Well MCO My Dear - I suppose that Imelda Marcos may post here but I have no evidence to that effect. As one who will now never put anything into the hold (except as working crew) as life is too short and is sad enough as it is, I have for many years managed with a maximum of three one pair of which will be on my feet. You can tell me at any airport when not on duty as I am the one with the killer heels. Yes, you will get over it. It hurts - but tough love always does.

I remember when this was all the rage last July and in the end we had the scare in August and it was put on hold (sorry bad pun). I recall the anguish and shrieks about how people could not manage without taking two cases. I recall one extremely camp retort, I forget from whom, about keeping up standards and realised that Hyacinth Boucquet lived and posted here regularly. It was the funniest thing that I read last year.

I am unashamedly contemptuous of people who claim to be regular travellers and who have never mastered the art of packing and what they actually need to take. I rather view them like smokers, drunks, road ragers, ram raiders and other assets on society's social register. I suppose that I think of people who actually have not used a washing machine, a drier, or an iron as someone in serious need of remedial attention. If I as a vain airbrained woman can organise myself one poxy piece of hand luggage that fits in their rack and not miss a cubic centmeter of make up, moisturiser, and colour co-ordinate eveything my knickers and tights included and find room for my handbag (yes it's Prada) and never forgetting my hairbrush anyone can.

God it takes some lateral thinking and I do have a husband who can get a quart in a pint pot (like him in his clothes) who has taught me well.

I really think that a good thread on Packing Tips would be a good Christmas present to you all - and I do not make myself an example - God Forbid.

So - this is the one thing that I swear by. Make a List of what should be packed and check it. I learnt that from the flight deck - they could do those check lists in their sleep but they always go from the check list as they are obliged to.

So - now I'm packed and off to A Favourite Destination. I just hope T4 does not madden the pax too much today!