Flying in Tips and Tricks

[Bells]

So there were quite a few of us that flew in this year...what worked what didn't??

Kenny and I used totes instead of suitcases. WORKED GREAT!!! We used the sterilite 64 qt with snap handles. These met the size requirements for Frontier luggage and the people at check in said they see them all the time. We taped our address to the inside of the clear lid and they just slapped the baggage sticker to the top. Hella easy to pack and use in the desert. And if you happen to have access to a shop vac at the end of your trip, use SPACE BAGS!! They make a Playa coat and blankets so easy to pack.
They cost around 8 bucks a piece and make sure your regular luggage doesn't leave playa on your business clothes through the rest of the year

[toolmaker]

A bunch o tips not already mentioned.


Something I have learned over the years with trips is to try to give myself an extra day before and after a long trip just in case of a SNAFU.

As far as packing goes I try to ship UPS to some kind soul rather than check luggage as I have lost stuff in the past and its a pain in the ass to replace your beloved camelback last minute.

That being said if you cannot ship UPS try to carryon anything that you MUST have and only check replaceable and cheap stuff like clothes.

I hear that a bag o playa dust will get your checked bag opened but it will still be there with a kind note advising you of the search.

Travellers Insurance!

This can help loads in case of an unplanned injury. Gettin a chopper ride off the playa is NOT cheap.

A good book, MP3 player, PSP or portable DVD can make long plane rides more tolerable. If you can bring some meds so you can sleep thru the ride.

Yawning or gum chewing can sometimes get rid of the ear situation from takeoff/landing.

With connecting flights as part of your trip it might help to try to have a gap in between flights of like an hour or so.. if one plane is late you wont have to go standby the rest of your flights.

These are just a few things I have picked up by flying half a dozen times a year for the past 20 years. If I think of anything else I'll share it. If anyone else thinks of anything please share it no matter how "common sense" or minor you think it might be.

Love and Light
Tool

[Scrog]

One tip I learned this year on Flying is, If you ever miss your flight to the burn or any other place, blame it on the weather. Tell them "the weather" held me up, no matter how nice it is outside, put it on "the weather". I missed my check in to my flight to the burn by 2 minutes. I was told it would cost $650 to be on the next flight and $525 for the next days flight.
After 20 minutes I called reservations again and this new lady, Joann, changed my flight due to "the weather". when I rechecked back in the attendent asked how my flight changed without any charges and I told her because of "the weather" I was late. She looked outside and said, "what weather?" I just repeated, "I was late due to the weather." She smiled and said I had gotten lucky. I said I know.