Labor Day Tips From PriceGrabber.com Travel

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Brett Snyder PriceGrabber.com's Travel Geek. He has worked for three airlines in various revenue management, sales, and marketing roles. In addition, Brett is an avid airline enthusiast who can often be found spending his weekends watching planes at LAX.

The recent addition of the now-infamous "liquid ban" has added a level of complexity to the art of packing and flying in general. Following are tips to help the frequent and not so frequent travelers have a good experience this Labor Day:

Checking Bags

Nobody likes to check bags if they can avoid it, but these days it's the easiest way to go. Here are some tips for packing:

-- Play it safe and check all your toiletries including makeup.

-- If you have anything else that is a liquid, cream, or gel, throw it in your checked luggage. You can't bring it onboard.

-- Anything that uses aerosol is not allowed to be carried on or checked. If you have a need for big 80's hair, make sure it's a pump spray and then check it!

-- When going through security let the agents know if you have liquid prescription medication, breast milk, or baby formula that must be brought with you, and make it easily accessible in your carry-on bag. The TSA agents will most likely pull it out and have a look. But don't worry, you're allowed to bring it.

-- Do NOT check electronics, you are able to carry them on as usual. If you check them, it's at your own risk and you won't get much compensation if they're lost or stolen.

Carry-On Luggage

If you just can't bear the thought of parting with your bag at the ticket counter you can still carry on. To retain your must have gels, sprays and creams when traveling, consider the following:

-- If you're staying in a hotel, call in advance to see if they offer free toiletry kits to guests

-- When you arrive at your destination, swing by the nearest drug store and pick up the necessities

-- For longer trips, ship expensive makeup and salon products you can't live without in advance to your destination

-- If you are visiting relatives or friends, ask them to pick up a few things for you and reimburse them when you arrive

-- Look for solid or powder substitutes for the now banned items:
-- Deodorant -- a crystal deodorant rock
-- Shampoo -- shampoo in soap bar form

-- Toothpaste -- baking soda, tooth powder or pre-pasted disposable brushes

-- Mouthwash -- strong breath mints

Day of the Flight

Once you're packed and ready to go, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:

-- Check in online from home up to 24 hours before your flight

-- If you're checking bags, head straight to the bag drop at the ticket counter when you arrive

-- Take your laptop out of your bag and place it in a bin by itself

-- Take off shoes, jackets and sweaters, and heavy metal jewelry/watches and put them in another bin

-- Take your boarding pass with you through the scanner and you'll be through quickly and on your way

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