Brushing my teeth the morning I leave for Southern California, I realize that if I don't pack my own toothpaste I will end up using my granddaughter, Julia's, Sponge Bob Square Pants bubble gum-flavored toothpaste while I'm there. And that would be worse than going around with bad breath for the whole week. Sometimes it's hard to decide what I will take and what I will leave home if I'm trying to pack as tightly as I can. The airlines themselves furthered this crisis when they started charging $20 and up for every checked bag you bring along on your trip. Twenty bucks to check a bag? That's at least two cups of coffee at the airport, and given the choice I'd rather see what I can cram into a carry-on and avoid the fee/Kathy Hedberg, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: How has increased security and bag-check fees changed your air travel habits?