Had a flight since 9/11?

AKA2D '91 · #1 08-25-2002, 11:35 AM

If you have, can you give us any helpful tips?

Soulful Soror · #2 08-25-2002, 12:34 PM

I've flown several times since September 11th, and my helpful tips are as follows:

1.Try your best to bring luggage that you can carry on (saves time at the baggage claim when the security has to check your baggage claim ticket)....and, you can avoid the long long lines at the ticket counter.

2.Try you best to use e-tickets. I know Delta has the computer that you just walk up to, punch in some info, swipe the credit card you used to purchase your ticket (for verification purposes), & go. The best thing about this little added convenience is that you can pick your seat. So, if the representative told you that there were no seats close to the front or whatever, when you ordered your ticket, you can make the change right then & there.

3.Kind of along the lines of #2-You'll notice that I mentioned "the representative". Ordering via the internet can be great, but a lot of times your seat is not assigned until you get to the airport. I usually find the ticket I want on the website, and then call the airline. I give them the exact info (flight#, times, dates) that was on the website, so that I can get the same price. However, I also request my seat at that time. Christmas I almost got left in JFK, because there was dang near a plane load of people who bought tickets...but, we hadn't been assigned seats.

4.Security Searches (this one came from my sister, who worked for an airline). These searches should be RANDOM, meaning the computer will tell them who needs to go to that special table for a further search. Also, men CANNOT search women or vice versa, and they MUST ask if they can search your shoes, etc. I learned this after these two white men picked me out of everybody sitting in the waiting area. The computer didn't direct them to me, as a matter of fact, they hadn't even scanned my ticket. They just claimed that random means they can pick anyone. So, that was two violations, they infringed on my rights by hand picking me...& they weren't suppose to search me (a woman). I'll know from now on, though.

That's all I can think of for now. Happy flying!

Sigma Tweety · #3 08-25-2002, 12:39 PM

Good Afternoon Sisterfriends,

I recently flew from Washington, DC (National Airport) to Kalispell, Montana, on business and have the following suggestions:

***When flying in or out of Washington, D.C., we were advised that passengers were required to stay seated during the first (takeoff) or last (landing) 30 minutes of the flight. If anyone were to get out of their seat, the pilot was to abort the flight and land the aircraft at the nearest airport. Therefore, it is highly suggested you visit the ladies room and "handle your business" prior to boarding.

When boarding, I was randomly selected for a security check. ***Make sure you clear your purse of any nail clippers, files, etc. These items will be confiscated. Additionally, if not needed during the flight, I'd suggest you place any makeup compacts, palm pilots, etc., in your luggage, as they may also set off the alarms and will be subject to further security checks.

Finally, I noticed that small children are subject to the random searches as well. For this reason, you may want to prepare your children for this possibility.

Hope this helps.

God bless,

candygirl · #4 08-25-2002, 01:00 PM

I've also flown since the events of Sept. 11. I didn't know what to expect because this was my first time flying. I thought that the random searches, not leaving your seat during take off and landing, and having baggage claim security check my luggage was all common practice. I did think it was a bit much and even got a little heated when the security wouldn't let me leave baggage claim because my ID didn't match the name on my luggage.

One of my friends was searched going and coming, by a man. She had to take off her shoes and they checked between her toes and the soles of her feet. Is it that serious?

Anyway, I would say get to the Airport earlier than you normally would because you may have to endure the extra B.S. that everyone else has discussed.

evaclear04 · #5 08-25-2002, 03:48 PM

The best advice I can give is to pack alittle extra patient.

CrucialCrimson · #6 08-26-2002, 02:07 PM

I've flown a lot since 9/11 and it really depends on the airport - personally I check everything in and bring as little with me on board so that if I am searched, they aren't going through my stuff, but it depends on your tolerance.

oneinamillion · #7 08-26-2002, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
If you have, can you give us any helpful tips?

oh this is such a good subject....I'll be flying out to Colorado October 13th and I'm really taking heed to the tips posted.

Kimmie1913 · #8 08-26-2002, 05:35 PM

I go back and forth on the carry on or check mentality. THe advantage of checking is that you have less for them to decide to search. If you are going aay for a longer trip and your bag is going to be densly packed I would check it and not have to have them rifle through your undies etc. if your selected. Also, pay a lot of attention to what you pak and ehat you are carrying on you.

As far as searchs are concerned, I had read that you could request a same sex search which implied that it was not aoutomatic but I am not sure about that. I have not been stopped and search yet (knock on wood) but I know a number of people who have.

RedefinedDiva · #9 08-26-2002, 09:47 PM

Well, I have just come back from a vacation to Maryland this weekend. It was wonderful. I would have to say that terrorism was the furthest thing from my mind! I was more frightened about the turbulance!

Here are the tips from my experinece:

1. Security is tight, but not as tight as most people think that it is. You are subject to randon searches and they can be tedious, however, they are not that bad. We just made jokes out of them.

2. Try to eliminate the carry-on baggage. If you have to ration out a little extra time for check-in and baggage claim, just do it. If you have a lot of carry-on stuff, the time that you would have spent checking bags, etc., will be wasted at checkpoints AND we will have to stand there while your personal business is rifled through and exposed.

3. Be patient and take it all lightheartedly. Try to get to the airport early in case you have to go through these things. If you are rushing to make a flight and it's down to the wire, checks and everything else will annoy you and that makes it worse.

That's all I have!

P.S. My favorite tip is this and I had to let my family in on it when we flew this weekend.

**** Keep you eyes on the flight attendant. As long as they look calm and are performing as usual, all is cool. If the flight attendents start acting/behaving funny, that's when you should worry. ****