Haven't flown since 1998 many questions?

[JJ&JSMOM]

Its been eight years since I was on a plane. I went to the airport the other day to pick up my sister and her husband after their vacation and the feel of the airport has changed. Very serious and to me scary! All these signs about security and security rules- I know its necessary but boy it kind of scared me. Anyway my question is- when I flew last we would get our seat assignment ahead of time-is that still the practice? Do families w/kids still get to board first to get situated? Should my TA go over what should/shouldn't be in carryon? What should probably be in checked luggage?

A few years back when my Mom went through security they confiscated her nail scissors and asked her a million questions. She was so embarassed. She just didn't know.

I have absolutely no clue about this - I feel silly asking my travel agent. Thanks for the help.

 

[CTCouple]

Security has gotten ALOT tighter.
best bet is to ask your travel agent. IMHO that's part of their job. Don't be embarrassed. You have legitamate concerns, and they should know exactly what is/is not allowed and so forth.
One note about getting to the airport early- security at Orlando is hideous. Seems others have the same views we do. They are crowed and s-l-o-w.
Last time- 8 lines which went to 6 security checkpoints which led to 4 X-ray machines/metal detectors.

It took us I think longer to get through security than driving from the BWI to the airport itself. We literally did the OJ Simpson run to the gate to catch our flight *LOL*

 

[Donald is #1]

Its been eight years since I was on a plane. I went to the airport the other day to pick up my sister and her husband after their vacation and the feel of the airport has changed. Very serious and to me scary! All these signs about security and security rules- I know its necessary but boy it kind of scared me. Anyway my question is- when I flew last we would get our seat assignment ahead of time-is that still the practice?

Yes for most airlines (biggest exception is Southwest -- fixed thanks to tracey) most people get their seat assignments when they book their flights.

Do families w/kids still get to board first to get situated?

On the flights that I have taken recently (United), yes people with small children can board early (after 1st class). However, I have only seen people with very small children doing this. I am not sure what the cut-off age is.

Should my TA go over what should/shouldn't be in carryon? What should probably be in checked luggage?

As the previous poster said, yes, go ahead and ask your TA for advice. You can also check out your airline's website and the TSA site, I believe. My advice is: don't take anything sharp in your carry-on.

 

[tracys2cents]

I think the previous poster was talking about Southwest, not Jet Blue. Jet blue assigned us our seats when we booked.

Also, thing have eased up a bit since the days when you were treated like a terrorist for carrying fingernail clippers. i woudn't worry.

 

[canwegosoon]

Some of the biggest changes IMO are that you must have a vaild ID(drivers licence) and credit card/or/frequent flyer card to check in at airport. Check with your TA.
What you can bring or not bring on a plane is easily found on the www.faa.gov site.
You must leave tons of time to check it and get through security...ask your TA depending on you airports of use.
Good Luck!

 

[freckles and boo]

Here are a few other things you should know...

Most airlines have begun to rigorously enforce rules about numbers of checked and carry-on bags. Check with your TA or the airline's website for what their restrictions are.

Nearly every airline has also reduced the weight allowances for checked bags to 50lbs (down from 75lbs) so be careful if you have a large suitcase. It is easy to go over the weight limit.

Finally, if you don't lock your bag with TSA approved locks and your bags are chosen for inspection, your locks could be cut off and you will not see them again. Even if you do use TSA locks you might not see them again. We just don't pack anything of real value in the checked bags and use zip/cable ties so they don't come open during handling.

Don't get too stressed out about this, but try to be informed ahead of time!

 

[DonnaL]

If you think airports are scary places now.......be glad you were not traveling
in the few months immediately after 9/11. We went to WDW in early December, 2001. We flew from our local airport (two jet gates) security was tight, but, not scary. Had a flight change in PIT........still OK because we didn't need to leave the gate area and go through any security again. However, when we got to MCO it truly was scary......as we came off our flight through the security areas there were ARMED National Guardsmen everywhere. I'm talking M-16's and these guys were all business. It was very intimidating and scary, but, at that point absolutely necessary. However, I do worry that security has lightened up just a bit too much. Sometimes, TSA agents seem to pick on people just to flex their muscles and not really look for something that may or may not be a problem. In all honesty, I don't mind tight security as long as it's done properly and for the benefit of everyone.