Ski & Safety Tips
-Ski Safety -Ski News -Ski Fun
Anyone get stressed out just going to the airport at the start of a trip? Most of us have some level of anxiety with the uncertainty of things like delayed or cancelled flights, long lines, figuring out the boarding pass kiosks, etc. Then there’s the fun of maneuvering through security. As if it’s not stressful enough, TSA and the airlines are enforcing some new restrictions for 2026. I’ll try to sort through these new rules and offer some ideas on how to deal with them.
First, some of these restrictions aren’t really new. They’re just going to be more strictly enforced in the future. At least that’s what they are telling us. Until now, gate officials have simply looked at your carry-on and used their own judgment on whether it can be allowed or should be gate checked. Airports now are announcing plans to install weight and measuring devices to evaluate all carry-on luggage. This could mean many of the bags that have been okay in the past may not pass the test in the future. And there’s the possibility of a pretty significant new fee for gate checked bags. As more people are bringing electronic devices on planes there’s more rules about those and the things that power them. It’s unclear exactly when or even if all this will come to pass or which airports are going to be using these evaluation devices. Individual airlines and airports rules vary and are inconsistent. It’s good to check on your own if you have a question.
The following are some basic guidelines.
1. Carry-on bag size is 22X14X9 inches. This is the same size as always, but the measurement now includes the wheels, handles, and pockets that may cause the size to be larger.
2. The weight of this bag cannot exceed 22 pounds. Those of you who bring things like ski boots, helmets, and lots of communication devices may have a problem with this one.
3. The personal item that you can bring along with your carry-on MUST fit under the seat in front of you.
4. The 3-1-1 liquids rule still exists.
5. If you absolutely must bring all kinds of electronic devices with you, be aware that they must be charged and ready to power up at a gate official’s request. Also lithium portable battery chargers and anything else that requires a lithium battery MUST be in your carry-on and have 100 or less Wh (watt hours) capacity.
6. If anyone owns one of the new Smart bags that does almost everything but pack the bag for you, be sure that the lithium battery pack can be removed.
7. Be aware that a later boarding group may not have enough room for your bag.
Now what do we do with all this new information. Here’s some hints.
1. Measure your bag before you even pack it. As many as 60% of bags that claim to be carry on size really aren’t.
2. Weigh your bag before you get to the airport. And do you really need to carry-on all that stuff? And wear heavy items like hiking boots and coats.
3. Be sure your personal item is small. A soft backpack that can be squished under a seat is good. Be sure to keep important documents like passports, medical cards, medicines and toiletries you can’t live without like a toothbrush and contact lens solution in this bag.
4. Because we have to still deal with the 3-1-1 rule consider toiletry items that are solid instead of liquid. Things like solid deodorant, shampoo, soap, and anything else that can’t pour or be squeezed out of a tube are not subject to the rule. And do you really need all that stuff?
5. Seriously, do you need to bring a bunch of devices on your trip? And all those battery charging things? You’re on vacation so just bring your phone. Maybe your Kindle. The world won’t collapse because you can’t access your Facebook account for a few days. Leave the laptop at home!
6. Who really needs a Smart bag. They’re expensive and just one more thing to worry about.
7. Sometimes we have no control over our boarding group. So just be prepared.
The important thing to remember is to pack smart. Less is more. A good rule to follow is to ask yourself this question: Am I going to use it at least 3 or more times? Obviously, we need all of our heavy ski equipment but some of the other stuff can be left behind. Overhead space is decreasing as more seating is added to some planes and airlines just love to find new ways to charge additional fees. Or maybe just face it: Pay the fee for the checked bag. At least we expect that. It’s the stuff you don’t expect at the check in that is the most aggravating and possibly most expensive. All the “fun” of the airport experience can’t be avoided but if we know what we may have to face the whole experience can be much smoother. Bon voyage, Skimeister, Jackie
