What can we take on the plane to Paris?

Check on the TSI site (or with Continental) on the internet; however, if you are going to check in luggage, I don't see a problem with the coffee in your suitcase or creamers. The wine is probably okay, as well. But it is always best to check before you go.

I hope you are taking a non-stop flight to Paris. We have had Cognac stolen out of our checked luggage returning from Paris on a connecting flight (Chicago). And you are certainly correct -- there are some exquisite wines made in Texas! The wine snobs will never know.

As long as you check the wine, TSA has no limits on the amount you can fit in your suitcase... but realize, anything you bring into Europe is governed by EU customs regulations, not TSA.

In which case, you can import up to 2 liters of wine duty free into the EU. So you should be fine.

Your coffee and wine are fine in your checked luggage, as is the creamer. (I'll set aside the question of why you'd take up valuable weight/space in your suitcase for coffee and creamer when they have wonderful coffee in Paris).

As for what Continental charges for aboard your flight, check their website under "Inflight Services" or something like that. Luggage charges, if there are any, will be listed under the Baggage section of the website.

I always lock my luggage with TSA locks. My bag has been inspected in both Chicago and London and the locks have been relocked with no problem.

Thanks, everybody! Sounds like we'll be OK, but I will double check with Continental, et al.

Nancy, I agree with you about taking the coffee. Just concerned that since we get there on a Sunday there might not be much opened to buy some. We are staying in an apt. so we can make coffee there. Can't do without my coffee on that first Monday a.m.! If I'm wrong about finding someplace to buy "supplies" on Sunday, let me know!

Where can I pick up those TSA locks?

Thanks again!

I'd like to comment on the coffee....I can understand taking enough for the first morning...but two pounds?

If you're staying in an apartment in Paris, you'll have no problem finding a grocery store nearby for supplies. I usually carry some coffee with me (I like it first thing in the morning) but just enough to get started.

And rather than packing the wines in a "hard wine case" which I'm sure weighs a ton, how about this:

Wineskin

And remember, there is a weigh limit on checked luggage.

I also suggest locking your luggage with TSA locks.

You can get TSA locks in the luggage or hardware section of any Target, Walmart, etc. There are a number of different styles -- combo, keyed, etc. Sometimes the locks in the hardware section are cheaper than the same locks in luggage, so check both places.

Continental just announced a fee for $15 for the first checked bag to take effect immediately for travel in the US and Oct 7 for travel to Canada and the US Virgin Islands. This is in addition to their fee of $25 for a second checked bag. The press release didn't say anything about overseas flights, but thought I'd share this bit of news with you. I'm guessing that since you have already bought your ticket the fee won't apply to you. I am intrigued by the notion of fine Texas wine! Happy travels!

Thanks everybody! It's 1 a.m. here and we are almost finished packing. Not bad, considering we don't leave until 4:30 pm tomorrow! LOL!

You'll be happy to know that I pared down my coffee to a small Ziploc bag (about 8 oz.)!

Those Wineskin things look cool, but no time to order any. Actually, the small leather case for two bottles of wine is not heavy.

We are actually taking this Texas wine to a gentleman named "JJ" who owns a wine bistro in Beaune and organizes the annual wine and jazz festival. He has been most gracious, and actually invited us to his bistro for an after-concert party, which he promises will be "hot." And, he will have boeuf bourgignon (pardon my spelling; it is 1 a.m.) and escargot (two of the region's specialties) ready for us when we arrive on the train! Doesn't get much better than that! So, we felt it fitting to take him a couple of "Texas's finest." It will be interesting to see what he thinks of them. He is also a sommelier, so I'm sure he has a critical nose!

Again, thanks to all and happy traveling!

Veronica

Veronica: Have a great trip! Your excitement comes through in your post. Uhm, about the Texas wine you're going to give as a gift to the French sommelier from Beaune: Hopefully your kind gift will make the desired impression on him. There have been discussions here about what some French people think about American wines--there's some reasons, that have been given here in past discussions, to think that in France more than a few people, especially around a place like Beaune, have an opinion about American wines that may be disappointing or surprising to you. Hopefully the French sommelier from Beaune will accept your gift in the spirit with which it's given--but if he doesn't, hopefully you won't be too surprised or offended.

Thanks, Kent!

Yes, I woke up this a.m. shouting, "I'm going to Paris!" Had to be there, I guess! LOL!

You make a good point about how the gentleman in Beaune might view the Texas (American) wine. But, I guess we'll take our chances. We'll make light of it and tell him if he wants to give it to his bistro chef to cook with, that's fine!

LOL!

I think a wine professional will approach an untasted wine with a certain intellectual curiosity, completely separate from whether or how much he enjoys drinking the wine in question.

As a poor analogy: I like apples and want to taste every variety there is, although I also have my own taste in terms of what I like best. If you gave me an exotic apple that tasted like pickles, I'd say, Isn't that remarkable! I'd take pleasure in cataloging it mentally and comparing it to other apples I have had--and would be very pleased to have had the taste.

This JJ sounds like a nice guy--I'll bet he will genuinely appreciates the gift and the spirit in which it is given.

I know about American wine, I mean Californian wines are quite popular , many are good, but,,,,,
TEXAS WINES ,, I am sorry, I am laughing,,but not in a mean way( it never comes out right online).. I think you are a very brave lady Veronica,,, and truly, it won't even matter what the wine tastes like, if it is not French,, it will at the most be given a tolerant review..LOL

Have fun,, eat , drink and have a ball. I am as always envious of anyone just setting off!!

Just wanted to agree with Adam..JJ does sound like a charming person and open to tasting your wine...We often go to the franchise Nicolas wine shops at home (in France) and they "celebrate" wines from around the world...Proud of native products...but open minds, and mouths...