So I'm gonna be flying again...

[Denmo]

I went flying for my brother's wedding of course, but that was before the whole thwarted terrorist stuff. I'm concerned about what to bring on.. usually I just have my laptop, some small electronic crap, and some snacks. But take a look at this.

I can't bring any snacks it seems. That could be a bomb.

I can't bring any gelatonous stuff. Pudding? Jell-O? Pressurized cans of cheese? Nope.

I'm worried about how bad the security line is too. I need to know when to arrive at the airport so I have enough time to get through security. Can anyone share experiences?

[Chad]

Re: So I'm gonna be flying again...

If you don't check in at least 45 minutes you won't even get your bags checked. I'd go an hour to an hour and a half early, even if it means you'll end up doing some reading or portable gaming at the gate for a little bit.

[Denmo]

Re: So I'm gonna be flying again...

Reading and portable gaming are what I do.

[Big Rick Cook]

Re: So I'm gonna be flying again...

I took only a book on the plane with me when I flew to Ohio last month. The less you carry, the less hassle you get from security. On the flight home, I took my MP3 player with me as well, and still didn't get any hassles.

I showed up half an hour early and didn't have any problem getting to my flight, but Will Rogers is a pretty small airport compared to others. When I flew out from Cleveland, I was there 45 minutes early and still had no problems. Hour and a half is a good average, though. Better to hurry up and wait than to chance missing your flight.

Check with your airline to see what they're currently allowing, because some seem to be more lenient than others.

And if you want to take portable gaming or other small electronics on the flight, be prepared for heavier scrutinizing by security.

[AbstractOrigin]

Re: So I'm gonna be flying again...

And if you want to take portable gaming or other small electronics on the flight, be prepared for heavier scrutinizing by security.

I brought my PSP on the plane and security wasn't harsh with me.

I just hate that you have to take off your shoes.
Damn shoe bomber!

[Big Rick Cook]

Re: So I'm gonna be flying again...

Security doesn't bother with every person's electronics, but you're more likely to get the whole shebang for security checks if you have electronic gadgetry with you.

[The Toecutter]

Re: So I'm gonna be flying again...

That's why I don't take airplanes. The airline industry has no respect for your constitutional rights, and since it cannot stand on its own, it's always whining to big nanny government for welfare handouts to stay in business. Fuel for passenger airplanes account for ~12-15% of America's oil consumption. Meanwhile, the airline industry shoots down any and all proposals for highspeed electric rail, on the false premise that such a thing cannot rapidly developed without an initial supply of tax dollars...

They are currently proposing the use of backscatter X-ray technology to create a digital image of a passenger's body when scanned. This image will be stored in a database, with your name, social security number, and other information attached to it. It will be able to see your genitals and any of the **** stored in your intestines. Big, big privacy violation, all to help catch terrorists of course, right?

See the following for the 1997 Bill that provides funding for it:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.1271:



Personally, I'd be very happy if someone managed to destroy an airport or two, but if and only if it is done without killing someone. Let the ****ers go bankrupt in the aftermath.

[DarkwingChuck]

Re: So I'm gonna be flying again...

[Hikari]

Re: So I'm gonna be flying again...

Koji had no trouble at the airport. He was carrying his garment bag (which only had clothing and an extra pair of shoes) and a small backpack (with his CD/Mp3 player, some CDs, games, his phone charger, and his toiletries in a clear plastic baggie). He also had a baggie of snack food and they let him through although they did screen his backpack twice without telling him why. It must've been the electronic stuff because everyone had to take out and show their plastic bags full of toothbrushes, deodorent, etc. He'll be arriving at White Plains in about half an hour.

I agree that the airlines are whining babies and I'm sick of hearing about how crippled they are. They vote their top executives huge raises and charge people horrible rates to fly. How can they expect people to support them? I'd prefer a train actually, even though it takes a bit longer just because you can see more and it might be more relaxing. Airplanes are not fun. Airports are worse... especially Atlanta. :/

[The Toecutter]

Re: So I'm gonna be flying again...

I'd prefer a train actually, even though it takes a bit longer just because you can see more and it might be more relaxing.

In Europe, the trains are almost as fast as the airplanes. They have trains that do 150-200 mph average for the trip.

Every time such a thing has been proposed in the U.S., the airline industry has been the first in line lobbying to prevent it from becoming reality. A 60 mph Amtrak train that has a high risk of being derailed is NOT what people want. They want high speed elecric rail, but certain entrenched industries and our bloated government will not allow such an extensive network to ever come to fruition here.