Flying
 

Warning - this post is about to expose how incredibly neurotic I am.

I'm getting ready to fly for the first time in about seven years. I've flown several times, but not since 9/11 and never alone. Now that I live in DC, 500 miles away from my family, I'm going to be flying a lot more often. I'm not at all worried about the actual flight - it's only an hour and a half. I'm just nervous about the new security measures, checking in, checking my luggage, possibly missing my flight, etc. Any advice to make getting on the plane go smoothly?

Get there early and do not take a lot of carry on luggage that they need to search.

I fly from National Airport all the time, but not since the new carry-on rules.

I haven't had any bad experiences there. Just get there early, be patient in the check-in and security lines, enjoy the airport's many stores, and don't forget to breathe.

(I get nervous while traveling, too.)

check out tsa.gov for bagage guidelines. with the new regulations in place, i think it's best to check your luggage.

get to the airport about 2 hours before your flight. that should give you time to get your ticket, check you bag, and get through security.

just know what you have with/on you when you go through security. take out electronic items (ie laptop, and even mp3 player) and place them in a separate bin. expect to have to put your shoes and coat through the scanner if they're thick.

everything should go smoothly.

I'm actually flying out of BWI, which adds to the nervousness since I don't have a car. So I also have to worry about the Metro bus running on time, etc.

Wear shoes that are easy to take on/take off.

Check whatever you can, and unless it's absolutely necessary, don't take your laptop.

Apparently Airborne freaks the x-ray machines out. I learned that the hard way last weekend...:rolleyes:

Mel,

Are you flying during the week? If so take the MARC train from Union Station to BWI, it's much easier and you don't have to add the traffic factor or waiting on the bus at Greenbelt.

Definately check as much as possible. If you are flying on Southwest you can check-in early online and you will avoid most of the lines. I was at BWI Labor Day weekend and things were not any busier than usual.

I'd check my bag so you don't have to worry about the security regulations. I've flown about 20 times in the last year :( but not since they went into effect. I'm planning on checking my suitcase from now on so I don't have to worry about my makeup, contact solution, etc, and am planning on just bringing a purse with my iPod and a few books through security.

If you can, wear flip flops. It'll speed up going through security by a few minutes since you won't have to take your shoes off.

I've had to take my flip-flops off in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Boston. Apparently my Havianas look suspicious.

Wow. I have never had to do that in JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, or the Dominican Republic. That's crazy. You can pack so much explosive material into those straps...

Oh that's a great call with the MARC train - thanks! I'm flying AirTran, and I'm pretty sure they have online check-in too.

Ummm, I just did it last weekend at Laguardia, and at Atlanta. Apparently, the rubber freaks out the walk-through x-ray machines.

Hey, Candice...if you want more Havaianas, my Brazilian grocery store sells them for $8/pair. They're legit, too.

OMG are you serious? Candice may be needed to place an order with you. Candice is planning on wearing her Havianas until it starts snowing in MinneCambridge, because she's crazy like that.

I still like wearing flip-flops when I fly even if I have to take them off because they're much easier to get back on than other shoes.