30 Travel Tips: Safety, Packing, Etiquette
Sep 19, 2009, 10:14 pm
#121
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Berlin and Buggenhagen, Germany
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Nothing effectively secures your checked baggage, since thieves can break any lock or other device keeping it closed, or steal the entire bag and work on it later. Distinctively colored zip ties, or the TSA locks with the indicator that they have been opened with the TSA key, at least function as a means of detecting whether someone has opened your baggage (so do non-TSA combination locks, but replacing them every time that they are cut off is more expensive than zip ties). Key locks, including TSA locks without the indicator, should be assumed to not provide any sort of detection, since thieves likely have all of the possible keys to them.
What really should be done is to have passengers drop off tagged baggage to a screening area, where the passengers can watch the screening and provide the key or combination to any locks on the baggage if necessary. After screening, any locks can be relocked and the bag sent down the chute.
What really should be done is to have passengers drop off tagged baggage to a screening area, where the passengers can watch the screening and provide the key or combination to any locks on the baggage if necessary. After screening, any locks can be relocked and the bag sent down the chute.
The way the baggage claims are set up in Austin for example is so that one person in a car can wait at the passenger pick-up zone, while the other accomplice just goes in and picks whatever bag from the belt. It would be a grab and run. A little risky but not impossible at all.
Till
Sep 19, 2009, 11:05 pm
#122
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
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I have never seen that setup (where a passenger may be able to watch the security screening of his/her checked baggage) in the US other than at an oversize baggage checkin. Where did you see this kind of setup?
Some airports in other countries are set up so that you have your checked baggage security screened before you check in; the security screeners can ask for the combination or key to any locks if they want to look inside, and you can watch them do the inspection. After inspection, they put tamper evident tape on the bag to show that it stayed closed after inspection. You then can check the bag at the checkin counter.
That setup seemed to work fine there. One concern may be if the tamper evident tape were not as effective as intended, but that could be remedied by designing the airport so that the passenger gets the bag tagged first, then takes it to security screening, which then puts the bag directly on the belt to the airline after the security screening is done (as described previously and like how oversized baggage is screened in some airports).
Some airports in other countries are set up so that you have your checked baggage security screened before you check in; the security screeners can ask for the combination or key to any locks if they want to look inside, and you can watch them do the inspection. After inspection, they put tamper evident tape on the bag to show that it stayed closed after inspection. You then can check the bag at the checkin counter.
That setup seemed to work fine there. One concern may be if the tamper evident tape were not as effective as intended, but that could be remedied by designing the airport so that the passenger gets the bag tagged first, then takes it to security screening, which then puts the bag directly on the belt to the airline after the security screening is done (as described previously and like how oversized baggage is screened in some airports).
Sep 20, 2009, 12:17 am
#123
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Berlin and Buggenhagen, Germany
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tjl, what you describe in your third paragraph is what we had in Austin until about two years ago; very sure they had this set-up just not sure when it came or disappeared. My memory is cloudier on other airports in the US. I think I've also seen this set-up at EWR and ORD but cannot remember it exactly, although rather sure for ORD and it was most likely after 2006. Paris CDG 2 might have had it, too.
This was back when they came out with the "you can't lock the suitcase rule" and when TSA locks were still uncommon.
The idea of having the screeners put tamper proof tape on your suitcase after screening it before your eyes is very good. For cost and liability reasons it is clear they won't do that. You can do it yourself, though. Just tape the closure with the tamper proof tape.
Till
This was back when they came out with the "you can't lock the suitcase rule" and when TSA locks were still uncommon.
The idea of having the screeners put tamper proof tape on your suitcase after screening it before your eyes is very good. For cost and liability reasons it is clear they won't do that. You can do it yourself, though. Just tape the closure with the tamper proof tape.
Till
Oct 2, 2009, 8:13 am
#124
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 267
I just finished a controlled trial with my partner alternating using the "stuff stuff in arm of coat" and using the "baggage tag bag". We did a hundred each and subjectively compared ease of going through security.
Let me tell you that the baggage tag bag won hands down.
You put the stuff from your pockets in the bag while you are waitin in line and put it back in pocket at lounge or gate. With suitcase and computer bag, dealing with coat is hard. I was not sure of small price but it was definately worth it. No more leaving phone at xray, etc
Let me tell you that the baggage tag bag won hands down.
You put the stuff from your pockets in the bag while you are waitin in line and put it back in pocket at lounge or gate. With suitcase and computer bag, dealing with coat is hard. I was not sure of small price but it was definately worth it. No more leaving phone at xray, etc
Oct 2, 2009, 8:08 pm
#125
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Berlin and Buggenhagen, Germany
Posts: 3,509
Safety bells
tcl just posted a nice tip in another thread and I'd like to allow myself to repeat this here.
To prevent someone walking off with your bag while you might be buying a sandwich or busy with security, attach some little bells to it. Ideally, two or three in different locations. You'll also need a little string baggy to put the bells in before and afterwards, lest you get annoyed by the ringing yourself.
Here is the original link. Thanks, tcl!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12447465-post13.html
Till
To prevent someone walking off with your bag while you might be buying a sandwich or busy with security, attach some little bells to it. Ideally, two or three in different locations. You'll also need a little string baggy to put the bells in before and afterwards, lest you get annoyed by the ringing yourself.
Here is the original link. Thanks, tcl!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12447465-post13.html
Till
Oct 18, 2009, 9:39 am
#127
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Join Date: Aug 2009
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I just finished a controlled trial with my partner alternating using the "stuff stuff in arm of coat" and using the "baggage tag bag". We did a hundred each and subjectively compared ease of going through security.
Let me tell you that the baggage tag bag won hands down.
You put the stuff from your pockets in the bag while you are waitin in line and put it back in pocket at lounge or gate. With suitcase and computer bag, dealing with coat is hard. I was not sure of small price but it was definately worth it. No more leaving phone at xray, etc
Let me tell you that the baggage tag bag won hands down.
You put the stuff from your pockets in the bag while you are waitin in line and put it back in pocket at lounge or gate. With suitcase and computer bag, dealing with coat is hard. I was not sure of small price but it was definately worth it. No more leaving phone at xray, etc
Oct 25, 2009, 9:39 pm
#128
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Berlin and Buggenhagen, Germany
Posts: 3,509
Here are a couple of things that I learned from others or by experience on recent trips.
Traveling liquid free can be achieved quite easily. For me the last obstacle was hair gel.
I found a product called American Crew Fiber. It is a solid wax. They also have a clay product that is equally solid. You need to rub it in your palms before using it but it works great. Comes in containers of 3.53, 3.0 and 1.7oz. I have traveled with this twice so far and the biggest jar even has not been detected or at least not been admonished.
I will further repack it in some contact lens containers I bought. You could use one for the hair wax and the other side for shaving soap. Minimal tare weight and just the amount of product you need for a short trip.
For cologne I used to take small sample vials. Now I will just use the paper cologne samples one can find in magazines like Men's Health. They are often quite luxurious products and quite efficient. Completely dry and lightweight.
Another possibility is to spray the interior of your suitcase with your favorite cologne before packing. The clothes will stay fresh longer and you will still smell like your fave fragrance. Absolutely no weight added.
Till
Traveling liquid free can be achieved quite easily. For me the last obstacle was hair gel.
I found a product called American Crew Fiber. It is a solid wax. They also have a clay product that is equally solid. You need to rub it in your palms before using it but it works great. Comes in containers of 3.53, 3.0 and 1.7oz. I have traveled with this twice so far and the biggest jar even has not been detected or at least not been admonished.
I will further repack it in some contact lens containers I bought. You could use one for the hair wax and the other side for shaving soap. Minimal tare weight and just the amount of product you need for a short trip.
For cologne I used to take small sample vials. Now I will just use the paper cologne samples one can find in magazines like Men's Health. They are often quite luxurious products and quite efficient. Completely dry and lightweight.
Another possibility is to spray the interior of your suitcase with your favorite cologne before packing. The clothes will stay fresh longer and you will still smell like your fave fragrance. Absolutely no weight added.
Till
Oct 26, 2009, 1:08 pm
#130
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SFO/SJC/SQL
Posts: 1,412
Here is a self-defense technique that may sound strange at first. A friend who is an expert in close combat and blackbelt in two martial arts told me to wear a belt with a heavier than normal buckle. Not one of those massive ones worn by cowboys but something with a little heft. I currently wear a Ralph Lauren that is heavier than average but still fashionable.
In an emergency, you have a very accessable stand-off weapon. Quickly remove and wrap the end once around your hand. With a couple of practice runs, this can be done in 2 - 3 seconds. Unlike a stungun, pepper spray, or knife, wearing a belt is not illegal so you can have one with you anywhere. In a confrontation, you now have at least 2 - 4 feet (.6 - 1.2m) between you and the assailant. A few good swings even without contact will usually deter an assault.
Worked for me on a recent trip when a couple of persistant panhandlers would not back off. Not knowing all their intentions, I went with action. After seeing the flying metal, they reconsidered and walked away.
The newspaper and metal pen suggestions are still good as anything is better than nothing. Just know that if something bad is happening, use anything you can. My friend even showed me that a set of keys can act as a set of poor man's brass knuckes. Not much, but this "stinger" could mean the difference between getting away and being a victim.
In an emergency, you have a very accessable stand-off weapon. Quickly remove and wrap the end once around your hand. With a couple of practice runs, this can be done in 2 - 3 seconds. Unlike a stungun, pepper spray, or knife, wearing a belt is not illegal so you can have one with you anywhere. In a confrontation, you now have at least 2 - 4 feet (.6 - 1.2m) between you and the assailant. A few good swings even without contact will usually deter an assault.
Worked for me on a recent trip when a couple of persistant panhandlers would not back off. Not knowing all their intentions, I went with action. After seeing the flying metal, they reconsidered and walked away.
The newspaper and metal pen suggestions are still good as anything is better than nothing. Just know that if something bad is happening, use anything you can. My friend even showed me that a set of keys can act as a set of poor man's brass knuckes. Not much, but this "stinger" could mean the difference between getting away and being a victim.
Oct 26, 2009, 3:15 pm
#131
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Berlin and Buggenhagen, Germany
Posts: 3,509
Thanks! Pass it on and feel free to contribute your own tips.
Here is a self-defense technique that may sound strange at first. A friend who is an expert in close combat and blackbelt in two martial arts told me to wear a belt with a heavier than normal buckle. Not one of those massive ones worn by cowboys but something with a little heft. I currently wear a Ralph Lauren that is heavier than average but still fashionable.
In an emergency, you have a very accessable stand-off weapon. Quickly remove and wrap the end once around your hand. With a couple of practice runs, this can be done in 2 - 3 seconds. Unlike a stungun, pepper spray, or knife, wearing a belt is not illegal so you can have one with you anywhere. In a confrontation, you now have at least 2 - 4 feet (.6 - 1.2m) between you and the assailant. A few good swings even without contact will usually deter an assault.
Worked for me on a recent trip when a couple of persistant panhandlers would not back off. Not knowing all their intentions, I went with action. After seeing the flying metal, they reconsidered and walked away.
The newspaper and metal pen suggestions are still good as anything is better than nothing. Just know that if something bad is happening, use anything you can. My friend even showed me that a set of keys can act as a set of poor man's brass knuckes. Not much, but this "stinger" could mean the difference between getting away and being a victim.
In an emergency, you have a very accessable stand-off weapon. Quickly remove and wrap the end once around your hand. With a couple of practice runs, this can be done in 2 - 3 seconds. Unlike a stungun, pepper spray, or knife, wearing a belt is not illegal so you can have one with you anywhere. In a confrontation, you now have at least 2 - 4 feet (.6 - 1.2m) between you and the assailant. A few good swings even without contact will usually deter an assault.
Worked for me on a recent trip when a couple of persistant panhandlers would not back off. Not knowing all their intentions, I went with action. After seeing the flying metal, they reconsidered and walked away.
The newspaper and metal pen suggestions are still good as anything is better than nothing. Just know that if something bad is happening, use anything you can. My friend even showed me that a set of keys can act as a set of poor man's brass knuckes. Not much, but this "stinger" could mean the difference between getting away and being a victim.
One more thing is to wear shoes with laces (double tied so they don't open). I was once in a situation where I first had to defend myself against two thugs. During the struggle I lost one of my loafers. That wasn't a huge problem during the struggle but it was still a distraction. However, when I wanted to run after them (I don't give up easily
) it cost me very valuable second because I first had to find the shoe, then put it on and then wasn't able to run very fast. I lost them.Added tip: You usually don't run after thugs but away from them.
So, especially for the ladies. If you are out alone at night or even if you are not alone, it is always a good idea to wear some shoes that you won't lose and in which you can run and eventually deliver a good kick.
On the other hand (or shall I say foot), a stiletto to the eye, throat or temple is certainly VERY effective.
Till
Dec 6, 2009, 2:18 pm
#132
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Berlin and Buggenhagen, Germany
Posts: 3,509
Thanks to Kevin from Practicalhacks who posted a link to this list of very good tips from an experienced traveler:
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/1...ted-traveling/
There are some tips there that are very complementary to the list in the first post and to what has been said throughout the thread. Good read!
Till
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/1...ted-traveling/
There are some tips there that are very complementary to the list in the first post and to what has been said throughout the thread. Good read!
Till
Dec 6, 2009, 5:02 pm
#133
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Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: in the vicinity of SFO
Programs: AA 2MM (LT-PLT, PPro for this year)
Posts: 19,781
Thanks to Kevin from Practicalhacks who posted a link to this list of very good tips from an experienced traveler:
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/1...ted-traveling/
There are some tips there that are very complementary to the list in the first post and to what has been said throughout the thread. Good read!
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/1...ted-traveling/
There are some tips there that are very complementary to the list in the first post and to what has been said throughout the thread. Good read!
The one I would worry about it "carry lots of cash," which is a good idea in theory but requires the corrolary "don't bring more cash than you can comfortably afford to lose," and the further corrolary "if you're thinking of going someplace which doesn't have a good credit card/ATM infrastructure, and can't afford the risk of having your cash stolen, you probably can't really afford to go."
Dec 6, 2009, 6:00 pm
#134
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Berlin and Buggenhagen, Germany
Posts: 3,509
Mostly very good.
The one I would worry about it "carry lots of cash," which is a good idea in theory but requires the corrolary "don't bring more cash than you can comfortably afford to lose," and the further corrolary "if you're thinking of going someplace which doesn't have a good credit card/ATM infrastructure, and can't afford the risk of having your cash stolen, you probably can't really afford to go."
The one I would worry about it "carry lots of cash," which is a good idea in theory but requires the corrolary "don't bring more cash than you can comfortably afford to lose," and the further corrolary "if you're thinking of going someplace which doesn't have a good credit card/ATM infrastructure, and can't afford the risk of having your cash stolen, you probably can't really afford to go."