I use this backpack [link] as my carry on, as it holds a computer and then has separate compartments for other stuff. It is also my school bag.

My favorite is when they have me gate check. Best of both worlds.

I try really hard not to check baggage, but that is really hard since I have to travel with my nebulizer, which takes up half of the small suitcase.

This is the current generation of the bag I usually travel with: [link]

It is carry-on size with the day pack off.

The day pack counts as my personal bag. And it is nicely padded -- more than once I've used it for my laptop.

I try not to check bags but depending on the job I do it about half the time. I take hand tools and things with me that are too easily considered weapons. I get caught with the fun choice of sending things like $150 crimp tools in unlocked baggage or having them confiscated at the security checkpoint by an overzealous agent.

On my way out here I didn't have to wait in line for security, so I threw my first bag on the belt so I could take my computer out of the second bag. Just as it went into the machine I remembered that I had a little thing of lotion in my bag that I hadn't put in a ziplock bag (although, the ziplock was in the bag as well). I went to grab it, and the TSA guy was like, "Uh uh uh." So I said, "There's a thing of lotion in there that I forgot to put in its ziplock bag. He stopped it, looked, and laughed, because he saw the empty ziplock bag slipped in the side of the bag. He sent it through. Made me laugh.

Vortex - it wasn't a TSA thing, the fraud thing is from United (and maybe other airlines). From United's web site -

Booking travel for other people - If you complete a reservation for another traveler - you may be required to present your card at airport check-in. Refer to your confirmation page for information or instructions.

Which makes no sense, cause if you are buying a ticket for someone else, chances are - you aren't traveling with that person. I'll have to go find the confirmation page to see if there were added instructions that I missed.

ETA - We're kind of loving the low dollar because it's easier to pay off Boy's student loans. Our bad.

It's nice to hear someone is benefitting.

I am supposed to be on the road. I am not even close, as in "the suitcase is still in the attic" not close.

I've had to have something gatechecked twice. Each time, no one on the other end knew where it was and it took a couple of hours to track it down.

Which makes no sense, cause if you are buying a ticket for someone else, chances are - you aren't traveling with that person.

Yeah, that's a completely ridiculous policy. What the fuck, United.

I've never had to deal with that, though. Thankfully.

Yeah, since quite a few of my tickets are booked by companies and travel agents that I only see through an email exchange it could get ugly fast for me.