Last weekend I took a quick trip to Charlotte, NC with just my new carry-on. No checked luggage. I was there from Friday through Sunday, so I had to pack for three days.

I was told we might be going out to nice places in the evening, so I had to pack a few dressy clothes. I also needed workout clothes. Because of the snowstorm, we ended up staying in. I had enough with me for even the unexpected sledding with my friend’s daughter. North Carolinians get pretty excited about the rare event of snow and avoid driving on it. We were officially under a state of emergency with only about an inch of snow and ice on the ground.

I did get a second look from TSA at Toledo Express for my cannister of protein powder, pina colada flavor. Not a surprise, since the last major terror attempt involved granulated explosives, but after a second look in the x-ray machine, they sent me on my way. No trouble with my quart size bag of makeup, lotion and over the counter meds.

I admit the non-wheeled carry-on left me feeling more like a hiker. The backpack shoulder straps made the small suitcase easier to squish into overhead compartments than a bag with the interior structure of a wheeled bag, but I did have to lug it around. I just told myself I was burning calories.

And it was fun being able to bypass the check-in line at the airport. I did it online before my trip and at a kiosk in the airport for the trip home. Quick. It was also fun not standing around and waiting for my bag after getting off the plane. Not paying to check a bag was satisfying too.

So success. Next I’ll try a longer trip. Another advantage/disadvantage of carry-on only travel– you think twice about buying anything on shopping trips, because you have to figure out how to get it home.