Stupid question re: packing on an airline

[Faery-Wings]

Heh, that sounded funny. No, gunner, not that kind of packing :D....

Anyway, do any of you know if medicines and vitamins need to be in the original containers? With the amount of crap I take, there is no way I want to pack all of the bottles. And then there is my hubby who lives on Excedrin....

Feel free to post any other packing tips. I feel quite disorganized!

Chris~going to Disney in 3 days wooo hooooooo

[Azure]

I travel all the time, and I've had no trouble, even when I've had medicine sealed in zip-locs - of course, those were also safely sealed away in my suitcase. I think organization is the key.

Since carry on luggage is the most likely thing to be searched, make sure you don't have too much stuff in it, and keep it neat - but do carry any real valueables you plan to take, like jewelry, that way. They may confiscate weird stuff - I lost a pair of fingernail scissors at the Raleigh-Durham airport a couple of months ago.

If they search your bag, it's another argument for tidiness. They take everything out of your suitcase in front of you, so fold "interesting" articles of clothing discreetly, if you don't want the whole airport looking at it.

Generally though, although slower and a bit more complicated than the old days, I haven't had much trouble flying since they upped security, and frankly, I'm glad they did it.

[Isis]

No you don't have to have them in the original containers. I wouldf recomend a medicine bag that way you can carry them all together in one spot, and that will make it obvious that you have medication.

Now if you go international, it is strongly advised that you keep the medicines in its original containers. In most foreign countries you have state police or military policy, with Uzi's mind you, and when they want to search your bag, they actually know what the hell they're trying to find.

You won't be able to take a lighter, but you can bring matches. No knitting sciccors, extra butane cartridges(curling iron), pocket knives..........and other crap. If you get a ticket that's circled with a red mark on it, that means your going through another random security check. They've even gone as far as taking nail clippers. If you bring back a bottle of alcohol you need to make sure its sealed.......although customs generally wants you to break the seal.

Basically, security in American airports is nothing like the security of say German airports. The National Guard stand back and watch while the Barney Fife's check your bags.

Have a great trip,

Isis

[Lavender]

I have no packing tip for you, Chris, but have a great time! :D Wish I was going! :( :p

Put a bit of comfrey roots in your suitcases to prevent theft & loss. --- my traveling tip. :D

[Draven31]

I get this type of question almost daily.. Other than what has already been suggested..I'll add these, dont put anything in your checked bag you cant live without that being said, you may want to put your meds in a container that allows you to divide into daily doses. if anybody checks they can look in one and see that it is meds . always have a spare perscription (sp?) from your doctor if you are on somthing that you have to take everyday. So if you lose the container,it gets stolen ,or taken you can get it refilled without having the original container. Ask you doctor, these days i dont think you would have a problem getting one.:wave: Have a good time...

[Faery-Wings]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I am getting it under control at this point. Hubby seems to think we can pack for all four of us tomorrow, in an hour or so. *shakes head* Plus get the house ready for the friends who are house/dog sitting. Men are nuts! No offence guys, maybe it is just mine.... :p

And I don't have comfrey :( Any crystals that would do the same thing? I plan on carrying moonstone and onyx...any others appropriate?