OMG… corkscrews definitely are a problem in carry-on (TSA scanned) luggage. I once got pulled aside in security, and they kept saying “just tell use where the metal item is”. I told them I really didn’t know. Turns out that I had a corkscrew packed in front pouch of my carry-on bag, way down at the bottom. It was left there from a local trip to the mountains. Oops.
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By their nature, the compression cubes do take up less space since they squish the cubes but they still won’t allow you to bring tons more clothing. I use compression packing cubes abd find them somewhat helpful. I like the ones which are at least 1/2 mesh so you can clearly tell the contents without guessing.
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Cork screw–get one that uses prongs instead of an actual screw action. They work great and don’t mess up the cork. You can actually re-stop the bottle with original cork using one.
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I unfortunately was at local airport years ago where they were training TSA agents. I had a very small “personal item” small duffle for a weekend trip. They flagged it during x ray. I asked what are you looking for? Of course they couldn’t/wouldn’t say. Took stuff out. Ran bag again. Still flagged. Finally EMPTIED the bag (fortunately I used packing cubes at the time). Cubes were fine. Totally empty bag still didn’t pass. Still don’t know what the heck they thought they saw but I stuffed my cubes back in and continued on my way.
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You mean uncheck luggage, right?
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LOL - I’ll edit to reflect carry-on luggage. (I was thinking TSA-checked, scanned luggage…. poor wording choice). Thanks.
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If anyone here is on IG I recommend following TSA- not only are their posts helpful but they are cleverly written.
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Suggest checking international flights daily! Airlines are currently in turmoil. They changed our overseas flights to one day later without ever notifying us. Had H not been checking, we would not have had the chance to scramble for an alternative!
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What do folks do for travel sized lotion/shampoo etc if you are only taking a carryon? My standard moisturizer that I have at home is too big for the carry-on and I hate having to transfer some to a small sized bottle that I can take…
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They throw ours away at one point. We just buy new ones overseas.
Either do the transfer to a small sized bottle or check out the travel sized products on a regular basis at stores you frequent to find suitable products that you’ll be satisfied with. Target actually has some popular nice products in sample sized - Native deodorant, Kristen Ess shampoo, Aveeno lotion, etc.
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For lotion and other liquids, transfer to a 3 oz bottle. For shampoo, consider switching just for the trip to using a bar shampoo. Lush Cosmetics makes them for all different hair types.
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I don’t think there is a good workaround other than refills or soaps/shampoo bars.
My husband is a pro at refilling our travel sized toothpaste tubes from a regular tube! 
He refuses to throw the empties away!
I bought a travel sized set of Kerastase shampoo and conditioner bottles and refill them from their 1L bottles. These shampoos are very concentrated so only a small dollop is enough, and our travel set lasts me and Mr. for a week.
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Every dentist visit they give a small sized floss and toothpaste and toothbrush. I use the toothpaste for traveling and take the toothbrush to work and keep in my desk drawer for office brushing!
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How in the world does he refill the travel size toothpaste? I’ve racked my brain awhile trying to figure how to do it.
I have gotten a really small container and just put some toothpaste in.
Brute force! I would not be able to do this.
LOL. Just looked online. Some mom made a gadget that transfers toothpaste from tube to tube. Guess you can get it from website (toothpaste2go). They even make little reusable tubes to transfer into. Could be a great stocking stuffer.
Saw a good tip to use an oral syringe to transfer creams, lotions into travel size containers.
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I buy travel size stuff and don’t worry about the stuff that I can live without for a week or two.
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I’ve personally never missed anything I’ve left behind. I have traveled though with friends who have to have full size hair spray, shampoo bottles and conditioner for a long weekend. Add in the hairdryer, curling iron, and make-up bottles. I’m actually surprised they have any room for clothes. I honestly don’t think it ever crossed their minds to get travel sized anything. But I do know they seem jealous when I have a tiny bag while they can’t get anywhere easily.
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I transfer some of my normal hair products into small bottles. On a longer trip, I can “stretch” these by using what the hotels provide. I use hotel lotions. Full disclosure - I am a rather low maintenance gal, without any regularly face regimes other than washing in shower.
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