Stu T - so true, so true

I'm another person that can't fathom going anywhere without my Chapstick. I mean, I can't even go without it for a trip to the grocery store, much less on a plane for several hours. I'm addicted - it sounds ridiculous, but I'm being serious. You use it for awhile, and then your lips get dependent on it, and they get dry without it, cracking and hurting if you don't keep it on. Chapstick is more of a wax than a liquid gloss, though - do you think it would be banned? And no, I can't use butter! I can't even use a different type of gloss. I'm specifically addicted to the texture of chapstick.

Other than that, there's nothing I can't go without. Bringing a book on board is nice, but not necessary for me; I can get water on the plane; I can take my decongestant (needed for my ears) before boarding.

Stu T - Very true and funny!

I agree - get a grip!- I'd rather not have to wait behind the idiots that try to break the rules....please stick to the express check outs at the supermarket for that sort of crazy stunt.

Not to make such a big deal, but when you say "get a grip", I think just getting on a plane takes a lot of nerve. I hate it, but I love foreign countries. Now, I not only have the usual worry of, how the hell does this BIG thing stay in the air, and we're over water, where could we land? I have to worry about being blown up, and I have NO distactions. Sorry, but to some of us humans, 8 to 10 hours cramped in a uncomfortable seat with a bad preselected movie to watch does not equal safety or peace of mind. I travel in spite of my phobias, and I'm sure I'm not alone. I don't want to get drunk on airline booze to get a grip, and thats lookin like one of the only outlets available! Ya, I want my blankie, book and bagel! No liquids involved.

I'm just sitting back waiting for the prices to drop to London.

tara3056...

My sister used to be a Chapstick addict. She carried a muff instead of a bouquet when she got married so she would have a place for her chapstick.

A doctor finally got her off it. He told her something in the Chapstick erodes the outer lip surface. I can't remember what she used in place of it, but it worked until her natural lip covering grew back. I'll try to find out and post it.

I can't believe the crisis in London has lead to Chapstick........but I can't go anywhere without it either...I tend to breath through my mouth which dries my lips. If it's doing something to my lips I'd love to know about it!

About the saline spray...take with an empty plastic spray bottle and some salt--roll your own.

>we usually fly in the a.m. if possible, we bring breakfast on board. How can my bagel pose a terror threat?<

Eat yur bagel while standing in line at security.

travelfan1: so glad to know I'm not the only one!

I'm travelling to Seattle in a few days, and from the TSA website, it doesn't look like carry-on luggage is forbidden at all. Just liquids. Also, it looks like we can still take our laptop (we use it for its GPS on trips) in our carry-on. The Chapstick is still iffy, but really, it doesn't seem to me like it's a liquid *or* a gel, so who knows?

Linda431: I'd **love** to know what she used to make herself stop using it! Without it, I will compulsively pick at the skin on my lips until they bleed

>Now, I not only have the usual worry of, how the hell does this BIG thing stay in the air,...<

It stays up solely by the faith of the passengers and crew.

If you start people worrying that it might fall out of the air, it will.

I didn't know there were Chapstick addicts. Perhaps taking the Queen Mary is the answer? (Just don't watch Titanic if you haven't already.)

If you are inside a plane and it explodes, all your troubles -- including chapped lips -- will be over, so I don't see the point in worrying about it once the plane takes off.

And I think you'll have less to worry about before you take off if you and others see draconian security rules being strictly enforced, no exceptions made.

As to "how DOES that big thing stay in the air over water"?

Haven't you ever noticed all those seagulls at the airport? They carry it over on their backs.

Go ahead, make fun of me. I'm not the only person who took physics, can tell you about Bernoullis principle, actually flies in planes, but still think that it doesn't make sense. I know I'll be able to function, its just that flying overseas is such a hassle anyway. Now it will be just that much more so, and those crafty terrorists will still be looking for new ways to get us!

Am I the only person here who lives in New York City and figures my chances of making it home at night (or waking up alive) are 50-50 every day?

I relax when the plane takes off!

3 things I really need when I fly..email confirmation, passport (if International flight) and credit card would be the most important to me.

Oh, a lot of us are going to be inconvenienced, and not have the comfort we need on the flight (I always like having some toiletries along, and a change of clothes--they'd better not lose my luggage!).

Let's just pretend we're overlanders on the Oregon Trail. Those people put up with a lot more inconvenience and discomfort than we ever will, and just as much danger.

Plan ahead, and soldier on!

Merseyheart, I didn't have any (they waited for the railroads) but I would imagine our forefathers that came across the US in covered wagons would shake their heads in wonderment at how stessed people are that they have to go X number of hours on a plane without all the conveniences they are use to.

And I wonder what the immigrants that went by ship from Europe to America would think, especially those put in the holds of the ships.

I think we will all survive the discomfort of the new government rules and regulations. But it is not a happy situation of course..due to the reason for the rules and regulations.

But as long as we all arrive safe and sound that is the bottom line isn't it?

nessundorma, I hear ya. My commute to work 5 days a week is 52 miles round trip, on Dallas highways, with hostile folks, with distracted folks. I'm sure that my daily commute is the biggest risk factor in my life. I'm a very relaxed airline passenger.

LOL Underhill,
Or snort your own by pouring a little salt and some tepid water in the cup of your hand.

Ah, loveitaly,
The pioneers had their problem with over-packers. The country was littered with furniture, china and tea services that had to be discarded from wagon trains.
On the other hand, I'm sure that the first words ever muttered by our Fodorite ancestors were, "Geez! All you need is a 22 inch club and bearskin!"

who said anything about not being allowed to take books on planes, anyway?