense. You must be a teacher! I bet that is why they seem to be so strict. Thx for giving us those updates. I wonder if they’re on a site somewhere

[@pipmitchell7059]

There's some mistake here. It is a physical impossibility to fit more than a litre in a one-litre ziplock. Also, in practice there's no way you can get ten 100 ml containers into a one-litre ziplock because there's the volume of the containers themselves, and that fact that there's wasted space too. I find that my four bottles (soap, moisturiser, shampoo, conditioner) plus toothpaste and toothbrush is about all that fits. My guess is that you made a mistake over the size of your bag, and that it was much bigger than a litre.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

@@pipmitchell7059 A toothbrush would not go in a liquids bag.

[@pipmitchell7059]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Thanks, Laurie. Yes I know it doesn't need to, it's for my convenience, to have what I need to wash my face and brush my teeth all in one place. I've been doing it this way ever since the liquids thing started, and never had it even questioned.

[@deborahconkle6822]

Happy Sunday Laurie! Great information‼️❤️Happy almost New Year🎊‼️

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching!

[@Torrie97400]

Hello, thanks for your advices from a french regular viewver! And happy new year 2025!😂😂😂😂😂

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Happy New Year to you too! 😂

[@flossingdebi]

My husband and I are going on an Alaskan cruise this summer, could you recommend a specific travel insurance as we will not be renting any cars. Thank you for all the information and tips you offer!!!

[@adamleer1]

Will definitely share the travel insurance information on my FB travel page. I have AMEX medical travel ins, inexpensive and year round as covers any place 150 miles from home. Going to take grandsons to Australia in 2025 and first time bought travel ins as worried if they got sick or hurt, they have coverage. Wish I knew about this as i didn’t really need the rest!

[@peggycassara2810]

Just flew on 12/28 from Philly to San Fran and it was the first time I used my Bento Bag as my personal item. My husband and I flew first class and were grateful that we did because my Bento bag did not fit under my seat. My seat was 3A, window seat on a United 737-Max 8. There is something that hangs down from the underside of the seat in front of me that gives very little clearance. Fortunately there is a middle area under the seat that it fit under but had to be on its side. That is not at all how Nomad Lane advertises its bag to fit. It was not overstuffed so now I have to figure out if I want to take it as my personal item on my trip to France next year. BTW, we used our AirPods for the first time and they worked out very well.

[@deborahdufel1664]

When I have organized my trips through an airline ticketing and they always say, they don't have options. Insurance is a must.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

So true

[@trinacollier3779]

How do I let the airport know am traveling with a child that has autism 💙

[@alicechampagne7091]

Good question. I would suggest that you check with TSA on their website to see if you can register prior to your trip. I would also check with the airline and let them know as well.

[@trinacollier3779]

@ thank you so much 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

This video will help you so much: linktw.in/kxROZR Explanation and I interview tsa officers about this free service.

[@joanndavis4843]

Thanks for sharing your tips. Though the loose shoes trekking around a busy airport could cause problems should they slip off with all that walking. Better to have a pair of shoes already tied in a normal fashion, easy to slip on & off before you leave for airport. And important documents of any kind, along with medications, should never leave your person. A cross body sling purse just large enough will never get separated from you, and you'll won't have to keep track of a backpack that gets taken off and put back on in all the stop and go prior to departure.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh for the slip on shoes, that is just for airport security. Yes those needed medications should be in your personal item bag like I said. So many good tips to share.

[@c3vids_shorts]

Great tips Laurie. Do you have suggestions for buying airlines tickets especially long hauls given that the prices have sky rocketed. 👍

[@kenbrown2808]

I have always bought directly from the airline, fortunately, we've also bought refundable tickets, because we've had to cancel trips.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, I do not.

[@rebeccarinehart8998]

I love your videos, and yes I still overpack, too.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We’ve all been there!

[@MsBackstager]

Does AAA offer travel insurance? When I traveled with the Jr. College to Europe, travel insurance was included. So, when I had a panic attack (from rushing around), I was fully covered.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I do not know.

[@bepowerful2160]

Just returned from New Zealand annual hiking trip. They don’t have bag check flying domestic. US has gone insane.

[@mamanothing9506]

Mistake we made once was not putting away passport and pass immediately after they were looked at. When putting backpack into grey bin my hubby put his passport and boarding pass into the same bin, his passport and ticket got caught in the flap of screener! Out came the boarding ticket but we couldn't find his passport! Luckily we spotted it on the floor under the screener! So after papers/id are checked before putting backpack in bin put your IDs and passes back into backpack (or wherever you store theses things). People behind you will just have to wait a second-as you say Laurie, you will never see them again! Blessings!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh, I am so glad you found it!

[@reneeburich9497]

Yes, my husband always says our insurance will cover us (Medicare and Tricare (military)), but I’m going to insist on it from now on.

[@wandrousvindella716]

For liquids I always pretend I'm going thru Heathrow 😉 Thank you for the timely tips. ( BTW my first flight in 1979 I wore a jumpsuit that was super cute 🙃 but gymnastics in the WC ) Oh to be that flexible again ~ Happy New 2025 sweet Laurie

[@shelleykeeble9992]

I wore a jump suit on my first overseas lol 😅😅😅not one of my smarter moments 😂

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I love your jumpsuit story, I wish you could see the crazy stuff people wore when I was younger.

[@wandrousvindella716]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie big hair , Jelly shoes, shoulder pads ?🤣

[@shelleykeeble9992]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie lol I think I'm older than you 😁a happy 61 year old from Canada

[@francedumont-m4v]

When i try to book with the same airline, the airline does not give you a choice .you are getting off one gate, and you have to go to another terminal

[@melodyanderson7914]

Flights are more expensive next year than I remember. (My last flight was in June). It also seems like my home airport has less direct flights as well. As much as I love flying, might be doing more road trips next year,

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes, I know. The airlines are really hiking up the prices.

[@UnivBelt]

Do you have a video about going from a cold winter climate to a hot tropical weather ?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I sure do! Just came out a couple weeks ago: bit.ly/PackOneBag2Climates