Haven't flown since 2000

[HFCS]

Also, if you plan to take a big carryon, you better hope to board first because the overhead bins fill up fast.

I can stand the body checks, scans, shoes off and all that. This is what INFURIATES me. I'd strongly support a $1000 fine for the jerkoffs who clearly carry too much onto a plane these days trying to avoid bag check fees. I just want to be able to carry on my same small rule abiding bag like I always have...but it seems half the plane brings full size suitcases, five shopping bags, purses larger than my carry on, puts winter coats in the overhead bin even with the attendants telling them not too. A few months ago the woman next to me sat with a box that must have measured 3'x3' on her lap the entire three hours, I couldn't even get my tray down without her setting the thing in the isle.

 

[Sousaclone]

Not security related, but don't plan on having any open space on the plane. I think every time I've flown in the past 3 years they flights are either completely full or have like one open seat. Doesn't matter when or where I was flying it is packed.

If you are taking a roller suitcase as a carry-on follow the damn directions from the flight attendants. It's amazing how much better the bags fit when everyone puts them in correctly.

 

[alarson]

Left it in my pocket because hey, it's freaking paper! It won't get caught by their back scanner! But it did, and they ******* me out for it.

I did too, with just a receipt. They did the same thing. Pure security theater, they just wanted to show off that they can see things, who cares if you have paper in your pocket.

 

[DistrictCyclone]

Also, if you plan to take a big carryon, you better hope to board first because the overhead bins fill up fast.

But most airlines will do a complimentary bag check if this happens (just be sure to take any breakables out before handing it to the attendant), so don't freak out if the overhead bins are full.

 

[alarson]

I can stand the body checks, scans, shoes off and all that. This is what INFURIATES me. I'd strongly support a $1000 fine for the jerkoffs who clearly carry too much onto a plane these days trying to avoid bag check fees. I just want to be able to carry on my same small rule abiding bag like I always have...but it seems half the plane brings full size suitcases, five shopping bags, purses larger than my carry on, puts winter coats in the overhead bin even with the attendants telling them not too. A few months ago the woman next to me sat with a box that must have measured 3'x3' on her lap the entire three hours, I couldn't even get my tray down without her setting the thing in the isle.

You could blame the airlines for having the check fees in the first place that have caused the carry-on mess.

 

[Tailg8er]

My husband forgot once and they took the bottle of jerk sauce and threw it away. I have seen them take lighters too.

That would really suck!

 

[DistrictCyclone]

You could blame the airlines for having the check fees in the first place that have caused the carry-on mess.

I've often wondered if they'd actually save money by eliminating baggage check fees...if more people checked their bags pre-flight, the boarding/de-boarding would go a hell of a lot faster and they could theoretically run more flights in a day.

I'm sure they've crunched the numbers on this, but it would be interesting to see the precise dollar figures.

 

[CB21]

I appreciate all the feedback. Nice little refresher. I figured it had changed so much since last time that I was going to be all sorts of unprepared. The flight is 4 a.m Monday morning so I'm guessing regardless it's going to be super busy?

 

[Jordanj6502]

I appreciate all the feedback. Nice little refresher. I figured it had changed so much since last time that I was going to be all sorts of unprepared. The flight is 4 a.m Monday morning so I'm guessing regardless it's going to be super busy?

4am out of Des Moines, I expect the place to be deserted.

 

[3TrueFans]

Prepare your angus.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

I've often wondered if they'd actually save money by eliminating baggage check fees...if more people checked their bags pre-flight, the boarding/de-boarding would go a hell of a lot faster and they could theoretically run more flights in a day.

I'm sure they've crunched the numbers on this, but it would be interesting to see the precise dollar figures.

Pretty sure it has to do with taxability of the check bag fees vs. increased ticket prices to accomodate increased fuel cost. They bring home more money on the fees vs an equal increase in ticket price.

 

[SeattleClone]

Flying really brings out the selfishness in people. Here are some tips to help you fit in.

1. When it's time to begin boarding, the flight attendant will announce that first-class passengers and sky-mile award members can board first, as well as handicapped people, people with small children, or anyone who needs assistance. This is your cue to stand up and approach the boarding area. Begin hovering near the line, without actually being in the line. It doesn't matter which boarding group you're in. Each time they announce a new boarding group, just inch a little closer to the line to make sure no one is closer to the line than you.

2. If you are in the first boarding group seated near the back of the plane, you should still put your roller-bag in an overhead bin near the front. That way you don't have to hassle with carrying it all the way back, and to the front again at your destination. Plus, if you didn't get close enough to the front of the line, the bins near your seat may be full. There will still be plenty of room in the bins near the front so just put the bag in sideways, it's easier.

3. Even if you get to the airport in plenty of time, don't worry about using one of the many restrooms located in the terminal, there are restrooms on the plane. Once you've settled into your seat and your seatmate has arrived and settled in as well, you should still have plenty of time for your seatmate to let you back out so you can use the restroom on the plane. You may have to fight your way down the aisle past some of the late-boarding passengers, but that's their own fault for not hovering closely enough to the line.

Well, I guess that about covers it. Follow those tips and you'll be sure to brighten the days of your fellow passengers. Oh, and when you get to your destination, nevermind those passengers who may need to exit the plane quickly due to a tight layover. You just take your sweet time retrieving your things and exiting the plane. Remember the first rule of air travel, "If you ain't first, you're last!"

 

[Cyclonesince78]

If you're an 80 year old white grandma in a wheel chair, prepare to be frisked.

 

[CycloneErik]

4am out of Des Moines, I expect the place to be deserted.

It's actually quite a busy time. A lot of flights from DSM leave very early to deal with the connections people need to make later on.

 

[Cycsk]

Flying really brings out the selfishness in people. Here are some tips to help you fit in.

1. When it's time to begin boarding, the flight attendant will announce that first-class passengers and sky-mile award members can board first, as well as handicapped people, people with small children, or anyone who needs assistance. This is your cue to stand up and approach the boarding area. Begin hovering near the line, without actually being in the line. It doesn't matter which boarding group you're in. Each time they announce a new boarding group, just inch a little closer to the line to make sure no one is closer to the line than you.

2. If you are in the first boarding group seated near the back of the plane, you should still put your roller-bag in an overhead bin near the front. That way you don't have to hassle with carrying it all the way back, and to the front again at your destination. Plus, if you didn't get close enough to the front of the line, the bins near your seat may be full. There will still be plenty of room in the bins near the front so just put the bag in sideways, it's easier.

3. Even if you get to the airport in plenty of time, don't worry about using one of the many restrooms located in the terminal, there are restrooms on the plane. Once you've settled into your seat and your seatmate has arrived and settled in as well, you should still have plenty of time for your seatmate to let you back out so you can use the restroom on the plane. You may have to fight your way down the aisle past some of the late-boarding passengers, but that's their own fault for not hovering closely enough to the line.

Well, I guess that about covers it. Follow those tips and you'll be sure to brighten the days of your fellow passengers. Oh, and when you get to your destination, nevermind those passengers who may need to exit the plane quickly due to a tight layover. You just take your sweet time retrieving your things and exiting the plane. Remember the first rule of air travel, "If you ain't first, you're last!"
mad:

FIFY

I just love travelling with folks like you! mad:

 

[Cycsk]

It's actually quite a busy time. A lot of flights from DSM leave very early to deal with the connections people need to make later on.

4am? I've never had a 4am flight from DSM and never even seen one on the United schedule.

 

[Cycsk]

Friend of mine is a non-muslim American born Indian guy with the very muslim last name of Shah. He somehow gets randomly selected every time.

I have a Indian friend who is very Christian, but whose last name is Bhatia. He also gets selected often, but he doesn't complain. He says he feels like the safest guy in the airport because he knows someone is always watching him.

On the other hand, I just got TSA Precheck and got through the Orlando Airport security process on a Friday afternoon in about 30 seconds. All I had to do was put my suitcase, briefcase, and cell phone on the rollers. Didn't even have to take my jacket off. It was amazing.

 

[CycloneErik]

4am? I've never had a 4am flight from DSM and never even seen one on the United schedule.

Usually around 6, but I've seen some pretty hefty and frantic crowds at 4.

 

[Cycsk]

Usually around 6, but I've seen some pretty hefty and frantic crowds at 4.

Crowds at 4am, yes. Flights at 4am, no. If you show up a little before 5am, you are usually okay for the 6am flights because it gets pretty crowded after 5am. And of course, there is occasionally the delightful person who pushes through the line in a panic to get to a 6am flight, as if everyone else doesn't also have a 6am flight.

 

[CycloneErik]

Crowds at 4am, yes. Flights at 4am, no. If you show up a little before 5am, you are usually okay for the 6am flights because it gets pretty crowded after 5am. And of course, there is occasionally the delightful person who pushes through the line in a panic to get to a 6am flight, as if everyone else doesn't also have a 6am flight.

We're agreed. I didn't write it very well.