First and foremost, Girlawhirl tries to do all she can before she leaves for any trip. That means making sure she's packed the night before, confirming her to-the-airport transportation, and even her seat assignment if she thinks there will be an issue. If she can check in from her computer at home, she'll do that, too.

Since the airport itself is often the wildcard when it comes to travel timing, she always gets there early. If she's traveling from an airport like Atlanta's Hartsfield where there's central check-in and security that serves all the airlines, then she knows there's going to be quite a line, and allows for it. Other airports, and airlines, can get backed up at the check-in process – the ratio of self-serve kiosks to agents is yet to be perfected. This is where a little bit of deep breathing and an internal chant – along with the knowledge that she's so early that it will all be ok – can really make a difference.

Getting through the security checkpoint is another place where Girlawhirl loses patience, but these days, she just follows the rules. The TSA has been much better about communicating what's allowed, how the 3 1 1 system works, and what to expect. So Girlawhirl no longer grimaces when she takes her shoes off or her bag needs to go through the scanner an extra time or two. It all used to annoy her, but now she just smiles knowing that everyone's doing his or her best to get her through quickly.

Once through security, she's in what's called a “secure area” and in the US that means she can pick up a bottle of water and carry it on the plane. Internationally, she has still had water bottles and other drinks taken away from her as she boards flights back to the US, but it seems that airports within the US are allowing water purchased in the secure area on board.

That is great because, more often than not she finds herself staring at a beverage cart full of sugary sodas and juices, and water that comes from the airplane's cooling system. This is where she turns away from the cart and grabs for one of the Lara, Luna or Nectar Bars that she's thrown in her carry-on, because she'd rather indulge in a fabulous dessert than let the niggling annoyances of traveling knock her healthy eating habits off course.

By the time she's into the book or magazine she brought on board, Girlawhirl's usually relaxed. A sure signal that the person in front of her will recline their seat all the way back.

related articles:

Aug 27, 2007:

Girlawhirl finds some cool plastic bags that meet the TSA's 311 requirements. read full entry

Sep 14, 2006:

Girlawhirl finds a way to satisfy her hunger on the go with Larabars and Maya Bars. read full entry

Nov 28, 2005:

Wonder-Bar. read full entry