Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: SunTracker on January 14, 2005, 06:17:18 PM
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Man, I have alot of flying to do next weekend (22nd). I have to fly from Louisville, to Laguardia New York, to Richmond Virginia. Then the next day from Richmond Virginia to Charlseton South Carolina. From South Carolina to Cozumel Mexico.
All this flying on Jan 22nd and 23rd.
Well, I've never flown on a jet before. So I have some questions. I am flying with United Airlines.
(1) If I wear my digital cameras on my body (either on a belt clip or neckstrap), can I take them on the plane with me?
(2) Will my airline automatically transfer my checked luggage from plane to plane when I land in New York, or do I have to pull it off the conveyor belt myself?
(3)How do I find the terminal of my flight, will they announce on the intercom (like in the movies)?
What else do I need to know?
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1.
Yes that should not be a problem.
2. Make sure and ask when you check it at the first airport if it is going to be checked all the way through. It shouldbe but making sure wont hurt.
3. They tell you at the check in counter how to find it in most cases, if not there will be tons of signs.
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your camera will be scrutinized by security...
speaking of, plan for at least 1.5 hours to egt through security at those larger airports minium
if you are transferring planes, dont leave the security area, otherwise to get back on the plane you have to go through the whole process again.
dont have ANYTHING in your pockets. they can find a stick of gun in foil, and will flag you to the side for a full search.
plan on taking off your shoes to have them scanned too.
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Try to pare down what you are taking. Make damn sure you do NOT have anything with an edge or point to it other than pens or pencils. If you are flying Continental and transfering to another airline, don't assume they will transfer your luggage. They don't seem to like it (in my experiance) when you don't fly with them exclusively on a trip.
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For fun, swallow about two dozen pennies just before you arrive.
eskimo
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If you can avoid wearing a belt with a metal buckle, do. Get rid of all your change before hand. Frisk yourself before you reach the checkpoint to make sure you know where everything with metal is. Assume your shoes have metal in them and just put them in the x-ray tub. Anything in your pockets, including cell phone and camera but not including your wallet and boarding pass, just put it in your carry on luggage and put it back on yourself past the checkpoint.
If you get to the airport 2 hours before the flight, you should have no stress. I fly all the time and know my airport delays, so now I get to the airport about 1 hour before my flight at LAX or EUG and have no problems, the security lines aren't bad, but 2 hours will give you an allowance.
Bring a book to read. The wonders of air travel and the modern airport will soon fade to boringness. Even space travel gets boring pretty quick, I hear.
If you have a laptop and plan on watching movies, bring good headphones. Planes are loud, and you'd be surprised how many people forget headphones.
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What Chairboy said....and
If you have a laptop or DVD player bring the AC charger with you. Delays are not uncommon and you can plug in at most terminals.
Where slip on shoes and if you carry some bag on put everything from your pockets in the carryon bag.
Finding the next gate on connecting flights is usually pretty easy. IIRC United will announce the location of the connecting flights that everyone on the plane has on their ticket. Just listen for yours when they do. If you miss it ask the attendant at the desk where you enter the terminal.
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From LGA to RIC and from RIC to CHS (charleston) your gonna be on Commuter jets, most likely they will take any large carry on items away from you as you board the aircraft (ie. roll-aboard suitcases). Dont worry, you get it back as you get off the plane at next stop. Do NOT forget to pick up that bag as you get off the plane. you will get it at the bottom of the stairs or jetbridge right as you get off plane. (may have to wait a few seconds depending on how fast the ramp people can get them to jetbridge). They do this cause the commuter jets have tiny overhead bins and larger carry ons wont fit. If you forget to pick them up they are sent to conveyer belt so if you forget in richmond no big deal since you will be spending night there, but in Charleston it can be a real hassle to go get it from baggage claim and still make connection to mexico.
btw. In LGA Uniteds gates are all in same terminal so it wont require leaving security. however there is not really any decent resteraunts in that terminal if your gonna want a meal (doubt you'll get one on first flight, gauntee you wont on 2nd flight). If your layover is more than 2 hours there is a decent food court just outside security to the left. I usually eat at the chinese resteraunt. just make sure you have boarding pass for 2nd flight before leaving security or you will have to go to ticket counter to get one in order to get back in.
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Originally posted by Chairboy
Frisk yourself before you reach the checkpoint
Or if possible get a stewardess who has arrived on an incoming flight and is going off duty to do this for you.
It`s much more enjoyable and who knows, if it goes well you might cash in your ticket and save some money. :D
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Here are my travel trips:
Check everything except for your electronics, a toothbrush, a couple of pairs of underwear and socks, a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.
Travel clothing:
Long pants, kahkis or slacks, NOT jeans. Slip on shoes, not tennis shoes. A long sleeve shirt with at least one pocket.
How to get through security (I do a lot of travel, and also in and out of security to smoke, and have never once been pulled aside):
Empty your pockets into your carry-on bag, and I mean everything. All pockets empty. Remove your belt, your shoes(place them in a bin by themselves), and outer-wear like jackets or sweaters. If you have piercings, remove them into your carryon, as well as rings and watches. Take your electronics out of the carryon and place them in a seperate bin.
After you pass the detector, gather your crap up in a pile and move past the checkpoint to put yourself back together, PLEASE!.
Don't worry about the transfer of your luggage, it will either make it or not, but there is nothing you can do about it other than be there early so that they have plenty of time for the routing.
To find your terminal, ask the people wearing uniforms and follow the signs and the arrival/departure monitors.
Don't forget that if you smoke, lighters are no longer allowed through security, so bring (1) pack of paper matches in your carryon and check your lighter.
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Last time I was in Europe on business BA lost a bag of mine that contained all my cloths. I had to survive for 3 days with one pair of shorts and 2 shirts and 2 pairns of socks and underwear.
Always pack spare cloths in your carry on bag.
You don't know how a dweeb feels until you are the only guy in a huge German tradeshow walking around in short pants.
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You would have looked (and smelt) even worse wearing the same clothes for 3 days.
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can you use a laptop in-flight or is it restricted? IIRC cels were out in-flight last time I flew but I don't remember if laptops had restrictions. not that it would have done me much good to remember, it's been 2 1/2 years and the rules seem to change daily.
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The hotel washed them each night so I was ok (and it only (sarcasim) cost like 15 euros to get laundered).
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Sure you can. I always bring a DVD and headphones if I don't have work to do.
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Lots of good advice given.
I always put all my pocket stuff except my wallet in my carry on bag. Never check anything valuable.
DO NOT make any jokes about bombs, terrorists, weapons, crashes etc. It will get you arrested, even if you are joking. Don't even think about making any comments or jokes about that stuff.
You can use computers or other electronic devices on the aircraft after they announce it is okay, and that is when the aircraft reaches 18,000 feet. No cell phones in the air at all. ON the ground, they will tell you when to have them shut off (turned off completely, not just hung up), and when you can use them again.
Your luggage should check through okay, but make sure you ask when checking it.
You should always be able to ask an airline customer service agent, or gate agent about where to catch a connection, and if necessary to change terminals, how to get there.
In the security check, I always take off my shoes and belt, run them through xray with your jacket and carryon stuff. Saves time and hassels in the end.
Have fun, relax, your plane will not crash, and when served a soft-drink, ask for the can.
dago
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one important detail forgotten by everyone else:
plane is pressurized for a higher altitude (don't remember what exactly)
if you have gas on the ground, it will feel a lot worse in the air.
eat light before you travel. even during flights, avoid all emals that might give you gas!
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Originally posted by spitfiremkv
avoid all emals that might give you gas!
Whether on the ground or in the air , I always avoid all Emals................Ewoks are even worse. The occasional Emu is OK as long as you don`t make a habit of it.
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Git naked, bring your own glove and always smile.
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Tell the gate agent you want a seat near the bar, perferable one with a lot of legroom and a cushy seat.
When boarding, its a good idea to look into the cockpit and tell the pilot "if you need any help, I have flown flight sims on my computer and would be glad to lend a hand". He will appreciate the offer.
Tell a flight attendant that you want to join the mile high club and ask if she can help you with that. She will be so tickled you will be her favorite passenger afterwards. :aok
One takeoff roll, say real loud "Allah, I will join you soon". It will comfort the other passengers to know there is a religious person nearby.
And my favorite, after landing look around and say to everyone within hearing distance "Cheated Death again".
Those tips will ensure an interesting flight. :D
dago
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If you've never flown in a jet before, you should DEFINATELY ask to join the mile high club.
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even if you join it alone...
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Suntracker, what everyone said....plus
Don't worry about clipping the camera to your belt, you have to take everything like that off anyway.
Most airlines allow one carry on bag plus one personal item like a purse or small bag, notebook case etc.
I usually carry on if I can, then I carry my notebook case and put all my little items, like cellphone, keys, small water, a book or magazines etc in it.
The personal item you keep with you and store it under the seat in front of you.
Also, you might want to bring some small headphones so you don't have to buy or rent any for the inflight movie.
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I'm hard pressed to get any in flight movie. I fly only east of the mississippi and the only meal service is a shot glass of sprite and some stale pretzels. It's very much worth it to just fly myself.
When I fly myself I get:
Not searched for terroist items
Nobody hassles me when I set my shotgun in the seat behind me.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal bars
Sunny Delight
Juicy Juice pouches
To log the time to better my career
Listen to the great AM radio stations out there (Through the ADF)
To rent and fly the Mooney I usually fly from A to B, it costs $0.68/Mile
I can fly it to Jacksonville, FL from Columbus, OH without stopping for fuel.
Flew it from Columbus to West Palm Beach in just over 6 hrs and 1 fuel stop 1/2 way for a pee/leg stretch/get out of the airplane break (Allendale, SC)
Door to door time was 7 hrs. I couldn't do that good flying airlines.
(Fishing through logbook)
12.4 hrs @ 95/hr wet = $1250 after tax.
I knew of the trip about 3 days in advance, so I'll search Expedia for prices...
Using my departure/arrival times (Not compensating for check-in/connection ect) the best price I could find was $818.00
Here is the paste from the trip, one I wouldn't make anyway because of that whole Airbus thing at the bottom on US Airways.
Add 90 min each way for arriving early/security ect.
It looks like 14 hrs of in-system time. Had I had a passenger, I would have kicked the snot out of the airlines in Price, Door-to-door time and convenience due to lack of hassle of security. No parking my car fees (I dropped $90 for this in Palm Beach for one trip) No lost baggage (100% of the time I go through ORD they lose something. Either clothing or Golf clubs) and better cuisine.
1 Review the flight details
Wed 19-Jan-05
Columbus (CMH)
Depart 7:03 am to Chicago (ORD)
Arrive 7:30 am
Terminal 3 295 mile(s)
(475 km)
Duration: 1hr 27mn
Flight: 4154
Operated by: /AMERICAN EAGLE
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Economy/Coach Class, Embraer RJ145, 60% on time
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Chicago (ORD)
Depart 8:35 am
Terminal 2 to Charlotte (CLT)
Arrive 11:28 am 599 mile(s)
(964 km)
Duration: 1hr 53mn
Flight: 1158
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economy/Coach Class, Boeing 737-300, 80% on time
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlotte (CLT)
Depart 12:15 pm to West Palm Beach (PBI)
Arrive 2:04 pm 591 mile(s)
(951 km)
Duration: 1hr 49mn
Flight: 848
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economy/Coach Class, Boeing 737-400, 70% on time
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distance: 1485 mile(s) (2390 km)
Total duration: 5hr 9mn (7hr 1mn with connections)
Sun 23-Jan-05
West Palm Beach (PBI)
Depart 3:00 pm to Charlotte (CLT)
Arrive 4:53 pm 591 mile(s)
(951 km)
Duration: 1hr 53mn
Flight: 2560
Operated by: US Airways
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Economy/Coach Class, Boeing 737-400
Please check in for this flight at the US Airways Ticket Counter
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Charlotte (CLT)
Depart 5:55 pm to Columbus (CMH)
Arrive 7:12 pm 347 mile(s)
(558 km)
Duration: 1hr 17mn
Flight: 1717
Operated by: US Airways
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economy/Coach Class, Airbus A319
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Total distance: 938 mile(s) (1510 km)
Total duration: 3hr 10mn (4hr 12mn with connections)
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my oh my you're such a patriot for not flying on any Airbus.
The crying Eagle award goes to you, sir!
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If you're able, pack everything in your carryon - but don't overpack it. If it doesn't fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you they may make you check it at the last minute, unless they have room in one of the storage areas in the cabin.
If your airline offers online check-in, do it! I just flew home for Christmas, and it was the first time I've flown since Northwest started offering this. I checked in and printed out my boarding pass before leaving for the airport each time, and got an exit row seat (more leg room) each time. The only people I had to talk to at the airport were security at the checkpoint, then the agent who scanned in my boarding pass as I boarded the plane.
And like everyone else said...shoes, jacket, mobile phone & any other electronics, keys all need to be scanned. Have your ID and boarding pass ready for security to look at before sending you through.
To locate your flight, just locate the bank of monitors for your particular airline...there will be separate banks for arrivals and departures. It'll tell you the gate, time of arrival/departure, and if it's on time. Then, just look up at the signs to find your gate...if you're unable to locate it by following the signs, then leave the airport immediately and buy yourself a helmet, because you're too stupid to fly. :p
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Originally posted by spitfiremkv
my oh my you're such a patriot for not flying on any Airbus.
The crying Eagle award goes to you, sir!
It has nothing to do with patriotism.
I'd researched extensively AA587 and the reviewed multiple times the transcripts of the CVR. The airplane betrayed the pilots. I would not accept a job flying an Airbus nor would I place myself in a situation where I nor the ones in control of the aircraft (all highly trained professionals) could have no say whatsoever should the same situation arise in the course of normal operation.
I have the freedom to choose to not ride on one and I plan on exercising it.
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Get a grip Golfer. Good grandstanding for BBS O'lub tards, but there is a few here that know better. You'd take a job flying an Airbus, and post your pictures here on the jet bridge proud as a sum*****. I hate to use the letters, but stfu. You're that out of line.
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No Creamo, I really wouldn't. Save this bold statement and put it in your pocket if you feel so strongly that I wouldn't keep my word.
I'd fly SIC on King Air B100's making $15/flight hr for the rest of my life before I ever signed a training contract to fly an Airbus.
I don't even want to fly for an airline. Part 91, corporate flight department. The only real reason I'd consider an airline is to fly CRJ's to build experience for a CL-604 job. Cape Air flying 402's would be neat, who didn't like the show "Wings."
(Edit) <2 paragraphs deleted>
I am not telling people "don't fly the Airbus because they're not safe." I'm just saying I'm not going to ride or fly on one given the option. Simply put, again, I don't trust the flight control software. 1-1/2" of pedal deflection at 30lbs of pressure shouldn't be the difference beween 0 and full deflection of the rudder and adios vertical stabilizer.
Again...
I do not trust the Airbus flight control system. I've said it before, but any computer driven flight control program that will allow the pilot to make an input that will cause a structural failure is not an airplane I want to be associated with. That's my personal feeling, nobody has to agree or even think I am right. That is where I stand.
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Didn't read the beetle wall of text come back, caught the bold highlight though.
Now I know why you're making a pitiful $15 dollars an hour and will for the rest of your life. It makes sense too; but godspeed, and godbless you Golfer. It's rare that awesome safety conscious pilots like you actually heed your own madeup safety creed, and I salute you. I just hope the unfortunate ETOPS crews flying Airbus jets overseas with all those young dunky dunk flight attendants see to donate all their paychecks to the Airbus disaster victims. :(
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Originally posted by Golfer
Cape Air flying 402's would be neat, who didn't like the show "Wings."
Cool show. Only continuous thing they do that irks me is they always say "Nevada" in their radio calls.
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On takeoff roll, say real loud "Allah, I will join you soon". It will comfort the other passengers to know there is a religious person nearby.
HAHAHAHAHAAHAH
When boarding, its a good idea to look into the cockpit and tell the pilot "if you need any help, I have flown flight sims on my computer and would be glad to lend a hand". He will appreciate the offer.
I will tell them I have flown r/c airplanes too!
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Make sure to bring your copy of the Koran, the security lines are long and you will welcome the reading material.
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Originally posted by Lizking
Don't forget that if you smoke, lighters are no longer allowed through security, so bring (1) pack of paper matches in your carryon and check your lighter.
When did this go into effect? I travelled to England over Thanksgiving and up to two lighters per person were fine. Three was a no no for whatever reason.
New rule?
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Yep, it's new and not in place everywhere, but why risk it.
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Originally posted by Lizking
Yep, it's new and not in place everywhere, but why risk it.
It was my understanding that lighters were ok but matches were not under the grounds that should you drop a lighter, it will go out.
(not that you have any reason to be lighting a lighter on the plane, at any rate).
I'll test this out in February when I go to Charlotte I suppose. Worst comes to worst I'm out a $1 lighter.
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Worst come to worst, you get a cavity search, but go for it.
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Originally posted by Lizking
Worst come to worst, you get a cavity search, but go for it.
LOL... Yeah that would be bad!
But I was saying put the lighters in the collection bucket and if it's not ok they can take it out! If I get a cavity search under those circumstances it must be because someone thinks I'm cute :aok
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Things NOT to ask when boarding the Plane.
Who is this "bogus" Capt....and how'd he become a Captain anyway?
Tell the Steardess to tell the "Captain" that Air Marshall (insert your name) is on board.
(above courstesy: Geo. Carlin)
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Originally posted by SunTracker
Well, I've never flown on a jet before.
Wow. In this day and age, I am surprised.
Hmm, those US internal flights are like glorified Grayhound bus journeys. I recall being herded in, shipped and delivered. You get much better service on international flights. What used to be really cool was making a US internal flight with the same airline that flew the international sector, as part of the same itinerary. That way, you qualified for free drinks/headsets etc. even in the days when the indigenous population was having to reach into its pockets for $4. :D Hehe, I remember some very long faces around me as I received my FREE wine and FREE headsets while they were still waiting for change. :p
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Well, your laptop:
they will ask that you not run in the air it if you can't disable wifi. They may do things to discourage you from using your laptop, such as seating you in economy class.
Your cellphone: on landing you may hear a bunch of "Welcome to roaming greeting messages" (in europe with international travel, it's quite common) on landing. That's the shutting off of the "airplane mode" of cellphones that are left on in flight. Many phones don't have airplane mode or it's disabled. Still, turn yours off.
I don't remove my shoes anymore, but I do stuff all my metal stuff (except my watch, but it has a leather band) into my coat, and slide that through. They will ask that you remove the laptop from its case. The laptop is the last thing I send through the conveyor. 1 in 14 laptops sold gets stolen, and a classic trick used to be to grab them on the other end when the schmuck was tied up iwth security: everybody's watching what goes in and through the checkpoint; few watch what happens afterwards.
Pressure: I've started taking water to fight dehydration. Take a full, sealed container to altitude before opening it. If you don't finish it, and drink some during a layover, deform the bottle by squeezing it. It'll pop back up in flight.
Upgrades: you ain't getting one. The following tricks have worked for me or close relatives:
A) Flying a bunch on full-fare econotix with a frequent flyer card.
B) Buying coffee for a flight attendant stuck 10 people behind you in line (oh gee, I didn't know YOU were on my flight...
C) Having someone abusive challenge your for your seat.
D) Having gate agents point to you and complain about an abusive group of pax (this happened to me.)
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Originally posted by Dinger
The laptop is the last thing I send through the conveyor. 1 in 14 laptops sold gets stolen, and a classic trick used to be to grab them on the other end when the schmuck was tied up iwth security:
Could you site a current source?
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Ahh, I did a quick search; it's still being asserted all over the place, but a google on stolen laptops in airports shows that it's much more common to just nick the things from checked luggage, or when someone forgets about it. Still airport theft is an issue.
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It's good advice to be vigilant of your possessions in public, especially at places like airport checkpoints where you can find yourself out of sight of them. I was just curious about the number, but still, good advice regarding sending the lappy or other high value item through last, just on general principle.
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That is why I gather up all my crap and move out of the immediate area, instead of trying to put shoes on, jacket, etc. Gather your crap and MOVE!
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Yup, stay out of the X, man. Someone fishing for valuables has the luxury of waiting for the perfect setup. You have the luxury of not giving it to him (or her...oh crap, I screwed that one up twice already this week).
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I am taking the stuff that is vitally important for me to have as carry-on equipment. With all the stops I have, something is bound to screw up. Heres what I want to take with me as carry-on:
A regulator case (size of laptop bag): Inside of it will be
Scuba regulators
Dive computer
Prescription scuba mask
Clipped to my belt will be my digital camera inside of its small carrying bag
Also clipped to my belt will be another small digital camera bag with my underwater digital camera in it.
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Your dive gear might be given the bomb-swab. They take a sterile swab and touch all your items looking for traces of explosives and narcotics and the like.
Best thing to do is explain it calmly, don't sweat and revert to citing religious phrases to keep you calm.
You're also good for a full blown carry-on. You can take what you're taking now and a laptop if you like. It's 2 items, one carry on and one personal item. The personal item just needs to fit in the seat in front of you (I like to take an item with a strap so I can keep it looped around my foot). Usually I will have my red flight bag with flight gear (I ALWAYS get the thorough frisking and prodding when I take my headset...annoying) and a backpack with a change of clothes and my computer. Soda, gum, skittles and what not as well.
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Bad idea on your dive gear. Your best bet is to ship it prior via UPS if you know where you are staying, and check it if not. Bring your 'scrip goggles with you though, regardless.
The key is to have with you what can't be replaced immediately, and enough clothes for a day or 2 to get your watermelon together if they lose your stuff..