Earlier this week our daughter left for two weeks at summer camp.  Since she just graduated, this will be her last time to go as a camper.  She’s enjoyed several years at an amazing camp (that my husband also attended as a teen) in North Carolina.  

Now if you remember, we live in Texas….half way across the country from North Carolina, so getting there means flying, by herself.  The first year she was a little nervous but now she’s become quite the pro!  

There are several important things to remember when flying so we’ve put together some helpful tips for summer air travel.  

1.  Read the luggage guidelines carefully BEFORE packing

Airlines vary in their weight and size rules as well as how many carry-on or personal items are allowed.  The charges for overweight, over-sized or extra bags can be outrageous so check and re-check before getting to the airport.

2.  Don’t max-out your suitcase weight

Although it’s tempting to over pack, DON’T.  Keep your suitcase several pounds underweight for departure.  This allows extra weight for anything you might purchase on your trip.  I know we always come home with more than we go with, so save room in the suitcase for it.

3.  No liquids in your carry-on over 3 oz.

Security is VERY serious about this one.  Nothing makes it through, so when in doubt put it in your checked bag.

4.  Check in early online

This can save time once you get to the airport and can sometimes make getting through security easier.

5.  NO BLINGY JEANS!

Ladies, you know what I’m talking about.  Those cute jeans with the rhinestones and bling on the back pockets. Trust me, they WILL set off the security sensors and quite possibly result in a personal full body pat down in a back room of the security area.  We learned this the hard way with our oldest daughter at the Tampa airport at 2:00 AM…but that’s a story for another day.  Just pack the cute jeans and wear the plain boring ones on the plane.

6.  Download movies or music to your electronic devices  

Long flights or layovers can be really boring so be prepared.  My daughter said her flight to camp had free WiFi and she had a 3 1/2 hour layover in Atlanta.  She was glad for something to do.

7.  Take ear buds or headphones 

The movies and music you have with you may not be enjoyed by others around you, so be considerate and prepared.

8.  Bring your own snacks

Some airlines still have free in flight service but the less expensive ones do not.  Often flight schedules don’t allow for eating a meal while traveling so snacks are a great option.  

For us, snacking is an important part of traveling.  Everyone gets to choose a favorite snack to bring.  

Our daughter’s carry-on snacks included a bag of trail mix, pretzels, and OREO cookies.

This May OREO launched a NEW 2-pack, a convenient grab-and-go snack.  Containing two cookies per pack, this OREO 2-pack is the perfect serving size to satisfy your sweet tooth on-the-go.  

Not only is it great for portion control, it fits nicely in a carry on bag.

OREO 2-pack multipacks are sold in packages of 18 and can be found at local grocery stores.  They’re also available in Nutter Butter.

Since I’m not going anywhere this summer, I just keep a pack in my purse.  

My children gave me this purse for Mother’s Day….I call that little pocket on the side my “OREO Pouch”.  BTW my children don’t know that’s what’s in there, so please….don’t tell them!  

Now, if I could just figure out a way to carry some ice-cold milk in the other side of my purse, I’d be all set!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.