Layovers And Security

[EmilyAnn]

Indeed!

 

Also, if you pretend you're pregnant, they'll be gentler to you. But they also might pat you down vs. the x-ray machine. So it's whatever you want. I personally just enjoy the look on their faces when such a young lady pretends to be pregnant. It makes the security process a little easier to bear when you can mess with them. 

 

I'll have to try that next time. :hehe:

 

The best journey through airport security I ever had was with my grandfather - he is very elderly and couldn't walk all the way so my mother arranged for a wheelchair. We were sped through everything, no queues or waiting, it was great. 

[ardillacid]

Wear your bus pants. 

[Kateri89]

I've flown alone 4 times now and have never heard of it. 

 

ATL is a cool airport. Get some chicken fried something at one of their many chicken fried places. :)

 

ATL is my favorite airport! Haha I've had layovers there several times and I always try to stop by Popeyes   :eat:

[God the Father]

Just take a breath. Most people at the airport are not hobos looking for change and will not approach you awkwardly.

[Basilisa Marie]

I've flown alone a bunch, so after a cursory glance at this thread, here's what I've learned:

 

1. No, they will totally leave without you.  This may vary by airline, but I have had a bunch of planes leave without me because I missed a connection due to my first flight being late.  It smells of elderberries.  So if that happens, you walk up to the nice agent at the gate and ask for help.  Or, if there is no agent there, ask one at another gate who doesn't look too busy.  They'll reschedule you for free and you'll get where you're going eventually, I promise.  If you're nice and polite they'll be more than happy to help you out. Luckily there's a very, very small chance you'll miss your flight. :)  Just MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST AN HOUR BETWEEN FLIGHTS.  Or so.  50 minutes is okay. 

 

2. They'll make you take off headphones for takeoff and landing, just fyi. :) Bring a book!  Look grumpy!  Pray a Rosary! Though some people make small talk as a way for THEM to feel less awkward and scared.  One time I 'made friends' with two army guys coming back from overseas because they wouldn't leave me alone even though I was reading.  They then made a navy school brat switch seats with me so I sat next to them in the exit row, and drank their free alcohol with them.  It was a totally weird experience, but I think they just wanted someone to talk to and show off for. You meet the most interesting people. :)

 

3. By being a nice young lady, you're going to get treated better than pretty much everyone else automatically.  So smile and say please and thank you and you'll get all the help in the world. :) 

 

4. Airport food is super expensive.  But I'm never bothered enough to bring my own and hassle it through security.  Just expect it to be expensive, unless it's a chain restaurant. After I get out of security I always like to find my gate first, THEN locate food. You have to lug all your stuff with you wherever you go, though. 

 

5. The 3-1-1 Rule?  Psh, GUIDELINES.   The actual rule is 3.4 ounces or 100ml in a 4 ounce container.  You're supposed to put them in a clear plastic 1 liter bag, but I've gotten away with my brown zippy makeup bag for years, and was only chewed out for it once (and that was after I was stranded in Denver for three days because the Portland Airport roof collapsed and the lovely TSA people were on their last nerve because it was Christmas eve day).  But go ahead and stick them in a plastic bag, it's easier.  

 

6. Wear light clothing and easy-to-get-out-of shoes.  No belts. If you wear a bun they will pat it down (that was an awkward learning experience). You put your carry ons right on the conveyor belt, grab a bin or two and put your jacket, liquids bag, or laptop (I doubt you'll have a laptop) in those.  Shoes go directly on the conveyor belt.  Keep your boarding pass with you, you can put your ID away after the nice guys check it and sign your boarding pass. The shortest security line won't always be the closest one.  Follow their instructions and you'll be fine. 

 

7. I think I remember you saying you're only bringing carry-ons?  Well, always keep enough in your carry-ons to survive if you get stranded somewhere for at least a day - shampoo, toothpaste, change of clothes (or at least underwear! haha!), I can't tell you how many times this has been vital to my survival.  That includes the time I made it all the way to AUSTRIA without my checked bags and had to survive on my carry-ons for two days. :)   If your carry-on is too big, don't be afraid to gate check it.  They put a tag on it and give you the stub and stick it under the plane, and you pick it up immediately after you get off the plane in the tunnel thingy. 

 

 

I think that's most of it.  I really should write a book for first time college-aged flyers.  

Edited May 8, 2013 by Basilisa Marie

[the171]

I'm bringing one checked bag and a carry on. So the "3-1-1 rule" applies to carry-ons or checked luggage? Accck. Maybe I should just pack everything in one carry-on.

[EmilyAnn]

I'm bringing one checked bag and a carry on. So the "3-1-1 rule" applies to carry-ons or checked luggage? Accck. Maybe I should just pack everything in one carry-on.

It applies to carry-ons, not to checked luggage. 

[the171]

So really, I don't have to worry about my checked luggage. Just the darn carry-ons?

[the171]

The more I read about ATL, the more terrified I become. What sort of monstrous beast is this?!

[the171]

HAHA just kidding. I just googled IAH's map.

[the171]

I've flown alone a bunch, so after a cursory glance at this thread, here's what I've learned:

 

1. No, they will totally leave without you.  This may vary by airline, but I have had a bunch of planes leave without me because I missed a connection due to my first flight being late.  It smells of elderberries.  So if that happens, you walk up to the nice agent at the gate and ask for help.  Or, if there is no agent there, ask one at another gate who doesn't look too busy.  They'll reschedule you for free and you'll get where you're going eventually, I promise.  If you're nice and polite they'll be more than happy to help you out. Luckily there's a very, very small chance you'll miss your flight. :)  Just MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST AN HOUR BETWEEN FLIGHTS.  Or so.  50 minutes is okay. 

 

2. They'll make you take off headphones for takeoff and landing, just fyi. :) Bring a book!  Look grumpy!  Pray a Rosary! Though some people make small talk as a way for THEM to feel less awkward and scared.  One time I 'made friends' with two army guys coming back from overseas because they wouldn't leave me alone even though I was reading.  They then made a navy school brat switch seats with me so I sat next to them in the exit row, and drank their free alcohol with them.  It was a totally weird experience, but I think they just wanted someone to talk to and show off for. You meet the most interesting people. :)

 

3. By being a nice young lady, you're going to get treated better than pretty much everyone else automatically.  So smile and say please and thank you and you'll get all the help in the world. :) 

 

4. Airport food is super expensive.  But I'm never bothered enough to bring my own and hassle it through security.  Just expect it to be expensive, unless it's a chain restaurant. After I get out of security I always like to find my gate first, THEN locate food. You have to lug all your stuff with you wherever you go, though. 

 

5. The 3-1-1 Rule?  Psh, GUIDELINES.   The actual rule is 3.4 ounces or 100ml in a 4 ounce container.  You're supposed to put them in a clear plastic 1 liter bag, but I've gotten away with my brown zippy makeup bag for years, and was only chewed out for it once (and that was after I was stranded in Denver for three days because the Portland Airport roof collapsed and the lovely TSA people were on their last nerve because it was Christmas eve day).  But go ahead and stick them in a plastic bag, it's easier.  

 

6. Wear light clothing and easy-to-get-out-of shoes.  No belts. If you wear a bun they will pat it down (that was an awkward learning experience). You put your carry ons right on the conveyor belt, grab a bin or two and put your jacket, liquids bag, or laptop (I doubt you'll have a laptop) in those.  Shoes go directly on the conveyor belt.  Keep your boarding pass with you, you can put your ID away after the nice guys check it and sign your boarding pass. The shortest security line won't always be the closest one.  Follow their instructions and you'll be fine. 

 

7. I think I remember you saying you're only bringing carry-ons?  Well, always keep enough in your carry-ons to survive if you get stranded somewhere for at least a day - shampoo, toothpaste, change of clothes (or at least underwear! haha!), I can't tell you how many times this has been vital to my survival.  That includes the time I made it all the way to AUSTRIA without my checked bags and had to survive on my carry-ons for two days. :)   If your carry-on is too big, don't be afraid to gate check it.  They put a tag on it and give you the stub and stick it under the plane, and you pick it up immediately after you get off the plane in the tunnel thingy. 

 

 

I think that's most of it.  I really should write a book for first time college-aged flyers.  

 

These are super good tips, Ms. Frequent Flyer!

[Oremoose]

Stupid internets and its wishing to repost! 

 

Edited May 8, 2013 by Oremoose

[Oremoose]

I'm just freaking out because I'm flying alone. Like, what the heck. I'm slowly stepping into some sort of thing called adulthood. This is a big deal.

 Surprised no one else commented on this. Getting into adulthood is like removing a Band-Aid you do it real fast and it does not hurt as much but you need the guts to do it so few actually do.

[Oremoose]

So it's going to be one of those multiple posts days eh interwebz? 

 

Edited May 8, 2013 by Oremoose

[Oremoose]

On a real note you can never go wrong with a deck of cards and a small spot for you to play solitaire.