Rather than having to go on a shopping trip(s) on arrival, and since you have a couple of days, you might want to consider putting together a package of prohibited/questionable/other items and shipping it to your destination, and ship it back again prior to your return.

This may also allow you to travel with just a carry-on, and not have to deal with checked bag(s).

Ditto, bws48.

Twenty years ago, after one too many debacles with airlines and lost luggage, I got in the habit of Fed-Exing my luggage -- especially any must-haves. If you Fed Ex, then you don't have to buy gear at your destination. And throw in the FedEx box anything you would have checked-in at the airport that you absolutely must have at your destination.

Another advantage of Fed-Ex is that you can insure it for full value. Bonus: the airport is so much less hassle when you're only bringing carry-on.

Good luck with your journey and condolences on your loss.


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Thank you both. Can you tell that I rarely travel by plane yet.

I'm going with my mom, who is in her late 60s, with borderline diabetes, a wonky heart, failing eyesight and can't walk very far. We just confirmed our flights. We added two days to the trip for a little down-time, but we've got a connector through Edmonton (?!) on the trip out. And we're now staying in a motel instead of with relatives. That changes my plans a little bit.

After checking the Fed EX/UPS and Purolator prices, I'm going to check a bag with clothes and toiletries. I'm not going to check anything valuable, but am considering sending a knife and multi-tool ahead of time.

I want essential items in my carry-on in case my checked bag gets lost or delayed, and in case we somehow end up in a local emergency or stranded at the airport. I've got a backpack that meets the allowable dimensions, and I'm playing with packing it now. My modified EDC purse went in first, then I added:

-a GI canteen kit (empty, minus fuel tabs, plus 10 MicroPUR tabs)
-a packable light anorak jacket
-a rip-stop GI poncho
-silk sleeping bag liner
-a pair of socks, underwear, bra, shirt and pants
-travel sized deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, an a small bar of soap
-an extra package of baby wipes, a small bottle of Purelle and an extra bandana
-camera, extra memory cards and charging cables
-MP3 player/FM radio, head phones, speaker and charging cord
-my small laptop and charging cable
-2 granola bars, 1 MRE meal, 2 packs of instant oatmeal, 2 instant hot chocolates, 4 instant 2-in-1 coffees, 4 Emergeny C drinks, an MRE package of peanut butter, and 2 MRE condiment/utensil packs
-map case with boarding passes, ID, some print-outs local maps, compass, whistle and LED, all on a lanyard

If you do send something (by whatever means) include a self-addressed return envelope with what you send. Will make it easier sending it back to yourself.

And remember, that if you don't send anything and choose to buy locally, you will still need to send it back to yourself, or abandon it there. . .

Thanks BWS! That's a good idea that I wouldn't have thought about. I'll probably hand them down to my two nephews before I leave.

Yep, welcome to Saskatchewan! About half of the flights going to Toronto from here connect through either Calgary or Edmonton (WestJet or A/C) then east. We wave down at our homes as we fly back over them. A bit silly, but then again Calgary is WestJet's home so we play by their rules. At least they don't charge us more for the "privilege" of more air time.

Only in Canada! LOL! I've actually never flown to or through Edmonton before!! Only over. I grew up a Gretzky and Oilers fan though, even in the heart of Leafs-Canadiens territory. And then I did a spell in Canuckville, and drank the Kool-aid there, but never so much as to let go of my beloved Gretzky Oilers. I'm going to get souvenirs. Maybe it'll spark something in my kids. I've driven through Ab, spent some time in Calgary a few times, but never been to the Edmonton Mall. God bless my parents, for skipping stuff they had no interest in doing with their kids. LOL!!!

Then you are surely familiar with my countryman Jari Kurri?

Kurri was one of the best! The two of them together was pure magic, Herman!

Depending on the runway, you'll be flying right past my house. Have the pilot dip the wings, will ya?