ecoLiving Essentials biodegradable travel booties

The company was founded by two moms, who, as frequent travelers. were concerned about their germ exposure when removing their shoes at airport security.  They saw the bins of plastic booties offered at a few of the airports, and although they admired the concept, were concerned about the amount of plastic being sent to the landfill.  (TSA allows booties to be worn through the security screen, but requires that they be disposed of in that area.)  Refining the concept, the two were able to come up with a disposable and biodegradable alternative that could protect travelers from germs and was still affordable.

A second travel product, the shower cap, attempts to accomplish the same thing – replace a commonly disposed item with a biodegradable option.  You can stop using the ones you find in your hotel room, using, and re-using, a biodegradable one.

The company claims, that in addition to the products themselves being eco-friendly, all the packaging is also naturally biodegradable, completely eco-friendly, BPA-free and non-toxic (the bags are made of plant material).  This means you can toss the products and packaging into the recycling bin, compost pile, or in the trash (if you must).  As an additional selling point, both packaging and products are made in the US with local materials.  Yay for creating local jobs!  While I think we all prefer re-usable products, the reality of travel is that we often are faced with making disposable choices.

The travel booties are priced at $5.95 for two sets of booties, and the shower cap at the same price point for three caps.

I was sent a sample of the booties for review, which gave me the chance to check out the packaging and product.

Biodegradable travel booties

The first thing I noticed was that the exterior package felt and crackled like cellophane (that really noisy crackling type of cello wrapping paper), and carried a choking hazard label.  I don’t know why that warning label bothered me, but it did.  I know that it’s important labeling, and packaging can be a serious danger to small children, but I guess I naively want my package to be both earth friendly and kid friendly, too.  It’s my issue, but needn’t be yours.

The booties are large (one size fits most), and heavy enough that you feel like you’re getting real protection on your feet.  These aren’t the flimsy kind that you pick up at the airport security bin, and they did make me feel like my feet were protected.  Elastic around the ankle area is designed to keep them on your feet, rather than slipping off, and with bare feet it worked fairly well.  With socks on, however, it felt like the booties were going to slip off.  They didn’t, it just felt that way.  The plastic was also textured enough that I didn’t slip and slide on the airport floor.

In short, the product did what it claims it can do – keep your feet protected.  And if walking through security in your stocking feet is a big gross out for you, then these booties are a product that you’re going to love.  It may also mean you can wear sandals or flip flops and not have to worry about going barefoot in the security area by putting on the booties.

For me, however, the germ issue when passing through security isn’t enough of an “ick” factor for me to spend the money (albeit a nominal amount) and time to deal with the booties.  I know all the arguments about germs on the floors, mats, etc., and I know that the security area doesn’t get cleaned nearly often enough.  But I work on an airplane.  I am exposed to more germs in one flight that many people are in an entire month.  I deal with it by taking steps to keep myself healthy, keeping my immune system in great shape, washing frequently, and by trying not to think too hard and long about all the germs.  In this case, denial helps me keep the issue in a neat little box, allowing me to do my job.

However, that’s just me.

If the thought of all these germs creep you out, if you have a compromised immune system, or if you’re prone to picking up every bug that happens by, that will be enough to send you running for booties.  And if you’re going to use them, I can recommend the ecoLiving Essentials booties.  $6 will buy you two pair, enough for a roundtrip, and plenty of peace of mind.

Overall rating:  3 1/2 stars (out of 5).  I think it’s a quality product, but am not sure that there’s really a need.  I’m not sure it’s one of those things that makes traveling that much easier and/or enjoyable.

Your thoughts?

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

After you check your bags, take a deep breath, queue up, and get ready to wait.  The lines are likely to be long this time of year, but there are things you can do to put that time to good use.  Sure you can chat on your phone or with your traveling companions, but do that after you have everything everything else prepared and ready to go.

Here are my recommendations for breezing through the security process:

• Have your photo ID out of your pocket or purse, and have it tucked together with your boarding pass.  Keep this handy, because you’ll have to present both to the TSA official when you get to the front of the line, and then again when you go through the metal detector.  I’ve mentioned this before, and I’ll keep mentioning as long as I see people stalling the process by waiting till they’re asked for ID.
• Once you’re at the front of the security line, get off your cell phone.  You need to pay attention to where you’re sent, get your things into bins and bags on the conveyor belt.  In other words, you’re going to need both hands free.
• Once you get in the line to go through the metal detector, start getting ready.  Remove your shoes and jacket, and place them in a bin – again BEFORE you get to the front of the line.  Cell phones and iPods, too.  Ditto for the change in your pockets or any other metal your might have – though why you haven’t packed this away is beyond me!  All this goes is a bin.
• Remove your 3-1-1 liquids and gel bag and put it into a bag as well.  This can go with your jacket and shoes.  If you haven’t removed them, your bags will be inspected and items removed.  If your liquids are too large they will be confiscated or you will be directed to check your bags.  Don’t waste your time, and everyone else’s, by not following the regulations.  (I see this happen EVERY SINGLE DAY and can’t figure out why people won’t comply.)
• Remove your laptop and other large electronic items from your bag and put them into a SEPARATE bin. 

Much of this can be done before you are at the front of the line, but realizing you can’t remove everything, just be ready when it’s your turn.  Know where everything is so you don’t have to fumble around causing delays for everyone behind you.

If there are crew members or airport employees, they will be in a special line and likely directed to the front of the line in a sanctioned “cutting in line.”  Some airports have dedicated lines for employees, but most now just put everyone through the same lines, sending employees to the front.  If you have employees “cut” in front of you, don’t become hostile or aggressive.  TSA is on alert for any aggressive behavior, and when it’s directed to a crew member it’s likely to cause even more concern.  We’ll be fast and get through as quickly as we can so you can have your turn.

• Once you get a little closer to the front of the line for the conveyor belt, place your luggage, carry on, purse, packages, etc. directly onto the belt.  These do not need to be in a bin.  Do not carry anything to the x-ray scan, except your boarding pass and ID.
• If, despite all your planning and efforts, you are having problems getting everything together and on the security belt, motion to the person behind you to go ahead.  It’s just good manners to keep the line moving.
• After all your bags and stuff is on the conveyor belt, step aside and stand inline to walk through the metal detector.  Line up and walk through AFTER you have been motioned to do so.

But what if the metal detector goes off?  Now what?  Keep reading to find more tips on getting through security.

Hopefully, by following all previous suggestion, you’ll walk through the door frame and keep on walking.  But if the alarm goes off, stop and return to the front side of the door frame. 

• TSA officials will have you check your pockets to see if you’ve forgotten anything.  Step aside from the line to do this, letting people behind you pass through.
• If you’ve forgotten something in your pocket, place it in a bin and send it on through on the conveyor.  People will be irritated with you.  They’ll wonder why you thought you could get through with the bag of quarters from the slot machine jackpot you won.  Deal with it in a way that allows other people to get through and you’ll save a little face.

Sometimes, though, you really have done everything right and the metal detector still goes off.  Don’t get angry, just be prepared for a hand wand screen and a pat down by the TSA.  Try to keep a positive attitude about this.  It sucks.  I know.  Certain pieces of my uniform do this too, so I know how it feels.  You can’t change it at that point in your travels, so just change your attitude about it and you’ll have a more pleasant experience.

It’s still not over yet, and there’s much you have left to do.

• Once through the metal detector, slide your bags down to the end of the conveyor belt.  You can put your shoes on there – out of the way of other people trying to come through behind you – as well as lift up your bags and get everything back together.  Keep aware of your environment, and don’t block people behind you.  If you need extra time, that’s not a problem, just stand to one side so others can pass.
• As you pick up your things, stack up the empty bins.  If you don’t they’ll just start bunching up and nothing else will get through.  This part of the process is about paying it forward since it helps the people behind you.  Do it!

That’s it – you’re finally through and ready to head to your departure gate!  Safe travels!

Photo credit:  wikimedia, conveyor belt; metal detector

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Today, I tackle the the planning and packing that will help you comply with the liquid and gel restriction, and make getting through airport security a breeze.

Let’s be honest, the big headache at the airport is getting through security.  It’s time consuming, the rules seem to be continually changing, and there are different procedures in nearly every airport you transit.  Is it any wonder that the security process is one of the most stressful parts of travel?!

The best way to get through airport security is to plan ahead and be prepared.  Preparation and planning starts at home, from the things you pack to what you wear, so before you ever walk out the door read and remember these tips:

1. Don’t wear metal – wear something that will get through security easily.  Leave the big brass belt buckle in a bag, because trust me, it is not going to make it through the security.  The same goes for heavy metal jewelry, hair decorations, chains on your belt loops, etc.  I’m not saying that you can’t wear these items, but I am saying don’t try to get through security wear them.  Pack them away and put them on AFTER you’ve cleared the metal detector.  Remember, if you have to stop and take off all this in the security line, it’s going to take longer for you to get through, and it will hold up everyone behind you.  Don’t be that person!
2. Wear a coat that’s  easy to slip off.  Same goes for your jacket, sweater, or other outerwear.  If you’re going to keep it on while you’re waiting in line, you want something easy to remove as you get to the front of the line.  Again, remove it in advance – BEFORE you get to the security belt.  If you’re going to carry your jacket and put it on AFTER you get through security, it probably doesn’t matter.  Think about which option applies to you.
3. Wear shoes that are easy to remove.  You are going to have to remove them to go through security and then put them back on on the other side.  (More about the etiquette of this in a future post.)  Taking off and putting on boots and other complicated shoes, no matter how attractive, is a time waster.  I wear simple slip on shoes that are on and off in a flash.
4. Remember the 3-1-1 rule.  3 ounces maximum sized containers in 1 clear plastic zip bag, for each person.  That is all the liquids and gels that you are permitted in your carry on luggage.  If you have more than that, or larger sizes, place them in your checked luggage.  There are some limited exemptions from this rule (e.g., for medications, breast milk), so if you have special needs you can check the TSA website for specifics.
5. Think about what’s a liquid or gel.  It’s not just bottles of water and shaving cream.  It’s also hairspray, toothpaste, deodorant, mascara, lipstick, cheese spread, and more.  Take a closer look at this liquid and gel list for more examples.
6. Put all your liquids in a clear bag.  There are lots of attractive containers and packing for gel and liquid items, many approved for use by the TSA.  I’ve used them, but on occasion have been confronted by an overly zealous TSA official who has dumped everything out of my clear travel bag into a Ziploc bag.  Using a particular brand of clear bag is not a legitimate function of the TSA.  However, if you want to get through and on your way you should just comply for the moment, and then write a letter of complaint later.  Comply now, complain later is a good rule of thumb. 
7. Place your liquids bag where it is easy to get to it.  Since you’ll have to remove you bag of liquids to go through security, make sure you’ve packed it where you can get to it easily.  Don’t waste time unpacking your entire bag just to get to the liquids.  Pack it last and on top, making it quicker for you to get to.
8. Pack your laptop where it’s easy to remove.  It’s not just liquids and gels that have to be removed.  You will have to remove your laptop and place it in a big to go through the security screen.  Have it handy, so that you can remove it without unpacking your entire bag.

Now that you’re dressed simply, and have your items packed so that they are easily accessible, your ready to head off the airport and tackle that security line!

Image credit:  SXC

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

One complaint that I hear is the people are forever having to show identification.  When you check your bags, when you check in for your flight, when you’re queuing up in the security line, and then again after you pass through security. 

Here’s what the TSA has to say about why all those ID checks are necessary:

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Using a “checkpoint friendly” bag means having one that contains ONLY your laptop (no cords, plug ins, or extraneous attachments), and that can unfold to lie flat on the x-ray belt.  No metal snaps, zippers, buckles, or pockets. 

With this type of bag, you would place the bag directly onto the belt, rather than putting it into a separate screening bin.   The design would give the security screeners a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop, allowing them to spot anything that shouldn’t be there.

The policy change comes after a call was put out to manufacturers to design a “checkpoint friendly” bag.  A number of designs were submitted, and several were approved and given a TSA stamp of approval.  However, the TSA is quick to point out that using an approved bag is no guarantee that it will automatically pass through the security screen.  A number of other factors, many of which are not made public, go into the decision about whether a secondary screen is necessary.

You can read the full “checkpoint friendly” policy and exceptions and decide if this is going to be a help for you.

Since I usually take my laptop with me when I travel, I hope to report back on how this policy is implemented and interpreted at various airports around the country.  I fear that this rule, like the rest, is going to be subject to the whim (legally called interpretation) of the individual screener.

I hope readers will chime in with their experiences.  Do the screeners know about the new policy?  Are they following it?  Is this saving you any time?

Image credit:  Amazon

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Q.  Do Flight Attendants have to go through this whole security rigmarole than I just did?

A.  It depends. 

When we are on duty and in uniform, we are not subject to the restriction about liquids.  (No don’t ask me to carry anything onboard for you!)  That’s why you may see Flight Attendants carrying through a cup of coffee or a bottle of water.  When we are on duty, we also can cut to the head of the security line to go through ahead of others waiting in line.  Other than these adjustments, we still go through everything else that you do — removing jackets, sweaters and shoes, removing our laptop from our bags, removing anything that is going to set off the security alarm, etc. 

When we are on duty, but not in uniform (which could occur when we are positioning for a flight), we can still head to the front of the line, but must comply with the liquids restriction.

When we are not on duty, and are traveling for pleasure, we’re just like you.  We stand in line and wait.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

With the busy summer travel season nearly upon us, it’s a good time to talk about liquids once again.  The TSA has tried to make it easy for us with a campaign of 3-1-1.  No more than 3 ounces of any size, in a 1 quart sealable bag, with a limit of 1 per person.

The other day I saw an argument at security over what was and wasn’t a liquid or gel.  You’re not likely to win that argument! 

While I think it’s obvious, others have said that it’s not.  So here’s a basic list of what is considered and liquid and/or gel and is subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

• Deodorant (spray, gel, roll on)
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Lotion
• Bubble bath, shower gel, bath oil
• Shaving cream, gel
• Foot lotion, spray
• Face creams, serums
• Cream, liquid and gel foundations and blush
• Lipstick, lip gloss, pencil lip liner
• Creme, liquid, and pencil eye shadow and liner
• Mascara
• Perfume, cologne, after shave
• Hand cleaner, sanitizer
• Bottled or boxed water, juices or other drinks

While that may seem like a pretty long list, I’m sure that there are other things that also count as gels and liquids.  These are just some of the common ones that I see causing problems.

Remember – you can have these in your checked luggage with NO problem.  But if you are bring them onboard in a carry on, they are subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

Feel free to leave anything I’ve missed in the comments!

Photo credit: SXC

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe