Travel Tips for Fan Faire Flyers

[Cebot]

<p>For those of you who aren't accustomed to air travel in the US, I thought I'd put together a list of tips and tricks since I just racked up my 1,000,000th mile on American Airlines a month or two ago <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><ul><li>Liquids: The carry-on limit for bottles of liquid is 3.2oz, and all of your liquids have to fit "comfortably" in a 1qt ziplock bag. Anything larger must be checked in your luggage or thrown in the trash. If you buy drinks or toiletries inside the concourse (after security), you can carry it on as you wish. Check <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.tsa.gov</a> for more details. I also just read that they lifted the ban on lighters, but it doesn't go into effect until the 4th, so if you buy one in Vegas you can take it home with you <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> </li><li>Clothing: Wear slip-on shoes. <b>Everyone </b>must remove their shoes and place them on the x-ray cart in one of those buckets, and those following you will be very glad when you get out of the way after your luggage comes out. Belts sometimes cause problems, but I've never had an issue - your mileage may vary if you have a large or particularly metallic one. If you're crazy enough to wear a jacket, it must go in a bucket (I put mine on top of my shoes). </li><li>Laptops: Always carry your computers with you. Place them in their own bucket (I put my cell phone(s) in there with them, but nothing else large). When placing your stuff on the conveyor belt, send your laptop through immediately before your bag to make it easier to pack up. </li><li>Cameras: Carry-on scanners won't hurt digital cameras, video cameras or standard photographic film (extra high-speed or specialty film should be hand-checked). Just send it on through. I have been in airports where they asked for video cameras to be in a bucket (put it with your laptop if it fits easily without stacking). If you check your photographic equipment, be aware that the x-ray machine they use for those bags will damage undeveloped film, so always carry this with you. </li><li>Check-in: If your airline offers it, check in on-line 24 hours in advance. Take the opportunity to check for better seats (personal perference: up front on the aisle!) and save time at the airport by walking right up to the checkpoint (unless you're checking luggage, which I refuse to ever do). Remember that you're allowed one suitcase and one personal item (purse, backpack, computer bag, etc.); ladies, leave a little room in your carry-on to shove your purse in just before boarding, the airlines actively encourage this practice and it can save you a lot of trouble. </li><li>Arrive at the airport between 1 and 2 hours in advance. Monday morning, Thursday evening and all day Friday, airports are typically much busier than at other times, so lean towards the 2 hour mark (which is what TSA recommends anyway). Security lines may look dauntingly long, but don't panic; they usually move fairly quickly. Be ready to port your flight 30 minutes before departure time, and for most airlines, pay attention to your row or group number - they load the back of the plane first (after the elite travellers, of course). </li><li>Call ahead or look on-line. Air travel delays are at record highs this year, and no one wants to sit at the airport for hours when they could have been at home. Check to see if your carrier offers email updates or automated phone calls to keep you up to date.</li></ul><p>If you have other questions or travel tips, post 'em here! See you all in Vegas <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Cebot]

<p>Forgot a few:</p><ul><li>Empty your pockets and put everything metallic (keys, change) in your purse or computer bag. It's a lot easier than fishing it out while everyone's waiting and then trying to get it all back in your pockets when you're through security. I even stuff my cell phone(s) in my backpack from time to time, depending on how busy the screening checkpoints are. </li><li>Be ready in advance. Untie your shoes, unzip your computer bag, empty your pockets, etc. when you start getting close to the tables, x-ray lines and buckets so you're ready when your turn comes. </li><li>Have your photo ID and boarding pass (from the ticket counter, a self check-in kiosk, or printed at home) in your hand when you enter the line. You can put your license (or passport) away after it's been verified, but keep your boarding pass in your hand for the metal detector operator.</li></ul>

[Laikas]

<p>Good idea, and good tips!!! </p><p> I travel a lot too, and I find no matter what belt I am wearing, it always goes off :-/ some earrings and jewelery also make the dectector go off. Women be careful and notice what you are wearing that day. </p><p>Also if you wear open toed shoes, bring socks! my feet always get cold on the plane. Don't forget to drink plenty of liquids and get sleep so your immune systen is top notch to put up with everyone elses sicknesses on the plane <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Igie]

<p>Don't forget, there is also a lighter ban until Aug. 4th. So, you will not be able to bring lighters with you, but you can take them home if you leave on the 4th or after...</p><p>Also, make sure when you leave, you arrive at the airport here in Vegas at least 2 hours prior to departure. If you arrive later, you may not make it to your gate. The airport actually recommends 2 1/2 hours for best results...</p>

[Brasse]

Ladies wif proper beards raise eyebrows in tha human wurld - all female Dwarves should shave immediately afore leavin' home. Oi know, Oi know, but it sure beats bein' taken to tha "special" spot set aside fer more thorough examination at tha airport security station.  Jes drink an extry dark ale that night an' it should grow back in overnight. Food is not a freebie on airplanes no more. They do sell food on SOME but not all flights - learned this tha hard wae when Oi almost starved ta death onna 4 hour flight when Oi din't plan ahead, an' ended up goin' wifoor brekky or lunch one dae. In flight meals range from overpriced but decent sammiches ($5-10) ta horrid liddle boxes o' greasy an' nasty snack foods ($3-5). Jus' say NO, an pack yer own lunch, or pick up a meal on yer way. Airport food is notoriously expensive fer whut ye git. If ye are gonna buy food on tha plane, bring along small bills. Cashin' a $20 kin be rough, an' not all flights take plastic money. Ye mae NOT bring DRINKS past tha security checkpoint, so plan ta buy summat on tha odder side. While they do still serve soda an' sech on tha plane, this covers ye in case ye want extry wif yer meal. Finally, be aware that thar might be all manner o' delay afore or between flights. Pack a granola bar, beef jerky or odder good-fer-ye snack in yer carry-on, jes in case. Now, this is gonan sound odd comin' fromma Dwarf, but Oi recommend against drinkin' alcohol on flights. Alcohol dehydrates, and will leave ye groggy an' out o' sorts in tha middle of tha dae when ye are at tha luggage carousel, tryin' ta find a cab or ridin' on a shuttle. Save tha partyin' fer after ye git settled in at FanFaire. See ye all at tha Rio! <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /># Brasse

[Calthine]

Do they let you bring food on now?  They didn't last time I flew.

[Igie]

<cite>Calthine wrote:</cite><blockquote>Do they let you bring food on now?  They didn't last time I flew. </blockquote> Only liquids and foods bought AFTER you pass the security check point. And then only some airlines will let you, becuase they want you to buy from them. It has nothing to do with saftey at that point...

[Calthine]

<cite>Igie wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Calthine wrote:</cite><blockquote>Do they let you bring food on now?  They didn't last time I flew. </blockquote> Only liquids and foods bought AFTER you pass the security check point. And then only some airlines will let you, becuase they want you to buy from them. It has nothing to do with saftey at that point...</blockquote>Foo.  The one $5 sandwich I'll get on one leg of my trip ain't gonna hold me.  I had a glimmer I could pack some real food.  All we have at my departing airport is a snack bar.

[Laikas]

I have never had a problem bringing my own food on the plane..... maybe that's because I bring lots of snacks like pretzels and chips and they are much more dry than something like a sandwich. I know liquids are a no-no for going through security, which is not kool because a bottle of H2O in there is like $2-3

[SG_01]

Laikas: H2O can also be found in restrooms at a far more workable rate <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> (usually free, or the $.50 depending)

[Brasse]

I have <i>never</i> had problems bringing sandwiches and snacks (chips, granola, jerky, cookies, fruit) aboard Delta, United, American and Continental - these are the only airlines I use, so sure, your mileage may vary. I have made 7 or 8 flights this year already.  It is true that LIQUIDS have to be obtained after the security checkpoint. I often see people carrying on McDonalds, Starbucks and Burger King bags, or even styrofoam containers full of chinese, barbeque or other yummy stuffs. If in doubt, go to the airline's website and check. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /># Brasse

[Igie]

<p>Here (Las Vegas) they would not let me take any Fruit Snacks, Chips, or Pre Made food for my kids when I took them for their visit to their Mother for the summer. It may vary from airport to airport as well. In Las Vegas, all of these things are obtainable after security as well as numerous fast food places....</p>

[Kela]

<cite>Brasse wrote:</cite><blockquote>I have <i>never</i> had problems bringing sandwiches and snacks (chips, granola, jerky, cookies, fruit) aboard Delta, United, American and Continental - these are the only airlines I use, so sure, your mileage may vary. I have made 7 or 8 flights this year already.  It is true that LIQUIDS have to be obtained after the security checkpoint. I often see people carrying on McDonalds, Starbucks and Burger King bags, or even styrofoam containers full of chinese, barbeque or other yummy stuffs. If in doubt, go to the airline's website and check. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /># Brasse </blockquote> I have taken a Cinnibon on a Southwest fight befor. Most Airlines don't mind if you bring on snacks, as that means they don't have to give you the 6 peanuts that you would normally get.