I bought TSA approved zipped travel bags...

[bethymouse]

Also, when going through security (I found this out the hard way sort of in Syracuse when Security wasn't exactly friendly), if anyone brings a laptop, you can't use the same container for it that you would anything else. You'll need a separate bin. I personally feel that's lame, but what do I know?

Nah- everything the TSA does is lame! LOL. I sure do miss the old days of flying the "friendly" skies!

 

[bsiev1977]

pulling an all-nighter then too.
Oh I know I will! Our flight is 7:50 am. We'll get there @ 5:30 am! We'll leave the house around 4am!

I've got about a 2 hour drive from my home to BWI. For my 7:10am departure, I'll want to be to the airport around 5. So I'll have to roll out a little before 3am. Probably will leave somewhat earlier, so I can get a decent meal before getting on the plane. I just had a 24 hour diner open in town, so I'm hoping it's still 24hour by the time December comes around.

 

[ddrongowski]

With all that has been said you will be fine.... Just remember to bring a wiffle ball bat, after all they are now specifically listed as good to carry on according to the TSA.

 

[ddrongowski]

Sometimes it is easy just to buy the things you need when you get there. Things like toiletries lighters, matches etc. Depends on the destination as well.
The only thing I suggest bringing in a carry on is any meds you may need. I sometimes also pack one change of clothes...you never know!

Just make sure you do not carry "to much" cash, as it will be confiscated and you will be arrested. I am being serious.

 

[bethymouse]

BTW- no problem at all w/ TSA. BWI was a breeze in the AM. MCO was a bit more crowded, but we didn't have any trouble!

 

[The Mighty Tim]

I've had no problems at security checkpoints, but I've travelled a fair amount and know what to expect. In order to speed up things for you and those that are around you, the key things to remember are:

• In my experience, your little bottles of liquids can go in any plastic see-through bag. I use sandwich bags. Sometimes, the security people will put it in another bag for you.
• Get your laptop, tablets, iPads, liquid bags out of your bag before you get to the security belt. Also, large electronic items have to go in separate bins. A pain in the backside I know

Slightly OT, but I was coming back from Montreal a couple of weeks ago and was behind this high flying business man in the security queue. He had his high flying business bag, with his high flying business laptop and his high flying business phone, upon which had his electronic boarding pass. When the Canadian TSA person asked for his boarding pass, he duly handed it over, only to be told that he was at the wrong airport!
So everyone makes mistakes!

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

I always make sure to take my laptop out of my carry on ahead of time. I try to hurry up and not hold everyone up. I usually wear flip flops since I can take them off and get them on quickly.

 

[ford91exploder]

Just make sure you do not carry "to much" cash, as it will be confiscated and you will be arrested. I am being serious.

Seriously, Recommend carrying $500 or less ATM is your friend if you really want to use cash. Anything over $500 is a red flag to TSA of 'Drug Activity' or 'Money Laundering' or whatever the 'crime of the week' is at TSA

 

[The Mighty Tim]

Seriously, Recommend carrying $500 or less ATM is your friend if you really want to use cash. Anything over $500 is a red flag to TSA of 'Drug Activity' or 'Money Laundering' or whatever the 'crime of the week' is at TSA

That's interesting, because I usually get my foreign money before going abroad, since using ATMs in other countries can cost.

A trip to the US can result in me taking excess of $500 cash, and I've never had a problem.

Most times I've been abroad, they usually want you to declare it if you're carrying £10,000 or more.