So how has it been going thru airport security checks?

[FINFAN]

We leave in a few days, will be bringing a coupla of Christmas unwrapped items in my carry-on. I plan to have DH go thru first with the kids and then let another person go thru and then me so the kids can't see what's in my bag or if I am asked to empty it or any part of it. My DD is kind of worried that she may be "searched" and I am trying to alieve her fears but she is 14 and th ethought of someone patting her down is beyond unsettling for her. Just wondering hoew others recent experiences have been....we are flying out of O'Hare (Chicago).


Thanks,

Pam

 

[DebbieB]

I flew PIT/MCO on 12/4 and MCO/PIT on 12/10. No problems, no extra checks. Just be careful you aren't wearing something that will set off the metal detector. If you are not wearing regular tennis shoes, take them off. Watch for metal belt buckles, saw people taking their belts off.

Have a great trip!

 

[safetymom]

Just have her take off any metal, shoes, jackets, etc. I think sometimes they look for people that aren't sure of what is going on to screen.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

I just flew out of Orlando on Friday night. Getting through security took about 20 minutes. Everyone over the age of 11 was required to take off shoes, and any bulky clothing, including jackets, sweatshirts, etc.

 

[BobNed]

We flew Seattle/MCO on 12/4 and MCO/Seattle 12/10. As DebbieB said, no problems. TSA in Seattle "suggested" putting my wallet through the xray (he said sometimes the magnetic strip on credit cards set off the detectors). I just did what they said. Seattle makes you take your shoes off no matter what you're wearing. Orlando had signs stating you only had to take your shoes off if they had metal in them. I was wearing regular tennis shoes and they made me take them off anyway. Coming back I had a lot of extra stuff in my carry-on - fragile Christmas ornaments made of glass and had no problems. Both ways I had a camera bag with a digital camera and digital camcorder. You have to take the camcorder out of the bag and send it through the xray, but not the regular camera - you leave that in the camera bag.

You'll be fine as long as you remember not to wear metal - watches, jewelry, belt buckles, etc. Empty your pockets of change too - I just dump everything I can into my carry-on. I'm amazed by the number of people loaded down with jewelry who act surprised when they set off the detector!

 

[hercamore]

Just flew out of Orlando today, the l2th. Nothing out of the ordinary. I was worried about body checks, too. No one in line was adked to take off shoes, just jackets. Tell your kids to wear everyday clothing. Leave the fancy stuff for the parks.

Took about 2 minutes to get thru cuz it was 5 a.m.

Are you flying AA out of Chicago. I flew out of last week connecting in Chicago with AA. AA wanted everyone to do the E check today in Orlando. Run your cc thru the computer, get your boarding passes. In a minute your bag tags will prinout of the attendant's computer and she will tag your bags. The you have to take your bags across the hall to the security room to have them checked. Kind of a rigamarole. Then you leave your bags there, and you will go further down the hall to go thru security.

Those Orlando flights out of Chicago are usually fullly booked and are often delayed. AA has a new jpolicy about bathroom usage on their flights. You are only allowed to use the bathroom in your seciton. They don't peple "congregating" about the plane. Understandable.

 

[safetymom]

It's a rule for all the airlines about using the bathrooms in your class of service. That started several months ago. They have also started to use the curtain again between first and coach.

 

[FINFAN]

Thanks everyone! Yep, flying AA out of O'Hare so thanks for the heads up on the different locations for luggage and then security check. We usually fly out of Midway so it has been a while for me at O'Scare! I almost freaked reading the bathroom item, thought you were goingto say only allowed 1 trip to the bathroom! Not after A.M. super-sized java! Glad it is only about which bathroom to use. I will put any jewelry in a baggie and send it thru and then DD can just put it on while we wait for our "delayed" flight...hoping the weather is cooperative and no storms...across the lake got hit last night...Michigan/Indiana and Eastward. Again, thanks everyone for the reassurance.

Pam