While our corporations can now make even more money off our airport purchases, our ports remain unchecked and we rely on other countries to keep us Americans safe. Thank you, England and John Cleese.
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While our corporations can now make even more money off our airport purchases, our ports remain unchecked and we rely on other countries to keep us Americans safe. Thank you, England and John Cleese.
Somewhere in Grad school when I was actively doing research I remember hearing a phrase that went: Greatest Good for Greatest Number. I think this is the phrase that pharm. companies use, now bein coined by airlines. I have always been a white knuckled flier and this stuff makes me so nervous. If they wanted me to board a plane buck neckid I would, I have no problem with heightened security. What bothers me is that our US government has failed to catch these creeps. What exactly is our national security doing??
I suppose my posts will be scrutinized from now on.
karen
not a terroist just a confused citizen
Quote:
Originally Posted by Veronica
they don't fly to alaska. :(
best service i had was on China Airlines going down to PI.
ha you and me both. Our government has given millions of dollars to security to little tiny towns in the middle of nowhere while big cities (like NYC) have had to CUT their funding for security because there wasn't enuf.Quote:
Originally Posted by massbikebabe
When i am in the airport, I do not cause trouble, I quietly go along with whatever indignity and BS that they are doing, but that doesn't mean I like
it or even think it is useful or effective. and the poor souls who work in the airport get the worst of it all!
YOU WANT MY WHAT????!
Maybe eventually they will. They just started going to Maine in May.Quote:
Originally Posted by chickwhorips
V.
lol! you don't wear contacts, do you!Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
That sounds like a good way to get unwanted fibers in your eyes, to say nothing of the fact that it wouldn't be a sanitary method of dispensing eye drops...Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
No I don't, but I was not thinking of contact solution; I was thinking of regular eyedrops, like Visine or something.Quote:
Originally Posted by caligurl
for me the big deal of needing eye drops is for my contacts! the dry airplane air dries them out something wicked! (same goes for the chapstick!!) i'm so glad i don't have any trips planned right now!)Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
Well, considering that I don't have a problem with dry eyes, I don't have to worry about it. The suggestion was meant to perhaps help someone, but I suppose it does not.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeniseGoldberg
I've heard that Visine and similar drops can become habit-forming. Have y'all found this to be true? It would be a shame to have to rely on drops for healthy eyes to function normally.
YIKES! i hadn't heard that... and i agree... it would be a shame! (any dependancy is not a good thing!)Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
i know i try, even with my contacts, to NOT use drops unless i HAVE to! on planes is a HAVE to situation... especially if i've fallen asleep in them!
Visine does not fall in the category of a good eye drop (as in a drop recommended for use by a doc!).Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
My eye doctor has recommended several eye drops for my use (different brands, but all classified as handling moderate to severe dry eye), all of which are supposed to be preservative-free in the eye (which is an interesting characteristic since there are preservatives of a sort in the drops). It's not a case of the drops becoming habit-forming in my case - there are eye conditions that require drops to help maintain a healthy eye.
--- Denise
Of course, medically-necessary drops are needed to maintain healthy eyes for some conditions--drops for pressure (glaucoma), for example. Alot of people use Visine who do not have a medical condition that requires drops. My opthamologist said to be careful using drops (OTC, not prescription) since they can become habit-forming. My MIL uses Visine constantly, I don't know what she's going to do on the plane when she comes over from France for a visit in a few weeks.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeniseGoldberg
I have only one good eye, so I'm quite careful about it. Luckily, I don't need any drops. My messed up part is the retina, which is way back out of the reach of any drops (and drops wouldn't help at this point anyways).
Oh well, all of you who need eye drops, I wish you the best on the airplane.
Susarific, I’d like to respond to your post personally after looking at your profile. I am mystified as to where you saw anyone state that not having eye drops is the worst thing in the world, but I can imagine that you didn’t hear any complaints. Well-mannered people don’t voice such complaints to someone who is already in a stressful situation without control over events. With such a recent event, everyone is in a bit of shock and just trying to cope. Complaining to a stressed flight attendant or to other passengers during the flight ridiculously increases stress levels without any opportunity to affect a solution; it is just a waste of time and counter productive. After all, you control our access to water, the most power to be had in the universe. I know I certainly wouldn’t say anything on the plane or in the hearing of any airport personnel in those first few days.Quote:
Originally Posted by Susarific
Please also realize that those of us who don’t spend hours daily in airports may not be as intimately acquainted as you are with the items available airport shops. They are very expensive and I buy from them only in a crisis. I looked on TSA’s website for any information regarding Denise’s statement:
But, I didn’t find anything. From personal experience, I also know that the airports all operate independently of each other and the TSA at times. TSA will say one thing and the airport will do another at their own discretion. In other words, one cannot depend on the availability of items in the stores or the stores even being open.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeniseGoldberg
You may have not heard any complaints, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t any and that some of those complaints weren’t justified.
By the way, look back through the thread. You’ll see that by starting the thread many of us learned a few tips and tips for traveling -- a positive outcome of having an open discussion and we shared some humor at a time of national issues. I hope that your daily job will return to a more normal status soon.
Since I'm scheduled for some business related travel coming up soon - I have a question about those who have been flying... I don't medically need anything and the restrictions are really just an inconvenience but I am old and cranky and wondered... the worse thing for me is 1) not being to have water with me at all times and 2) not being able to have my iPod.
Are the airlines sensitive to the fact that we won't be bringing on water and are they quick to offer some? I was hoping some have figured out they can give it away at the door as we board.
Second my iPod has gotten me through long waits at airports and also helps calm and sooth my nerves while flying especially if there's some screaming kids or chatty folks sitting next to me. Has anyone had a problem brining on their iPod? I heard it's restricted.
Frankly since 911 I lost my joy of flying and now avoid it at all costs. The new restrictions just add to my all ready mounting anxiety.
Pam,
Domestic flights are allowing personal electronics again (iPods, laptops, etc.) so you should be okay.
ipods and such are not restricted in the US. As far as water, the airlines haven't changed the way they dole out drinks. I made sure I visited the water fountain before I boarded the plane and had gum or something to keep my mouth moist. The upside is that I didn't have to use the bathroom every fifteen minutes!:)
I can only speak for the airline that I work for, but they are boarding extra sodas, juice and water. Also, if someone asks for an extra beverage we have no problem giving it to them provided they ask for something that we have. We can't give out whole bottles of water, but really we're pretty accomodating.
From reading the thread it seemed that people were pretty unpleased about the situation with the TSA especially the eye drop issue. It just seems to me that in situations like this it is easy to lose perspective of why they are doing this, it's just to keep everyone safe. As for people complaining to stressed out flight attendants... in my experience people are very vocal about what they like and don't like regarding anything air travel related. Trust me people have NO problem complaining about things like this. Those who I did speak to about the TSA regs. were very understanding, like I said I was surprised. Anyway, good luck to those of you who are travelling this week.
I don't think I'd ever want to be a flight attendant. I couldn't be nice for that long.
Remember CC's post about the guy from Florida wanting pancakes ... Imagine a plane with 20 more like him. There's a reason for the term "Ugly American." Well I'm sure everyone on TE is generally polite and well mannered, manners do seem to have flown the coop in our society.
V.
So you teach 5th graders instead? :confused:
I do understand that the restrictions are an attempt to keep everyone safe, but I also know that if the flight I was scheduled to be on this past weekend was over an hour that I probably would have canceled my trip.Quote:
Originally Posted by Susarific
I was not able to take my "use whenever I need them" eyedrops on the plane since they are not a prescription item - and I didn't have time because of the timing of the restriction to attempt to get a prescription from my doc for a non-prescription item that he has instructed me to use. As it was, the two hours that I was in the airport and flying were way longer than my usual time interval to use these drops. Not only is my vision affected, excessive dryness can cause problems with the surface of eyes. So did I lose perspective here? I don't think so.
At this point, I really glad that the vacation I have scheduled for September is just next door in Canada and that I am getting there by car and ferry. If the extreme restricions on carry-ons continues on flights to Europe - well somehow it is beyond my imagination that a camera + lenses in checked baggage would arrive at my destination in usable shape. My bicycle survives travel in the hold (although she thinks that she should be able to fit in the overhead comparment), but the camera - or a computer? I don't think so.
--- Denise
Quote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
No one ever said I was nice to them! ;)
V.
If they tried to take my eyedrops off of me, I would offer to put drops in my eyes to show that it wasn't an explosive. That usually works.
Just don't get huffy with the TSA....they are on a power trip usually.
and overworked and underpaid!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by mtkitchn
They just added eye drops and saline solution back to the execeptions. You are allowed up to 4 ounces. I think I can handle that.
What about the hard case for my sunglasses? I had heard no cases for glasses.
i thought the cases (just like the electronics) was an overseas/london thing... not a domestic within the us thing?
V;
Former ER nurse chiming in here...I had to be nice to them for 12 hours:(
My Mommy is flying to Ohio to spend a month with my very pregnant sister.
She has been told that by bringing her 5 pound havanese puppy with her the dog will have to go thru the x-ray security check at the airport. I find this hilarious as my mother is 72 and she does not look at all like a terrorist!!! They will probably take away her knitting needles and thread scissors:eek:
karen
still laughing
i feel really bad for the puppy!Quote:
Originally Posted by massbikebabe
Quote:
Originally Posted by Susarific
I think most of us realize complaining won't change the situation. Plus I remember in the beginning (like right after 911) when you even joked about something involving security, attendants and airline personnel would remind one its a Federal offense punishable by jail time soooooo... you won't hear me complaining , at least not off the TE Forum!
Quote:
Originally Posted by massbikebabe
Don't get me going about who they do and do not check - sometimes we need not to be so political correct!!!! :mad:
OK just joking... no hate mail please! :eek:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Susarific
I think most of us realize complaining won't change the situation. Plus I remember in the beginning (like right after 911) when you even joked about something involving security, attendants and airline personnel would remind one its a Federal offense punishable by jail time soooooo... you won't hear me complaining , at least not off the TE Forum!
Unfortunately, weapons and such have been smuggled (and attempted to be smuggled) aboard aircraft in everything from children's teddy bears to wheelchairs. So everyone actually gets checked for a reason!
JOKING Is a federal offense (i.e. "i have a bomb in my *name the place* ha ha ha h... "just kidding"Quote:
Originally Posted by bcipam
however COMPLAINING is not a federal offense... never has been... "i don't like that i can't take X or Y on the plane"
flying out to the bush of alaska you don't need to smuggle anything. we have no security. none, zip, nada. you can walk on with a gun/knife/weapon strapped to your side and no one would say a word. then again who's going to hijack a bush plane? they'll just open the door and toss you out. i've actually landed in anchorage, looked in my carryon and realized that i forgot to take a filet knife out of my bad. oops.Quote:
Originally Posted by mtkitchn
though i heard of a story of a trooper flying from fairbanks to anchorage. they let him take his gun with him, but not his toenail clippers. they said it was the law, technically isn't he the law?
I just went to the FAA/TSA website. Good news, I can take my iPod with me. W00-hoo!!!
But I thought this list was interesting:
Due to increased security measures, TSA has made changes to the prohibited items list.
All liquids and gels – including shampoo, toothpaste, perfume, hair gel, suntan lotion and all other items with similar consistency ARE PROHIBITED from carry-on baggage and the security checkpoint. Please pack these items in your checked baggage. Carrying liquids of any sort to the screening checkpoint will cause you delays, and will most likely result in the item being confiscated.
Don’t let a prohibited item ruin your trip. You are permitted to travel with most items, but you must put them in your luggage and check them with your airline. Certain items are prohibited from carry-on luggage for the overall security of air travelers. Prohibited items obviously include weapons, explosives, and incendiaries, but also items that are seemingly harmless and may be used as weapons like hammers, bats, or mace. You may not bring these items to security checkpoints
* * *
Who thinks a mace is harmless?????? :confused:
I also checked the ban liquids list - I carry alot of that stuff in my purse - such as hand lotion/santitizer, toothpaste, etc. Guess my purse will be fairly empty - just my iPod, wallet, cell phone and glasses.
I read that they have relaxed some of the prohibition standards and now allow small amounts of liquid medicines (including over the counter stuff), solid lipsticks, which I would assume would include chapstick, and baby food. That last item was extremely important to my son and daughter-in-law since they're flying out on Wednesday with my 10 month old grandson who would probably NOT be quiet if he had to go over 3 1/2 hours with no food. He's quite the chow-hound:D
I leave in the morning for Alaska and except for the water prohibition don't have an issue with anything. I've been pulled out of line more than once for additional screening. I must have "that" look since I'm a 5'1" woman, usually very casually dressed and carrying practically nothing more than a book and my purse which is barely large enough to hold a wallet and checkbook.
This is apparently the world we have to live in today. (I'm not even going to expand on that by bringing in my opinions on the current administration).
Good thing, too, or I'd be locked up for life! :pQuote:
Originally Posted by caligurl
mtkitchen: one word: WARPED! HAhahahahhhabwahhahahahaha!
OK, the eye drop thing. Do I think it's more important than reducing the terrorist threat? No. Do I just not want to have really dry eyes when I spent $4,000 last year having them operated on? Yes! That's all. Still not a federal offense, right?! :rolleyes: Glad to hear eye drops are back off the list. I would not try to smuggle them (or anything else) on a plane--not that important, and really makes me look suspicious.
One time a TSA official questioned me closely about my hair color. On driver's license, one color. On head, different color. Like, not so grey, more blonde. "Yes", I told her. "I dye my hair." It was wierd. She let me through.
When I flew to San Diego in January, I was pulled from line and searched, including a pat down, before I boarded the plane in San Jose. Later I learned it was because I had changed my flight reservations 24 hrs before my trip.
TSA workers in SJ aren't nearly as friendly as those in the commuter terminal at San Diego. I had quite a nice chat, including laughing about why I was pulled, while they searched my luggage (no pat down that time, just "the wand")