By the very nature of these self-contained floating cities, your packing checklist is going to include some destination and event-specific items.  For cool or cold climate cruises, you may find yourself making room for winter coats, sweaters, and ear muffs as well as the swim suits you’ll still use in the heated pools.

Your Cool or Cold Climate Cruise Packing Checklist is broken into categories for you below.  You can also download the printable PDF version by clicking here, or by visiting the PackingChecklist.net Downloads page.

Documentation and Currency

• Driver’s License
• Auto insurance card
• Medical insurance card
• Passport
• Immunization records/vaccination certificate
• Hotel and/or transportation tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
• Parking documentation
• Cruise tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts
• Shore excursion tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
• Dining reservation confirmation information
• Spa reservation confirmation numbers or receipts
• Cash
• Roll of quarters
• Credit Card
• Phone card

Personal

• Wallet, purse, fanny pack, beach bag, tote, or backpack
• Water resistant or waterproof wrist watch
• Jewelry

Electronics

• Electrical plug adapter and converter
• Power strip/extension cord
• Travel alarm clock
• MP3/Media player and headphones
• Mobile phone and charging cable
• Laptop and charging cable
• Camera, batteries, charging cable, extra memory cards or film
• Underwater camera

Toiletries

• Specific/specialty shampoo
• Specific/specialty conditioner
• Specific/specialty soap
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Q-tips
• Hair products
• Curling iron
• Comb/Brush
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Cologne/Perfume
• Make-up
• Travel sized nail care kit
• Sun block
• Lip balm
• Insect repellant
• Sun tanning lotion
• Moisturizing lotion
• Prescription medications
• Glasses, contacts, sunglasses, case, and cleaning supplies
• Over the counter medications (light first aid kit plus motion sickness medicine)

Clothing

• Swimsuits and cover-ups/beach and pool wear
• Hat(s) – caps, visors, warm hat
• Belts
• Flip-flops/sandals/water shoes/cold weather shoes
• Walking shoes
• Dress shoes
• Socks
• Underwear
• Tops – shirts, blouses, sweaters, sweatshirts, pullovers
• Shorts/Capri’s
• Skirts
• Trousers
• Jeans
• Dress clothing (suit, tuxedo, dress, pant suit, and accessories appropriate for formal dining)
• Sleep clothes
• Workout clothes
• Light jacket
• Coat

Other

• Sports gear (golf clubs, hiking shoes, etc.)
• Extra bag to bring home purchases (compact/foldable)
• Travel guide books, maps, and reading material for lounging
• List of addresses for postcards
• Pen/pencil
• Notebook or journal
• Business cards
• Luggage name tags
• Rain gear
• Binoculars
• Wet wipes/antibacterial gel
• Zip-lock bags
• Garbage bags
• Sewing kit
• Tape
• Post-it notes
• Hot hands (hand/foot warmers)

For quick access to all the downloadable and printable pdf packing checklists, check out the PackingChecklist.net Downloads page.

Ok.  For your Disney Cruise Packing Checklist, you need to add a pair of clean, new pillow cases and permanent markers.

Per our chatty porch swingers over at Belly Acres, Alabama, this is a very unique, very cool, totally customizable souvenir you can get ONLY on a Disney cruise.

Did you know that if you take pillow cases and a pen(s) with you on a Disney cruise, that you can leave them with the cast (Guest Services) to collect autographs?  …truly a most AWESOME souvenir. 

In addition to the standard Disney character autograph books, other guests have opted to bring black pillow cases with gold and silver markers for the autographs. 

Some guests request just the autographs of princes on one and just the autographs of princesses on the other. 

You can request the autographs of just a specific cast of characters, too.  If you want a pair of Toy Story Pillow Cases, feel free to ask. 

This service is provided by cast members during down time that may be available during the cruise.  Near the end of your cruise, simply check with guest services regarding the availability of your pillow cases.

These very personal and unique souvenirs deserve a reserved spot in your luggage and on your packing checklist. 

The packing checklist for a Disney Cruise is very similar to the packing checklist for any cruise, warm or cold climate.  There are, however, a few items to add for that magical Disney experience.

Many of these specialty items (many Disney-themed) aren’t mentioned much on other packing checklists as they CAN be bought on or during the Disney Cruise.  For veteran Disney travelers, though, or cruisers on a budget, prepacking these items for a Disney Cruise is an absolute given.

See the checklist below or click to download the printable pdf version of the Disney Cruise Packing Checklist.  Other relevant packing checklists (such as first aid kits) are also available under the PackingChecklist.net Downloads page.

Documentation and Currency

• Driver’s License
• Auto insurance card
• Medical insurance card
• Passport
• Immunization records/vaccination certificate
• Hotel and/or transportation tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
• Parking documentation
• Cruise tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts
• Shore excursion tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
• Dining reservation confirmation information
• Spa reservation confirmation numbers or receipts
• Cash
• Roll of quarters
• Credit Card
• Phone card

Personal

• Wallet, purse, fanny pack, beach bag, tote, or backpack
• Water resistant or waterproof wrist watch
• Jewelry

Electronics

• Electrical plug adapter and converter
• Power strip/extension cord
• Travel alarm clock
• MP3/Media player and headphones
• Mobile phone and charging cable
• Laptop and charging cable
• Camera, batteries, charging cable, extra memory cards or film
• Underwater camera

Toiletries

• Specific/specialty shampoo
• Specific/specialty conditioner
• Specific/specialty soap
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Q-tips
• Hair products
• Curling iron
• Comb/Brush
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Cologne/Perfume
• Make-up
• Travel sized nail care kit
• Sun block
• Lip balm
• Insect repellant
• Sun tanning lotion
• Moisturizing lotion
• Prescription medications
• Glasses, contacts, sunglasses, case, and cleaning supplies
• Over the counter medications (light first aid kit plus motion sickness medicine)

Clothing

• Swimsuits and cover-ups/beach and pool wear
• Hat(s) – caps, visors, warm hat
• Belts
• Flip-flops/sandals/water shoes/cold weather shoes
• Walking shoes
• Dress shoes
• Socks
• Underwear
• Tops – shirts, blouses, sweaters, sweatshirts, pullovers
• Shorts/Capri’s
• Skirts
• Trousers
• Jeans
• Dress clothing (suit, tuxedo, dress, pant suit, and accessories appropriate for formal dining)
• Sleep clothes
• Workout clothes
• Light jacket
• Coat

Other

• Sports gear (golf clubs, hiking shoes, etc.)
• Extra bag to bring home purchases (compact/foldable)
• Travel guide books, maps, and reading material for lounging
• List of addresses for postcards
• Pen/pencil
• Notebook or journal
• Business cards
• Luggage name tags
• Rain gear
• Binoculars
• Wet wipes/antibacterial gel
• Zip-lock bags
• Garbage bags
• Sewing kit
• Tape
• Post-it notes
• Hot hands (hand/foot warmers)

Disney Items

• Disney themed clothing
• Costumes and accessories
• Autograph book
• Fat pen
• Pillow Cases
• Sharpie Pens/Markers
• Cheap camera (for kids, beach, etc.Di
• Pennies and Quarters for coin press machines
• Lanyard for collectible pins

For quick access to all the downloadable and printable pdf packing checklists, check out the PackingChecklist.net Downloads page.

While you’re making that packing checklist, you may want to add some iPhone apps to download before you go.  Family travel apps can certainly ease your efforts on your journey and entertain parents and kids alike.

Navigon

One of the best ways to ease your mind during a long road trip is to use the GPS on your iPhone to map out your route, follow along on the screen, and look ahead for amenities at upcoming exits.  Navigon is one of several iPhone and iPad apps for GPS directions, among other extremely useful features for finding your way around during your trip and once you reach your destination.

The Weather Channel App

Whether you’re home, on the road, or at your destination, you’ll want to check the weather.  Current temperature and conditions are just the beginning for The Weather Channel app.

Streaming video of radar images are incredibly useful as you can SEE where the rain, snow, or hooks are relative to your current location.

Kindle

The Kindle reader app lets you read ebooks purchased from the Amazon store.  Best sellers, how to books, and juvenile works are all available for individual reading on during the trip.  The family can even enjoy the ebooks together if someone wants to read aloud.

As one mother recently stated, “Having your child laugh out loud while they are reading to themselves is just awesome!”  It’s pretty darned cool to listen to them practice reading aloud, too.

Audible

If reading on the road isn’t appealing for your family, Audible audiobooks may be a better option.  Audible audiobooks are available for download…no discs or tapes required.

Abridged and Unabridged versions are available for adults, children, or the whole family.  Juvenile fiction read by a talented narrator can pass the time on your trip and keep the whole family entertained for miles.

RedBox

If the kids really prefer to watch movies in the car, downloads and DVDs are both options.  One of the more interesting options appears with RedBox vending machines, and the iPhone app that leads you directly to them.

Rather than packing dozens of movies that rattle around and get in the way, you can rent one or two movies from a RedBox vending machine at the beginning of your trip.  When you’re done with the movie, just use the RedBox app to locate a nearby RedBox to return the movie and rent another.

Similarly, use the app to find a RedBox once you reach your destination and you won’t have to worry about returning the disc during your trip.

Rather than putting DVDs on your packing checklist, there’s an app for that.

’tis the season to find a good book.  Whether it’s a long flight or road trip to Grandma’s house, or just a long stay when you’ll want to sneak a few hours of peaceful reading, if you’re a reader at all, you’ll want at least one good book for the trip.  Thanks to smartphones, eReaders, and audible, you could even carry dozens.

In case you’re stuck for ideas, here are 4 we recommend for your packing checklist during the holidays.  Affiliate links to Amazon are provided if you want to purchase these immediately online.

1.  Jeff Guinn’s The Christmas Chronicles

The Christmas Chronicles is actually a collection of three books by Jeff Guinn

• The Autobiography of Santa Claus
• How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas
• The Great Santa Search

Even one of the books should keep you mesmerized for a while.  All three may take longer than your trip.  If you prefer to just pick one, start with the first, The Autobiography of Santa Claus.  The story is pretty much what it sounds like… an “autobiographical” account of Santa’s magical, yet Christian-based life…as “told” to Jeff Guinn, the author.  ;-)  It’s actually really good.  Stories of Santa meeting and interacting with famous historical characters is just a hoot.  …great comic relief as Santa struggles to spread his gifts year after year.  …and you won’t believe who figured out how to make reindeer fly.  :-)

• The Christmas Chronicles (paperback book)
• The Autobiography of Santa Claus (Kindle edition)
• The Autobiography of Santa Claus (audio edition)  Audio CD or Audio Audible Edition both available

2.  J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter

Yeah, there are multiple books in the series, and the audio versions by Jim Dale just can’t be beat.  If you’ve never read them, or you have read them, but would like to experience the incredible audio versions, start with the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.  The unabridged run time is a little over 8 hours, so you can estimate how many of the books you’d like to attempt during your holiday travels.

Though these are not Christmas stories, the holiday season always occurs in each book.  It’s definitely a great tone for holiday travel and adventure.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (paperback book)
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Audio CD)
• The ebook versions have not yet been released.

3.  John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas

A short little read for a Grisham novel, but quite engaging.  During all the chaos of the holiday season, a Caribbean vacation sure does hold appeal.  The struggle between taking stubborn control verses following tradition…and the massive number of holiday expectations… make for an incredibly fun little book.  It’s a story you can enjoy just for what it is, or you can draw layers of meaning each step of the way.  It’s a definite holiday favorite.

• Skipping Christmas: A Novel (paperback book)
• Skipping Christmas: A Novel (Kindle edition)
• Skipping Christmas (Audio CD and/or Audible Download Available)

4.  Joshilyn Jackson’s Gods in Alabama

Certainly not a holiday romp, but Gods in Alabama is the ultimate road trip book.  Forced by the past rearing its ugly head, Arlene has to go back home to her southern family of “characters.”  Add the facts that Arlene is lily white, her boyfriend is African American, AND the mystery surrounding the high school quarterback (“god,” date-rapist, and corpse) and you’ve got one heck of a journey.

• Gods in Alabama (paperback book)
• Gods in Alabama (Kindle edition)
• Gods in Alabama (Audio CD and/or Audible Download Available)

Regardless of your holiday reading choices, don’t forget a book, ebook, or audiobook on your packing checklist.  For other items you might want to remember, check the Packing Checklist Downloads page.

Whether you’re travelling by car, train, air, or boat/ship, motion sickness can strike at any time. You may want to include motion sickness treatment on your packing checklist.

Motion sickness may pass quickly, or even cease when the motion stops, but what if it’s a long trip, and the motion sickness doesn’t go away?

Symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, or even vomiting or diarrhea.  Luckily, for you and your trip, there are actually several motion sickness treatment alternatives.

Motion Sickness Pressure Bands / Bracelets

Motion sickness wrist bands work by acupressure as a drug-free alternative to treat nausea.  Many prefer motion sickness wrist bands because they are reusable.

As a non-ingestible solution, there are no concerns about drowsiness or other side effects.  As such, the wrist bands are a good alternative for children and pregnant women.

Medication

If drugs are an option, the old standby,Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), and other brands of motion sickness medication such as Bonine (meclizine) or Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are available over the counter.  Pills (tablets or capsules), chewables, and patches are all conveniently available for your needs.  There are even motion sickness meds for dogs.

Be careful to follow manufacturer’s instructions regarding use and dosage as drowsiness is a common side effect.  Consult your doctor (or vet) for clinical advice.

Ginger

Various forms of ginger root are commonly used to treat nausea and gastric issues.  If you prefer a natural motion sickness treatment alternative that is ingestible (rather than pressure bands), multiple ginger products are available including gum, candy, tea, or pills/capsules.

Other Motion Sickness Advice

If you know that you or a member of your party is prone to motion sickness, you may take precautions such as eating light before traveling and including saltine crackers on your packing checklist.  If the problem is more serious, you may want to purchase a pressure band, medication, or ginger product.  These products CAN also be used before the onset of symptoms.

By the very nature of these self-contained floating cities that dock in multiple countries, your packing checklist is going to include some
destination and event-specific items.  In general, you may find yourself making room for snorkeling gear and/or winter coats.

Your Cruise Packing Checklist is broken into categories for you below.  You can also download the printable PDF version by clicking here, or by visiting the PackingChecklist.net Downloads page.

Documentation and Currency

• Driver’s License
• Auto insurance card
• Medical insurance card
• Passport
• Immunization records/vaccination certificate
• Hotel and/or transportation tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
• Parking documentation
• Cruise tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts
• Shore excursion tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
• Dining reservation confirmation information
• Spa reservation confirmation numbers or receipts
• Cash
• Roll of quarters
• Credit Card
• Phone card

 Personal

• Wallet, purse, fanny pack, beach bag, tote, or backpack
• Water resistant or waterproof wrist watch
• Jewelry

 Electronics

• Electrical plug adapter and converter
• Power strip/extension cord
• Travel alarm clock
• MP3/Media player and headphones
• Mobile phone and charging cable
• Laptop and charging cable
• Camera, batteries, charging cable, extra memory cards or film
• Underwater camera

 Toiletries

• Specific/specialty shampoo
• Specific/specialty conditioner
• Specific/specialty soap
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Q-tips
• Hair products
• Curling iron
• Comb/Brush
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Cologne/Perfume
• Make-up
• Travel sized nail care kit
• Sun block
• Lip balm
• Insect repellant
• Sun tanning lotion
• Moisturizing lotion
• Prescription medications
• Glasses, contacts, sunglasses, case, and cleaning supplies
• Over the counter medications (light first aid kit plus motion sickness medicine)

 Clothing

• Swimsuits and cover-ups/beach and pool wear
• Hat(s) – caps, visors, warm hat
• Belts
• Flip-flops/sandals/water shoes/cold weather shoes
• Walking shoes
• Dress shoes
• Socks
• Underwear
• Tops – shirts, blouses, sweaters, sweatshirts, pullovers
• Shorts/Capri’s
• Skirts
• Trousers
• Jeans
• Dress clothing (suit, tuxedo, dress, pant suit, and accessories appropriate for formal dining)
• Sleep clothes
• Workout clothes
• Light jacket
• Coat

 Other

• Sports gear (SCUBA or snorkeling gear, golf clubs, etc.)
• Extra bag to bring home purchases (compact/foldable)
• Travel guide books, maps, and reading material for lounging
• List of addresses for postcards
• Pen/pencil
• Notebook or journal
• Business cards
• Luggage name tags
• Rain gear
• Binoculars
• Wet wipes/antibacterial gel
• Zip-lock bags
• Garbage bags
• Sewing kit
• Tape
• Post-it notes
• Hot hands (hand/foot warmers)

For quick access to all the downloadable and printable pdf packing checklists, check out the PackingChecklist.net Downloads page.

In addition to the printable pdf checklist of Airport Security Tips to Minimize Fuss (available on the Packing Checklist Downloads page), the following tips and warnings should also ease the process through airport security.

Baggage Locks

Don’t bother with baggage locks unless you buy specific TSA recognized baggage locks that can be opened by screening personnel with a master key.  If you use a standard lock, they’re going to have to break it to check your bags.

If, like me, you are less worried about proper personnel getting into baggage, but more worried about the zippers coming apart and losing items, try using twist ties or re-usable zip ties.  These will keep your luggage secure from inadvertent openings, yet allow airport screeners to do their jobs.

Carry On or Checked Baggage

Carrying-on fewer items can also save you and your fellow passengers a great deal of fuss on the plane.  (Since more people are trying to avoid checked baggage fees, larger – sometimes excessively large items – and multiple items are taking up all the over head storage compartment room before everyone can even board the plane.  If you’re one of the multiple big bag travelers, consider lack of space for yourself and others.  Smaller bags allow more room for your fellow passengers and help you find sufficient space for your own carry-on items if you board the plane late.

Verify ID on Documentation

Before your flight, you may also want to check how your name is shown on your photo ID and that of your traveling companions/family.  This should match the wa

y the name is shown on flight reservations.  The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is enforcing stricter security about photo ID and boarding passes matching.

The TSA

If you have doubts about items on your packing checklist, check the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) web site for the latest rules and regulations.  In the meantime, feel free to use the printable pdf packing checklists provided on the Downloads page.

For a multi-day golf trip, your packing checklist should factor in the number of days you’ll be on your trip, the number of holes you plan to play, and when or if you plan to have laundry processed during your trip.  If you have laundry done during the trip, you won’t have to pack nearly as much, but if the trip is for 4-5 days or less, you may decide to forego laundry service and just pack everything you’ll need for the trip.

Golfing Items

Casual or confident golfers may prefer to leave expensive equipment at home, rent equipment and avoid personal loss or damage.  Golfers comfortable with their personal equipment, however, will want to pack all the necessities and preferred/favorite items.  See the Multi-day Golf Trip Packing Checklist below or on the Downloads page along with the Golf Bag Packing Checklist for a comprehensive list of golfing items.

Weather-specific Gear

During the week and days leading up to your golf trip, check weather.com or local online weather providers to help with your packing checklist.  Depending on the length of your trip and the geographic span, you may need to pack for multiple weather conditions including rain gear, moisture wicking clothing, or jackets/sweaters.

Personal Items

Your personal items include the necessary travel documents for your trip.  Do NOT forget your wallet/purse, cash, credit card, driver’s license, passport (for international destinations), and all confirmation numbers, tickets, receipts, tee-times, and contact information for courses, resorts, dining, and transportation.

Personal Electronics

The personal electronics on your packing checklist may be as short as a basic wrist watch (to make sure you don’t miss your tee-time), or as extensive as phones, cameras, laptops, and all associated electrical chargers and batteries.  You may even enjoy golfing gadgets such as rangefinders and GPS devices, but check with the courses on your itinerary.  Not all gadgets and devices are allowed on specific courses.

Toiletries

Unless your trip is over 4-5 days, plan to pack travel-sized toiletry items.  Even if your trip doesn’t include air travel, the lighter baggage is always beneficial.  Resorts and hotels provide many basic items such as soap, shampoo, and lotion, but if you have brand preferences, you should pack them for your trip.  Even in highly populated areas, searching for a store that carries your preferred brands of toiletries can take a lot of time and trouble during your vacation.

Clothing

The number of clothing items on your packing checklist will depend on the length of your trip, the number of holes you plan to play, and whether or not you plan to use laundry services.  Certainly, plan daily and nightly clothing for each day of your trip.  Count the rounds you plan to play and pack complete outfits accordingly.  (Remember to factor in sweat, rain, snow, etc.  You may change clothes multiple times during each day.)  Pack clothing appropriate for the course dress codes, and pack special clothing as needed for dining and other evening events.

Multi-day Golf Trip Packing Checklist

A comprehensive Multi-day Golf Trip Packing Checklist is included below as well as a downloadable and printable version on the Downloads Page.  Whether you’re taking a long weekend to one special resort/course, or you’re planning an extensive trek through every single Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail course in the state of Alabama, you need to choose your preferred travelling style and adjust your packing checklist accordingly.  You can pack light and plan to purchase or rent items as needed, or pack extensively trying to remember anything you might need.  Either way, packing checklists are for the beginning and end of your trip.  During your trip, enjoy the game.

Large Golfing Items

• Golf Bag
• Golf Clubs
• Golf Shoes (2 pair)

Small Golfing Items

• Golf Balls
• Tees
• Coins or Markers
• Golf Glove
• Extra Spikes
• Spike Tool
• Pocket Knife/Divot Tool
• Towel
• Water Bottle

Optional Golfing Items

• Heavy duty golf travel bag/case (for air travel or shipping)
• Drawstring Bag for personal items/valuables (wallet, keys, cell phone, watch, etc.)
• A Sharpie Marker or Golf Ball Marker
• Pencil or Pen
• Pad of paper
• Wrenches needed for specific clubs
• Stroke Counter
• Compact First Aid Kit
• Medications
• Alcohol Wipes
• Band-aids
• Lip Balm
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellant
• Hat, Cap, or Visor
• Sunglasses
• Range Finder/Distance Finder
• Extra Golf Gloves
• Extra Towels (one dry, one damp/moist)
• Ball Retriever
• Energy Drinks/Water
• Healthy/Energy Snack (Fruit, Nuts, Trail Mix, Energy Bars, etc.)
• Club Bonnets

Weather Specific Items

• Club/Bag Rain Bonnet
• Rain Gear (rain clothes, poncho, umbrella, etc.)
• Sweater
• Jacket
• Extra Socks

Personal Items

• Wallet/Purse
• Keys
• Cash
• Credit Card
• Driver’s License/ID
• Passport (as needed)
• Immunization Records (as needed)
• Relevant Membership Cards
• Auto Insurance Card
• Medical Insurance Card
• Business Cards
• Confirmation Numbers, Reservation Numbers, Tickets, Receipts, Tee Times, and Contact Information for all relevant hotel, resort, club, course, dining, and transportation arrangements
• GPS or Maps to courses/itinerary

Personal Electronics

• Electrical plug adapter and converter (as needed)
• Power strip/extension cord
• Travel alarm clock
• Wrist watch
• Mobile phone and charging cable
• Laptop and charging cable
• Camera, batteries, charging cable, extra memory cards or film

Toiletries

• Specific/specialty shampoo
• Specific/specialty conditioner
• Specific/specialty soap
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Q-tips
• Hair products
• Curling iron
• Comb/Brush
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Cologne/Perfume
• Make-up
• Travel sized nail care kit
• Sun tanning lotion
• Moisturizing lotion
• Prescription medications
• Glasses, contacts, sunglasses, case, and cleaning supplies

Clothing

• Swimsuits and cover-ups/beach and pool wear
• Belts
• Casual Shoes (Flip-flops/sandals/water shoes/walking shoes)
• Dress Shoes
• Socks
• Underwear
• Shorts/Capri’s
• Skirts
• Trousers
• Jeans
• Dress Clothing (and accessories appropriate for formal dining)
• Sleep Clothes
• Workout Clothes
• Golf-Specific Clothes (appropriate for weather and course dress code, at least one set per day or per round)

“Airport security”…I still see people cringe at the mere mention of the process.  Lines are long; people are impatient, but security personnel must be allowed to do their jobs.

Since 9/11, airport security screening increased and stringent adherence to the rules (old and new) is strictly enforced. …makes you wonder how many lighters and fingernail clippers were lost at airport security those first few years.

As fear subsides and confidence grows, though, airport security is no longer the half day ordeal it once was.  It is, however, still a time consuming, but necessary process.

There are several steps, if followed reasonably, that should, at least, reduce your time in line.  Now, if everyone else would just use some common sense, follow the rules and exercise patience, we’d all get through airport security with minimal fuss.

1.  Smile and be patient.

The absolute best way to avoid fuss going through airport security is to smile, be patient and be accommodating.  Most of the folks around you will be busy, impatient, unnerved and WAY too far out of their comfort zones to be on their best behavior.  Everyone in line has to deal with these emotional issues, as do the screening employees.

Be determined to maintain patience and not add to the problems.

Smile at both fellow passengers and screening staff.  It can’t hurt, and it usually perks up at least a few in the group.

2.  Check your bags.

I know.  Since the airlines started charging for checked luggage, everyone’s trying to save money using carry-on bags.  It may save money, but it does NOT save fuss…for you or your fellow passengers.

If you want to save fuss, check your primary bag.  This gives you at least one bag in which you can place all those “questionable” items that greatly delay security scans and reduces the number of carry-on items that have to go through security.  Put your fingernail clippers, lighters, non-essential (at least during the flight) toiletries and other items you will not need until you reach your destination in your checked luggage and send it off for loading.  Get it out of the way.

3.  Know the rules.

Know the rules about luggage size, weight and contents for both checked bags and carry-on baggage contents.

Go to the TSA web site and read through the “prohibited” items rules.  Just don’t pack these.  If you do have “Special Items” you need to bring, see the TSA web site and the airline policy regarding procedure with specialty items before you try to bring them through security checkpoints.  Knowing the policy for musical instruments or golf clubs ahead of time can save you a lot of time and fuss.

Use the 3-1-1 policy for liquids in carry-on luggage.  3 ounce containers, 1 quart clear bag, 1 bag per traveler is the norm to avoid fuss.  If you must take larger quantities, exceptions may be made for medications, baby items and such.  Make sure to declare these with security to avoid delays.

4.  Be reasonable with carry-on items.

Most airlines allow one standard-sized roller bag and one additional carry-on item (purse, laptop bag, briefcase, tote bag).  Check with airline policy and make sure your carry on items meet the size and weight requirements.  Remember, the more you carry-on, the more you have to scan through security.  Fewer and smaller carry-on items equal less fuss during airport security checks and later on the plane.

5.  Be prepared for the inspection of shoes, jackets, ball caps/hats and pocket contents.

Just take them off.  The shoes have to come off.  The pocket contents can go into a small container to run through the scanner, but it’s just as convenient to place pocket contents into a side pocket of a carry-on bag and let the whole thing run through at once.  The jackets and ball caps might as well come off and be placed in a screening tub.  It’ll save the time later if you’re asked to remove them, taking more of your time and delaying others in line.

6.  Give some thought ahead of time about your laptop.

Unless it’s in a TSA “Checkpoint Friendly” laptop bag, the laptop must be removed and placed in its own security tub for screening.  Whenever possible, keep your laptop easily accessible in the bag for quick removal and repacking.  This can be a particularly frustrating part of the process if it doesn’t pack well.

Note also that the laptop must be placed in its OWN tub for screening.  Shoes, jackets and other items should not be placed in the same tub with a laptop.

7.  Photo ID and Boarding Pass.

Have your photo ID (usually driver’s license for domestic travel or passport for domestic or international travel) and boarding pass quickly accessible at all times.  You may have to show these multiple times before the security process is complete.

8.  Prepare for the walk-through scan.

Try not to wear excessive metal, and if you have metal medical implants, have your medical card available to confirm your doctor’s information.

9.  Step aside when done.

Once you and your items have been scanned and released, gather your items and step to the side to replace shoes and readjust packing.

A printable pdf checklist of Airport Security Tips to Minimize Fuss is available under the Packing Checklist Downloads page.