Packing for flight

[Minnie824]

I haven't flown in almost 7 years and not at all since kids. BUT, our first flight is approaching, and I have some packing questions with the new restrictions.
1. I know 3oz per item, in one ziploc baggie per person. BUT...can each baggie (we have 4 people, so 4 baggies) be in the same backpack? Or will I need to pack toiletries, etc in my DDs backpacks as well?
2. Can you double-bag the baggies? I'd hate to have my shampoo leak all over my camera.
3. Can I bring empty sports cups/sippy cups on the plane to be later filled w/beverages?
4. Do I need to get those special locks, or can I use zip ties for our checked luggage? Which would you recommend?

I can't think of anything else right now, but I'm sure I will soon. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Mkrop]

would love to know too Thanks for asking!

 

[goofy4tink]

I haven't flown in almost 7 years and not at all since kids. BUT, our first flight is approaching, and I have some packing questions with the new restrictions.
1. I know 3oz per item, in one ziploc baggie per person. BUT...can each baggie (we have 4 people, so 4 baggies) be in the same backpack? Or will I need to pack toiletries, etc in my DDs backpacks as well?
2. Can you double-bag the baggies? I'd hate to have my shampoo leak all over my camera.
3. Can I bring empty sports cups/sippy cups on the plane to be later filled w/beverages?
4. Do I need to get those special locks, or can I use zip ties for our checked luggage? Which would you recommend?

I can't think of anything else right now, but I'm sure I will soon. Thanks for any advice!

1. Each person has to have a baggie of his/her own. You are not allowed to have one person carry them all. It's basically one baggie per carryon, so if there is a carryon, that's where the baggie goes.

2.Why would your camera be in with your shampoo?? All my electronics go in one bag...digital camera, batteries, video camera (although that has to come out to be handchecked), cell phones, Game Boys, Ipods. My quart sized baggie has only those 3 oz containers in it.

3. Yes, you should be able to have empty sippie cups in your carryon bag.

4. I never use luggage locks. If someone wants to get in, they are going to get in. There is nothing in my luggage that can't be replaced.The security people need to be able to get into luggage so will destroy a lock if they have to in order to search a bag. If they do, they are supposed to leave a notice, in the searched bag, that tells you your bag has been searched.
The time I would use a real lock is if I had to leave my bags with Bell Services and I had electronics or computer stuff in it. That's when I lock my bags, not for the flight.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[Mkrop]

so say I have each child's gameboy or leapster in their own backpack then each kid's game thing will have to be hand checked.? Is it better to have all those in one bag? I was going to put them in the kids backpacks in case DH and I have to split up then each will have his game.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

Unless it's laptop based handheld games do not need to be hand checked or taken out of the bags.

We use Zipties not really for security but so our bags don't accidently get opened during transit. If TSA cuts them off they will put new ones on for you most of the time.

Make sure the sippy cups don't have the liquid between the layers.

Also remember to check your weight of the bags ,in the last 7 years many things have changed and this is one of the biggest.

 

[bavaria]

why not read www.tsa.gov - they have everything laid out very clearly, including videos of what to expect.

 

[snowy76]

2.Why would your camera be in with your shampoo?? All my electronics go in one bag...digital camera, batteries, video camera (although that has to come out to be handchecked), cell phones, Game Boys, Ipods. My quart sized baggie has only those 3 oz containers in it.

I think she meant she'd have both her camera and her quart baggie in her carryon. Some folks don't bring a whole lot of electronics stuff with them, and some people like us don't put them all in one bag in case that bag is misplaced or stolen.

I think Minnie was worried that if there was a leak, one baggie might not contain it. She wants to double baggie her toiletries. Personally I think one baggie for the bottles is protection enough (I did this before the scare last year anyway)... Minnie, might I suggest putting the camera in its own baggie instead? Then there is an extra layer of protection without messing with the TSA regulations.

 

[canwegosoon]

Minnie...I have flown many times since the "change". Each traveler may have their own baggie(even if that is their only item)...and AFTER I clear security I gather all the baggies up and put them in my carry-on(I don't want my kids leaving theirs behind somewhere)...I don't do it right infront of TSA, but usually while I am putting on my shoes. Honestly I do not need that much-2 baggies I find is ideal for me/DH and our 2 kids(but I have done 4).

I think the suggestion to slip a camera in it's own bag(gallon should work) is a good saftey idea.

Another thing to think about in the past 7 years is the fact that you might need come type of nurishment(I have waited on line to check in for 3 hours- to then be hustled to a plane-to be told by the flight staff they have no food for my children ) Usually I have a few things to tide everyone over(you never know-power bars, a piece of fruit, trail mix, cheese and crackers, a little candy, rice krispie treats, gum, etc...are all required traveling staples(also get a water once you clear security)since they are not liquids they don't need to be in a small zip lock...you don't want to be the one waiting on the tar mat for a while- without something for you and your family-remember flight crews can not serve while waiting on the tar mat.
Please wear shoes that are easy to get on and off at security, for you and your kids(but I always wear socks). Forget the luggage locks-they will break them. Also I like to keep an eye on all of my kids eletronic equiptment, since it must be powered off during take off and landing.

Have a good trip

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Since the baggies have to come out of the carry-ons to go thru security, it really doesn't matter what bags they came out of or what bags they go back into. If you have 4 passengers, you get 4 baggies.

I was asked one time at MCO if both of these baggies were mine (since they were next to each other) and I replied that they were my DHs and mine. That was the end of that.

You do not need to send each passenger's luggage separately thru security. When my DH and I travel together, we have an order in which we place luggage going thru security, with the computer and bags with wallets going last. Then I pass thru the metal detector first before my DH lets go of the computer/wallets, so that I am waiting on the other side of the conveyor belt for our belongings to emerge.

As the most precious of all "cargo", if you have 2 adults and are travelling with children, they should pass thru the metal detector after the first adult and before the last adult. As you probably know, they cannot go with you thru the metal detector at the same time. If a TSA agent ask the first adult a question about any of your luggage, politely inform them you will be with them in a moment, then gather your children without leaving the secure zone before dealing with the question from TSA about your stuff.

Best of luck and have a great trip. -- Suzanne

 

[ballarinamom]

I agree with snacks for the kids. We have been flying with our DD5 since she was 6 months old. Leapsters are great- just turn the volume down so you don't annoy the neighbors. But snacks are a neccesity. We take granola bars, fruit rollups, and cheese and crackers. DD is not a fan of peanuts and pretzels so I know she'll be needing a snack of our own. We also make sure to take an empty cup and fill it with water right away so I know she'll have a drink when she needs it. Don't forget to charge that Leapster the night before and pack the charger for the return trip

 

[Mkrop]

I plan on bringing lost of snacks but are peanut butter crackers allowed. I thought since they have banned peanuts which I thought they did do to allergies, I might not be able to bring that.

 

[goofy4tink]

To elaborate....only my video camera has had to come out of my bag of electronics. It was the first time that happened. It was in Jan, flew out of TF Green in RI and then back home from Tampa. Both times they removed the video camera and wiped it down. But it had never happened before.
I also recommend all electronics being in one big oversized baggie. It's just easier to keep track. But, other than the video camera, nothing has had to be removed. Of course dh's laptop has to go through alone.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Minnie thanks for asking this question. I haven't flown for about 9 years and May 07 will be our first time w/kids so we shared the same questions.

I have been to tsa.gov and its informative but its nice to read the personal experiences and strategies especially w/young children. One thing we're doing is playing airport security. The kids take off their shoes/coats (I think the coats could go in the carryon to make it easier when going through security for real) & empty their pockets (which will be empty already on travel day), put their backpack on the table (conveyor belt), and it goes through "xray". As they step through the doorway (metal detector) I put their items on a table so they're waiting for them. I have them grab their stuff & take it a few feet away (where the first adult would be) and have them put on their shoes. Every once in a while I'll sneak in a penny in their pocket so when they go through the "metal detector" they beep and I get our big flashlight and "wand" them.

This is really fun for them. It may not run as smoothly when we go through security for real but at least they'll have an idea how and why we have to do this. Oh another thing I have stressed upon my DS7 that guns/bombs and the like are not things we talk about at the airport. I tell him we could get in trouble and possibly miss our flight to disney. I really don't like him to talk about that stuff at all but it seems to be "natural" in boys. When he was younger I wouldn't buy him play swords so he'd use a stick so I gave in & bought him play swords.

Anyway - good luck and have fun!

 

[ballarinamom]

Peanut butter isn't banned. Some airlines do not give them as snacks due to allergies but are not banned. (as far as I know and have seen in my business travel ) I still get peanuts from alot of the airlines.

 

[goofy4tink]

Minnie thanks for asking this question. I haven't flown for about 9 years and May 07 will be our first time w/kids so we shared the same questions.

I have been to tsa.gov and its informative but its nice to read the personal experiences and strategies especially w/young children. One thing we're doing is playing airport security. The kids take off their shoes/coats (I think the coats could go in the carryon to make it easier when going through security for real) & empty their pockets (which will be empty already on travel day), put their backpack on the table (conveyor belt), and it goes through "xray". As they step through the doorway (metal detector) I put their items on a table so they're waiting for them. I have them grab their stuff & take it a few feet away (where the first adult would be) and have them put on their shoes. Every once in a while I'll sneak in a penny in their pocket so when they go through the "metal detector" they beep and I get our big flashlight and "wand" them.

This is really fun for them. It may not run as smoothly when we go through security for real but at least they'll have an idea how and why we have to do this. Oh another thing I have stressed upon my DS7 that guns/bombs and the like are not things we talk about at the airport. I tell him we could get in trouble and possibly miss our flight to disney. I really don't like him to talk about that stuff at all but it seems to be "natural" in boys. When he was younger I wouldn't buy him play swords so he'd use a stick so I gave in & bought him play swords.

Anyway - good luck and have fun!

Thank-you!! Those of us that travel frequently see many instances where children have no idea what is going on...they panic, they cry, the line gets held up, the parents are all discombobulated and worried. So, thanks for giving your kids those run throughs. They will make a difference.
My sister-in-law has always maintained that kids from the age of 4 are able to lug something when they travel. My nephews have always had the responsiblity of their own backpacks...their parents don't, and didn't, carry them for them. They were well seasoned travelers by the age of 5!!! Same with my now 13 y/o dd....she has her bag, she carries it, she gets it through security. She knows the drill, and doesn't get freaked out. Of course there was the time at Sanford right after 9/11 that they didn't allow her to bring her Corduroy bear on the plane (although we had checked and double checked with PanAm about this and had had no issue on the flight down). Poor kid had to put her 'lovey' in the checked bags. She had carried that bear on every flight. No wonder PanAM isn't flying anymore. And then she had to be wanded on top of it all.
So, again..thanks for teaching your kids what is going to happen at the airport.

 

[Mkrop]

Peanut butter isn't banned. Some airlines do not give them as snacks due to allergies but are not banned. (as far as I know and have seen in my business travel ) I still get peanuts from alot of the airlines.

TY! DS9 will be happy. He wasnt feeling the cheese crackers I bought DS4 will eat anything. I am hoping to get them a real lunch before we fly and then have this as backup just in case.

 

[Minnie824]

Thanks for all the helpful information here! I think I will try to get some gallon bags for my cameras and batteries to make it easier. Also, my DDs are 5 and 3, so I think practicing 'airport' would be a good game for them as well. We'll work on that later today!

One more question...does anyone know if mineral makeup like Bare Escentuals needs to be in baggies or counts as your one baggie for a carryon? Thanks!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

My TA also gave us some tips. She advised us to check most of our toiletries and just use the 1 qt ziploc for necessities. I think the only things I have in ours is 2 small bottles of sunscreen, vaseline for baby & liquid tylenol, deodarant for DH and these are trial size all under 3 0z. As far as makeup/baby shampoo & soap/body lotion that sort of stuff I've packed in our travel organizer (from LL Bean - I can't remember the name but it hangs on the back of the bathroom door) and will check it in my luggage. I've put those that may leak in a ziploc bag like the shampoo and then put it in my travel organizer.

Our particular flight has not been deemed a peanut free flight but our TA suggested no peanut butter items just because if a little peanut butter is smudged on the seats or on a tray. If someone sits there on a later flight (even though they're supposed to clean between) and has a peanut allergy it could effect them - I guess there are different tolerance levels for allergies ie airborne vs actual eating. Believe me this is a real bummer because my kids love peanut butter so I've picked some different things such as jelly sandwichs, fruit, cheese/crackers, fruit snacks, nutrigrain bars etc. So unless it is deemed a peanut free flight you can certainly bring peanut butter but personally I won't. To each their own.

Have fun!

 

[famfab5]

Minnie thanks for asking this question. I haven't flown for about 9 years and May 07 will be our first time w/kids so we shared the same questions.

I have been to tsa.gov and its informative but its nice to read the personal experiences and strategies especially w/young children. One thing we're doing is playing airport security. The kids take off their shoes/coats (I think the coats could go in the carryon to make it easier when going through security for real) & empty their pockets (which will be empty already on travel day), put their backpack on the table (conveyor belt), and it goes through "xray". As they step through the doorway (metal detector) I put their items on a table so they're waiting for them. I have them grab their stuff & take it a few feet away (where the first adult would be) and have them put on their shoes. Every once in a while I'll sneak in a penny in their pocket so when they go through the "metal detector" they beep and I get our big flashlight and "wand" them.

This is really fun for them. It may not run as smoothly when we go through security for real but at least they'll have an idea how and why we have to do this. Oh another thing I have stressed upon my DS7 that guns/bombs and the like are not things we talk about at the airport. I tell him we could get in trouble and possibly miss our flight to disney. I really don't like him to talk about that stuff at all but it seems to be "natural" in boys. When he was younger I wouldn't buy him play swords so he'd use a stick so I gave in & bought him play swords.

Anyway - good luck and have fun!

These are excellent ideas and is very similar to what we are doing to prepare our children as well. We actually made a side trip to a local airport to walk about and familiarize ourselves with it so it is more comfortable on the day we fly. It is the first time flying for our three children and I didn't want to start the vacation with them in a panic. We have also played airport at home with chairs and dh as the Captain. The kids think its a riot! We also have had the "what is appropriate talk" for the airport and what is not. We are also packing granola bars and the tiny packages of cheddar bunnies.

We are also from Maine and going in May! I am seriously hoping for some sunny weather considering what we've had the past few days!!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

These are excellent ideas and is very similar to what we are doing to prepare our children as well. We actually made a side trip to a local airport to walk about and familiarize ourselves with it so it is more comfortable on the day we fly. It is the first time flying for our three children and I didn't want to start the vacation with them in a panic. We have also played airport at home with chairs and dh as the Captain. The kids think its a riot! We also have had the "what is appropriate talk" for the airport and what is not. We are also packing granola bars and the tiny packages of cheddar bunnies.

We are also from Maine and going in May! I am seriously hoping for some sunny weather considering what we've had the past few days!!

Its nice to hear from a fellow Mainer-central Maine as well. Won't it be nice to get away from this dreary rainy weather? We've gone in May before (pre-kids) and it was absolutely beautiful. Let's hope it will be this time. Our neighbors have gone this past week during vacation and we can't wait to hear how their trip went.

Have a wonderful trip!