Red Oxx co-owner Jim Markel's adventures have taken him from the African safari to the shark-filled waters of Cocos Island. His latest adventure takes him to blow the political winds in Washington. The Part 1 installment proves travel guru Doug Dyment's dictum about modern air travel: with the right bag, "carry on only" is the only way to go.



How you pack for a trip (and what you pack it in) can have more impact on your experience traveling than whether you choose First Class or Coach. Don't believe me?

Let's consider modern air travel for a moment, and my recent experiences in Washington, D.C.

I'll share what brought me to the nation's capitol later. But let's jump to my return trip to Montana. My travel mate Steve and I headed home together, but we arrived 48 hours apart. Our experiences show how packing smart can be the difference that makes a difference.

The return trip began as I stepped out from the taxi at the entrance to Reagan International Airport. No need to reach into the trunk for a wheeled clunker like Steve -- all my belongings fit neatly in one carry on bag, the Air Boss, plus the Gator man purse hanging from my shoulder with The Claw.

I weaved my way through check-in lines and passed on without checking any luggage: unlike Steve, I'm going carry on only. The Air Boss fits exactly in the size limiter box for carry on bags. No problem, then on through the X-Ray screener. Steve and I board together.

Heading west towards Minneapolis, we fly right into a nasty spring snow. We circle the airport for an hour and a half as the storm ruins schedules all over the Midwest. I glance at my ticket. Yikes! I may be sleeping here tonight if the sky doesn't clear. At last, touch-down.

As soon as I cleared the plane, Steve directed me to the next flight, as he found his own. The flight crew swung the door shut as I stepped off the ramp and found my seat. After snagging a heavy shirt out of my bag I settled in to take a long nap while we waited for de-icing. No worries, I made the flight. And yes, I'd be home in my own bed that night.

Steve, on the other hand, didn't fare so well. He missed his connection and his checked luggage went missing. The next day, he took the only other flight into Montana -- but not to his home airport. After landing, he had to rent a car and drive a couple hundred miles home. All in all, a three day odyssey just to get home. And no access to his checked bag with all his toiletries and spare clothes for the duration!

Packing it all in one bag brings big advantages when your travel plans go awry. But it makes the routine flight all the more convenient. I'll take my Air Boss and Coach class seat any day of the week over a First Class and checked luggage alternative.

In the next installment of my Washington, D.C. adventure, I'll tell more about the story behind the Air Boss and a special program that helps our little Montana manufacturing operation thrive in a global economy. Oh, and Steve will make a surprise visit to the shop.