carry on

The question is whether to carry on or check it. On a flight from San Francisco to Paris to teach the French distributors about our high tech product, I chose to check my bag. After all I needed business attire for a two-week stay. Of course, that would be the first time that my bag did not accompany me across the Pacific. Instead, I arrived and lived in the same comfy travel clothes that I left in. Decision made:  carry-on.

Then we have the TSA and all that screening.  Take out your liquids packed in a single quart-sized bag, take off your jacket, your shoes, your belt, jewelry …. and then take out your computer, any computing device. It became easier to pack it and check it and then it was a quick dash through security…take off your shoes, jacket, belt…

With the advent of becoming a Trusted Traveller, I could count on TSA-Pre and that alleviated the removal of shoes – who wears a belt to the airport anymore? – and keep the liquids stowed, but dump the water bottle.  Back to the carry-on.

I always go shopping when I travel and I pick up those one or two things that I have been seeking. I live rather rural now and don’t have access to such luxuries as large department stores, not even a Target. So in my haste to pick up that missing little trinket I have now had to gift them to the airport. Stopped how many times at security – the uniformed agent asking, “Whose bag is this?” and it is always mine. “May I open it?” Do I have a choice? And then he or she asks “Think before you answer. Is there anything sharp or dangerous in this bag?”

I think “of course not,” then the image of the ceramic knife I gifted myself at the big Home Goods in Austin, Tx flashes in my mind. “Oops,” I say, there is a knife I bought. “Merry Christmas,” I smile trying to hide my embarrassment.

On my most recent flight I thought this out ahead of time. My aunt and uncle are downsizing and they laid out items on several tables for my sisters and I to share. I bypassed the jewelry and linens and crystal for the three odd hammers that bespoke their age. “Grandmother used to keep these in her kitchen drawer,” my uncle offered. The tack hammer seemed similar to one my parents had, the wooden-handled meat tenderizer seemed a real find and the funny little all metal hammer was a “must have” for me. Soon after I took them, I realized that while I had plenty of room in my carry-on, these would certainly trigger an investigation by security. I checked my bag for the return flight.

Thought I’d share that. Now carry on with your day.