Any tips for someone who has not flown since before 9/11?

Question

I used to fly a lot, but have been doing other things for the past few years.

So, what handy hints do you have if I'm going on a trip soon? No liquids, be ready to take your shoes off, no carry-on, what?

My habit used to be to NEVER check anything - either it went in carry-on or I didn't bring it. Also, I'm ashamed to admit, but before a flight is the one time I ABUSE alcohol. I didn't like flying in the best of situations, so I'd stop at the airport bar and get that "rosy glow" (but not get smashed, of course) and try to keep the buzz going through the flight to calm my nerves. Do they still serve as many drinks?

In short, what should I expect that's very different? Yes, I'll show up early.

These might be silly questions, but this is the place to ask. Thanks!

Answer 1

You're totally right on the no liquids. Also you can't take lighters and can only have 4 packs of matches in your carry-ons, and no lighters or matches at all in checked bags. Be ready to take shoes off; be aware of what you're wearing as anything metal (even certain underwire bras) will trip the metal detectors so check your outfit for buckles, decorations, etc.

Watch the alcohol intake--- flight attendants are a little less tolerant of the "rosy glow" than before because they see someone who's buzzing as a potential liability in a crisis. In a crash or hijacking, you're just one more thing they need to take care of, and might not be able to take care of yourself. In first class the alcohol is still pretty plentiful; not so much in coach, but that's more due to service staff cutbacks than security.

Don't overpack the checked baggage. Airlines are enforcing their baggage weight limits more strictly than before. This is also more due to cutbacks and budgets than security but if your bag weighs too much, you'll have to pay! Check with the airline for the limits.

If you can avoid wearing an overcoat, that will make it easier to get through security.

And be prepared to see all sorts of silliness going on. Lots of people still try to take all sorts of weird things through security. Don't be surprised if you're stuck in line behind someone who clearly doesn't watch the news!

Answer 2

Flying can be nerve wracking but a fear of flying is really about not being in control--driving is more dangerous but we rarely worry about that, right? You can't take liquids in the form of a bottle of water, etc. but you can take up to 1 ounce of eye drops or nasal spray. If you still want to go the carry-on only route you could do what a male friend of mine did, just buy toiletries when you get to your destination--easier for guys I think, having a lot less stuff! They do still serve drinks on the planes. You do have to take your shoes off now and put them in the bin with your other things at the security checkpoint. It's basically the same as before, just more security measures and people are more stressed. Maybe if you do some deep breathing early in the day before you fly that will relax you, also I always listen to music on a flight and that makes it much more peaceful for me. It isn't that bad really to fly now, it's just that it was so easy before so I think it takes some time to get used to the new rules.

Answer 3

path blazer is nice: look on the TSA cyber web web site. Get to the airport a minimum of an hour before departure; you should be on the plane 10 minutes previous to departure; i.e. if the plane is scheduled to leave at 1pm you should be boarded by making use of 12:50 or you is not allowed on. do not take any beverages in bins over 3 oz. you should remove those out of your keep on once you go by protection, as well as footwear, coats, hats, belts, cellphones, some thing metallic. verify in on the fee tag counter once you've luggage to analyze. you could keep on a bag as a lot as 22" in length, so long because it is going to slot interior the overhead. if you're between the most suitable to board there is not any room on your bag, so verify it if available and in reality take a small keep on along with your small toiletries, some studying fabric, a snack. maximum airways do no longer serve foodstuff; verify on your certain airline's cyber web web site. you're not any further allowed to carry beverages by protection, yet you could carry an empty water bottle and fill it interior the water fountain interior the terminal once you've surpassed by protection. once you're by protection, verify the exhibit video exhibit contraptions interior the concourse and pay interest for bulletins in case the gate ameliorations. once you've a connection at yet another airport (no longer a layover; it truly is an in one day stay), ask the gate agent once you get off the plane the position your gate is. once you've questions, ask the flight attendant, yet word that in boarding and take off is the busiest time for the flight team, so as that they received't be able to carry your hand.

Answer 4

You've got exactly the right ideas.
Everything you listed I was going to suggest.
I also have a fear of flying, so I also have a couple drinks before getting on the plane, and sometimes 1 or 2 on the plane, that really hasn't changed.
The only REALLY big difference I've seen now is that lines are longer.....

Answer 5

The seatbelts are still the same. They still click in front. The emergency exits are also still in the same place. The emergency oxygen mask is still yellow and your seat cushion can still be used as a floatation device.

Answer 6

Arrive at thge airport naked and with no carryons except for your driver's liscence.

You'll breeze right through security.

They won't let you fly if you are smashed.

Answer 7

Make sure you wear clean socks!! I flew to Colorado in July and this man in front of me must have forgotten that you had to remove your shoes because his socks were filthy!!

Answer 8

Carry on as little as you can. It makes secuirty go much faster.

Answer 9

Be on the look out for men with shaced bodies.