Travel

Carrying nothing but minimal items through security

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  • Sep 26th, 2016 6:04 am
Member
Mar 21, 2008
240 posts
65 upvotes
Winnipeg

Carrying nothing but minimal items through security

Hi folks,
I am interested in trying something on the trip I have in 2 months. Normally I have a backpack for my documents all printed out and boarding passes and phone chargers with an iPad or laptop. I want to attempt to literally carry my phone, wallet, passport and an envelope with 1 or 2 trip related documents. The documents would be my prepaid rental car insurance I buy locally that I wouldn't want risking putting that in checked luggage.

All other trip documents would be PDF files on my phone and gmail/cloud backups.

Does anyone have experience with this and how has it worked for you?
13 replies
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Jul 29, 2005
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Mississauga
I usually travel light. Usually I travel with only carry-on and no other luggage. I would check that in if no extra cost. Otherwise, I have nothing else except my purse. I don't bring a tablet anymore, I just use my Nexus 6 as phone/camera/tablet. I wouldn't leave a laptop or camera in checked luggage.

I just print out the necessary paperwork (always good to have a hardcopy). I access other documents thru Gmail or in my documents folder, or even on websites where I can login to access my records.
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May 10, 2005
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Ottawa
chuckp wrote: Hi folks,
I am interested in trying something on the trip I have in 2 months. Normally I have a backpack for my documents all printed out and boarding passes and phone chargers with an iPad or laptop. I want to attempt to literally carry my phone, wallet, passport and an envelope with 1 or 2 trip related documents. The documents would be my prepaid rental car insurance I buy locally that I wouldn't want risking putting that in checked luggage.

All other trip documents would be PDF files on my phone and gmail/cloud backups.

Does anyone have experience with this and how has it worked for you?
And all your personal stuff is in the checked baggage?
I have gotten on an aircraft with only my iphone, which had my boarding pass on itand that was it. I was flying to Toronto to pick up a car and drive it home. Didn't need any baggage..
“Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.”
Member
Mar 21, 2008
240 posts
65 upvotes
Winnipeg
Raggie wrote: I usually travel light. Usually I travel with only carry-on and no other luggage. I would check that in if no extra cost. Otherwise, I have nothing else except my purse. I don't bring a tablet anymore, I just use my Nexus 6 as phone/camera/tablet. I wouldn't leave a laptop or camera in checked luggage.

I just print out the necessary paperwork (always good to have a hardcopy). I access other documents thru Gmail or in my documents folder, or even on websites where I can login to access my records.
Oh for sure, would never check an iPad or laptop. I am just not going to bring them this time hehe.

Every time I print hard copies I never use them so I figured I would risk it this time. I just want 3 things in my pocket and a small envelope in my hand.
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Nov 12, 2011
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Niagara-on-the-Lake
Always do digital. Never an issue. I go through with my Phone, wallet, and passport. That's it.
Deal Expert
Aug 2, 2001
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Why do you want to travel so light?

If your baggage is lost you will have to scramble around for things like a change of clothes, etc. To me, you should at a minimum carry with you what you need for the next 24 hours (which in most cases will cover the time your baggage is lost). You're typically covered for items like this from the airline, but you still have to go out and get it (which may be difficult when your flight is later in the day).
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Oct 6, 2005
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chuckp wrote: All other trip documents would be PDF files on my phone and gmail/cloud backups.
I always have the worst of luck with LTE reception - I usually cache the files locally to reduce the dependency on WiFi or LTE.
Member
Mar 21, 2008
240 posts
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Winnipeg
TrevorK wrote: Why do you want to travel so light?

If your baggage is lost you will have to scramble around for things like a change of clothes, etc. To me, you should at a minimum carry with you what you need for the next 24 hours (which in most cases will cover the time your baggage is lost). You're typically covered for items like this from the airline, but you still have to go out and get it (which may be difficult when your flight is later in the day).
No real reason, just felt like going hands free this round. Last 10 trips always carried something around an airport, or worried about carry on. Figured I would try going light in the airport/plane.
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May 28, 2012
12485 posts
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Saskatoon
From watching Border Security (Australia)...issues may depend on where you are going or where you are coming from. If you are travelling to or from known drug trafficking areas, then travelling really light may get you flagged. I would take a small carryon just in case.
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Apr 9, 2010
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Montreal
I agree. Carry a backpack with you at the very least.
Member
Mar 21, 2008
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Winnipeg
Mars2012 wrote:From watching Border Security (Australia)...issues may depend on where you are going or where you are coming from. If you are travelling to or from known drug trafficking areas, then travelling really light may get you flagged. I would take a small carryon just in case.
Oh i'll have checked luggage. I am just going for minimal carry around while waiting in the airport and for my connecting.
Newbie
Jun 9, 2008
63 posts
6 upvotes
chuckp wrote:
Mars2012 wrote:From watching Border Security (Australia)...issues may depend on where you are going or where you are coming from. If you are travelling to or from known drug trafficking areas, then travelling really light may get you flagged. I would take a small carryon just in case.
Oh i'll have checked luggage. I am just going for minimal carry around while waiting in the airport and for my connecting.
I go for the opposite. I travel with no checked luggage, carry on only.
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Oct 25, 2009
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Moncton
Thanks to the cloud and smartphones, there is very little you need to print out. I like to travel wearing a shirt with a pocket for my passport, flight times (not boarding times), boarding pass and a pen. If I have a backpack it is mainly so I can stuff my jacket in it in warmer climates. Except in say Cuba, there are stores all over if what you need is in your checked luggage. A plastic bag from a convenience store or tourist shop is also remarkably convenient for things like a water bottle.
Toronto is a very small part of Canada
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Oct 25, 2009
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TrevorK wrote: Why do you want to travel so light?

If your baggage is lost you will have to scramble around for things like a change of clothes, etc. To me, you should at a minimum carry with you what you need for the next 24 hours (which in most cases will cover the time your baggage is lost). You're typically covered for items like this from the airline, but you still have to go out and get it (which may be difficult when your flight is later in the day).
The only issue would be bathing suite and warm cloaths in a warm climate (you should never fly in shorts/without a jacket if going to a colder climate). Socks can be turned over. Same for underwear (or go commando). I've been stuffing an extra pair of underwear in my jacket, but I feel paranoid doing that.
Toronto is a very small part of Canada

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