SammieG said:
firstly THE COLONEL.. are you travelling this weekend or the early part of next week? If not youre not really in a position to make a judgement as mine would be very different if it wasnt personal.
I wont be taking anything on the plane, but I at least have the compassion to think that there might be some people who might find taking personal items in a see-through bag embarrassing. If youre not one of those people, then great.. but I can assure you that many people might have a different perspective (and you know what.. they are ALLOWED to feel embarrassed too!! Its actually not a crime!).
I dont need to tell you how thrilled I am this plan has been thwarted - that goes without saying.. but I DO have concerns about a few items I wish to carry with me for my son.. and sorry if that means I am selfish and immature (and everything else that I or people who dare mention anything other than whoopee "thank goodness we cant take anything on the plane, I dont care so long as the world is safe ") have been called today. Many of those people quick to judge are not travelling over the next few days.
and Boo, that was what I was trying to say - so you may have agreed with me by accident!
I will be traveling in the next few days (YIPPEE - can't wait) so I feel that I can speak from my own thoughts and feelings and decisions I have made today just to deal with this situation.
My children will have to do without the assorted paraphernalia we typically bring along. I've decided to leave my laptop and digital camera home rather than chance it being stolen from our luggage (so no DVDs, computer games, etc.). The kids can't bring anything along with them (I'm not sure if a book is not allowed - I will allow them to bring a paperback book with the knowledge they may be asked to leave it behind). I will purchase disposable cameras while in FL for photo ops. And, on the off chance I happen to have my period - I will carry several slim pads in my back pocket - they're so tiny anyway, I can't imagine what the big deal is. I will carry only my wallet, prescription medication and travel papers in a ziploc bag. All else will either be packed in our checked luggage.
As an aside - many years ago I was returning from the Bahamas (freeport). One of the gentleman checking our bags as we were leaving (I'm not sure what agency he was with but he was Bahamian) literally ripped open the box of tampons I was carrying with me and inspected each package of each individual tampon - it was bizarre (and I was young - late teens, early 20s and moderately embarassed but more nervous becuase I couldnt' figure out what in heaven's name he was looking for). Apparently, women at the time were buying tons of jewelry and rather than pay the fees, they were hiding the pieces inside the tampon applicator and putting them back in their original packaging. The logic - no one would bother looking closely at a tampon because it's "embarassing" and "personal".
Imagine what a terrorist could do with a tampon applicator. It will help lessen any embarassment any lady may feel.
There are ways to make adjustments and follow the new regulations. Go online and find "travel car" games to play with your children - there are many letter and number games that do not require any supplies. You can make tic-tac-toe boards out of loose change or nuts/chips given out on board and imaginary lines drawn on tray tables. There are so many ways to entertain children - if you want to actually deal with them.
The last several times I traveled with my daughter (now 7 years old) - she never opened her travel bag - we simply played hangman (one pen and some paper was all we needed - I'm sure napkins would suffice). We also really enjoyed the time to sit and talk and snuggle - we're always so busy when we're home - being forced to be together was a welcome treat for both of us.
One could ship their valuables (camera, laptop, etc.) directly to their hotel (using FedEx or UPS) and have them waiting for them upon their arrival (and return them back home using the same method). There are so many ways to work around these new rules if one simply takes the time to stop overreacting and begins thinking clearly about the different options.
I have seen plenty of parents on board of flights of varying lengths with bags and bags of activities, snacks, gameboys, etc. and the kids were still acting up and disatisfied.
Anyway - I'm going on and on. I think those of us that are telling others to get things in perspective do so not to criticize, but to drive home the fact that this is our new reality. We all MUST deal with it. Otherwise, you may as well never leave your home.
.Has anyone heard if tylight checkin is stil avalable as i think this can cut down wait times,not just for the person doing it but outher people who dont.It is still showing on BMIs web site.What with the stress and mither of DFIL and DMIL not being able to come then this been a bad week
