Nervous Flyer but not nervous to Fly...Please read!!!

[tinksgilrs251520]

Hello all I have allot of questions some of them maybe dumb but I am a nervous flyer but not nervous about flying...I am more nervous about my luggage and security checks... I am not nervous about flying at all.. I have flown before but it has been before Sept 11 happened ... So if anybody can ease my mind I would appreciate it very much but here are some of my questions and I will probably have more before we leave (September 1, 2010)

*** Flying Delta****
How do you check the weight of my checked bags before we go I don't like surprises?

How does the DME work ? do I have to get my checked bags myself and then take them with me to the DME desk?

what the quickest way to get through the security checks.. Any tips would help..

More to come i am sure

Thanks everyone

 

[mousebymarriage]

Hello all I have allot of questions some of them maybe dumb but I am a nervous flyer but not nervous about flying...I am more nervous about my luggage and security checks... I am not nervous about flying at all.. I have flown before but it has been before Sept 11 happened ... So if anybody can ease my mind I would appreciate it very much but here are some of my questions and I will probably have more before we leave (September 1, 2010)

*** Flying Delta****
How do you check the weight of my checked bags before we go I don't like surprises?

How does the DME work ? do I have to get my checked bags myself and then take them with me to the DME desk?

what the quickest way to get through the security checks.. Any tips would help..

More to come i am sure

Thanks everyone

Don't worry you'll be fine!

1) you can use your scale at home to weigh your luggage before you leave, just subtract an extra pound or two just in case the airport scale is off a tiny bit. (luggage needs to weigh 50 pounds or under to avoid the overweight luggage fee).

2)DME is super easy. Just attach your DME tags to each piece of checked luggage at home. After you check your luggage at the airport you won't see it again until it arrives in Disney at your resort. After you land at Orlando Airport just follow the signs to DME it's downstairs, don't worry about going to baggage claim they take care of it for you as long as your luggage has the DME tags on it. The DME tags will arrive via mail a couple of weeks before your trip, I think they are still bright yellow. (It can take a few hours after your flight for your luggage to arrive so make sure you pack a carry on with anything you will need. If you have an evening flight be sure to pack in a carry on your pj's and some travel size toiletries and even a change of clothes for the next day so you are not waiting up all night for your luggage. If you are arriving during the day it's a good idea to pack swimsuits in a carry on so you can swim at the resort pool if you want before your luggage comes).

3) the quickest way to get through security is to make sure you take off your shoes while in line don't wait for them to tell you (slip on shoes are the best). completely empty your pockets into the container/bowl thing they provide that includes:wallet, keys, change etc.) take off your belt while in line because the buckle will probably set off the metal detector. If they pull you to the side for "additional screening" don't panic. it only takes a few minutes and it's random, just cooperate and things will go smoothly. Remember nothing liquid that exceeds a couple of ounces (3 oz I think), they will make you throw it away even if it's in your carry on. Any travel size toiletries etc. must be "travel size" and everything must be able to fit into 1 quart size ziplock bag.

 

[dis_guy]

Hello all I have allot of questions some of them maybe dumb but I am a nervous flyer but not nervous about flying...I am more nervous about my luggage and security checks... I am not nervous about flying at all.. I have flown before but it has been before Sept 11 happened ... So if anybody can ease my mind I would appreciate it very much but here are some of my questions and I will probably have more before we leave (September 1, 2010)

*** Flying Delta****
How do you check the weight of my checked bags before we go I don't like surprises?

How does the DME work ? do I have to get my checked bags myself and then take them with me to the DME desk?

what the quickest way to get through the security checks.. Any tips would help..

More to come i am sure

Thanks everyone

Firstly, relax and prepare ahead of time as best you can.

We weigh bags on our bathroom scale. Don't cut the weight too close because their scale will be a bit different.

DME is really easy. If you arrive before 10 PM your bags are delivered if you put your tags on the bags. After 10 you get your own bags then take them to the bus. Look around this forum there is LOTS of good info.

Be prepared for security. Visit the TSA website. I take out everything from my pockets and put it in my carryon. Be sure you have your liquids ready and out of your bag. Have your coat off, wear easy to kick off and pull on shoes. Pay attention to the people ahead of you in line and be ready to follow their lead. Ask any questions you have, don't just hope it'll be OK. I don't take film cameras or camcorders that use tape any more as they get extra scrutiny (swabbing) that takes extra time.

 

[tinksgilrs251520]

will my digital cameras be ok in my carry on

 

[jlewisinsyr]

will my digital cameras be ok in my carry on

Absolutely, and you do not need to take them out of the bag when you go through security. Only notebook computers, portable DVD players and the like.

 

[tjmw2727]

snip
3) the quickest way to get through security is to make sure you take off your shoes while in line don't wait for them to tell you (slip on shoes are the best). completely empty your pockets into the container/bowl thing they provide that includes:wallet, keys, change etc.) take off your belt while in line because the buckle will probably set off the metal detector. If they pull you to the side for "additional screening" don't panic. it only takes a few minutes and it's random, just cooperate and things will go smoothly. Remember nothing liquid that exceeds a couple of ounces (3 oz I think), they will make you throw it away even if it's in your carry on. Any travel size toiletries etc. must be "travel size" and everything must be able to fit into 1 quart size ziplock bag.snip

ITA with everything posted by mousebymarriage - and I take it one step further.

I bring an extra quart ziplock and instead of putting my "pocket contents" into the bowl I put it into the ziplock and then into my carryon. This includes my watch, jewelry, belt if I am wearing one and such. This just eases my mind about theft esp if I am pulled aside and makes it quicker to leave security and put things back into place when I reach the benches.

It is indeed 3.4 oz you can bring through secuirty, as much as can fit in a 1 quart ziplock, 1 bag per passenger - hence the 3-1-1 rule.

I HIGHLY recommend anyone flying visit the tsa website, it is a great resource. You can find tips on clearing security along with video and all the info you need.

 

[Taja]

I take it you will have your family with you, so this doesn't completely apply. But you can modify it to suit your needs.

I frequently travel solo, and losing sight of my purse and laptop doesn't thrill me! So, I use the following order when placing stuff in the bins to go through the scanner.

Bin #1: Jacket & shoes.
Bin #2: Purse, with watch, jewelry, barrettes in zip top bag inside purse so I don't lose them.
Bin #3: Laptop computer
Bin #4: Carry-on bag.

The 3-1-1 bag goes with either the shoes or the purse. It has to be completely exposed top and bottom (nothing under it or over it), so it just depends on how things fit into the bin.

That way I can grab the jacket & slide feet into the shoes (if traveling to WDW, they're usually sneakers--heaviest & bulkiest shoes!--and I loosen the laces before getting into the security line so I can slip them off quickly), grab purse, grab laptop computer, grab carry-on bag and head over to the seats or quieter area to tie shoes and put everything away! *LOL*

Everyone develops their own system!

 

[goofy4tink]

Before we get to security, everything is ready to go...our 3-1-1- baggie is right on top of the carryon bag. I put all my electronics/chargers in one large ziploc baggie...I know I don't need to, but it's easier to just pull it out if there is any question. My cameras go in that bag as well as cell phones. Jackets/sweaters/sweatshirts are off, we wear slip on shoes, with socks. Have any computer ready to come out as well.

Do NOT wait until you get to the security belt to start removing shoes, jackets, and empting pockets. It holds everyone up and makes you frantic...be prepared. The less 'stuff' you have, the better off you'll be.
When the stuff comes out, at the end, just grab it and head to an out of the way area to put yourself back together. Do NOT stand there, at the end of the belt, putting your shoes back on, rearranging the stuff in your carryon!!!

As far as DME goes...couldn't be easier. Put your yellow luggage tags on each checked bag, then forget about them. When you get off the MCO shuttle, head directly down to DME, get checked in and onto a bus to your resort. Your bags will appear in your room, up to four hours after your resort checkin. BUT...be sure to pack anything you may need for the first day, in your carryon bags. That way, you don't need to sit around waiting and worrying about your bag arrival.

You can buy a scale at any discount store...Target and WalMart both have them. You attach your bag to it and then lift it up....they aren't very much. I know how much I can lift with one hand...so I can judge pretty closely how much my bags weigh.

 

[koho]

One other thing to remember about security. Some airports are now using the full body scaners. If your airport is using them do not worry about. There is nothing to them. You just have to stand in the scaner for a couple of second and then walk out. I know at CVG you have to wait couple of seconds after the scan because some is reviewing the scan. Once they have determind that everything is OK you can go on and get your things.

If they think they see something on the scan they then check. They usually just pat you down in that area. For instance if they see something on your left arm they will pat down you left arm. And do not worry they have a female pat down a female and males pat down males.

Also do not worry about the scan pictures. The scans are just like a simple outline of you and objects show up.

Hope this helps.

Mark

 

[wdwmaw]

Best tip to weigh your bags, Go to Walmart and buy a fish scale. It will fit in your hand and you can take it with you so no surprises at RAC counter. The last 2 times we have traveled the scale was exact with RAC desk weight. You can get one for about $5, I posted one from Bass Pro. Walmart has one that looks just like this, could not find it online though.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s..._13327_100011004_100000000_100011000_100-11-4

 

[BlueIrish]

Best thing you can do is check out the TSA webpage. If you are going to have any liquids make sure you don't go over the allowed amount.
Make your life easy, have your shoes off, if your bringing a laptop take it out of the bag, and basically just be prepared.

As for the DME, it works great. I was a bit stressed as I have had luggage lost in the past but Disney does a great job. The bags arrive in your room and its great not having to think about your bags and waiting for them.

Again with the security, just be prepared and it will be a breeze. Have a great trip.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Bin #1: Jacket & shoes.
Bin #2: Purse, with watch, jewelry, barrettes in zip top bag inside purse so I don't lose them.
Bin #3: Laptop computer
Bin #4: Carry-on bag.

Just a correction, shoes should be placed on the conveyor belt by themselves, they should not be placed in the bin.

 

[plutolovr]

Just a correction, shoes should be placed on the conveyor belt by themselves, they should not be placed in the bin.

This seems to vary from airport to airport.

 

[tjmw2727]

Just a correction, shoes should be placed on the conveyor belt by themselves, they should not be placed in the bin.

Depends - just yesterday I went through security at MHT and they definately wanted the shoes in a bin. This has also been my experience in Philladelphia while Baltimore wanted them on the belt not the bin !

I usually do put our shoes in a bin as IMHO its easier to just take them out if requested than it is to backtrack and get a bin.

 

[SDSorority]

Hello all I have allot of questions some of them maybe dumb but I am a nervous flyer but not nervous about flying...I am more nervous about my luggage and security checks... I am not nervous about flying at all.. I have flown before but it has been before Sept 11 happened ... So if anybody can ease my mind I would appreciate it very much but here are some of my questions and I will probably have more before we leave (September 1, 2010)

*** Flying Delta****
How do you check the weight of my checked bags before we go I don't like surprises?

How does the DME work ? do I have to get my checked bags myself and then take them with me to the DME desk?

what the quickest way to get through the security checks.. Any tips would help..

More to come i am sure

Thanks everyone

I weigh myself, then I weigh myself holding my bag and check the difference.

DME is soooo easy. We used it for the first time last time. Put your luggage tags that Disney sends you on your bags and then let DME get them where they're supposed to go.

The fastest way to get through security is this:
Put your 3oz bottles in your 1 qt. plastic baggie and have it in the front of your carryon for easy access. Then, put your carry on bag on the belt (no need for the bin), and in the bin put your shoes (wear socks!), your baggie of liquids, and any jacket you may be wearing.

Other tips:

Don't wear jewelry or metal until after you get through security.

Feel free to bring snacks on board- keep that tummy happy!! But make sure they're not too smelly

Keep hand sanitizer in your little baggie, and use it after going through security and before you eat. Dirty dirty dirty!!

Buy water once you get through security and keep drinking. I read 8oz for every 30 min you're in the air.

Pump your feet or try to stand up and move around a little on the plane.

 

[Bork]

Best tip to weigh your bags, Go to Walmart and buy a fish scale. It will fit in your hand and you can take it with you so no surprises at RAC counter. The last 2 times we have traveled the scale was exact with RAC desk weight. You can get one for about $5, I posted one from Bass Pro. Walmart has one that looks just like this, could not find it online though.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s..._13327_100011004_100000000_100011000_100-11-4

That's a good tip because for us, the problem was always having a bag that was too heavy on the way home. We weigh it at home and we're fine. But then add a bunch of souvenirs for the way home, and we're over weight.

 

[TagsMissy]

Just a correction, shoes should be placed on the conveyor belt by themselves, they should not be placed in the bin.

I have taken more flights than I have fingers this past year and every time I have been told to place my shoes in the bin; never been to an airport wanting them on the belt ((as of yet)).

 

[brenda1966]

Shoes in the bin! HAve never been asked to pull them out.

DVD player is a new one. they never used to ask to see them out, but then some airports started, so I always take it out.

Any medical devices (like a nebulizer) should be out and will often be pulled aside for inspection. Also, inhalers and any meds that are greater than 3 ounces should be in their own bag.

empty water bottle -- I always take one -- but be sure to have it out and separate in the bin so they can see it's empty.

Oh, and if you're travelling and Easter time and someone gives you a hard boiled egg. Don't take it. After asking every TSA person I encountered if it was okay, the bag that had the egg in it was pulled aside and put through additional security. Over an egg! LOL!

YEs, the TSA site is very helpful.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Buy water once you get through security and keep drinking. I read 8oz for every 30 min you're in the air.

OMG there is no way I could drink this much water on our three hour flight.... I would spend the entire flight back and forth to the little girls' room!

 

[N365PA]

I guess im sorta a resident expert on going through TSA (former flight attendant, now pilot) so heres my tips.

I usually put my wallet, keys, and any other pocket items in a coat/jacket pocket or in my roll-a-board (22inch tall carry-on bag..the one that all the crews have, black, perfect overhead size). All I have in my hands as im walking to the first agent (TSA or contractor) is my boarding pass and ID in one hand, my roll-a-board dragged by my other. Once you get in line at the actual x-ray, I put my Drivers License/ID and pass back into my pocket, take shoes off, everything on the counter and put em in the xray. As a habit I always pat my pockets before going through the metal detector. That being said, dont wear any metallic jewelry to the airport (a wedding ring wont set off the detector normally). No liquids (except medications, sunscreen etc. under 3 oz a piece, and put it in a ziploc). If you have some liquids (medication, sunscreen, contact solution etc.) make sure its in small quantities (under 3oz) and put em in a small ziploc bag and have them ready to take out of your bag because they need to be out of the bag when going through the x-ray.

Shoes go IN a bin, just dont cover em with stuff.

Regarding packing...if it doesnt fit in my 22inch roll-a-board, it doesnt go. We had an issue with this the last time on the cruise so we had to check a bag...*GASP*....(I was a ramp agent, aka bag smasher, in college so I have nightmares about checking a bag). I usually have one roll-a-board and one "personal item" (aka Purse, Laptop Bag, small backpack...anything that can fit UNDER the seat in front you basically). This usually lasts me no problem (...I am a guy...) for a 5-7 day trip to WDW. You can weigh your bag on a bathroom scale to get a general idea of what it is, always remember that you always bring home more than you take!!! Leave a little space!

Hope you have a great trip, dont worry bout the TSA, not all of them are jerks