So I'm going to be flying on an airplane for the first time in 18 years...

[charl_huntress]

Having a good attitude when flying or traveling is a must. It helps...

 

[Marvolo]

If you answer questions honestly and don't give any attitude, you should be fine regardless of where you go. That being said, I have a friend whose dad is named Mohammed and he is always chosen for "additional" screening. Always.

Mohammed and all its variations is the most common name in the world. Its estimated that over 150 million males have that name. The idea that all of them might be a terrorist and that they deserve additional screening has got to be one of the biggest farces of the post 9/11 world.

 

[Midnyte_Sun]

Can you actually bring food though the security check point in your carry on? I have never tried, but I've always been under the impression it's not allowed.

Sealed, packaged snacks, even some fruit are fine. So is chewing gum, mints, and other small snacks. Just don't bring anything with too much liquid, jams, etc. Whatever you buy from the small shops after you get passed security is usually okay. I saw a lady eating a fast food hamburger, I'm assuming she brought it in her purse.

Also, when you travel to the west, California has some crazy laws on importing fruit and vegetables. You can take out what you want, but be careful what you bring in, (either by car or by plane). I know for sure by car, they will ask you, and I assume the same goes with a plane.

 

[KevanG]

Mohammed and all its variations is the most common name in the world. Its estimated that over 150 million males have that name. The idea that all of them might be a terrorist and that they deserve additional screening has got to be one of the biggest farces of the post 9/11 world.

The bolded bit is the important part.

 

[charl_huntress]

Sealed, packaged snacks, even some fruit are fine. So is chewing gum, mints, and other small snacks. Just don't bring anything with too much liquid, jams, etc. Whatever you buy from the small shops after you get passed security is usually okay. I saw a lady eating a fast food hamburger, I'm assuming she brought it in her purse.

Also, when you travel to the west, California has some crazy laws on importing fruit and vegetables. You can take out what you want, but be careful what you bring in, (either by car or by plane). I know for sure by car, they will ask you, and I assume the same goes with a plane.

Good info, Midnyte! Thanks! I've brought food on the plane I have bought in the terminal, but never actually through the check point. I live in CA, and they always ask if you have brought food back, so maybe that's why I was under the impression you couldn't bring food through the check point.

 

[Farren]

Check your airline's luggage restrictions for how much you can check in/carry on, and what sort of fees they may charge. IME some of the airlines aren't as generous as they used to be, esp on domestic flights.

Remember socks so you don't have to go through security with bare feet.

I've never flown JetBlue, but I've never heard anything bad about them.

 

[Slushy]

And I'm curious to know how things have changed (other than the big obvious one). The last time I took a plane to go anywhere was when I went to Colorado for vacation after I graduated high school. Does anyone have any interesting tidbits they would like to share....? I'm not sure what to expect.

I don't blame you. I'm afraid of heights and hadn't taken a plane in 10 years prior to last year. Even though flying is still the safest way to travel, I hate being in a situation where I'm not in control.

 

[Spider-Aziz]

What was it like?
Was it like a new experience?

 

[JJJ's Ulcer]

Remember never to say "hi" to your friend Jack on the plane.

 

[Godzilla2000]

I've never flown on an airplane before.

 

[Doctor Evo]

I've never flown on an airplane before.

Yeah. We know. You said that already.

 

[JJJ's Ulcer]

Not trying to sound elitist, but I do feel a bit sorry for people who haven't travelled. I love discovering new places.

 

[Feenix]

Not trying to sound elitist, but I do feel a bit sorry for people who haven't travelled. I love discovering new places.

Agreed. Travelling is also the best education.