This seems to be a topic that most frequent travelers understand...but then some do not.  Traveling can be frustrating, particularly if you are in a hurry - trying to catch a tight connection, whatever.  And, unless you own your own private jet, you will have to deal with all the other travelers, who are most-likely trying to catch THEIR tight connections, whatever.

 Photo:  Shawn Cameron

The proper etiquette really just follows simple logic.  When the cabin door is at the front of the plane, you de-plane front-to-back, and vice versa.

You do NOT charge forward, brandishing your carry-on bag as a shield, in an attempt to jump ahead of those in the rows ahead of you.

Honestly.  Are those people 5?

You allow each and every person in the rows ahead of you to scoot out of their row, then file out in an orderly fashion.

Yes, this takes a long time, and yes, it does require exercising your patience.  But it is polite, and we are not reckless animals.

While waiting, you can practice your deep-breathing, and mental grocery-shopping:  gallon of milk, loaf of bread, and a stick of butter. 

With the airlines becoming swiftly adept at misplacing, or misdirecting our checked luggage, we - as savvy travelers - have had to become swiftly adept at packing a carry-on bag.  And for those of us who prefer to bring 6 pairs of shoes, for a 3-day weekend, this is not so much fun.  

What's less fun, however, is having none of your shoes arrive, when the airline sends your bag to Atlanta, and you're in San Diego. 

The largest carry-on bag you may bring is a 22-inch suitcase.   Get out the tape measure.  And then, don't forget you are also allowed "one personal item", which can be a purse.  I'm not sure if Katie Holmes' gargantuan Birkin bag would pass...

 Photo:  Splash

But bring the largest purse or bag you have, that will still fit under the seat in front of you.

And in that purse/bag, pack your liquids.  It is easier to take them out of a purse, than to pull the bag from your suitcase.

TSA says "Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1:

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure."

So, in purse/personal item bag:

• liquids in ziploc
• wallet, cell phone, other items that are typically in your purse
• iPod/MP3 player
• book/magazine
• snack/sandwich

Then, once you're through security, buy a bottle of water.  They never give you enough on the flight.

In your suitcase:

• everything else you can fit

We recommend packing heavier, awkwardly-shaped items in the suitcase, first.  You can pack undies, socks, bras, etc inside, and tucked around the shoes.

Rolling your clothes will save some space, and rolling them with tissue paper will save some ironing.

Wear your heaviest, bulkiest outfit on the plane, along with your coat.  The more space you save in your luggage, the more shoes you can bring.

It's Top 10 Tuesday, and we're highlighting online flight-booking websites:

It is safe to assume that you can just add "dot com" after each of these... 

Kayak

Kayak and SideStep recently merged, and are the big kids in what is called "aggregated ticket searching", which sounds complicated, but really just means you can find a LOT of different airfares just on one of these two sites. The sites comb through ticket prices from all the major airlines and sites like CheapTickets.com to find you the best prices. Kayak isn't too pretty to look at, but is very reliable and functional.  Like your back-burner boyfriend.

SideStep

SideStep is slightly different from Kayak in that the user experience is a little more fun.  There is more content like travel guides and newsletters, and there is a downloadable toolbar that offers side-by-side price comparisons with travel sites like Expedia.

Yapta

Yapta offers a downloadable plug-in, which usually causes us to roll our eyes and navigate to a different site.  But this IS useful.  It tracks the prices of flights you're interested in,  and lets you know the best time to buy.  If you don't want to download anything, the Yapta can still be somewhat useful. Once you've bought your ticket, enter in your flight number, travel dates, and ticket price. If the price drops below what you paid for your ticket, Yapta plays tattletale, and the airline has to send you a voucher for the difference.  You've done similar things with clothing shopping.

BookingBuddy behaves in a similar fashion to kayak, in that the search points you to various travel sites to find the best deal.  The part we love is that you do not have to repeatedly tell the site when and where you're looking to travel - it saves your search details.  Just like a good buddy should.

InsideTrip

InsideTrip offers user ratings to set itself apart from the others. Users rate the comfort, speed, and "ease" of flights, and those ratings are added to InsideTrip's search results. You can filter by prioritizing what features are most important to you (i.e. legroom, nonstop flights, etc).

CheapTickets

CheapTickets is the less-attractive step-sister of Expedia.  No frills, but offers the same features:  flights, car rental, hotels, deals, etc.  And how many frills do you really expect when something describes itself as "cheap"?

Hotwire

Hotwire purchases unsold inventory (plane seats, etc) at deeply discounted prices, which are then able to pass on to users. In exchange for these screaming deals, you must surrender your inner control-freak, and be OK with not knowing precisely which hotel or airline you'll be using.  It's like a surprise!

Priceline

Similar to Hotwire, but Priceline has those awesome commercials with William Shatner, and that superhero-esque theme phrase "PRICE-LINE NEGO-TI-A-TOR".  One of the truly fun features of Priceline is that they allow you to name your own price.  It is not always accepted, but it never hurts to try.  SURE I honestly believe I can get the Four Seasons for $60 a night!  Although once you've entered your offer, if it's not accepted, you either have to change your dates of travel or Star-preference, or wait something like 7 days to try again.  Spoilsports. 

Farecast

Airline ticket prices fluctuate constantly, and at random, which makes it hard to know when to buy. Farecast helps you understand your odds for scoring a good deal. The site includes useful fare predictions that guess at what the price fluctuations should be in the upcoming days and weeks. It also rates the fares, and flags them as "Buy" or "Wait", which would be useful when purchasing Christian Louboutins on Ebay.

AirfareWatchDog 

"Dog" indeed, this site is fairly unattractive, but provides loads of cheap deals, and insider tips on how to find more. It's also one of the few travel sites that let you do blanket searchs by departure city alone, for those times when you're thinking "Ugh, anywhere but here!"

Five words you don't want to hear while at the airport are: "Your flight has been delayed". Or a more annoying variation, "Your flight has been cancelled". Hmph. NOW what?

Top 10 Things To Do When Stuck At The Airport

1) Exercise - seriously. If you're going to be getting on a flight, where you are rendered immobile for 2-5 hours (if your flight is merely delayed), one of the best things you can do is use the airport as your own personal gym. If you have been paying attention to our recommended travel outfits (flats, not stilettos), you should be ready. Walk briskly from terminal to terminal, and just keep an eye on your watch. Before you know it, you can have covered several miles before the airline gets the flights back on schedule.

2) Read. And REALLY read - like an actual book, rather than that shiny new "US Weekly" you picked up because you just had to know if Angie & Brad were having triplets. These days it is almost impossible not to be distracted by the phone or the television, etc. The airport is holding you hostage, while your flight is delayed, and this is the perfect opportunity to get all the way through "War and Peace".

(Ed note: War and Peace can also be used as makeshift barbell for your workout).

3) Catch up on your correspondence. Busy people undoubtedly owe friends some phone calls. Your old roommate from college, whom you haven't talked to in over a year? Call her! You've got time!

4) Flatiron/curl your hair. If you did not have time to do your hair, in your rush to arrive at the airport on time for your now-delayed flight, and you packed your hair tools in your carry-on bag, get thee to the women's bathroom. They have electrical outlets! Ignore the bewildered stares of your bathroom mates. They are just marveling at how efficient you are, and they're annoyed that they didn't think of the idea themselves.

5) Do your make-up (same as above, minus the need for electrical outlet. We think?).

6) Plan your next trip(s). Wander on over to the "Departures/Arrivals" board and start making notes. Some cities may pop up that you wouldn't have previously thought of.

7) Indulge your inner-mallrat. When was the last time you let yourself eat a Cinnabon? Auntie Anne's pretzel? If your answer was "yesterday", skip this one, and repeat #1.

8) Have a drink! I typically just roll my suitcase right past those airport bars/lounges. Drinking dehydrates me, and if I'm getting on a flight, I don't want to be dehydrated. But YOUR flight has been delayed/canceled! Bottoms up!

9) Shop. Make a game out of it - there have to be a few items of value, crammed in between the commemorative spoons, wooden magnets and shot glasses. Try to find them!

10) Get a massage/manicure/pedicure. This is by far the most appealing option. Thankfully the Spa Gods have graced a number of airports with fabulous relaxation opportunities. CLICK HERE for our comprehensive list of airports, all around the world, that offer spa treatments in the airport terminals.

If you are totally stranded, you can do all 10 of the above. And if you do, can you please write up a guest blog for us? That would be hilarious.

That Jennifer Hudson was most definitely born under a lucky star with winning a role in the blockbuster hit "Dreamgirls", then winning an Oscar for that role, and NOW she gets to be in the "Sex & the City" movie? We're envious.

Envious, but still...

Photo: People.com

Would we wear this to travel?

Shoes? Great. Shiny for fun, flat for function. Great.

Hairdo? Very cute. Spunky -curly, yet not curly-crazy.

And then there's the stuff in the middle.

Girlfriend Getaways occasionally involve airplane travel. If you are familiar with airplane travel, you are familiar with puffy, swollen feet. The first thing I do when I settle into my seat is take off my shoes, and put on my "airplane socks".

Currently my "airplane socks" are very thick, pill-covered hiking socks that are kind of gross already so I don't care if I have to walk to the airplane restroom in them. Perhaps, as someone over the age of 14, I could set myself up with a more dignified alternative?

These are better:

Georgina Goodman bejeweled suede slippers. Retail: $475, on sale for $190 at Vivre.com

Soft suede slipper, with slender drawstring cord capped in brass ties at heel. Rubber soles. Choose from black or turquoise. Available in whole sizes 6-10. These will pack very easily, as they can be folded in half.

If those are a bit beyond your budget, here's another option:

Fold-up leather slippers. Retail: $125, on sale for $44 at Vivre.com

Handstitched, embroidered fold-up slippers of soft Nappa sheepskin. Choose from cream, blue or black. Sizes S-XL. These also pack up very nicely!

And when you're finished shopping for yourself, pick some of these up for a great Father's Day gift:

Suede Travel Slippers - Retail: $225, on sale for $90 at Vivre.com

These come in a nice range of colors with a matching drawstring bag. Leather soles. Choose navy, red, yellow or orange.

Happy feet = happy traveler.

HAPPY TRAVELS!

American Airlines will soon be charging $15 for you to check a piece of luggage. Honestly. How are we supposed to pack multiple fabulous outfits for our girlfriend weekends?

We have already been working at whittling down our weekend luggage to avoid the inevitable lost-bag crisis that no one enjoys on a weekend jaunt. The airlines are now just reinforcing our decision, so it's not a big deal.

Creative carry-on packing, paired with smart girlfriend coordinating, are the keys. Have ONE person bring a flatiron. Have another person bring the power-hairdryer. Have yet another person bring the industrial-size canister of Aqua-Net.

What do you mean we're not using Aqua-Net anymore?

• Pack things inside your shoes
• Roll, baby, roll - rolled clothing packs tighter
• Wear as much as you can on the flight - think LAYERS
• Accessories, accessories, accessories
• Share clothing

You will need to try to scootch onto the plane as early as possible, because with the new "checked bag tax" those overhead compartments are going to be as overstuffed as your luggage.

Don't let it frighten or discourage you. Think of it as a challenge. You and your girlfriends may want to hold contests to see who can pack the lightest.

The winner gets a brand new can of Aqua-Net!

Having cute luggage will encourage you to travel in the same way that buying a new pair of running shoes will encourage you to exercise. Theoretically. But whatever, we're always on the lookout for fun online shopping experiences, and this one fits the bill!

For your girlfriend getaways, girls weekends or even just a quick business trip, Flight 001 has your packing needs covered. This is a clever, hip, travel-focused site (ahem), with everything from suitcases to travel games to a funny-looking packable bike that we really couldn't imagine using.

Here are a few of our favorite items:

Bamboo blanket and eye mask - Blanket and Eyemask Set made of 100% sustainable bamboo fiber. Includes a super-soft blanket and matching eyemask. 40in X 60in (blanket open). We love to match, and we also love having our own blanket, so we can avoid using the pilling airline-issue ones. Plus, bamboo is eco-friendly, and so are we.

Cashmere travel slippers - Pink cashmere travel slippers for comfort and style while far from home. One pair includes a silk drawstring case. Women's sizes. Large: 9-10 Medium:7-8 Small: 5-6. You can never have too much footwear, and these are adorable and will just pack up into your purse until you're ready to sink your feet into the cashmere deliciousness on the flight.

Traveler Case - ML Traveler Case in Rio print. Interior features 2 snap-out zip mesh pouches, a removable toiletry pouch, a zip compartment, and a mirror. Exterior features two handles and double-zip closure. This is so pretty that we may or may not just try to use it as a purse. It could be Marc Jacobs...

Handmade silk jewelry roll -Silk Jewelry Roll in Berry Gerber print. Organize and protect your jewelry while you travel. Features 3 zippered pockets, large compartment for necklaces and ring bar. Tie closure. 100% Thai silk.
7in X 3.5in (closed). In the past we have struggled with packing jewelry, and it usually winds up sharing a compartment with our toiletries. Toiletries can sometimes explode.

There is much more where these came from, so take a little shop-break and visit Flight 001. You will probably also want to check with our Holiday Golightly Packing List, just to make sure you don't forget anything.

With all the restrictions on what we can and cannot carry on the airplane when we fly, we have to be very selective when packing up our carry-on bag. The personal espresso machine and massaging jet foot spa will have to stay home.

These are the top 10 things we are always reaching for, after the cabin doors have been secured:

1) Band-aids - if you're having the same difficulty as we are in finding the ultimate travel shoe, you may have to prepare for blisters from schlepping through the airport. These are also useful if you happen to catch a finger in the seatbelt closure.

2) Book - for entertainment OR for the ideal "don't talk to me, I'm reading" message to your overly chatty seatmate. A magazine will work, but a book is more of a commitment, and it's not as easy for the seatmate to read over your shoulder.

3) iPod - also a good alternative to #2 - particularly if you have the video iPod.

4) Emery board - there are few things more annoying than a hangnail or the jagged edge of a fingernail when you're flying. If you've forgotten your book, the nail is almost all you can focus on.

5) Facial Wipes - especially for longer flights, where you just start feeling all goopy and greasy. The facial wipe will perk you right up.

6) Snack - it is always a good idea to carry something of nutritional value in your bag, or you're at the mercy of the trans-fat-peddling flight attendants. Granola bars, nuts, and those cute Babybel cheeses are all good, relatively healthy options. Peanut M&Ms have protein too...

7) Hair ties - even if you don't want the ponytail-with-outfit look, it is nice to have the option of tying up the hair to avoid getting it in the snacks.

8) Lip balm - Chapstick, Vaseline, Rose's balm, or our personal favorite, Aquaphor, whatever you use - bring it in the carry-on. The cabin air gets very dry, and you'll want to re-moisturize your lips after your snack.

9) Tide Stick - you will spill or smudge something. It's inevitable. Particularly if your snacks include chocolate.

10) Gum - preferably the kind that touts itself as a suitable alternative to brushing your teeth.

NOOOOOOO!  The alarm didn't go off.  You haven't finished packing, and still need to drop off the keys with the dog-sitter, get to the airport, find parking...GAAAAAAAH!

Photo:  ProCorbis

This is a likely scenario on Travel Day, so try to prepare as much as possible beforehand:

1)  Plot your travel ensemble in advance:  slip-on, flat shoes for quick security-line (no buckles, laces, zippers, etc) and airport sprinting, stretch denim jeans for comfort, tank top, cardigan sweater, and easy jacket (again no complicated buckles or difficult buttons).  We'd recommend velcro-everything if it wasn't so unattractive.

2)  Print your boarding pass the night before.  This way you will not have to wait in the winding line in front of the counter, and if you have no checked luggage, you can go straight to your gate.  RUN FORREST, RUN!

3)  Get cash the night before: airport machines are occasionally "out of funds", or have enormously long lines.

4)  Accessorize afterward:  Put your watch, belt, and clanky earrings in a side pocket of your purse until after you get through security - this will save you a few seconds, and when you're late, every second counts.  You can actually pull these things off and tuck them in your purse while in line.

5)  Keep your ID and boarding pass handy:  in a pocket, rather tucked into your wallet or daily planner.  You'll need to show it to security, and again, seconds count.

6)  Exercise savvy line tactics:  Pick the security line with solo business travelers, with small bags.  Avoid getting stuck behind families, who will struggle a bit more getting everything together and on the conveyor belt, and might inadvertently put their newborn through the scanner.

7)  3 oz On Top:  Throw the 3 oz Ziploc baggie into your purse, on top, so you can just pull it out and plop it in the small tray.  Once you get through security, you can pack it properly into your carry-on bag.

8)  Go directly to gate:  After making it through security, hopefully with your dignity intact, go directly to your gate.  Do not pass GO, do not collect $200 (unless it's just laying on the floor in front of you), do not stop at any of the shops you see en route.  It is crucial to find your gate first, as it may be much further away that you think.  You do not want to be sipping on your Starbucks triple espresso, perusing the airport map, when you discover you need to take a tram past 3 other terminals, then walk 4 miles to get to your gate.

9)  Use the moving walkways.  The "standers" should be standing to the right side, so you can keep your brisk pace on the left side, and get a little extra distance thanks to the walkway.

And if all else fails

10)  Run Forrest.  Run.