Carry-On at a US Airport

Returning to Vancouver from Southern California (flying out of John Wayne Airport - Orange County) I very diligently packed certain carry-on items in ziplock clear plastic bags. After waiting in a long line to go through security I was pulled aside because I didn't follow the RULES... subsequently everything I had in my purse and small carry-on was pulled out and placed on a table. Then I was instructed how things should have been packed. All this was done out in the open - I guess for more effect??? and perhaps public humiliation. Anyway, FYI make sure that you put mascara, lip balm, hand cream, body butter, toothpaste, mousse, hair gel, lipstick, eyeshadow, etc., basically anything that you think may/may not apply must go into this small ziplock bag. There should be nothing that is larger than 100ml otherwise it gets tossed. Make sure you check your purse & carry-on carefully, because that is how I got pulled over, because I didn't think lipstick & lip balm would be problem - who knew!!! Just remember that you are allowed only 1 clear plastic ziplock bag to hold all these things and it must be removed from your carry-on bag and placed beside it. If you have meds. they must be in a clear ziplock bag as well and placed so the agent can see them easily. Remember NO BOTTLED WATER even if the seal in not broken!

Happy flying...

FLIGHT PLAN...

Have you ever been in a seat on an airplane and it didn't recline, or you couldn't see the movie - UGH!! Now you can avoid this happening - check out www.Seatguru.com, it details the good, the bad and the very uncomfortable on all aircraft of almost every major airline. Hope this helps you out....

Would love to hear your comments if you use seatguru.com

China Pix

Some pix from our recent trip to China...

A senior playing a 3-string instrument in Yangshuo

Downtown street in Hong Kong

Path along the river in Songpan

Morning tea from a vendor in the square.

Hey! All you Aeroplan users/savers changes are going to be happening to your frequent flyer points.

Starting next year (2007), Canadians will have to redeem or accumulate Aeroplan points at least once a year, or else lose all of the points in their account. Existing points in every member's account will also be time-stamped starting Jan. 1, 2007, and will expire after a 7-year period.

Accounts not used in a 12-month period - points collected or redeemed - will become dormant and it will cost $30 plus 1-cent for every mile in the account to restore the points. For example, an account with 25,000 points - the minimum needed for many economy class flights within North America - that will mean a total fee of $280.

Once you pay the fee, the points will be reinstated for another 7 years, but under the same activity requirement.

The changes are designed to encourage people to use their memberships on a more frequest basis. If you have Aeroplan points get in touch with Air Canada for complete and up-to-date details, phone 1.888.247.2262 or go to AC website at www.aircanada.ca