* If you need an overcoat, carry it over your arm or just wear it. That way, you won't need a hanging bag.

* If all else fails, take an extra bag (though you may have to pay a fee to check it.) So you are going hiking and to a black-tie event on the same trip. Put your "city" clothes in a hanging bag so you can leave it behind with a friend or at the hotel while you're out in the wilds. If you're lucky, you can talk your spouse into carrying it and letting you put his book in your bag. If not, you can always give in and check your bag.

The Boston Globe contributed to this report.

SURVIVING SECURITY

* Leave plenty of time for security. Holiday lines will likely be long.

* Before leaving home, explain security procedures to children. You don't want one sobbing because his or her fave teddy had to go through the X-ray machine.

* Leave sharp and flammable objects at home; no knives, matches or lighters in carry-on.

* Wear shoes you can pull off easily (zippers are good).

* Avoid wearing a belt.

* Carry all liquids, lotions, aerosols and gels in a one-quart clear plastic zipper-style bag. Each item must be 3 ounces or less. This includes any item with liquid, such as a snow globe, plus jams, yoghurt and pudding. You must remove these from your carry-on and put them in a plastic bin on the security conveyer belt. (If you need to take larger sizes, you'll need to put them into a checked bag.)

* Baby formula is OK in larger sizes, but be prepared to taste any baby foods for the inspector.

* Get your laptop out of your bag, shoes and coats off as soon as you get to the security area. The laptop must go in its own plastic bin on the security belt.

* Keep your boarding pass and ID in your hand.

* Buy coffee and bottled water after you pass through security. Info: www.tsa.gov.

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