What's it like at the airport nowadays? Are the security measures over the top?

Answer 1

Airports do vary, but I think it depends much more on whether you got unlucky. The only time I've spent more than 20 minutes in security in the last few years was the time I truly deserved it, and even then, they were pretty nice. (I forgot that the wedding present in my carry-on wasn't just a cake server, it had a definate cutting edge.) Even not having quite the proper ID last time didn't slow us down, going through the extra search line can be much faster than the normal one.

My normal list of precautions for avoiding special search:
buy tickets at least a couple of days before the flight, don't use cash.
poke through my bag and purse the night before, remove the swiss knife, and all other forbiddens
wear boring middle class clothes and comfy socks
make sure the shoes & coat are easy to pop off, and the laptop's easy to pull out
make sure your bag's not too eager to overflow when opened, if they search it, you want them to close it again for you.
have a single pocket where you plan to put your license and ticket, which is easy to get into, but not shallow enough that they'd fall out
be relaxed and kinda friendly - security people tend to be good folks. When you trust a person, they tend to trust you back.

Conversely, if you've just had an invasive search, you might start looking at them with dread and getting stiff, which naturally makes them suspicious. I know an ordinary girl who got special searched 3 times in a row.
Those unlucky few that have a name which a terror suspect used as an alias once, have to plan on an extra few hours at the airport. The no fly list isn't handled well, and every journalist I've seen look at the issue has mentioned that customer service for people on it is nearly worse than nothing.

Answer 2

It differs a little from airport to airport and country to country. I flew domestic last week from Denver airport and there were no aerosals or gels allowed in carry-on. You could have liquids, but only three ounces, and they had to be in a see-through zip-lock bag. I didn't have this, so I just dumped my stuff in one of the bins at security. They chastised me for not having the bag, but let me through with my contact solution, etc. The best thing to do is check the websites for the airports you'll be flying in and out of. All the rules will be there.

Answer 3

It´s the same hassle as it became a couple of years ago, no changes. Last month in Miami Airport I forgot to pack my Victorinox pocket knife and when I was on the plane I noticed I had passed it thru security in the pocket of my jeans.......so much for airport security!

Answer 4

I don't think so. It's not so bad anyways.

When you're packing, check on the airline website for allowed and prohibited items. I know on Northwest, in your carry on you can bring one qt. size plastic ziplock bag with hygeine supplies. These all have to be under 3.4 ounces each.

Bring toothbrush, paste, deoderant and hairbrush and pack the rest. If you don't have to use things on the plane, don't bring a carry on. Most regular everday items are still okay for your checked luggage.

As far as clothing, try not to have accessories. You will also have to take your shoes off and it is very likely you will need to open your carry on before boarding.

Arrive very early!!!!

Answer 5

Not really a big deal..