Best way to go through Airports?
I am flying alone for the first time in my life on Friday. I just want to know like what exactly getting on a plane entails, step by step. I'm going to the Newark Airport and I have a connecting flight from Charlotte, and finally ending up in Atlanta. I only have one bag, but in that bag is a wrapped jewelery box (late Christmas gift) and I was wondering if security would have problems with that (I'm also bringing a stuffed animal...which shouldn't be a problem)... Also, what should I bring...not bring? etc. Any information/tips/advice someone could give me would be appreciated greatly.
Packing & Preparation - 3 Answers
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1 :
Please note that by entering an airport you have given your consent for the UNCONSTITUTIONAL TSA to search you and indeed remove ANYTHING from either your checked or carry-on baggage and you have NO say in the matter at all, they will probably unwrap the gift item you are carrying and inspect the contents. Note that we would not have TSA at all except for the MYTH that 19 suicidal hijackers took control of 4 commercial airliners and crashed 3 of them into buildings. This is a MYTH .... get a CLUE AMERICA! Arrest the emperor for INDECENT EXPOSURE!
2 :
First, you need to check in. If you only have a carry-on bag, you can check-in online and print your boarding pass yourself. This saves you time at the airport. If you plan to check-in a bag, allow extra time at the airport, check in at the counter of your airline, where you will drop off your bag, will receive a tag to track the bag (in case it gets lost) and where you can also get your boarding pass. It goes without saying that you should not check-in very valuable items. Bags do get lost or damaged occasionally, and the airlines only cover damages up to certain limits. So, take the jewelry with you on board. After checking in, you go to the security check-point. On most airports, there is some pre-screening where they will check your boarding pass and possibly your id, i.e. driver's license. At the security checkpoint, you will have to put all your bags on belt running through an x-ray machine, as well as shoes and jacket. Laptops also have to be put on the belt separately. There are limitations about liquids, etc. See the link below for details. Then you walk through the scanner yourself; make sure that you have no metal like coins or cell phones in your pockets, they will set off the scanner. In a few cases they may decide to search you more closely, which may include patting you down and/or opening your bags. After that, you walk to your departure gate. Up-to-date gate information will be displayed on monitors in many places inside of the airport. About 30 minutes before departure, boarding of the plane will begin. Boarding happens in stages, starting with persons who need assistance, such as elderly or families with small kids, then first and business class, then frequent fliers, and then coach class.
3 :
I just want to add, that they may make you unwrap the box: for that reason either use a gift bag or leave it unwrapped & take paper & bow with you. make sure your bag fits the carry one size designated by your airline (their web will say). Have a nice flight. (Ps: if you do not leave the secure areas in Charlotte (ie exit through the security gate) you do NOT need to re-do security).
