Packing and Gear

As of Jan. 1, 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation has new rules regarding loose lithium-ion batteries in travelers’ airline baggage. (This rule does not affect alkaline batteries.) The ruling is to prevent any possible fires from accidental overheating or short-circuiting.

In carry-on luggage, any batteries actually installed in electronic devices (cameras, laptops, etc.) are allowed, but only two more rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are allowed as spares and they must be packaged in a plastic bag or the original retail packaging.

BoomerangIt (800/226-6648, www.boomerangit.com) offers a global “lost-and-found return service” in which PDAs, cell phones, laptops, luggage and even keys that are tagged may be returned to the rightful owners.

Anyone who finds a tagged item can contact BoomerangIt online or call an 800 number. Boomerangit arranges the return; the finder pays nothing to return the item and receives a reward. 

United Airlines is offering an introductory annual subscription rate of $249 for its new “Premier Baggage” program, which allows subscribers and up to eight traveling companions (traveling on the same confirmation number) to check up to two bags each at no additional charge on domestic and international United- and United Express-operated flights for a one-year period. (Flights operated by another airline and connecting onto a United or United Express flight are subject to the standard fees of the originating carrier.)

Wearing a green T-shirt under a blue work shirt, I was about to depart for Europe. At my farewell breakfast — one last eggs-any-style — my stylish, college-aged daughter said to me, “You look like a scrub. Okay if you’re painting a house.”

To the right are pictured (slightly reduced) Magellan’s “retriever tags.” You place your itinerary in the pouch and, with the furnished strap, attach it to the handle on your luggage.

Wine, spirits or other bottled liquids can be safely transported in carry-on or checked luggage in inflatable, durable-plastic Vinnibags. Vinnibags hold bottles and jars of many sizes and shapes, from standard 750ml wine bottles to olive oil and perfume bottles. Place a bottle into the bag, then inflate and seal it. Flat when not inflated, VinniBag is reusable.

$28 each with free shipping at www.vinnibag.com… or $29.85 plus $7.99 shipping from Magellan’s Travel Supplies (800/962-4943). 

I don’t know of any airlines that reimburse passengers for damage to luggage tags or zippers (March ’14, pg. 26), but there is one luggage manufacturer that covers this type of damage: Briggs & Riley (Hauppauge, NY; 877/745-3978).

(Part three in a series) — Someone who travels a lot develops a preference for clothing that has certain properties, so we asked you to tell us about the apparel you pack and where you bought it. We wanted to know brand names, so shoppers can inquire about them in the mall or look them up online. And we asked you to give us the name of the store or company from which you purchased each item, including, if possible, its contact information (location, phone number or website).

For a young child on a plane who may be more safe with something other than a seat belt meant for an adult, extra security is offered with the Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES).

Comprising straps and buckles weighing one pound and able to be packed flat or bundled into a 6-inch-tall bag, CARES can be used on window and center seats but not in exit rows. There is no minimum age to use the harness, but children must be between 22 and 44 inches tall and weigh at least 22 pounds.

On my trips, I often go hiking. Since I cannot carry hiking poles onto planes in my carry-on pack, I’ve always had to check at least one piece of luggage.

At the sporting-equipment store REI, I found Black Diamond-brand poles, which have three telescoping sections.* 

I still need to check a bag, but the poles will fit in a bag that’s much smaller than the one I used to have to check through.

SAMANTHA SARTAIN

Colorado Springs, CO