Haven't flown since 2008 tips for comfort, ease?
- Thread starter badatmath
- Start date
SecondAttempt
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
While I think this is completely correct, my partner has gone through TSA with 4-5 quart size bags packed full of smaller bottles for years without once being stopped. No idea why she needs that many but probably best for me not to ask.
donheff
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
My iPad mini always goes in the carryon. IIRC all they want out are laptops.
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2015
- Messages
- 14,077
I usually have two. Domestically it's never an issue, but coming back from the Cayman's I had to give one to DH.
copyright1997reloaded
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Reese
Dryer sheet aficionado
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2017
- Messages
- 26
+1
Try to get a flight as early in the day as possible and get to airport EARLY. Honestly this should alleviate most of your problems or fears.
Gearhead Jim
Full time employment: Posting here.
Just remember that no two airports have the same TSA procedures, and sometimes the procedures will vary at the same airport with the same machines. Just grin and bear it.
After 36 years of flying for a major airline, I can tell you that airplanes are an unreliable mode of transportation, but all others are worse. Our saying was:
"Time to spare, go by air.
More time yet? Go by jet!"
I have others, but they couldn't get posted here...
After 36 years of flying for a major airline, I can tell you that airplanes are an unreliable mode of transportation, but all others are worse. Our saying was:
"Time to spare, go by air.
More time yet? Go by jet!"
I have others, but they couldn't get posted here...
Try flying business or 1st class or use BAJ.
AGREED. Its worth the criminal price !
SecondCor521
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
I second or third the idea of allowing plenty of time. Time to get to the airport, time to get through security, time to get to the gate, time between connections. In general, time for things to go wrong, like forgetting a last minute packed item on the kitchen counter, or a long TSA line, or a snafu with boarding. I personally don't have a problem with cutting things close, but I'm not as concerned as the OP; if I were I would allow extra time.
Try to treat the whole thing as a humorous Monty Python style quest rather than a Hunger Games competition. Other people will be stressed out and in a hurry and worried and anxious; if you let it flow like water off a duck's back then you will do yourself and them a favor. You might even get a thank you or a smile in return.
If you want to bring anything that might even be questionable in your carryon, you can check the TSA website about what is allowed and what isn't. It's quite comprehensive and fairly specific. If you're not sure, put it in your checked luggage.
When you go through TSA, you'll need your ticket in addition to your license/passport. Have them both out and ready to hand to the first agent you see while you're in line. The TSA agent and the people behind you will appreciate it.
TSA in general is easy if you're relaxed, friendly, polite, and respectful. I'm sure TSA agents have bad days, but those folks and days are few and far between. Every TSA agent I've ever interacted with has been professional and helpful and courteous to me. Even the one who had to do a full body pat down the time I lost my driver's license on vacation.
Bring something to distract yourself on the plane if you're worried about the flying part. A book, a movie, a computer game on your tablet, whatever.
If you have a choice, try to book on a newer plane, like a 787 or an A350. They have some comfort and safety features you might like, especially better pressurization. I think a lot of the newer planes also have seat back video entertainment like movies and TV. Bring your headphones (standard ones with the small headphone jack like in laptops or cell phones) if you want to use this option and don't want to buy a pair from the airline or are worried about ear germs.
You should be able to bring your own food and beverage on the flight. Lately they hardly give you any food, so if it's a long flight or you don't like what they have, it's good to bring your own.
I personally like aisle seats so I can get up whenever. If you might get claustrophobic or antsy in your seat, getting aisles are a good choice. If extra leg room might help, you could see about booking or volunteering for the exit row seats.
If you'll get antsy waiting for people to get off the plane, try to get a seat towards the front. That wait is the one thing that bugs me about flying.
Personally I don't even check luggage anymore - I just fly with a backpack. If you decide to travel without a checked bag, that means it's cheaper, you have one less thing to do when you get to the airport, and one less thing that can go wrong at your destination. Bags are rarely lost these days, but they can be damaged and always take time to get to the baggage claim, and can be mixed up where other passengers take yours. Traveling in a backpack does come with tradeoffs (mostly having to find a laundry every 4-5 days), but I find it's worth it.
You can usually find the answers to any TSA or airline or airport questions ahead of time on the internet. Maybe game it through in your head ahead of time and think about what questions might come up and be prepared.
Since you said your back was sore, you might consider getting a neck travel pillow. Might help, might not. They'll probably sell them in the gift shop at the airport.
Try to treat the whole thing as a humorous Monty Python style quest rather than a Hunger Games competition. Other people will be stressed out and in a hurry and worried and anxious; if you let it flow like water off a duck's back then you will do yourself and them a favor. You might even get a thank you or a smile in return.
If you want to bring anything that might even be questionable in your carryon, you can check the TSA website about what is allowed and what isn't. It's quite comprehensive and fairly specific. If you're not sure, put it in your checked luggage.
When you go through TSA, you'll need your ticket in addition to your license/passport. Have them both out and ready to hand to the first agent you see while you're in line. The TSA agent and the people behind you will appreciate it.
TSA in general is easy if you're relaxed, friendly, polite, and respectful. I'm sure TSA agents have bad days, but those folks and days are few and far between. Every TSA agent I've ever interacted with has been professional and helpful and courteous to me. Even the one who had to do a full body pat down the time I lost my driver's license on vacation.
Bring something to distract yourself on the plane if you're worried about the flying part. A book, a movie, a computer game on your tablet, whatever.
If you have a choice, try to book on a newer plane, like a 787 or an A350. They have some comfort and safety features you might like, especially better pressurization. I think a lot of the newer planes also have seat back video entertainment like movies and TV. Bring your headphones (standard ones with the small headphone jack like in laptops or cell phones) if you want to use this option and don't want to buy a pair from the airline or are worried about ear germs.
You should be able to bring your own food and beverage on the flight. Lately they hardly give you any food, so if it's a long flight or you don't like what they have, it's good to bring your own.
I personally like aisle seats so I can get up whenever. If you might get claustrophobic or antsy in your seat, getting aisles are a good choice. If extra leg room might help, you could see about booking or volunteering for the exit row seats.
If you'll get antsy waiting for people to get off the plane, try to get a seat towards the front. That wait is the one thing that bugs me about flying.
Personally I don't even check luggage anymore - I just fly with a backpack. If you decide to travel without a checked bag, that means it's cheaper, you have one less thing to do when you get to the airport, and one less thing that can go wrong at your destination. Bags are rarely lost these days, but they can be damaged and always take time to get to the baggage claim, and can be mixed up where other passengers take yours. Traveling in a backpack does come with tradeoffs (mostly having to find a laundry every 4-5 days), but I find it's worth it.
You can usually find the answers to any TSA or airline or airport questions ahead of time on the internet. Maybe game it through in your head ahead of time and think about what questions might come up and be prepared.
Since you said your back was sore, you might consider getting a neck travel pillow. Might help, might not. They'll probably sell them in the gift shop at the airport.
Sunset
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
My DW wipes down a lot of the area (armrests, buckles, table, video screen, etc)
Those airline workers have 20 minutes to clean an entire plane, no way they clean much.
One time when we got to our seat, it smelled of vomit. They had to hold the plane until the maintenance crew came and replaced all the cushions and wiped the frame down.
Sunset
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
If you have an apple phone, consider buying an apple air-tag and after setting it up, hide it in your checked baggage, so you will know where your bag is when the airline claims it's lost.
pacergal
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Yes, for the hard, high touch surfaces, and not just for covid. There are a lot of other germs out there, plus just for stickiness, spills, etc from the previous flyer. The turn a round time for planes does not give the cleaning crew enough time to do that kind of clean.
If you can afford first/business class, that of course would be the most comfortable. If not, Economy Plus will give more leg room and on some airlines, a slightly larger seat.
I take both credit card and some cash.
Wear easy on/off shoes for TSA check, just in case.
Hopefully, this is a fun trip for you. Enjoy.
MC Rider
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
If I go "ride" the airport banging my 2 coconut halves together, they'll think I'm crazy. Could be fun though.
SecondAttempt
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Good to know. Coming back from Europe I'll ask her to limit herself to 2 with me carrying one of them. Ok, I guess that could be embarrassing but I'll prescreen!
SecondAttempt
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
I'm gonna be a little funny and hope this is not out of line. Apologies in advance if it is.
It's probably a lot like sex. If you have not done it in 15 years you probably know the basics but may not be up to date with the details. But the basics have not changed and you will come up to speed quickly.
Probably the biggest difference is that you might feel like a second class passenger if you skimp. The major airlines all have something like "basic economy" where you are not treated well and they nickel and dime you for everything, bag fees, seat reservation, pay for carryon bag, food, etc. I'm "premier" on United, not because I fly a lot but because of a credit card. I recently flew a united ticket with a leg on another airline and got a taste of the humilation they put on people. It was a 1 hour flight so not too horrible but had to pay for a small carryone knapsack and it would have cost us over $100 for my partner and I to sit together.
Of course people complained about airline customer service 15 years ago but I think most now wish it were now like it was then.
Seriously though, I think you will figure things out and do fine. Probably the biggest difference for you is your body is 15 years older. A blanket, small pillow, and neck pillow might be helpful.
timeismine
Dryer sheet wannabe
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2018
- Messages
- 15
Don't forget to take that weapon and ammo out of your carry-on.
Sunset
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Amazing people "forget" about it being there.
Oh, wait..... I did that many years ago with a pocket knife in a jacket pocket. The TSA agent held it up and yelled KNIFE !!
Fortunately I had a briefcase I could empty into my carry-on and then check the briefcase for the flight.
I got escorted over to check it, I had some status, so the checking was free.
Last edited:
latexman
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Over the years I think I've donated 1 - 2 of the smallest Swiss Army knives to TSA.
The one with tweezer, toothpick, scissors, blade, and a file/screwdriver. They are about $15-20 now. At the time, I didn't check it. I just handed it over to them. I'm much more dilagent now. 
