Flying

ADqtPiMel · #1 09-24-2006, 09:50 AM

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?

Tom Earp · #2 09-24-2006, 10:14 AM

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

Senusret I · #3 09-24-2006, 10:15 AM

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.)

stagebear · #4 09-24-2006, 10:22 AM

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.

ADqtPiMel · #5 09-24-2006, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senusret I

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.)

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.

Munchkin03 · #6 09-24-2006, 10:49 AM

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...

jhujenn · #7 09-24-2006, 11:02 AM

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.

GeekyPenguin · #8 09-24-2006, 11:33 AM

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.

ADqtPiMel · #9 09-24-2006, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhujenn

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.

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.

Still BLUTANG · #10 09-25-2006, 10:02 AM

i take the MetroBus to BWI all they time (Greenbelt). they run ON SCHEDULE, i've never had a problem with them. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to get from the bus upstairs to your checkin and through security. The Metro should be the least of your worries.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADqtPiMel

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.

KSig RC · #11 09-24-2006, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADqtPiMel

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?

I basically fly for a living - you can 100% tell a 'business traveler' from other fliers. What I do:

-It's annoying, but check more baggage, not less. The more stuff you have with you, the worse your check-in process will be. Caveat: I've never had a bag lost, so I might be particularly rosy here, and your mileage may vary.

-Prepare ahead of time for taking off shoes/belt, getting everything out of your pockets, etc. Do this in line, before you actually get to the scanners.

-Again, it's also annoying, but seriously get there 2 hours before your flight. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays are the worst days to fly, so definitely get there early on those days, and don't ever be the "MY FLIGHT LEAVES IN 20 MINUTES OMG PUT ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE" guy.

If you're a nervous flier, take stuff to do - this also helps offset the super-annoying 2 hours you'll have to kill before the flight. I take the laptop, my iPod, a Nintendo DS and something to read.

jon1856 · #12 09-24-2006, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSig RC

I basically fly for a living - you can 100% tell a 'business traveler' from other fliers. What I do:
-Prepare ahead of time for taking off shoes/belt, getting everything out of your pockets, etc. Do this in line, before you actually get to the scanners.

I agree. I bought a travel vest from Filson. 15+ pockets that one can put everything into and just let it go thru X-Ray.
NOTE:The following is a direct link to vest information. If not interested, do not click. LOL
http://www.filson.com/product/index....entPage=family

At least on pocket big enough to carry Sunday newspaper!

Great for walking around town afterwards.

ADqtPiMel · #13 09-24-2006, 09:39 PM

Y'all, I'm really not at all worried about the flying part - drugging myself won't be necessary

. It's a really short flight.

I'm just neurotic and I hate looking like I don't know what I'm doing...looking for more advice like KSigRC's. I'm transitioning into a job where I may end up flying a lot, and since I'm already younger than everyone else I hate acting like I don't have it completely together.

DolphinChicaDDD · #14 09-24-2006, 10:18 PM

I've had to take off flip flops since last year sometimes (flying from/to such locations as newark, orlando, honolulu, atlanta, san franciso, and a few others.) I now where sneakers and socks because I know I'm going to have to take off my shoes and I get grossed out by walking barefoot in the airport.

Liquids- yeah, the new rules are annoying. Check everything possible, but remember to put liquids in plastic bags because it sucks when your conditioner explodes all over your clothes, which is why I used to bring it on board but I digress. If you are bringing any acceptable liquids (ie, I'm an asthmatic so I have an inhaler, I also wear contacts so I bring my 4oz of solution on board) put them in a clear plastic baggie and declare it to the TSA employee. I hand them the bag for inspection, somtimes the TSA person says to put it through the Xray machine anyway, sometimes they check it and hand it back to you. Depends on where/when.

Some airports now have the blower type scanning machines that are in place of metal detectors. Just follow the screeners directions; no one really knows how they work yet.

Try to wear as little metal as possible. Sometimes the most random things set off the alarms. Ie- when traveling last year my friend and I had the same victoria secret bra on. Mine didn't set off the alarm, hers did. Who knows.

Get there early, because sometimes even when we get there early things still get messed up. My last flight, I was at the airport 2 hours before hand and still ran to the gate because something happened with the electronic check in system at Newark.

Bring your own travel pillow/blanket...that just might be my nuerotic thing, but I find it kinda gross. I don't know who used it last.

If I think of anything else, I'll post it.

jhujenn · #15 09-24-2006, 10:37 PM

If you are going to take the MARC remember you can buy your ticket on the train if the lines at the self-serve kiosks are super long. I think there is a $5 fee and you have to pay in cash, but if you think you are going to miss your train it's worth it.

You are going to have to take your shoes off. I even had to take shoes off of the babies.

Also, it's not just liquids, it's gels, lotions, etc. I had to hand over the Eucerin I use for diaper rash cream.