anyone flown lately?

Lauren80

so....are they still really strict about liquids and such?

i am reading the TSA's page...and it is stressing me out right now... LOL

lilcrablegs

Some people are more strict than others, but I don't take the chance.  I pack all liquid (including makeup) in my checked luggage.  You can take chapstick and solid items like that, but I think it's better safe than sorry.  They will make you throw it away!

lilcrablegs

Oh, and the rule is like 3 oz... but even if you have, say, a 6 oz. container that's half full... that doesn't count as 3.  It counts as 6.  So they could technically make you throw it away... if that makes sense.

Lauren80

yeah...i was reading about the half empty container rule...god!!!!

so...put it all in the 1 checked bag i am allowed!!!! lord... LOL

so scary to pack my makeup in that bag! i read on the TSA site that they consider makeups to be solids??? maybe just foundation should be in checked??? eek...

loyo03

I alwyas get the travel size stuff and put it in a sandwich bag along w/ my eye makeup,lipstick, and blush......I am just always paranoid that they will lose my luggage or forget to pack it on the plane (which has happened to my parents). I also put an extra outfit in my carry on too. I may just be overly paranoid/precautious though.

Also--things that you dont think about---nail scissors etc. will get taken away too.

lilcrablegs

Yes, makeup like eyeshadow, blush, etc. would mostly be solids.  I just find it easier to keep all of my makeup together in one bag, and I don't have to worry about putting stuff in the plastic bags.

One semi-related tip:  I always wear sandals or flip flops in the airport so it's quicker to take my shoes on and off!  We flew to Seattle this past weekend and we were still rockin sandals early morning.  LOL

Lauren80

good idea....i might do that too...and carry my sketchers in my carry on so i can change to hit the parks when we get there!

ahhh!!! stressful about the liquids and such though....lord...

greeneyz7

Yeah, don't take a chance, pack all your stuff in your suitcase EXCEPT the valuable stuff. I always take a carry on with my jewelry so it rides with me. LOL...and small enough makeup so that if my bag were to get lost I would not scare too many small children.   My rule was: if you'd cry if it got lost put it in the carry on, otherwise check it.

Ren0919

TSA is a big friggin joke.  You can get through security at the B'ham airport with several illegal things - I've gotten away with a 4 oz. bottle of soap, and my FI has gotten away with a 6oz. tube of toothpaste.  Oh - and we've both gotten through with 2 plastic bags, not just one.   I've never put my make up in a plastic bag, and I've always gotten mascara and lip gloss through.  However, coming back home, I've gotten screwed in Chicago, Lousiville, Tampa, and one of the NY airports. 

If you are checking a bag, I'd throw most of it in there - but I'd carry on a sample toothpaste and toothbrush at the least, just in case.  Hotels will give you shampoos and stuff.

I did learn that deoderant  isn't a liquid/gel, and doesn't have to be put in a plastic bag if you carry it on.

Keep in mind that some airlines are charging for any checked bags now, and will charge for overweight bags too. 

I also NEVER put anything of value in my carry on.  I learned that the hard way after my great-great grandmother's ring was stolen out of my checked bag. 

Another interesting tidbit?  If TSA is in a bad mood that day, they will pull your bags and go through all of them in the security area if you carry batteries in your carry on. 

Lauren80

god...torture...LOL

i am honestly not so worried about the b'ham airport, but the atl and orlando airports...

i have travel sizes of just about everything except one of my hair products....i think i have resigned myself to checking most all of my toiletries with the exception of one tiny travel size of my face wash...

i think i have to carry my makeup with me...just because the thought of losing it totally freaks me out.... LOL...

emmiegirl77

I flew to Disney and they seemed more relaxed than normal even with the "code orange" high elevated level of threat or whatever.  I even had a bottle of water in my bag that I forgot to throw away and I got through with it.  Go figure.  They did pretty much strip search the guy in front of me though when he kept making the detector go off. 

emmiegirl77

oh, and once you go through security at B'ham, they won't check you again so you are home free girl! 

I also agree with wearing flip flops or something.  It's such a PITA to take off my shoes, Hannah's shoes, fold up her stroller, etc.  and then have to put ourselves back together!

aubie96

I have traveled all the time for my job, and have gotten to where I just check my bag b/c it's a lot easier, esp when you have a laptop to carryon and all.  My bag has gotten lost before (but returned) and just think of it this way - it's stuff.  It can be replaced.  You or valuables (such as jewelry and if you are going to Disney you really don't need valuable jewelry) can't be replaced.  Orlando is huge and if your luggage (heaven forbid b/c it's a PITA, trust me on that) is lost then clothes and makeup can be replaced.

I travel through ATL ALL the time since that's my main airport and was previously since I used to live there.  They are def stricter (b/c it's the busiest airport in the US) but once you are checked in B'ham (if that's where you're flying out of) if you just have layover/connecting flight there then there's no concern b/c you won't go through security again.

Just check the TSA and your airlines website for the info on it.  They change/update it daily so it's important to be on top of it.  Know that you can only have your purse and carryon and it can only be a certain size, esp for the flight from B'ham to ATL b/c that plane is prob small.

Like Steph I've gotten through w/bottled water b/c I TOTALLY forgot about it even though I knew better.  I've been searched b/f too - just look on your ticket, if it's marked SSS on it then you'll be checked in detail.  Chances are if you haven't flown in a LONG time then they are going to do this.

No need to stress, all this is for your safety so just be excited about your trip.

HTH.

Lauren80

i have a connecting flight in atl though.... did you have a direct flight?

aubie96

Lauren80:

i have a connecting flight in atl though.... did you have a direct flight?

you will already be through security in B'ham, you won't go through security again.  It's a connecting flight, you just go from one concourse to the other in ATL airport, never through security. 

You will go through security in B'ham as you leave and then in Orlando when you leave there, only if you actually LEFT the concourse areas and left the secured areas would you go through security again and I don't think you'd have reason to do this.

HTH.

emmiegirl77

yep, I connected in Memphis on they way there and then Atlanta on the way back.  You'll only go through security in B'ham though.  Once you get to Atlanta you'll just high tail it to your next flight! 

Lauren80

cool...that works for me! it has been 3 years since i have flown last...and so much seems to have changed since that time...

 

amy0887

I don't have anything to add But I remember going to Disney in  October about nine years ago.  It was so nice and warm.  I'm sure you'll have a blast once you are out of the airport.

!!Nicole!!

I flew in July and I agree with what everyone else said.  Just be careful and make sure you do the 3 oz rule in a ziplock bag.  I have never flew out of B'ham.  I fly alot out of ATL. 

If you take your laptop make sure its out of the case when going through screening.  The TSA lady got really rude with me and embarrased me in front of everyone in line.  I didn't know to take it out of the case and scan it separate.

star21gazer

Lauren are you so totally excited!  I'm not going to add much to what everyone else has said but when you leave Orlando when your vacay is over   they aren't too bad.  Stricter than B'ham yes, but not evil.  And we flew home on 4th of July and security was high. 

I just checked everything but our toothbrushes, medicine, and my make-up.  I didn't want to chance losing those so they went in my carryon. 

But yes wear flip flops or sandals...easier and faster. They were moving us quick.  Also if you wear a belt take it off...my DH's accidentally set the thing off in B'ham  

Oh and I am going to give you a little tip for when you arrive in Orlando and go looking for the Magical Express terminal.  It wasn't very easy to find...just ask any of the nice people in the Orlando Airport...they will direct you fast...:)  

Have fun and take lots of pictures!! 

Lauren80

girl....stoked...doesn't describe me right now.. LOL

 

did you pack your makeup in a ziploc? or can it go in a makeup bag?

i am carrying my makeup, a travel size of my face wash, and my toothbrush and paste...just in case....i couldn't bear to lose my makeup....death... LOL

star21gazer

I put my foundation and mascara into a ziploc and just had it out for them to see as I went through the line.  The rest I put in a makeup bag and left it in my carryon.  They didn't give it a second glance.  Yes I know if I lost my makeup it wouldn't have been good.