Airport Security Information, Please!

[Queen B1]

As this will be my first flight in over 25 years, I need your help with the following questions as we go through security: (I'm trying to avoid being that "lady who holds up the security line because she is totally clueless and unprepared").

 

1. Do my prescription medications need to be in their original bottles,

or may I keep them in the "daily pill dispenser container" that I

use to presort my daily medications?

 

2. Do my medications need to be shown to security, or may I keep

them inside my carry-on bag?

 

3. Would my wedding ring make it through the x-ray machine without

my having to take it off?

 

4. Will my camera/cell phone/video recorder need to removed and

put in separate bins, or can they all stay in my carry-on bag?

 

Thanks so much for your help in advance!

[twoputt.plusone]

As this will be my first flight in over 25 years, I need your help with the following questions as we go through security: (I'm trying to avoid being that "lady who holds up the security line because she is totally clueless and unprepared").

 

1. Do my prescription medications need to be in their original bottles,

or may I keep them in the "daily pill dispenser container" that I

use to presort my daily medications? Yes, they need to be in the original container.

 

2. Do my medications need to be shown to security, or may I keep

them inside my carry-on bag? Unless they're in liquid form, you can keep them in your carry-on.

 

3. Would my wedding ring make it through the x-ray machine without

my having to take it off? Yes you can leave it on.

 

4. Will my camera/cell phone/video recorder need to removed and

put in separate bins, or can they all stay in my carry-on bag? I always put them in a bin separately although I'm not sure this is necessary.

 

Thanks so much for your help in advance!

 

It's not as onerous as is sounds. Have a great trip! :)

2P.P1

[ab0si]

Assuming your meds are non-liquid, you can have them in your pill box. It is always a good idea to take the prescription slips with you for several reasons but it is highly unlikely you will need to show them. Feel free to leave the pills in your carry-on bag.

 

Your wedding ring is unlikely set off the metal detector. Of course, if it a wedding RING made with 1/2 pound of platinum, you will have a problem <grin>

 

Consumer type cameras, video or still, do not need to be taken out of your carry-on nor do cell phones. If you have a full size video camera or similar it does.

 

Paul

[Ehpride]

I had to take the video camera (Hi8) out of it's bag and place it in the bin alone. There was a sign at the TSA security checkpoint at both airports stating it. Cell phones, cameras, ipods, etc... should all be fine wherever you have them otherwise.

[IDKaren]

You will have to take off your shoes so wear a pair easy enought to slip off and on quickly. Belts tend to set off the alarm so be sure and take that off too. Pretty soon we will all be standing around naked:eek: Now theres a sight! Believe it or not I have been beeped and scanned for an undewire bra that had metal not plastic underwires! Also--things like mascara have to go in your little plastic liquid bag. As far as meds- many different opinions..always carry mine in daily boxes- they do not care at security but customs may want original bottles. Have fun!!:D

[Queen B1]

Thanks everyone for all of your advice! You're the best! If anyone else has any other tips or hints for the airport (or the airplane), I'd love for you to share them with me. This old dog still loves to learn new tricks!

[Queen B1]

You will have to take off your shoes so wear a pair easy enought to slip off and on quickly. Belts tend to set off the alarm so be sure and take that off too. Pretty soon we will all be standing around naked:eek: Now theres a sight! Believe it or not I have been beeped and scanned for an undewire bra that had metal not plastic underwires! Also--things like mascara have to go in your little plastic liquid bag. As far as meds- many different opinions..always carry mine in daily boxes- they do not care at security but customs may want original bottles. Have fun!!:D

 

 

I've got the shoes covered, so I'm good to go with that! Never thought about the mascara. Does lipstick and lip balm count in that? That metal underwire bra, however, is hitting close to home! If I trip the alarm, what next????? (Wow, and I was most worried about getting my artificial hip through the scanner.)

[TwinCruiserMom]

The TSA website has some good information for travelers:

 

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

 

 

We have been flying for several years with our three kids and I can say that I was very scared of the whole security process at first! I was just like you, afraid I would make a mistake and hold up the whole line:)

 

But, it is not very difficult. Have your plastic quart sized bag ready to go when you get to the conveyer belt. Throw that in your plastic bin along with your shoes and purse. If you have a jacket, you will need to remove that. Belts with metal buckles need to be removed and change from pockets go in the bin or a smaller dish.

 

Definitely wear easy to put on shoes - slip ons are great. There is not always a place to sit when you exit security.

 

We always put our medications in tiny plastic bags and have never had to show them to security as they stay in my purse. Any liquid medication will need to be placed in your quart bag.

 

If I had an artificial hip, knee, etc, I would bring a note from my doctor just to be on the safe side. My sister in law who is diabetic has a pump and equipment and she always carries a letter from her doctor. I don't believe she has ever had any problems, but having the letter is extra insurance.

 

I have never had to remove my wedding band, and my cell phone and camera stay in my purse. If they have a question about something, they will just ask you to remove the item.

 

I have found most security people to be fine. They are doing a serious job so they are not sweetie pie friendly, but I have never been yelled at or made to feel like an idiot or a criminal. Going through security eventually becomes routine and my kids have the drill down pat. You have made a good choice to be informed ahead of time because it certainly will make the whole process easier for you.

 

Good luck in your travels!

[twoputt.plusone]

I've got the shoes covered, so I'm good to go with that! Never thought about the mascara. Does lipstick and lip balm count in that? That metal underwire bra, however, is hitting close to home! If I trip the alarm, what next????? (Wow, and I was most worried about getting my artificial hip through the scanner.)

 

Don't worry if you set off the alarm. I always do. Likely they'll either use a hand-held wand or at the very most pat you down. You'll be on your way in no time.

 

2P.P1

[Queen B1]

I so appreciate everyone's kindness. Thanks, also, for the link to the TSA website. I'll spend this evening reading throught their information. I have to admit to everyone why I'm so nervous and want to be EXTRA prepared. I'll have my sweet 82 year old mother with me. This will be our third mother/daughter cruise, but the first one that we will need to fly to! I know that I'll be "thinking" and "doing" for two even though she's in wonderful health and certainly tries to live life to the fullest. By taking everyone's advice and tips, I hope to have everything sorted and ready to go before we even get to the airport. I might not be air savy, but maybe I can LOOK like I am, thanks to all of you. (I'm very relieved that we're on a non-stop flight out of Charlotte to San Juan. That takes alot of stress off right there!)

[IDKaren]

I've got the shoes covered, so I'm good to go with that! Never thought about the mascara. Does lipstick and lip balm count in that? That metal underwire bra, however, is hitting close to home! If I trip the alarm, what next????? (Wow, and I was most worried about getting my artificial hip through the scanner.)

Yup- lip balm, lip stick,mascara- anything with a gel or liquid consistancy has to be stuffed in that little bag! Walmart and Target have great travel size sections- deodorant-toothpaste-hairspray and gel, etc etc. Great stuff!

[Ehpride]

I so appreciate everyone's kindness. Thanks, also, for the link to the TSA website. I'll spend this evening reading throught their information. I have to admit to everyone why I'm so nervous and want to be EXTRA prepared. I'll have my sweet 82 year old mother with me. This will be our third mother/daughter cruise, but the first one that we will need to fly to! I know that I'll be "thinking" and "doing" for two even though she's in wonderful health and certainly tries to live life to the fullest. By taking everyone's advice and tips, I hope to have everything sorted and ready to go before we even get to the airport. I might not be air savy, but maybe I can LOOK like I am, thanks to all of you. (I'm very relieved that we're on a non-stop flight out of Charlotte to San Juan. That takes alot of stress off right there!)

 

I completely understand, having flown and cruised with my grandma. If you are wearing a jacket of any kind, I like to stuff it into my carryon before I get to security so that I don't have to take it off and put it in the bins. I have my quart-size baggie out and ready to go and take my shoes off before I get through security so I only have to put the necessary stuff in a bin, put my carryon on the machine, walk through and be done. There should be benches or chairs to sit in and put your shoes back on after you go through. The video camera was the only annoying thing since they insisted it be put into a bin and I had to grab it after I got through along with everything else.

[nho9504]

As this will be my first flight in over 25 years, I need your help with the following questions as we go through security: (I'm trying to avoid being that "lady who holds up the security line because she is totally clueless and unprepared").

 

1. Do my prescription medications need to be in their original bottles,

or may I keep them in the "daily pill dispenser container" that I

use to presort my daily medications?

 

NO, if they are not liquid. My husband travels with his 30day supply of 4 prescription drugs and 5 supplements in 2 pillboxes - there have never been any issue, both domestically and internationally.

 

2. Do my medications need to be shown to security, or may I keep

them inside my carry-on bag?

 

Again NO. Keep them in your carry-on. We have NEVER asked to pull them out.

 

3. Would my wedding ring make it through the x-ray machine without

my having to take it off?

 

It depends on how sensitive the machine is and how big your ring is. The safe approach is to have your wedding band in a small zipblock bag as well as your other metal stuff, and put it in the small bowl when passing the X'Ray machine. Do not wear belt that has a big buckle. Or better yet, remove the belt before you approach the metal detector.

 

I assume you travel with companions - put your VALUABLES in the middle of the items that go thru the X'Ray machine. One person of the party go thru the metal detector FIRST. So that person can watch for the belongings going thru X'Ray and retrieve the belongings timely.

 

You dont need to rush thru the metal detector. Always WAIT to see your stuff are ALL inside the "belly" of the X'ray machine before you walk thru the metal detector.

 

4. Will my camera/cell phone/video recorder need to removed and

put in separate bins, or can they all stay in my carry-on bag?

 

It seems to depend on airports - they generally have signs posted whether that airport requires camera, camcorder, cell phone out.

 

Last trip we passed 6 airports, none required to have these items out from carry-ons.

 

Again, use the Zipblock bag approach, have your cell phone and small camera in a plastic bag, and place them in the small bowl, flanked by your other belongings when pass thru the check-point. This is to prevent the valuable items being lifted or dropped or whatever that might happen to them. It is much easier to pick up the plastic bag quickly when everything is inside, once you pass thru the metal detector to the other side.

Thanks so much for your help in advance!

 

Have a great trip!

[Queen B1]

Thank you! Thank you! I'm feeling so much more confident thanks to each of you, and I do appreciate your taking the time to "get me up to speed" with the airport experience!

[IDKaren]

3. Would my wedding ring make it through the x-ray machine without

my having to take it off?

 

It depends on how sensitive the machine is and how big your ring is. The safe approach is to have your wedding band in a small zipblock bag as well as your other metal stuff, and put it in the small bowl when passing the X'Ray machine. Do not wear belt that has a big buckle. Or better yet, remove the belt before you approach the metal detector.

:) WOW I only WISH I had a ring big enough to set off the bells and whistles! And if I did I wouldnt 35 years later be able to get them off my chubby little fingers so it would have to alarm away:D

[hajekfam]

Here is a link to the TSA website

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

And a link to their list of permitted and prohibited items.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Don't forget to wear socks or bring a pair of footies. Otherwise, if you will be walking through security barefooted.

[tomko2]

Thanks everyone for all of your advice! You're the best! If anyone else has any other tips or hints for the airport (or the airplane), I'd love for you to share them with me. This old dog still loves to learn new tricks!

 

If you have a choice of seats you might want to check out Seat Guru which provides excellent information on which seats are the best.

Also, no one feeds you anymore and if they do it either a) costs money or b) very limited, e.g. pretezels; so you might want to pack a little snack such as granola bars or pick up something after you have passed through security.

 

Have a great trip.

Kathy:)

[alcpa1]

The first thing you will do is show your photo ID along with your boarding pass so have them handy as you approach security.

 

I have been quizzed by a very young TSA agent who thought his next step was guarding the President. For once I was glad that my meds were in the proper prescription bottles and I DID have to pull out the docs letter AND a copy of my prescriptions.

 

My pharmacist has provided me with smaller bottles that are good for a two week cruise. He also made labels for my vitamins, which is totally unnecessary unless you get the Gestapo prince in Las Vegas.

 

While a ring may not set the alarm off other jewelry might. But it is no big deal. You'll probably hear the alarm go off a dozed times while you are in line.

 

If your boarding pass has a series of SSSSS on the bottom left you will be asked to go through additional security. That too is no big deal.

 

From time to time I have been escorted into a anteroom behind the check in so they can go through my luggage with me there. No big deal. If this should happen just be aware that you cannot touch anything until they tell you to. I always pack everything in zip locs and clear plastic and they really appreciate it even though they have on surgical gloves. It also makes it easier to straighten out everything you so carefully packed at home.

 

I know how excited you'll must be, and I wish I was going too. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time. I have been in the Charlotte airport but never through security there. We had connecting flights and had to walk forever to get from one gate to the other.

 

Once through the flight ordeal you and your mom will feel like pros.

 

Have a WONDERFUL time.

[Queen B1]

Hajekfam - Thanks for the direct link! Great idea about the footies! I have just pulled out 2 sets for us!

 

Tomko2 - just visited Seat Guru as you suggested and the seats we previously selected were good ones! Thanks so much!

 

You were both so helpful!

[Queen B1]

Alcpa1, you've given me a heads up on several things!

 

1 - I'll check for "ssssss" on our board passes, so we'll be prepared for the additional security. It won't catch us off guard.

 

2 - I like the idea about zip lock baggies for the items in your carry-on luggage. Is that something you do for your checked luggage as well?

 

3 - We're staying in Charlotte the night before our flight, and will take your advice to get there extra early. Moving through the airport with Mom might take a bit longer than it normally would.

 

4 - I will keep my meds in their original bottles. Two questions: What are you referring to when you talk about your doc's letter, and why do you carry a copy of the prescriptions?

 

Thanks!

[wrp96]

2 - I like the idea about zip lock baggies for the items in your carry-on luggage. Is that something you do for your checked luggage as well?

 

Yes, I pack my stuff in ziplocs in my checked luggage as well. For 2 reasons, if the TSA does search my checked luggage, it is easier for them to put my suitcase back together. AND if my suitcase ends up sitting on a tarmac in a rainstorm or underneath another bag that is dripping something (say a broken bottle of smuggled alcohol), at least the contents of my luggage will reach it's destination clean and dry.

 

One other note for you. Be aware that flying back from San Juan your luggage will have to go through a USDA inspection at SJU BEFORE you can check in for your flights. The only exception to this is if you are flying home the day your cruise ends AND you still have your cruise luggage tags on your bags. Basically all this involves is putting your checked luggage through a scanner (like the one your carryon luggage goes through at security). Once your bags have been scanned you can proceed to check in.

[Queen B1]

WRP96

 

I hadn't thought about possible moisture problems, so our checked luggage will have zip-lock bags, too. (I also like that the contents won't be in too much disarray after security) Great tip!

 

Thank you also for the heads-up about the USDA inspection in San Juan. Since we're flying out that day, I'll leave the cruise tags on and just head straight for check-in. How wonderful is that to be able to avoid at least one line! It sure pays to go to these boards for help!

[wrp96]

Just a note, I like the 2.5 gallon zipper bags for packing in my checked luggage. They are large enough to pack a whole outfit together without being overstuffed.

[twoputt.plusone]

Alcpa1, you've given me a heads up on several things!

 

1 - I'll check for "ssssss" on our board passes, so we'll be prepared for the additional security. It won't catch us off guard.

 

2 - I like the idea about zip lock baggies for the items in your carry-on luggage. Is that something you do for your checked luggage as well?

 

3 - We're staying in Charlotte the night before our flight, and will take your advice to get there extra early. Moving through the airport with Mom might take a bit longer than it normally would.

 

4 - I will keep my meds in their original bottles. Two questions: What are you referring to when you talk about your doc's letter, and why do you carry a copy of the prescriptions?

 

Thanks!

 

As long as your prescription meds are in the original container, you won't need to take a copy of the prescription. A Dr's letter would be needed if you have a medical device such as a pacemaker or some other device that's hidden from view and may set off the metal detectors.

 

2P.P1

[Queen B1]

wrp96 - I just happen to have a box of bags just about that size! Super!

 

twoputt.plusone - I do have a card from my Dr. verifying my articial hip (not to mention a long scar) so I should be good to go! Thanks!