My parents will have to pack less

I pulled together all the books and printed material I need to take. I think it weighs about one person's luggage limit. We'll have to spread it over the checked and carry-on luggage. I won't insist my parents leave behind any meds. If I can get by on 4 changes of clothes they should too. :)

I want to thank my cousin Tina and her husband Gary for offering their luggage to my parents. It saved me a couple hundred dollars. My dad always refers to Gary as his nephew. I always remind him "nephew-in-law" but Dad isn't having any of it. Gary is his nephew.

Because of the Christmas bomber, the rules have changed for carry-on luggage. Outbound we can have the usual carry-on and a personal item. I'm bringing my laptop in a backpack that was provided by my company and my camera bag. Inbound we are only allowed one item. This means we will have to consolidate things. We'll see how that works. Lufthansa charges the schlubs in economy $50 to check a second bag. Not outrageous but I'm too cheap for that.