[Disneywife]

I haven't flown since exactly a week before Sept. 11th, 2001 (when I was on a cross-country United Flight) so I am totally unaware about changes in how everything works. As you know we are about to fly to Orlando.

I have a few questions if you all don't mind.

A) Should I be expected 100% to remove our shoes in the security line?

B) Does absolutely all metal have to be off your body, including jewelery (wedding rings, etc)? If so, are you worried about your rings getting stolen, and should I put them in my carry-on while we go through security?

C) Will pant zippers, jacket metal, etc set off the sensor?

C) What about metal IN your body? I have two clips in my calf and a permanent retainer behind my front teeth. How is that handled?

D) What is the protocol for those that must carry injections, which have built-in needles, on them? I carry Imitrex injectibles everywhere I go.

E) Should I lock my suitcase or leave it unlocked?

F) Am I allowed only one carry on per person or can I bring two? Do purses count?

G) Should I expect a meal on my flight (coast-to-coast non-stop) or expect to buy it, and how does that work? Do I need to have cash on me?

H) Someone told me that they don't allow you to get up for 30 minutes after takeoff or before landing when you fly out of Washington DC. Is that only the case there?

J) How much time should we allow to get through security? It is a VERY busy airport on probably one of the busiest traveling days of the year (day after Christmas).

K) Can I put my ceramic flat iron (for hair) in my carry-on? Are there any other forbidden objects that I might not be aware of?

We are planning on doing what we usually do during security, meaning that dh will go through alone first a few people ahead of me, and then I'll go through with the kids and the stuff, and he'll be done on the other side to "recieve" our stuff so I can keep track of the kids. That'll still work, right?

Any other post 9-11 tips you can offer that would be great. We traveled all the time before then, so I'm used to traveling with kids (including overseas), just not post-9-11. Dh has flown a few times and can only offer a "just you wait" type of advice. (And he travels alone) We're flying United if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

[Dana]

A) Should I be expected 100% to remove our shoes in the security line?yes. I have found slip off shoes to be the easiest.
B) Does absolutely all metal have to be off your body, including jewelery (wedding rings, etc)? If so, are you worried about your rings getting stolen, and should I put them in my carry-on while we go through security? I would store you rings and stuff with you luggage or carry-on only for speed's sake.

C) Will pant zippers, jacket metal, etc set off the sensor? I haven't ever seen that happen, but I can't say for sure if it ever did.
C) What about metal IN your body? I have two clips in my calf and a permanent retainer behind my front teeth. How is that handled? They scan you with the hand wand to find the location of the metal and that is it.
D) What is the protocol for those that must carry injections, which have built-in needles, on them? I carry Imitrex injectibles everywhere I go. You shoudl check with your airline on that one...I am not sure, but I think a doctor's note is necessary....check this one out for sure.
E) Should I lock my suitcase or leave it unlocked? unlocked or they will be unlocked for you.
F) Am I allowed only one carry on per person or can I bring two? Do purses count? Purses do not count. One carry-on per person.
G) Should I expect a meal on my flight (coast-to-coast non-stop) or expect to buy it, and how does that work? Do I need to have cash on me? You shoudl definately get a meal with a coast to coast flight. Bring cash to be safe.
H) Someone told me that they don't allow you to get up for 30 minutes after takeoff or before landing when you fly out of Washington DC. Is that only the case there? That's on any plane. They are just waiting to get to a certain height...not security reasons.
J) How much time should we allow to get through security? It is a VERY busy airport on probably one of the busiest traveling days of the year (day after Christmas). I would definately get there two hours - to two and half hours before that flight due to the holiday and all the travelers.
K) Can I put my ceramic flat iron (for hair) in my carry-on? Are there any other forbidden objects that I might not be aware of? I would just put that in your suitcase...why take the chance?
We are planning on doing what we usually do during security, meaning that dh will go through alone first a few people ahead of me, and then I'll go through with the kids and the stuff, and he'll be done on the other side to "recieve" our stuff so I can keep track of the kids. That'll still work, right? Yup...no rule about your party going through at different times.Any other post 9-11 tips you can offer that would be great. We traveled all the time before then, so I'm used to traveling with kids (including overseas), just not post-9-11. Dh has flown a few times and can only offer a "just you wait" type of advice. (And he travels alone) We're flying United if that makes a difference.
Just put all metal objects in your suitcase....easy enough. That's the best bet. If you question whether something may be allowed on, put it in your suitcase. Better safe than sorry.

[tigger]

E) There are new TSA approved airline locks that you can now use. Look for locks that have a TSA seal. If you go to a travel/luggage store they should be able to tell you which ones are which. Just make sure they say TSA approved or have the TSA logo on them.

(You can lock them but the TSA can unlock them with a special key if they need to...)

[DarthTortoise]

I just got back from an Orlando to Michigan trip, so let me share what I can:

A) Should I be expected 100% to remove our shoes in the security line? Orlando didnt make us, but the airport in Detroit did. Orlando does it randomly.

B) Does absolutely all metal have to be off your body, including jewelery (wedding rings, etc)? If so, are you worried about your rings getting stolen, and should I put them in my carry-on while we go through security? My rings didnt set them off. But if you are worried, just put them in the little tray they give you.

C) Will pant zippers, jacket metal, etc set off the sensor? Mine didnt, but they may make you put your jacket through the x-ray machine.

C) What about metal IN your body? I have two clips in my calf and a permanent retainer behind my front teeth. How is that handled? Dunno about that.

D) What is the protocol for those that must carry injections, which have built-in needles, on them? I carry Imitrex injectibles everywhere I go. I'm sure they see that stuff all the time, I wouldnt worry anbout it.

E) Should I lock my suitcase or leave it unlocked? I use the plastic wire-ties to secure them, just so my bags dont pop open. If they want to check your bag, they put wire-ties on to re-close them. A lock wont keep someone out of your bag if they really want to get into it.

F) Am I allowed only one carry on per person or can I bring two? Do purses count? My wifes purse didnt count, so I'll go with no. Just stuff your purse into your cary on bag when you get on.

G) Should I expect a meal on my flight (coast-to-coast non-stop) or expect to buy it, and how does that work? Do I need to have cash on me? Having cash is always a good idea, I think. Especially if you want to buy something on the plane, and they prefer exact change, meaning dont try to get them to break a hundred dollar bill. Plus, most airlines let you bring food on.

H) Someone told me that they don't allow you to get up for 30 minutes after takeoff or before landing when you fly out of Washington DC. Is that only the case there? They have to be at a safe altitude before they let people out of their seats. But, I bet if you have a bathroom emergency, they will accomadate you.

J) How much time should we allow to get through security? It is a VERY busy airport on probably one of the busiest traveling days of the year (day after Christmas). I would say 2 hours at least, just to be safe.

K) Can I put my ceramic flat iron (for hair) in my carry-on? Are there any other forbidden objects that I might not be aware of? Well, just the obvious one, like knives, TNT, hand granades, ya know.

We are planning on doing what we usually do during security, meaning that dh will go through alone first a few people ahead of me, and then I'll go through with the kids and the stuff, and he'll be done on the other side to "recieve" our stuff so I can keep track of the kids. That'll still work, right?Just make sure you each have your ticket.

Any other post 9-11 tips you can offer that would be great. Try not to look too nervous, or they might think you're up to something. I'm serious. They look for suspicious people. Just go through security like your going through the check-out line at the grocery store.

Oh, and wear your Disney Central pin when your here!!!

[DisneyGimper]

As one with a metal implant (artificial hip) that sets off metal detectors, I would suggest to err on the side of being at the airport at least 2-1/2 hours early, although this has never happened to me, they have been known to strip search people.

Wear loafers, or shoes that slide on and off easily (that goes for the whole family, they made my 3 year old DD take her shoes off too).

Bring some snacks in the carry on luggage, just in case the food they serve is not palatable to the children!

I wear a lot of rings and have never had to take them off.

As far as prescription drugs, I believe the original prescription label is sufficient, ask your airline to be sure, make sure you pack all meds in your carry on luggage, as you would not want to have to replace them if your checked luggage gets lost.

Don't bring knitting needles or crochet hooks in your carry on bag, not sure about the ceramic flat iron.

Have your ID and your boarding passes readily available throughout the security checkpoint. I have one of those "passport wallets" that I wear around my neck for holding the boarding pass and ID. (I have only one hand to work with since the other hand is occupied with my cane).

Hope that helps!

[Disneywife]

Just to clarify on the 30 minutes after takeoff and before landing thing...My brother works in government and apparently, if anyone stands up from 30 minutes after takeoff and 30 minutes before landing on flights out of and into Washington DC (Dulles?), they will divert the flight immediately (if it's landing), no questions asked, and detain the person. This is apparently to ensure that the plane is a good distance from the White House.

I just wasn't sure if this was practiced anywhere else. I know about the altitude thing but didn't think that the buckle up sign was always at 30 minutes.

I think I'm going to call the airline about the Imitrex just to be sure. And the flat iron - I always carry one day's worth of toiletries and clothes on me (if you've ever lost your luggage at your destination, you'll understand why) and my flat iron is a part of my daily regimen...and this one in particular is pretty expensive (a $200 wet to dry iron - Krembs) and wanted to have it on me...can't exactly be replaced at Walmart. LOL But you're right, I'm going to have to just risk it and put it in my checked baggage.

The locks I've always used because our suitcases are the zip together kind, and it's to keep the zippers from opening. I suppose a twist tie or piece of string will work as well.

Good advice about making sure we each have our tickets in security, esp. since dh will go before us...I hadn't thought of that. I forgot they don't allow anyone but ticketed passengers behind security now.

Not sure what to do about the rings. I think I'll wait and see if other passengers are wearing theirs as they go through the sensors. If they are, I'll leave them on. If they aren't, I'll put them in my bag.

Thank you! Keep the advice coming if there's more!

[chiasgirl]

Instead of using locks on our suitcases we use zipstrips. You can buy them in bags of 100 for just a couple of bucks. This way our bags are secured and if they remove them they replace them with their own zipstrips. The difference in zipstrips and the note inside let us know our bags were searched.
I have made dozens of flights post 9-11 and have never had a problem with any of my jewellry - 3 rings, earrings and a watch.
Don't for get to wear socks AND SHOES when you fly. I get grossed out at the thought of people just wearing sandals and all walking through security barefoot - what a way to spread foot diseases!
Flat irons are not a problem - I have a ceramic iron that I carry in my carry-on.
You are absolutely right about DC - we have been given the 30 minute lecture flying in and out of Dulles and Reagan. It is nothing to do with altitude but all about security. I have not experienced this flying in or out of any other airport.
It is always a good idea to have a doctor's note for any syringes you may have. It is also not a bad idea to have one about the pins in your leg. It can save you a pat down.
That's all I can think of right now!

[woohoo]

ok- my 2 cents (that is all its probably worth)
Absolutely count on the shoes off thing- my DH gets stopped EVERY time. he is 6ft7 and must seem suspicious.
I was searched over and over in DC at 8 mos pregnant. Was almost late for the flight because of long lines - Expect the worst
The metal in your body should not be a problem- I know of many others that have not had an issue- I suppose its a different type of metal.
30 min anywhere around DC. That is the rule for a homeland sec. thing.
going seperate? not a problem- they recommended it to us when we went to fla this past summer.
dont know about the iron but I would think that it is fine
dont know about the needles- but with a dr note should be fine too- lots of people have diabetes.
Purse? put it in the carryon or keep the wallet in the carryon and the bigger purse in the suitcase.
locks? dont bother- we use twist ties or zip ties- they will search it if they want to and do you want the lock or zipper busted? They have signs posted everywhere that they are not responsible to damage done to luggage that was locked. Count on them opening it.
Here is another tip- Put your embarassing items in a clear ziplock- that way they are not shown to the world and they are easliy seen by the screener.
Never had trouble with jewlery-
Food? Depends on the flight but I have never heard of them giving you a hard time about bringing your own meal. We do it for the kids every time. I will even grab a happymeal on the way to the gate to keep them quiet.
I have flown cross country since 911 and my DH travels for business so we have been around a bit- just expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised.

[DisneyGimper]

Oh, if your pins do set off the alarms, they will take you aside, run a wand up and down and all around. They will also pat you down, count on being pat down if you have implanted hardware. Female TSA agents will wand and pat down women and male agents will wand and pat down the men.

[Disneywife]

I've had an MRI since I've sported this metal inside my body, and they said it was fine. Does the security sensor not pick up this type of metal? Apparently, metal used for medical reasons is not magnetic.

[DisneyGimper]

Not sure about that, I have also had an MRI since the hip replacement, but I do set off the alarms. Prepare for the worst (that you will set it off) and hope for the best! I actually used to set the alarms off before 9/11 when the alarms were not set to be as sensitive...

[Jen]

Thanks, Disneywife, for posting these questions. I hadn't even thought about it. Stu's flown a few times in the last year, but never mentioned anything about this until just now. (MEN!) Glad I saw this before I leave for the airport in THIRTY EIGHT DAYS!

Jen

[7nqb00]

We use wire ties as "locks". We never had them openned. We been told they look less hard at the early folks. We will know in about 16 hours. Our flight is 2:15 tomorrow

[disneyguy]

A) Should I be expected 100% to remove our shoes in the security line?

They have now created at many airports "checkpoints" where you can actually test your shoes to see if your shoes set off the alarm. If your shoes do set the test off then you need to remove them before going through the metal detector.

B) Does absolutely all metal have to be off your body, including jewelery (wedding rings, etc)? If so, are you worried about your rings getting stolen, and should I put them in my carry-on while we go through security?

I would remove a majority of the metal from your body. I have set it off with just my glasses, the little bit of metal on the chewing gum wrappers, and my zipper. These machines are highly sensitive.

C) Will pant zippers, jacket metal, etc set off the sensor?

No, unless you have a lot of zippers. They will ask you to remove your jacket and send it through the x-ray machine.

C) What about metal IN your body? I have two clips in my calf and a permanent retainer behind my front teeth. How is that handled?

You most likely will set off the machine. They will ask you to step to the side for "additional screening". In most locations (it does vary) they take you off to the side, and use the wand on you and do additional seraches on your bag. They pat down any area that sets the alarm off, and I would assume if they don't feel anything your free to continue.

D) What is the protocol for those that must carry injections, which have built-in needles, on them? I carry Imitrex injectibles everywhere I go.

That is a tough one. The TSA has a phone number, 1-866-289-9673, and I would call them. Needles are generally taken away.

E) Should I lock my suitcase or leave it unlocked?

UNLOCKED! In most cases it doesn't matter, but on the off chance they find something they will break the lock to get into it. Also, some airports still open every piece of luggage (my local one does it this way), they swab your bag some do inside and out, others don't. Policies really vary from airport to airport.

F) Am I allowed only one carry on per person or can I bring two? Do purses count?

Each person is allowed one carry on, and one personal item. A purse, small backpack, or laptop bag all count as a personal item. (Or a plastic bag filled with Disney souveniers )

G) Should I expect a meal on my flight (coast-to-coast non-stop) or expect to buy it, and how does that work? Do I need to have cash on me?

It depends on what airline you are flying. US Airways currently has a program where you purchase your meal. If you check-in at one of their self-service kiosk, then you can sometimes use it to purchase it via your credit card there. It all depends on what airline your using.

H) Someone told me that they don't allow you to get up for 30 minutes after takeoff or before landing when you fly out of Washington DC. Is that only the case there?

Yes, this is VERY true, and they are very serious about that policy. DC is the only city that has that kind of buffer zone, to my knowlege. It is mainly because of Regan National, which is practically in the Pentagon and White Houses backyard's.

J) How much time should we allow to get through security? It is a VERY busy airport on probably one of the busiest traveling days of the year (day after Christmas).

I would allow atleast 1.5 hours. That is a minimum. If worst comes to worst, and you are running late they do have a special line for people running late.

K) Can I put my ceramic flat iron (for hair) in my carry-on? Are there any other forbidden objects that I might not be aware of?

I don't see why you can't have that.
Here is a link to the TSA's full list(in PDF format)

[Disneywife]

Ok...I called the Homeland Security office last week and they told me that I needed a note for the Imitrex...so I called my doctor and he wrote one - says "patient has migraines....please allow her to carry medications"

Not very specific but I hope it's good enough! My mom carries the same medication and she is never questioned, but I figure better safe then sorry.

I also asked about the flat iron and they couldn't tell me specifically, but did say that it was up to the discretion of the screener. In my eyes that means no, so I guess I'll be checking it.

Thank you for that number Disneyguy! BTW we are flying United actually (booked through US Airways) - do you know if they are selling food?