The
last time you were headed to the airport for a trip, how much
consideration did you give your luggage? For a bit more specific
a focus, let’s say your carry-on bags. When did you last worry
about things that could or couldn’t go in your carry-on bags?
The
starter was a glass jar filled with roasted cashews.
I
will explain.
Was
visiting family recently and stopped into a fantastic barbecue
place. One of the things they have is barbecue chili-roasted cashews.
Packaged them up in classic glass Ball jars. I usually by at least
two, and have been known to pick up four or five during a single
stop. Snack on them during the visit, and get enough so I can
bring them home with me at the end of the trip.
For
decades—and I do literally mean DECADES—all of my visits to this
area have been road trips. I drove. Every time.
Could
fly. Hadn’t. But this time, due to scheduling and circumstance,
I did.
From
there, the dots between carry-ons and cashews are pretty easy
to connect. Went on a trip, stopped at my favorite BBQ, grabbed
some chili-roasted cashews, and I had to pack to head home.
Since
I was trying to put together the easiest and most convenient trip
possible, I hadn’t brought any luggage to check. Fully carry-on
for me this time. And that meant, a glass jar in a carry-on bag.
It
was about three days before flying that it hit me. Was that ok?
Turns
out, yes. Yes, it is. (Please, check all TSA and airline information
for requirements and restrictions. But yup, I brought my cashews
home.) And that got me thinking.
When
was the last time I worried about my luggage and an airplane?
It has been a while.
Many
years ago, I went on a trip that involved a Grand Canyon journey.
At one of the shops in the park, I picked up some desert tea.
(Note, not dessert tea. Desert tea. Grand Canyon, remember?) Had
it in my carry-on when I arrived at the airport, and realized
I basically was carrying a large container of dust. Fortunately,
that worked out easily enough and without any issues. Got my tea
back home.
Most
of the times I can even think of, however, never involved any
advance concern or worries. As with the tea, if I can even think
of something that concerned me, it never occurred to me until
I was at the airport, in a security line, and suddenly thought
something like: “Oh no, I packed the tea.”
This
was different. Glass jar and it hit me ahead of time. Might need
to check the rules on this one.
I
suppose it just means I’m kind of basic when I fly. No real worries.
Never have had to worry about the rules for gas-powered lawn equipment.
Just a thought or two about whether or not I’m going to be asked
to take my laptop out of its bag and remove my shoes. Nothing
too special at all.
I
am flying a bit more in recent months though. And that’s a reality
I need to keep in mind. Especially if I want to get on the plane
without needing checked bags. (I wonder what the rules are for
a sealed bottle of wine?)