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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, November 12, 2006

Spend a night at the Ferry Building

Advertiser Staff

Hotel Vitale in San Francisco's historic Ferry Building, at the foot of Market Street, offers a Shoppers Holiday package.

Arriving guests receive a shopping bag with samples of goods from the Ferry Building's specialty stores and cafes such as Cowgirl Creamery's Artisan Cheese Shop, The Gardener, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, Boulette's Larder, Sur La Table and McEvoy Ranch.

Guests may book spa treatments at the penthouse-level Spa Vitale, take free morning yoga classes in the Vista Studio and enjoy skyline views of the city from the outdoor terraces. The package is available Nov. 23 through Dec. 24. Rates for the deluxe waterfront guest rooms begin at $289 per night. Reservations: (415) 278.3700, www.hotelvitale.com.

CARRY-ON NO-NOS:

Travel season is upon us, and many travelers say they're fed up being delayed in security lines because of "novice travelers" who haven't figured out the rules for carrying liquids and gels. Passengers still insist on carrying big containers that they argued had only 3 ounces left in them — a no-no. Others stash toiletries in purses, not 1-quart zip-closure bags as required.

The Transportation Security Administration is trying to raise awareness in time for holiday traffic with a "311" campaign: That is, you may take on board as many 3-ounce (or smaller) containers as will fit in one (and only one) 1-quart zip-top plastic bag. Also, you must take the plastic bag out of your carry-on for inspection. The rules do not apply to cosmetics and toiletries in checked luggage. Detailed lists of what you can and can't take aboard: www.tsa.gov.

AVOID BAG BLUES:

Reduce holiday stress; make sure your bag does not get left behind:

  • Check in early. Many airlines won't accept bags later than 30 or 45 minutes before flight time. A rule of thumb: If you have to run to catch your flight, your checked bag might not make it.

  • Don't pack prohibited items and don't lock your bag, unless locks are approved by the TSA. If your bag requires extra screening, it might not make your flight. For rules, visit www.tsa.gov.

    And to make sure you and your bag get to the same destination:

  • Fly nonstop. There's less chance for error.

  • Avoid tight connections. Allow at least an hour between domestic flights and two hours between international flights, especially at large hub airports.