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[C.Ann]

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[DVC-Don]

Yep, Albany has the skycaps and curbside check in for SW. Happy flight.

 

[C.Ann]

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[lyzziesmom]

The only recent change that caught me by surprise is that at the security checkpoint, you must remove any electronic devices from your carryon before going through the xray machines. This held us up a lot, since it was a recent change when we flew 2 months ago, and with 2 kids we had a bunch of electronic devices (2 DVD players, 2 handheld games, etc.). They practically unpacked DD9's backpack and made her go through the xray again.

Also (I think this is since Dec. 06) you can now take liquids on the plane IF they are bought after the security checkpoint. Which only makes sense, but there you have it.

 

[canwegosoon]

C.Ann...just what are you bringing to florida
Have you heard about owner's locker?

Have a great trip

 

[DMRick]

Yep, Albany has the skycaps and curbside check in for SW. Happy flight.

They have not been outside for our last two early morning check ins, so it can't be counted on.

 

[C.Ann]

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[scrappin]

The only recent change that caught me by surprise is that at the security checkpoint, you must remove any electronic devices from your carryon before going through the xray machines. This held us up a lot, since it was a recent change when we flew 2 months ago, and with 2 kids we had a bunch of electronic devices (2 DVD players, 2 handheld games, etc.). They practically unpacked DD9's backpack and made her go through the xray again.

Also (I think this is since Dec. 06) you can now take liquids on the plane IF they are bought after the security checkpoint. Which only makes sense, but there you have it.

So what you are saying is that you had to pull out the Ipods, nintendo ds, etc. along with digital cameras and put them in the bins? I think I might visit the dollar stores and try to find a net bag that we could put these in so they can take them all out at once. What do you think?

 

[lyzziesmom]

The net bag is a good idea, to keep all the electronics together in the carryon. WalMart has net bags in the automotive section (near auto wipes and small boxes of tissues), they are sold in a package of 3 for about $4, they are small expandable mesh bags. And they are bright lime green!

And yes, I did have to take my digital camera out of my carryon and put it through the xray machine on it's own.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

So what you are saying is that you had to pull out the Ipods, nintendo ds, etc. along with digital cameras and put them in the bins? I think I might visit the dollar stores and try to find a net bag that we could put these in so they can take them all out at once. What do you think?

Officially, the TSA only expects larger electronic items -- such as laptops, camcorders, CPAPs, video game consoles, and DVD players -- to be removed from the bag and placed in a bin. The rule is usually one item per bin.

Smaller electronic items -- such as iPods, digital cameras, cell phones, battery chargers, small electronic games, noise-canceling headphones, handheld calculators, and travel hard drives -- can stay in your carry-on bag.

There have been reports of some TSA agents routinely asking passengers to put small electronic items in a bin, but those TSA agents are making up their own rules. I've never run across such an agent, and I routinely travel with a half dozen small electronic items.

I don't think there's any value to bringing a net bag.

 

[DMRick]

, but those TSA agents are making up their own rules. I've never run across such an agent, and I routinely travel with a half dozen small electronic items.

I don't think there's any value to bringing a net bag.

I have been lucky to not run into those either. It would be a real pain to put them all on the machine, and then put them all away at the other end. We usually go when it's crowded, and it would be so very easy for someone in front of me to pick an ipod or small gameboy up, or to overlook one. Mine are in my carryon. I only take out my computer.

 

[C.Ann]

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[DMRick]

This morning, at 5:45, there was curbside luggage. I didn't see an actual porter, but we were shuttled in, and were across the street. If you are getting dropped off, you can be dropped right in front of the booth.

I found out something very important...don't put orange plastic ribbon (like the caution stuff) on your luggage. Stick to pink. Orange is a code they use, for a bag that needs to be throughly checked. The TSA believed me, when I said I was the one who put it on..but he still put me in the "puff" room..a little room that "puffs" at you. Don't know what it was checking for, but it took about 20 seconds.

For the first time I had to put my cell phone in with my computer. All shoes had to be removed.

People are not paying attention. Lots of sun tan lotion, hand cream, shampoo, etc being confiscated, because of the size.

Good luck..the line was long and very very slow.

But it was worth it! Have a great time. Today's weather was perfect.

 

[Tara]

I've flown out of Albany 3 times in the last month and I haven't had to remove any small electronics (cell, camera, iPod) from my bag. I hope they haven't changed this rule since last week!

I would also agree with DMRick that curbside check-in seems scarce on some early mornings, but I see the OP isn't flying out in the morning.

C.Ann -- are you parking at the airport or being dropped off? Do you use Albany Park, Ride & Fly? If not, I highly recommend it. Not only is it nice to know that if it snows while I'm gone I'll still come back to a cleaned-off car, since I travel alone a lot, it's nice to know that I won't be wandering around a dimly-lit parking garage by myself at night. They have a bunch of different coupon codes for different time periods for 10% off right now. My 7 days of parking were $36.68. PM me if you are interested in the codes.

 

[C.Ann]

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[C.Ann]

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[DMRick]

I've flown out of Albany 3 times in the last month and I haven't had to remove any small electronics (cell, camera, iPod) from my bag. I hope they haven't changed this rule since last week!

We used the Park, fly and Ride, which we always do, and as usual, they were perfect. Price is half the "pull up rate" if you book online, and as mentioned there are codes to get a little off. I'm glad you are being dropped off though, so you will be near the check in, rather than have to lug across the street.

I've never had to take my cell phone out before either at Albany..but I did yesterday. The scanning was the most thorough of any I've ever had at Albany airport. They had multiple people looking at each screen, and many people had to open their bags to see what "stuff" was they saw on the screen. Line was long and slow, and a lot more people than usual at that time of day..but still faster than I've had at Orlando on a holiday weekend.

DH has his cpap machine, which he puts in a roll away bag..but this time, he had to remove it and it had to go through by itself. That held up the line.

Pink curly ribbon will be perfect. Orange seems to be the no-no.

C.Ann, We flew into Fort Lauderdale.

 

[C.Ann]

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[DMRick]

According to our local paper, two hours for domestic over the 12 holiday days, is recommended (we're usually one..if we had done one, we would have really been scurrying). My son was told three hours for international. You should be OK when you return..back to normal. Someone said at breakfast this morning, there has been some "testing" of security this week, and that's why they are being so careful.

I love, love the new SW boarding. I was surprised when we got off in FL, as they were loading, I heard the gal announce there woul dbe no preboarding after the A's for families. In Albany families boarded after the A's..and I could already see the problem they could have, with people with car seats. I think they should still board first, before the aisles are clogged up, as they were in the middle and no one coudl get by. We opted for the back loading, and so we weren't trapped as people tried ot put in their car seats..

-

Guess I better make sure I arrive at the airport a minimum of 2 hours before my flight both going down and coming back.. I'm usually more like 2 and a half hours early, but after some of the things I've been reading on here about long, slow lines in Orlando - and now your experience in Albany, I'm not taking any chances..

Thanks for the info..

 

[C.Ann]

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