On my last trip, I encountered two problems that frequent travelers often face. I hear the stories all the time, but this was the first time I had experienced either – lost luggage and an irate fellow traveler. Before entering security, I browsed the newsstand for some onboard reading. After making my purchases, I was strolling to the security line, when all of a sudden, I saw my first airport freak out. I have been in a lot of airports around the world, large and small, and considered myself lucky that I never saw any violent situations break out. And, luckily for me, this was before security, before boarding and relatively easy to handle. A young man, who was apparently quite angry with a particular airline, began screaming obscenities (directed at the airline and those of us traveling) and yelling about destroying us all. He was waving an “air gun” (his fingers pointed in the shape of a gun) and “shooting” everyone around him. It seemed like his tirade was going on for a particularly long time before about 10 cop cars showed up and escorted the handcuffed man off the premises. It was a scary situation. After a long flight without any further interruptions, I was anxious to get back to my hotel and shower and rest. Since I can never seem to figure out the meaning of “packing light” (I often feel the need to bring at least 5 pairs of shoes…) I had checked my bag. Well, guess what happened to me while I was standing at baggage claim. Everyone around me was grabbing their bags and I just stood there, waiting for my suitcase. But, alas, it was still in my connecting airport. It arrived to me late on my second night. And, having never experienced lost luggage, I had no back-up, had not thought to throw some of my essentials in my carry-on bag. Essentially, I had nothing but the clothes on my back. I did not have to go for too long without my belongings and the airline was extremely helpful in locating my things. Bottom line – it happens and this time it happened to me! I will probably alter my packing methods for subsequent trips. And I have a better understanding why Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO, never checks his luggage! I know these are only minor road bumps that people experience when traveling. And I know the more and more I travel, the more times I will experience these and other similar problems. These two instances changed the way I will travel next time and definitely helped me become a smarter traveler. Hopefully, I will be able to become a smarter packer too! (I’m open to packing suggestions and tips!) -Kimberly Krol, circulation and public relations executive