One-bag, carry-on, light travel tips, techniques, and gear

OBOW poster Lucy provides this helpful report (via post comment) from Canada;

I got caught by the carry on ban while visiting my family in Vancouver for the holidays. Fortunately, I had enough time to pick up some locks for my bag before returning to LA on 12/30. My black Tom Bihn TriStar held up well to being checked. I used to have a red suitcase that would always end up with black scuff marks if it was checked.

I also bought a purse because I had only brought along a teeny purse (just big enough for a compact camera, a slim wallet and some lipstick). Since they were allowing “small purses”, I bought a shoulder bag that could carry a small book, my iPod and the power cord for my laptop.

Laptops were also permitted and I carried mine in this sleeve. It fits my 11” laptop perfectly! I love the sleeve because it has both a handle and strap. My previous one didn’t have either so I always worried about dropping it when I was getting it out for the xray. With this one, I can wear it cross-body until it’s time to put it into the bin (the bag is checkpoint friendly).

Cameras were also permitted. I saw one person with a camera bag but most others had their DSLRs “loose”, either in their hands or around their necks. I don’t know if the people with their cameras out had separate camera bags that had to be checked though. They all looked like they had kit lenses so perhaps they didn’t have any other camera gear.

Update on January 7, 2010 by

Frank@OBOW

Transport Canada says travellers can bring “common sense” carry-on articles on flights to the United States despite a list suggesting only 13 approved items are permitted.

In the wake of a failed terrorist plot to blow up an airplane on Dec. 25, the federal government banned carry-on luggage for U.S.-bound flights with the exception of 13 items. The list – which includes small purses, laptops, coats and medication – left travellers confused about whether they could take other things, such as books, iPods and computer cases.

In an interview Thursday, a Transport Canada spokeswoman said U.S.-bound travellers can bring additional items not on the list that are “essential” during flights. - Globe & Mail

Indefinitely:

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Those strict carry-on restrictions on U.S.-bound flights are the hot topic today as the Canadian airline industry meets with the agency in charge of air security.

The National Airlines Council of Canada, which represents carriers like Air Canada and Westjet, would like to see policies go back to the way they were before the attempted bombing of a Northwest Airlines jet on Christmas Day. Canada is the only country still enforcing the new rules banning carry-on luggage.

Transport Canada says the ban will stay in place for now, but is now letting passengers take books and magazines on the plane. International meetings are also happening to see if the patchwork of rules in difference countries can be turned into one, cohesive global policy.