|
OK, since my kids were flying as unaccompanied minors, I got a gate pass and got to sit and observe while they screened everybody, so here's what I saw:
The ipod thing is only for Britain. My kids had an ipod, cell phone and Game Boy with them and those were not a problem. Neither was the portable nebulizer (for the asthma).
ANYTHING liquid or gel like was taken away from people. This included mascara, lip gloss, lotions, etc. Most people were ok with it, but one senior citizen lady was flipping out about a $50 bottle of face lotion and some expensive perfume. What they are going to do with that stuff, who knows.
We went through the initial security checkpoint like always.. remove shoes, metal, put your stuff on the conveyer. HOWEVER, when they started boarding, then they went through each carry on bag and frisked every single passenger. Since they started boarding at the usual time, this did make the plane slightly delayed. I guess they were worried about people getting something between the initial check in and boarding the plane, since all the little news stands and stuff sell things that are liquid.
Overall, I felt much better about the kids flying after seeing everything they went through with each person, even though it took a while. And, they arrived safely in St. Petersburg and my dad found them with no trouble. I didn't completely relax until he called and said they were in his possession though.
I must admit, I am so relieved that they are gone for a little while because with juggling work, my mom in the hospital and the kids for a month now, I'm wiped out. One less thing on my plate is really helpful. I might actually get some sleep over the next week. Phew.
|