Forget bags, they're sizing up passengers

‘If “beefy” or “curvy” describes you, here is a word of warning: United Airlines will begin aggressively enforcing a new policy that allows it to charge heavier passengers twice to fly. 

WBBM Newsradio 780 has learned that Chicago-based United has instructed its customer service representatives at O’Hare International Airport ticket counters and gates to be extra vigilant beginning Wednesday for passengers they deem to be overweight. Those unable to comfortably fasten a safety belt with one extension or sit comfortably with armrests down will be denied boarding unless they purchase an extra seat, even if they can be placed elsewhere in the aircraft next to an empty seat. 

If no empty seat exists, the passenger will be forced to take a later flight.’  - cbs2chicago.com

Light & local

We’ve established that to go light you just can’t take everything you might need. It will happen that you run out of something, ruin an item of clothing, or otherwise get caught unawares. This necessitates something that I really enjoy about travel - visiting local stores that everyday, local people use. A stroll through the aisles of a European grocery store is an eye-opening experience for an American; you’ll see and learn things there that you won’t in a tourist trap, gift shop, or high street boutique. You may just find that the local, everyday solutions are better than the ones you would have brought with you. And there’s also the wonderful possibility that your small crisis may afford a greater connection with the locals than the average, insulated, self-sufficient tourist could have. It’s amazing what a little dependence can produce.

Video Wednesday - Theme song?

Research, but still wrong

15% COTTON MAKES A DIFFERENCELet’s just say I do it so you don’t have to. I received a nice new ExOfficio t-shirt (on sale now in certain colors) and I just had to test it. After a couple of wearings I was impressed with its comfort but I really wanted to put its odor-fighting properties to the test. After two days of continuous wear as an undershirt (slept in it too) it was almost entirely free of odor. The test may not have been completely fair as I had also washed it in my Stinkfighter formula, but since then I ‘ve worn if for more reasonable periods after normal machine washing and still no odor. This is another impressive ExO product. It’s the most comfortable poly shirt I’ve worn; apparently the 15% cotton brings a lot of comfort bang for the buck, and it still dries pretty quickly if wrung out well. They run quite big, so order down if your a borderline size. Since the shirt comes in colors it will serve as a casual shirt as well.

Product Details (from ExOfficio.com)

• DriRelease Heather Jersey — 85% Polyester / 15% Cotton
• dri-release® always feels soft, always stays dry
• FreshGuard® finish actively fights against odors
• Contrast flat-lock stitching; tagless label at neck for “no itch” comfort
• Rib collar and forward shoulder seam
• Sizes: S-XXL

Forum gem

Paula answers the questions “Is traveling light easier and is it really just for younger people?”

‘We are in our 50s, comfort has become the main priority for us when travelling, it gives us great peace of mind knowing our bags won’t be ‘lost’ and we never have to hang around airports any longer than necessary. It opens up the choice of public transport too, now we can travel in rush hour without getting in the way of commuters. We can manage lots of stairs without any thought to hefting heavy cases and breaking our arms in the process.’ - from the OBOW Forum

The Times 10 best

The Times of London’s 10 best travel guides post has some interesting links - especially SpottedByLocals, an insiders guide to major European cities.

Fixing the TSA

An interesting think tank article that proposes solutions - including privitization and expansion of the Registered Traveler Program - to improve the TSA:

“while the Department of Homeland Security may preach risk management, TSA, its largest operating agency, does not practice it. As a result, improved security comes with too much wasted effort, at a social and economic cost that is too high and ultimately unsustainable….TSA could deploy new technology in Registered Traveler lines and test it under real-world conditions— what the Pentagon calls operational test and evaluation. Under these circumstances, TSA should welcome rigorous GAO audits to identify system weaknesses and make adjustments before making a large-scale investment. Better technology that allows passengers to keep their shoes on and keep computers in their briefcases would increase system throughput and require fewer TSA employees at each checkpoint.” - entire article here

Sinking feeling

Here’s a helpful thread from the Rick Steves forum concerning sink laundry techniques. I’m in the market for a microfiber packtowel since hotels are not always willing to supply extra towels and my wife doesn’t like it when I dampen all the towels before she can use them.

A nice little special I learned of via e-mail:

Video Wednesday Bonus: Lighter Than Air

Update on April 1, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

More info here. No word on luggage weight limits.

Happy newbies

John and Carole (self-described “seniors” from the UK) are new to one-bag travel and OBOW. And their first 10-day trip was a success:

Going ‘one-bag’ for the first time proved very sucessful, and we had no problems at all on our journeys, so thanks for all the posts and helpful tips on OBOW.  

Read John’s account in the Forum and welcome them.

Video Wednesday - Bag's Eye View

Secure Flight begins

TSA Press Release

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today the implementation of the Secure Flight program, which shifts pre-departure watch list matching responsibilities from individual aircraft operators to TSA and carries out a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. To date TSA has assumed the watch list matching responsibility for passengers on domestic commercial flights with four volunteer aircraft operators and will add more carriers in the coming months.

“The implementation of Secure Flight is a critical step towards mitigating threats we know exist in our aviation system,” said TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides. “Secure Flight improves security and protects passenger privacy and civil liberties by ensuring the confidentiality of government watch list matching protocols.”

Under Secure Flight, airlines will gather a passenger’s full name, date of birth, and gender when making an airline reservation to determine if the passenger is a match to the No Fly or Selectee lists. By providing the additional data elements of gender and date of birth, Secure Flight will more effectively help prevent misidentification of passengers who have similar names to individuals on the watch list.

In addition to addressing misidentification, Secure Flight protects sensitive watch list data and enables officials to address security threats sooner, keeping air travel safer. By implementing one watch list matching system, the program provides a fair and consistent matching process across all airlines.

TSA continues to provide a robust redress process through the Department of Homeland Security’s Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) (www.dhs.gov/trip), a single portal for travelers to seek redress for adverse screening experiences and resolve possible watch list misidentification issues. Secure Flight uses the results of the redress process in its watch list matching process to prevent future misidentification of passengers who may have a name that’s similar to an individual on the watch list.

The second stage of implementation, which is expected to begin in late 2009, will assume the watch list matching function for passengers on international flights from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and international air carriers.

TSA’s goal is to vet 100 percent of all domestic commercial flights by early 2010 and 100 percent of all international commercials flights by the end of 2010.

For more information on Secure Flight visit www.tsa.gov.

(Underlining mine - brad)

Wave to the scanner

Not creepy or anything….

“Transportation Security Administration (TSA) undated handout image shows a composite of 4 separate scans, a female in the left two and a male in the right two, from a whole body scan machine, or millimeter wave machine being used at a security check point at the Salt Lake International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah. The new machine developed by New York based L3 Communications is in use for the first time today by passengers and takes a whole body scan penetrating clothing. This is a pilot program by the TSA to test the machines in a live setting for the first time at Salt Lake International Airport” - Yahoo/Reuters

Update on March 31, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

The TSA says “Smooth”

“The success story here is not that we kept a bottle of lotion off of a plane, but we found an intentionally hidden item on a passenger. We found a hidden item and knew exactly where it was without having the passenger undergo a hand-wanding or patdown.”

Update on March 31, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

A toothbursh and a hacksaw?

“Another idea I’ve mentioned here before:  take a standard toothbrush and use a hacksaw to cut off 2-3″ of the handle.  It’ll still work fine, will weigh less, and you can put it in a Ziploc bag much more easily.”

Never let it be said that all the strange ones hang out at OBOW. Enjoy the Practical Hacks light travel primer here.

The Compleat Travel Shaver

Updated on March 28, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

Thanks to Till for this take on shaving

Ever the gadget freak and quite the saving aficionado and travel enthusiast the issue of SWT (Shaving While Traveling) is a welcome challenge. In this thread I’d like to introduce a couple of ideas and hear from others how they have dealt with the SWT issue.

There are a number of considerations at hand, that I can think of. Do you see any others?

1. The shave should be a very good, close shave.
2. It should be easy on the skin for when we travel for business we cannot afford to have a day in between two shaves to let the skin rest.
3. The equipment needed should be as lightweight and as few pieces as possible.
4. If we can do get our gels and liquids in 311 friendly sizes, just the better.
5. It would be nice if our efforts don’t cost and arm and a leg.
6. If the shave is quick, that is a significant bonus but not a requirement.

So, recently I bought two new wet shavers (the Schick Quattro Titanium with Trimmer and the Azor by King of Shaves) and also a new electric razor (the new Philips top model).

In addition, I ordered the Alpha Oil by King of Shaves, introduced elsewhere on this forum. The version I got is specified as being for sensitive skin (always better) and anti-bacterial. It contains Triclosan, the same stuff found in anti-bacterial hand soaps. This is particularly welcome since the plan is not to use an aftershave.

Click to read more ...

Another nice packing list

In case you didn’t see it in the OBOW Forum, here’s another excellent packing list. This time from Max:
 

I was looking over a packing list from Paul, and was reminded of this one of mine. I hadn’t thought much about it since I have not been travelling much for work lately. However, when I do it is often for 3-4 days, domestically only these days.

For the bag, I like to use a Jansport Superbreak Tote in brown and tan, bought at TJ Maxx or Marshall’s for around $15. I like it because it is approximately 18 x 12 x 6, and can usually fit under the seat. The main drawback is that the thing does not unzip flat, but that’s not too bad. I usually use one cube or sometimes an Eagle Creek packing folder.

I like to wear this:
Blazer or sports coat. I like to use either navy blazer or a neutral color that’s easily coordinated with.
Wool slacks (probably tan or grey)
Oxford shirt, typically blue or white
Under shirt (cool max type)
Under wear (usually ex officio style)
Socks (nothing fancy)
REI braided fabric belt that doesn’t need removal at security
Loafers (usually cordovan color for easy coordination)

Pack In the main Pocket:
In the folder or cube:
2 oxford shirts
1 pair wool trousers
1 Long sleeve t-shirt for use in hotel room
Silk pajama pants (they pack very small, and I like to have them on hand since I find most hotel rooms quite cold)
Jogging shorts, usually C9
1-2 under shirts doing double duty as jogging clothes
1-2 dress socks. Most always maroon, so I don’t worry about matching.
1-2 underpants. Ex officio mainly, though I have a couple of Patagonia boxer shorts that I like.
1-2 jogging socks

Also along are a brick laptop wedged in the bag, along with the cord and a small mouse.
Glasses
Paper back book for fun

Liquids Baggie:
Contact lens solution
Razor (some times Avid 4, some times Schick disposable)
Shaving lotion
Tooth brush/tooth paste
Dental floss
Deodorant
Stink Fighter type supplies, though some times I use the single-pack Penguin Sport Wash

In the bag’s outer pocket:
Saucony Grid A2 racing flats. They are very light weight and pretty smushable.
Shower shoes, the $1.99 Walgreens ones

I will modify how many sets of undergarments depending on how much I feel like sink-washing them. For the work clothes, I like to use Lands End for shirts and trousers because they look nice and don’t break the bank. I typically buy the shirts on overstocks for around $15, and the pants for less than $30. That way, if there are any wardrobe malfunctions it’s not a big loss. All packed up, this probably weighs around 12 pounds including the dreaded lap top.

Also, if I am going somewhere cold, then I will usually take a little larger bag such as Patagonia MLC, and include the proper cold weather clothing, both for going to work and for working out.

Keep ‘em coming OBOWers - everybody loves a good list.

Update on March 27, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

And here’s more good reader content - tips from Joelle:

Ever since I used to fly standby back in the day I’ve been a fan of one-bagging it in a small carryon.  Interestingly, my Andiamo carry on from the 1980s is still comfortably under the limit  at 21x13x8 and meets Doug Dyment’s standard of Cordura with YKK hard toothed zippers. Bags like this are a great buy on eBay if you can find them.

I came to the conclusion early that I did not want added stress before an important meeting and still less on vacation, so I resolved to travel with less. I’ve never regretted my decision.
The only specialist gear I buy is Tilley underpants and socks—wear one, carry one. For winter travel I search the sales for silk undies and cashmere sweaters, both compact, lightweight and odor resistant. I also pamper myself with Lush solid shampoo—Godiva is a great shampoo and conditioner in one 2 oz bar that can also be used for hand laundry.

Even though I just ordered a Tom Bhin shoulder strap, I still believe it’s what you take with you in your bag that makes or breaks your trip.

8-megapixel camphone

Engadget reports on Samsung’s 8-megapixel cameraphone. That’s one way to free up a shirt pocket.

Video Wednesday - TB Checkpoint Flyer

Flying, Western-style

PracticalHacks posts a thorough review of the TB Western Flyer with helpful photos. An excerpt, which helps explain why I prefer ballistic nylon:

“…in a recent conversation with the Tom Bihn, he pointed out that the 1050 ballistic fabric used on the Western Flyer is a smooth finish nylon which means the bag will slide more easily when you’re retrieving it from beneath the seat or from an overhead compartment than would be the case with 1000 denier Cordura.  In addition, lab testing has shown the 1050 ballistic nylon that’s used in the Western Flyer and other Tom Bihn bags is twice as abrasion resistant as the 1680 ballistic that’s used in many competitive bags.  And when you think about it, abrasion is the ultimate enemy of bags like this, as they’re constantly shoved into and out of trunks and storage & overhead compartments.  This bag’s clearly up to the test.”

The Flyer is described as an overnight bag, and so it is. But for the ultralight crowd the WF is plenty large enough for a main bag. Ironically, when I’ve used the WF as a true overnight bag or for car trips I’ve tended to stuff it fuller than for a longer, truly light, ar trip. The shorter the trip, the more I take - sometimes.