Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - 1st Time Flyer

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)

- United States (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/)

- - 1st Time Flyer - A Few Questions (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/1st-time-flyer-a-few-questions-280626/)

1st Time Flyer - A Few Questions

I would appreciate the answers to a few questions from a first time flyer..... Will aerosole hairspray and shaving cream be safe to take? Should I put shampoo, etc. in ziplock bags? What's the best remedy for clogged/painful ears? Will items such as curling irons, tweezers, and small metal containers (that hold such things as eyebrow wax) cause me problems in my carry on luggage going through the machines? Sorry if these questions seem silly and simplistic but I've never flown before and want as hassle free a time as possible. Thanks so much for any responses.

Excellent questions, Lynn. I'm a road-warrior business traveler and I'll take a shot at these. I usually bring a carry on piece of luggage which means my toiletries (shaving cream and aerosols) come with me into the pressurized cabin of the aircraft and I don't worry about them. Whenever I do check my bags, I do indeed worry about pressurized cannisters. I bet that others with scientific facts might dispel this irrational fear I have... but out of fear that the high pressure in the can and the low pressure in the cargo hold might cause an accident I always put them into two ziplocks, and then put them into the waterproof pouch built into my luggage piece. Although I have NEVER had pressurized cannisters leak during flight, other pressurized toiletries leak every time. Specifically, my after shave and shampoo. It seems that EVERY time I fly the flip top caps of these containers seem to flip open and dribble out. In short, I ziplock ALL wet toiletries to avoid any chance of arriving with wet clothes. Although 99% of flyers have no ear problems while flying, flying can exacerbate an existing ear condition, especially during ascent and landing when the cabin pressure goes through its most dramatic changes. 99% of the time you will unknowingly adjust to it, probably not even notice it except for the occasional ear pop and/or yawn you might have as a natural reaction. If you get aboard a plane with an existing cold, or plugged ears, or sinus issues the standard remedy is to chew gum during ascent and landing. The chewing action of your jaw stimulates the ear passages and facilitates pressure adjustment. If you don't chew gum or in the case of small children, having a drink on hand to sip or a chewy snack you like will have the same effect. Now, on to security. Anything in your carry on luggage of dense or metallic material that might look to a TSA agent to resemble a weapon will attract attention. The new TSA agents are good, and again I'd suspect that 99% of the time they will be able to see and identify your tweezers as such and not as scissors, which are not allowed. Worst comes to worse they will ask you to step aside, tell you the general shape of the object they saw in your bags, and ask you where it is. They will then open your bag and locate it to verify that it is not something that is banned. Again, the new TSA agents are surprisingly professional about this, wear plastic gloves, and are quite discreet while they do their work. I wouldn't worry about the particular things you mention, but don't be surprised if you get pulled aside... I have a few times, and the delay is mimimal but I take it in stride and understand that the TSA is only trying to make sure that my flight is safe. I would recommend that you remove all metallic objects from pockets before approaching security. The biggest change that I've noticed post-9/11 is the policy that ALL free objects except for the outer layer of clothing you have on have to go through the x-ray machine. The metal detectors have all had the sensitivity ratcheted up and even a watch will usually set it off. Don't be surprised if they ask you to remove your shoes and have them sent through the x-ray belt. In other words, wear clean socks! Now, here is my BEST advice I can give you... I recommend that you hydrate yourself well before and during the flight, and wash your hands frequently at the airport and once you are on the plane. The dry air in the cabin will dehydrate you and on long flights can cause cracks in the nasal membranes. This, combined with the cornucopia of pathogens found on airport countertops and airplane armrests can increase your chance of catching a cold especially during flu season.

Russ, if you read this.....thank you SO MUCH for your thorough answers to my questions! I really do appreciate the time it took you to do this. You have given me a lot of info, some I didn't even think of to pose as a question. Thanks again! :-)

Wow Russ great answer! A couple of more tips for Lynn. You can buy earplanes (ear plugs) in any drugstore if you are worried about ear problems or a tip my doctor told me if you have problems, snort some nasal spray and then hold your nose and blow. It clears the passageway. Another tip is to take a travel pack of the pre-moistened anti- bacterial wipes. Get up and stretch every hour if you can. Above all relax and enjoy your trip.

Needless to say, you have received a ton of good advice. My only problem, before and after 9/11, has been the curling iron. Once they see it, they just close up the suitcase/carryon and you're on your way again. No sweat.

I confer with Russ on most answers. I have ear problems and always take a decongestant such as sudafed about an hour before my flight is due to leave. I also use earplugs which I put in before the cabin is pressurized. I slowly pull from them from my ears after the plance reaches altitude. Chewing gum at the same time takes care of most of my problems. Detroit metro airport still screws up my ears when landing there though in spite of all my precautions. I have always put my toiletries in my checked luggage and have bagged them maybe one time and have never had a mess. I always drink plenty of water before the flight and make sure I have a bottle or two in my carry on in addition to gum to chew. I always have at least one change of clothes in my carryon also. In my case coming from Michigan, I usually have a sweatshirt in there also as inevitably its colder in MI than the tropical places I prefer to travel to.

Great answers and helpful even to those who have flown before!

You didn't ask, but bring food/snacks. Except for long cross-country flights, airlines don't feed you anymore. Add the time of the flight to the required arrival time at airport, any delays, it could be a long time between meals. Some airports have little in way to offer for food after you cross security point, so you can't even count on overpriced airport food.

Can I just ask one question: what in the world is eyebrow wax?? I'm a pretty savvy girl and even I have never heard of that.

I suggest wearing shoes that slip on and off easily (vs. something like lace-up boots). take your shoes off and put them in the bin to send through the X-ray detector. This will greatly lessen the likelihood of setting off the metal detector and having to step to the side for additional wanding and patting down. Most women's and some men's shoes have metal inserts that set off the metal detectors. Once it goes off they have to do an entire manual check and it can delay you a bit. Overall I ahve found the screeners to be efficient and courteous. I have definitely noticed a significant improvement in the professionalism and throughness since the Fed's took over the screening. I'm sure there are still shortcomings but the transition appears to have occurred smoothly.

I pack anything that I think might cause suspicion in a separate plastic bag. I pull that out of my carryone bag and lay it on the belt separate from the bag, so they can view it. Similarly, I remove all metal from my person and place keys, coins, etc, in my jacket pockets, so do avoid setting off the alarm. I've a metal plate in one arm that sometimes sets off the alarm, so I try everything to get through with minimum problems.

On long flights (over 2 hours), I carry a pair of sweats that I change into. Planes can be cold and I am cold natured. I also bring a pair of socks. Yes, I change back into my traveling clothes before we land.

Just a nit... The cargo hold is pressurized just like the passenger compartment. If it wasn't there would indeed be stuff exploding in people's luggage all the time. That's also where Fido and Fluffy ride, and they require O2 too!

Happy travels, Lynn.

I have checked my toiletries and taken them in my carry on luggage and never had a problem either way - no shampoo bottles leaking, hairspray cans exploding, and no troubles with security. I usually carry a small bag with a change of clothes, a few toiletries, a book, and some snacks. The rest of my luggage I check. It's just easier that way - less time going through security and an easier time getting through the airport and on and off the plane. The slip on shoes is a very good idea - for comfort on the plane as well as going though security. Definitely drink lots of water. I always drink OJ too - extra vitamins can't help when you are stuck in a confined space for hours with people who may have colds. Have a good time!

Put your toothbrush etc. in clear plastic baggies. That way they can see them when they go through your carry on and don't have to touch them. I also take along an extra pair of contacts and a phone card for making long distance calls from a pay phone.

Many thanks for the numerous replies. Some great tips.....especially about putting any questionable things (metal related) in its own plastic bag. Also putting the toothbrush in plastic, as well as taking off the shoes, etc. I want to do ANYTHING to make it less of a hassle in delaying me and the people behind me. To the smart alec who just can't believe it.....NO, I've never flown before. Haven't you heard of the term "a first time for everything"? Sheeeeesh! I'm sure I've done some things in my life that you haven't and could pose the same question to you. Oh course I wouldn't have been such a smart alec about it. Regarding eyebrow wax.....LOL.....yeah, just like another poster said, it's same principle as bikini wax, just applied higher! It beats tweezing and a gal has to look groomed on vacation! ;-) It can be bought in beauty supply stores and comes in a metal container - thus, thinking it might raise suspcions as my bag goes through the carry on x-ray machine. Thanks again for the tips. :-)

also the underwire in your bra can/will set off the metal detector. I've been putting my shoes in the bins on the conveyer belt for a while to save time but now my bra is setting off the sensor! Sigh.

The gift shop at the airport will carry a product called ear planes that really do help if you are worried about pain. They aren't cheap and they are about 3/4 inch long so you may feel like a martian. I use the child size. Happy flying.

You can buy good supporting sports bras in place of your underwire. IMO, much more comfortable anyway. As to the eyebrow wax I would have to drink a lot of mai tais to do that...ouch! ;o)