| If you pay attention to the majority of air travel | | | | have to maximize its space by choosing items of |
| stories today, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it | | | | clothing that can be mixed and matched to create |
| must be an inefficient, time-wasting, chaotic ordeal. It | | | | multiple outfits. If you can get everything in your |
| seems that everyone has a story about long delays | | | | carry-on you'll save the trouble of waiting in line for |
| or being hassled at baggage check. Fortunately, these | | | | your checked luggage. |
| stories are exaggerated. | | | | You'll also save time since you don't have to pick up |
| Airport security has definitely been tightened over | | | | your checked luggage at baggage claim once the |
| the past few years, meaning that you'll have to wait | | | | plane lands. Your carry-on will be with you and ready |
| in more lines and go through more checkpoints than | | | | to go as soon as you touch down. If you're not |
| before. You also won't be able to have a loved one | | | | taking a carry-on you might be able to check in via |
| accompany you to and from the gate. But these are | | | | the airport's website before you even make the trip |
| really the only major changes, and delays have been | | | | out there, which will save you from yet another line. |
| common with commercial flights since the industry's | | | | It goes without saying that you shouldn't bring |
| infancy. | | | | anything dangerous on an airplane. If you find |
| Still, there definitely some precautions you can take | | | | yourself wondering whether a particular item would |
| that will get you in and out of the airport smoothly. | | | | catch the attention of security, you're better off just |
| Here are a few ways to reduce the headache of air | | | | not bringing it. |
| travel. | | | | Incendiary items, including flammable liquids and |
| First, always try to pack light. You may be used of | | | | matches, are out of the question. Metal objects and |
| bringing four pairs of shoes for a one-day stay, which | | | | sharp objects such as scissors are also not allowed. |
| will definitely increase your luggage count. Instead of | | | | Airport security now allows liquids, although it must |
| packing so much, try foregoing your checked luggage | | | | be a reasonable volume of liquid for air travel and |
| entirely and bringing just a carry-on bag. | | | | must be in a clear, zip-able plastic bag. |
| To get everything you need in your carry-on, you'll | | | | |