Next month, I am taking a flight - I haven't flown since all the new regulations with liquids went into effect. I have a few questions if anyone can answer them for me (I've checked the airlines website, but it didn't really say a whole lot about specifics).
I know you have to keep all your liquids in a gallon zip-lock bag. There is also a limit on the size, but I don't recall right at the moment what that is. One of my questions is: let's say I'm taking shampoo - does it have to be in the original container or can I pour some in a clear plastic bottle?
What about our pills? Do those have to be in the original bottles?
Can we pack food in our carry-on or is that a no-no? I know I can't bring a bottle of water from home, but once I get past security check-in, I can buy one there at the airport and it's okay to take on board (rip off!!).
I miss the old days of flying when you got snacks, blankets, food and taking luggage and it was all FREE!! Of course, the prices of tickets have skyrocketed too . . . I have a ticket stub from years ago when I paid $128 round-trip . . . those days are gone. :(
I know to drink extra water days before the flight, any other tips anyone has to share?
Thanks,
Bucky
Bucky, I hope your trip will be a fun one!
I can help with some of your questions. It is a quart sized ziploc bag, not a gallon :(. You don't have to keep your liquids in their original containers; just be sure to label them for your own use. The volume limit is 3 oz. for both liquids and gels. You don't have to take pills in their bottles for domestic flights. I take mine already sorted in the 7 day boxes.
I usually pack wrapped snacks from home, because peanut M&Ms are expensive in airports! You can't carry water through security, but you could take an empty bottle and then fill it at a water fountain, if you don't want to buy it there. You will be given water on the flight, even if there is no free food service.
Yes, drinking fluids is good. Don't forget your eyedrops! It's a good idea to get up and move around on the plane as much as possible. You may have free tv or a movie, but take a book (or puzzle book) along. Have a jacket or sweater in case your seatmate keeps it too cool. You may want earplugs or an eyemask if it's a long flight.
I can't think of anything else right now. I'm sure that others will fill in my gaps :)
Happy Trip!
Cheryl
Here are some good links with useful information:
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/can-carry-airplane-trip-21690.html
http://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/learn-what-i-can-bring-plane
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_can_you_carry_on_an_airplane_with_you
I have tried once to take a water bottle through and they just tested it. The seal had not been cracked yet so they were good with it and gave it back!
I explained I needed it for a condition I have. Enough said.
But, it does make me mad that we have to wait and buy their way overpriced waters. I have thought about seeing if I could get a medical bracelet just to prove that I require such items....eyedrops, water, sinus lubricants, etc. Sometimes they all add up to more than the allotted quantity but it is imperative to have it on me at all times.
FYI: I was recommended by my dentist who specialises in certain conditions (including Sjogren's) that Club Soda is a great thing besides water. You only need a little sip as sometimes we end up drinking too much (of whatever) because we feel thirsty but really we are not; we are just dry.
Remember the Three "S's" of Sjogren's - Sip, swish, swallow.
Bucky, you've got some great information here!
I'm not really a germaphobe, but I always take some Lysol wipes or Clorox wipes in a zippy bag to clean my tray and arm rests. I also always wear a surgical mask when inside the plane --- mostly this keeps other people away! I have found that people tend to pointedly ignore me when I have the mask on which I like because I can't stand making forced chit-chat with people I don't know.
I bring nice warm socks so I can slip off my shoes and be comfy.
Like Cheryl, I always bring a sweater or a zip-front sweatshirt that I can put on and take off as I have hot flashes and cold snaps. I also bring snacks that I know I can eat, like sliced up apples and pretzels, gum, and hard candies. (I think you can take food on the flight with you unless you're going overseas --- or maybe it's coming back to the US from overseas...)
I bring a bottle of Ocean for my nose and lots of eyedrops. I always buy a bottle of water as soon as I get through security.
Be sure to keep your medication in your carry-on (along with an extra pair of panties and your toothbrush!) in case your luggage gets lost.
It's been my experience that if you have your liquids in a zippy bag, they don't search through the rest of your carry-ons to make sure you've put it all in there. I've gotten to my destination and been shocked to see that I left a bottle of something-or-other in the carry-on.
Wear shoes that you can slip off easily because you'll have to take them off at the security gate. You might also think about wearing something with an elastic waist if you'll be on a flight longer than an hour or so.
I take a paperback because they don't let me read from my Kindle when the plane is taking off and landing, and to me those are the times when I want to pretend to be somewhere else! :D
I always reach up and turn off the fan that otherwise blows right in my face and dries my eyeballs out. You may get a dirty look from your seatmate, but just pull up your surgical mask and smile with your eyes.
I hope you're going somewhere super fun! Have a great trip!
Hi Bucky,
I have had the air pressure effect some of my eye drop vials. Some of them popped, when I opened them and squirted. So I always bring more eye drop vials with me. Also, mascara and lip gloss are considered a liquid and needs to be in the ziplock, but lipstick is not a liquid.
I always put extra stuff in my husbands ziplock too!
:-)
The clorox wipes are a good idea. I've never thought of that. If you're on medication that suppresses your immune system, you're not a germaphobe for trying to avoid germs....I'm sodiering against the sjogren's.
Sounds like everyone else has answered most questions. Have a great flight and a great trip!!!
jpd
On long flights I like to bring a wash cloth that I wet once on the plane (either hot or cold) to refresh my face and hands. Bring a baggy to store it in. It also helps if you get motion sick to put a cool cloth on your neck and face.
Hey Bucky,
I am in Orlando for the week visiting family and Disney. This was the first flight I have had in several years, the first one that I have had to actively manage disease symptoms. I did a zippered baggy with eye drops and nose spray, lip balm, mouth spray, and a mini bottle of hand sanitizer. I had one day worth of pills and pain meds in my purse, too, in an extra prescription bottle. The rest I had in my checked luggage.
I didn't carry a water bottle but asked for water as soon as I sat on the plane. Oddly enough, I was moderately nauseous on the flight. That had never happened before, thank you, sjogrens. So, I am glad that I didn't eat much before the flight in case I vomited. I had a horrible time with ear pressure changes this time, too. Bring gum to chew if you anticipate the same issue.
Things were certainly different this time for me since I am sick. I hope your flight is better! Have fun!
Thanks everyone for your ideas and suggestions.
Cheryl - I like the idea of taking an empty bottle that I can fill up at the water fountain for FREE once I clear security. :D
A66eyroad - good idea about the wipes. I always take my own magazines or paperbacks - even when going to the doctors office - as you don't know how many other people have handled that book too with all their germs.
Jellyb - that's strange that mascara would have to be in the zip lock bag! ??? What about toothpaste? Does that have to be in the zip lock bag?
reesatay - I remember a long time ago when I took a flight that they offered "hot towels" just before we landed so we could freshen up. I had never heard of that - it was nice. Carrying a washcloth is a good idea.
Ark mom - enjoy Orlando and Disney!
I hope to just take my small suitcase and other carry on with me on board and not check in any luggage. Last time I flew (2005), they had gate checked luggage, where they took it plane side when you got on, and it was there waiting for you when you got off the plane - I don't know if they still do that or not. If they did, they probably charge $$. :(
From my airport we take a "puddle jumper", then change planes in Chicago, then head to my destination in OH. You spend more time with a lay over waiting at the airport than you do actually flying. :-\
Bucky
Yes Bucky, toothpaste has to be in your checked bag or get a travel size for your ziplock. When I travel, my ziplock is stuffed!
:-)
Have fun on your vacation!
I, too have recently been getting the nausea but mostly when taking off and landing. Fortunately, flying hasn't been needed for me lately! The nausea is just nearly debilitating! Let alone the standing in line at the security. If you plan on taking any sort of technological item, it has to be out of its carrying package, ie: laptop, CPAP, etc. All these have to be checked if carried on, individually thru the x-ray scanner. If for some reason you don't have the proper sized liquid items? They will confiscate what you have and leave you with nothing so please make sure you have less than the 3 oz bottles! And the 1 qt bag! They can be sticklers about that!
Here's to a safe and happy flight and visit!!