Fighting for Carry On Space
I know why I love the NYT. I think to myself, man, I was to know more about (fill in the blank), or (fill in the blank) really bothers me. And then, sure enough, within a week, there’s always an article on it.
Case in point is their write up on the fight for overhead carry-on space. I got to experience the jostling first hand not once but twice today as I made my way back to Portland from Washington D.C. Because I was going directly into work from my flight, I didn’t want to waste an hour waiting for my bag to show up (assuming it would make the connection in the first place.) On my first flight, finding room was no problem. The flight was about 2/3 full and it departed at 6:15 a.m. – far earlier than I think most people were willing to make sure they complied with all the TSA regulations for a carry on. Much easier to check a bag. There was plenty of room in the overhead bins.
Fast forward two hours and I’m getting ready for my second flight. This one, unfortunately, is totally full – not a spare seat on the plane. Because my bag is too large to sit below the seat and I’m sitting in the front part of the plane – the one that is last to board – I immediately start to plan how I’ll get on the plane and make room so all my preparations won’t be for naught. Basically, this consists of me fretting and doing that ‘hover around the gate until they call my section and jump in line’ thing that I normally find so obnoxious.
Luckily, my lurking rewarded me with the ‘first go’ at the overhead bins in my section…although many, as I feared, were already crammed full with the luggage of those who went before. I found room, however, and settled down in my seat to watch hapless other guests attempt to fit purses, large shopping bags, briefcases and luggage in the crammed space. Although everything fit, it was a close call.
For tricks on getting your space (hint: there aren’t many), read Waging the Battle of the Overhead Bin.
Replacing a Child’s Lost Passport: Statement of Consent
I came across a rule the other day that all parents who are traveling with children outside of the country should know.
If ever a child is traveling without both natural parents (i.e. just mom, or dad and step-mom, or with another family member) and loses his or her passport (or discovers it stolen), the child can only get another passport if both parents agree…which required a notarized document.
In order to avoid a frantic call home requesting a notarized letter from the child’s missing natural parent(s), the traveling parent or family member should carry a notarized letter allowing for the child to receive a replacement passport if his or her is lost or stolen.
This is the case with United States of America-issued passports and may not necessarily be required for minors traveling on passports from from other countries. You can find a Statement of Consent form on the government website.
