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You’ll Go Coconuts For This Airline Travel Hack

Airport security. Ugh, right? Shoes on, shoes off. Laptop out, jewelry off. Is a smartwatch an electronic device? And let’s not even dive into the liquid drama. But here’s a…

Coconuts

Empty saloon of commercial airplane with rows of red generic seats in the aisle

Airport security. Ugh, right? Shoes on, shoes off. Laptop out, jewelry off. Is a smartwatch an electronic device? And let’s not even dive into the liquid drama.

But here’s a juicy tidbit: coconuts are totally cool with TSA. Yup, those brown, hairy, tropical fruits can waltz through airport security with you.

Dr. Paul Saladino, a board-certified physician and nutrition specialist, swears by this hack. He’s all over X (formerly known as Twitter) with his coconut-in-airport security trick.

“Guess what, folks? You can bring coconuts on planes!” he cheers in his video. “I skip airport water; it’s a no-go through security. But coconut water? That’s my jam. Packed with magnesium, manganese, and a bunch of good stuff.”

And get this, he doesn't bring just one. Oh no, the guy hauls around ten coconuts to stay hydrated on his flights. Talk about commitment.

Need a coconut opening crash course? Let’s dive in.

First, coconuts.

Yep, whole, unopened coconuts are A-OK with the TSA. Despite the liquid limit, they get a pass. Just be prepared for a little extra screening, especially if you're flying outside the continental U.S.

So, you’re on the plane with your coconut. Now what? Coconuts have three “eyes,” and one of them is soft. Equip yourself with a metal straw (also TSA-approved), and poke the soft eye. Voilà! Fresh coconut water on the go.

Picture it: sipping fresh coconut water mid-flight while your seatmate watches in envy. Not only are you hydrated, but you’re also the coolest passenger onboard.

Highlights? A nutrition guru says coconuts are his hydration go-to for flights. And yes, TSA allows them through security.

So, while others are spending a fortune on airport drinks or risking the infamous airplane coffee, you’ll be kicking back with your refreshing, tropical hydration hack. It’s fun, quirky, and oh-so practical.

Next time you’re packing for a flight, toss a coconut (or ten) in your carry-on. Your seatmate’s jealous glares? Pure bonus.

4 Ways To Keep Airlines From Losing Your Luggage

Don't Lose Your Luggage!

4 Ways To Keep Airlines From Losing Your Luggage, according to the New York Post.

Losing your luggage when you're jetting home for the holidays is like getting coal in your stocking – it's annoying and can turn the festive season into a stress-fueled saga. Picture this: you land at your destination, ready to embrace the warmth of family and the aroma of home-cooked meals, only to discover that your suitcase has embarked on its own adventure without you. It's a plot twist that even the Grinch wouldn't appreciate.

Let's start with the numbers because, let's face it, numbers make everything more tangible. According to the SITA Baggage IT Insights, mishandled baggage rates surged by 74.7% in 2022, reaching 7.6 bags per thousand passengers. That's a lot of lost luggage causing chaos during the most wonderful time of the year. And it's not just a minor inconvenience; it's a holiday headache that can take days to resolve.

Once your beloved bag goes MIA, the waiting game begins. On average, it takes about 2 to 3 days for airlines to reunite you with your belongings. That's 2 to 3 days of holiday cheer dwindling as you scramble to replace essentials like toothpaste, underwear, and, heaven forbid, that carefully wrapped gift for grandma.

Now, let's talk money.

The cost of lost luggage can hit your wallet harder than Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve. Replacement clothes, toiletries, and the inevitable last-minute shopping spree all add up. On average, travelers spend around $185 to replace lost items, according to the SITA report. That's money that could have been better spent on festive decorations or that extra slice of pie.

Fortunately, airlines aren't grinches all year round.

Most have systems in place to track and return lost luggage, offering compensation for the inconvenience. They understand that holiday travel hiccups can turn even the merriest of passengers into Scrooges. So, next time you're airborne for the holidays, keep a close eye on your luggage, because nothing dampens the festive spirit like a missing suitcase on the naughty list.

Buy some Apple AirTags

Popping one in your bag has become a popular hack, but they're not exactly cheap. A four-pack costs around $100. But still, these things are genius and we should all be wearing them! No lost things or people ever!

Book a direct flight

I try to do this all the time. No one likes a layover. And it's SUPER easy to lose luggage when it's transferred. (Obviously.)

Take a photo of your luggage before you fly

Everyone seems to choose the same, lame luggage. Black. Boring. So take a picture of yours. I actually suggest getting something crazy and bright because it stands out and you don't have anyone mistakenly take your bag.

Don't Lose Your Luggage

Gotta admit. I never thought of this. If it ends up in the wrong city and the tag rips off, they'll open it up and look inside.  Having your flight info in there can help get your bag back to you as soon as possible. Decent hack.

Don't Lose Your Luggage

Lauren Beckham Falcone is the co-host of Bob & LBF in the Morning. Formerly an award-winning reporter and columnist for the Boston Herald, she credits her current success as a pop culture commentator to watching too much TV as a kid and scouring the internet too much as an adult. LBF is a regular contributor to NECN and is an honorary board member at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Lauren lives in Canton with her husband Dave and her daughter Lucy. Lauren writes about trending topics, New England destinations, and seasonal DIY.