Travel tips

Always carry a travel size roll of toilet paper in your purse.

The earlier in the day you can leave, the better (as in, 6 AM if you can stand it). You get shorter lines and better parking spots that way.

Fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday - usually cheaper and less crowded.

Spare underwear and toothbrush in your carry-on if you've also checked baggage. Important pills in your purse/briefcase.

Never fly out of Midway, that's what O'hare is for.

If San Francisco airport is a stopover, see if you can select Sacramento instead (or Oakland or San Jose, but I don't know those airports personally.) SFO has a history of delays due to fog and much else.

[From today's Chicago Tribune:
O'Hare International Airport is the titleholder for both late and never. Once the "world's busiest airport," O'Hare now claims "world's most cancellations."]

A positive about SF airport is that it does have some good food - for example, a small branch of Emporio Rulli.

I suppose ya'll think I was kidding about the TP.

Believe me, I know the importance of this.

I don't think you're kidding, and I see the wisdom. Trouble is, I've not had related problems in airports, etc., given that I tend to check first, but in individual restrooms in random places, even locally. Not to mention one hilarious restroom in Puerta Vallata many years ago. But, mostly I find it a local problem, wherever local may be. Thus my motto, check first.

Get yyour boarding card online in asvance: I've just printed mine for tomorrow, so I only need to be at the check-in 30 mins before the departure. (40 mins it would be on large airports.)

Carry a little snack.

Airport food is undistinguished and overpriced.

I'd rather pack a sandwich than eat airport food.