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The Packing Issue

I LOVED K.C. Summers's article about packing light ["She Lugs It, She Lugs It Not: How One Traveler Moved Toward the Light," Nov. 5]. For me, "luggage reduction" has been a work in progress. Next week is a big test for me and my husband: We're off to Spain for nine days with one carry-on and one personal item each. It's going to be great, especially if we get through Charles de Gaulle airport in our 1 1/2 -hour layover. But if we don't, no problem: We'll have our luggage and be able to adjust our plans.

It does take planning to make it work, like finding versatile, comfortable shoes ahead of time and clothes that do double and triple duty. I could go on, but you get it already!

Pam Fremen, Houma, La.

FOR YEARS I was amused by my wife when she packed using the roll-up technique. After a few times, however, I became a believer as the clothes could fit into a smaller space with greater efficiency and without wrinkling. In addition, retrieval from the suitcase is much easier and faster. For those who have never tried it, my advice is: Do, and you will be pleased.

Nelson Marans, Silver Spring

TSA Regs, Cont'd

I HAVE TO disagree: The Transportation Security Administration's "311" rules are not just stupid, they're really stupid [Coming and Going, Nov. 5]. Like most TSA regulations, they're not meant to increase actual security but to give people a false sense of security. For example, confiscating carry-on perfume and lotion when air cargo (often on the same aircraft) isn't screened at all is plain S-T-U-P-I-D.

The media are full of stories of people taking liquids through security by accident or on purpose. The mischievous brain should be able to concoct plenty of scenarios in which three-ounce portions of explosive liquids could be combined. What does that mean? It means that the security isn't effective and that in the meantime the rest of us are inconvenienced and hassled by TSA jockeys, many with little common sense and even less courtesy.

Meanwhile, we experienced travelers divide our ire between the inane rules enforced by lackwits in TSA uniforms and the unprepared travelers who can't be bothered to read the signs plastered all over the screening area. Somebody please send them all home!

Omar Siddique, Ellicott City

CAN YOU LIST the rules for carry-ons for children? Specifically:

* I assume that a toddler has the same ability to have a one-quart bag filled with shampoo or makeup as an adult. Is that correct?