Travel tips and information
Tips for air travel post-9/11?
I haven’t flown since I was 12 years old, and that was 11 years ago, so I’m a little unsure about what to expect when my husband and I fly to Chicago for a long weekend next month. We’re not checking any luggage, so my first question would be about carry-ons. We have a duffel bag and a small suitcase we’re planning on using…will these have to fit under our seats or will they have to go in the overhead bin? I’m freaking out about the security lines, as well…according to the United Airlines website, jewelry and even the underwires in a bra can trigger the metal detectors and result in a “closer” inspection by a TSA official. I definitely don’t want that, but I can’t wear a bra without underwires and I don’t want to risk losing my rings (I wear 3, my wedding set and my college ring, but that’s the only jewelry I wear) if I have to take them off. Should I just pack them in my carry-on? Thanks in advance for your help…I want this experience to go as smoothly as possible!
ETA: I am not afraid of flying, as I flew pretty often as a kid. I just don’t want to be flagged by security or have to worry about checking my bag because it’s the wrong size, etc. And I did look at the TSA website, but I wanted answers from real human beings, not a government agency.
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about 1 year ago
go to the tsa website
about 1 year ago
It’s really nothing to worry about. Do you know that statistics say that you’re safer on a plane than in your own kitchen?
I’ve been flying since I was 4 months old up until now (I’m 16) and I fly about an average of 4 times a year. The security lines are fine; just make sure your shoes and any metal or jewelry is off (you can put them in a little box that will go through the conveyor belt) and of course don’t carry any illegal substances and you should be completely okay.
Good luck and I hope you have a great flight/trip to wherever you’re going!
about 1 year ago
Setting the metal detector off probably won’t be a big deal. People wear jewelry through the detectors all the time. In fact, i’ve started leaving my belt on (with a metal buckle) because I realized that it hadn’t been setting the detector off. It also sounds like you aren’t bringing much in the way of luggage. If you want to make sure you have room for your bags on the plane, try to pick a seat towards the back as you will be able to board sooner (directly after elite members, special needs members, etc.) Airlines typically board from the back row forward, so this allows you more time to find a place to put your bags.
Things you should know to prepare:
-be sure that all liquids/gels are in a clear zip lock bag and DO NOT forget to put that bag in a separate bin when going through security.
-make sure that you take your laptop out and put that in a separate bin, if you’re bringing one
-don’t forget to have your ID and ticket on you when you go through the metal detector
-arrive at least 1:30 prior to departure, that should give you enough time to clear security and be at your gate in plenty of time
-check in online and print your boarding passes at home if you can
about 1 year ago
You should visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/index.shtm This site will tell you everything you need to know about going through the security check point- only 3.4 or 100ml bottles of toiletries are allowed in a 1 qt zip top bag, you must take the bag out of your carryon and put it in a bin when, etc.
As far as the metal detectors…I’ve never had my underwire bra set them off. I take a small zip top bag with me. While I’m waiting to go through security I remove all my metal jewelry (watch, sliver bracelet, rings) with the exeption of my necklace and ear rings and put them in the bag which I put in my carry on. After I go through security I put my jewlery back on.
Even if you do set off the alarm the extra screening isn’t a big deal. They will ask you to step aside and will have a screener of the same sex run a wand over you. Where ever the wand sounds they will pat down. If you feel embarrassed about being screened infront of everyone you can ask to be taken to a more private area. This is all covered at the above website.
Make sure you keep your ID out until the TSA screeners tell you that you can put it away. They will usually check your ID as you approach the security area and again when you reach the front of the line and they direct you to a screening line.
Your bags will need to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat infront of you. Most of the time there will be enough bin space. If there isn’t you can check your bags at the gate and they’ll be waiting for you at the gate when you deplane.
Not all airlines board back to front. Some board from the windows to the aslies (I think this is the way United does it). Some board the over the wing seats before the front and back.
about 1 year ago
Even if you do set off the metal detector, there’s nothing to worry about. The “closer” inspection you refer to most often isn’t a pat-down search. Instead they’ll use a hand-held metal detector to determine exactly what is setting off the machine. If your rings are big and bulky (such as a college ring might be), you might consider putting them in the see-through bag with your liquids. They’ll be zipped shut, but clearly visible both to you and the inspector.
Sometimes, by the way, you can be selected for a closer inspection without even setting off the machne. Don’t worry. It just means you’re number came up in the random selection. If you find anything embarrassing, you can request an inspector of your sex and/or a private location for the further inspection.