The news that a plane flying from Rio to Texas experienced such bad turbulence–in clear weather, no less–that 26 people were injured, was not an upper for those of us who are nervous fliers. I say us, because even though I’m a travel writer, I get panicky during mid-air turbulence. Sure, I’ve read that a plane can basically lose a wing and still land safely. I know that I’m safer flying above the Atlantic than driving down Lake Street. And I can even appreciate that the Rio to Texas flight is actually a positive story–no one died; the plane remained intact despite its impromptu roller coaster ride. But those facts mean almost nothing to me when a plane starts rocking.

How about you? Does flying make you nervous? If you’ve overcome a fear of flying, how did you do it?

United airlines has joined US Airways in raising fees for baggage that is checked at the airport.
For both airlines, fees for checking a bag at the airport will be raised $5. That means slapping down $20 for the first bag and $30 for the second. Fliers can pay the current prices ($15 and $25, respectively) if they pay the bag fee online before arriving at the airport.
United’s increase goes into effect June 10 and applies to tickets purchased from today onward. US Airways’ fee goes into effect July 9 and applies to tickets purchased after April 22 (US Airways made their announcement last month).

 Given that it’s a tourist hot spot, it makes sense that the Walker Art Center’s gift shop stocks a nifty selection of  travel accessories, from miniature maps to appealingly packaged sanitized wipes. We especially love the Oscar + Dehn soothing eye mask. Where do you get your travel gear? Are there certain products you swear by?