Someone purchased an airline ticket for me, but booked it under my nickname instead of my legal name. I don't have any photo ID with my nickname on it. Will I be able to fly? [more inside]
posted by arianell on Oct 26, 2009 - 23 answers

Best Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag? [more inside]
posted by hokie409 on May 14, 2009 - 5 answers

Taking a cat's ashes through security or checking them - will there be issues? [more inside]
posted by micawber on Mar 2, 2009 - 9 answers

Anyone know if TSA agents would require you to remove a laptop from a hard shell case during the x-ray screening process? Or are they just concerned about clutter in bags obscuring their view? I have the Incase linked above and do not want to have to try and go through the pain of removing the thing in line... or at all for that matter :) Thanks!
posted by vitrum on Nov 3, 2008 - 8 answers

In just a couple weeks I will fly to a remote area of Peru from Europe via the US. I'll be bringing some research equipment which including a mobile solar unit. That solar unit is powered by a lead acid battery like this one. [more inside]
posted by mateuslee on Sep 12, 2008 - 2 answers

Do you have this backpack? Have you taken it through the TSA? [more inside]
posted by aetg on Jun 26, 2008 - 5 answers

My doctor gave me a dozen Vicodin for back pain. I just realized that the bottle doesn't have my name on it. I'm getting on an international flight in a few hours. Will this be a problem? Flying from the US to the EU.
posted by mrunderhill on Jun 22, 2008 - 20 answers

Does anyone have direct experience taking a Rotring 500 fountain pen on an airplane in post 9/11 America? If so, your advice? [more inside]
posted by gyusan on Mar 11, 2008 - 8 answers

So just how bad is the TSA these days? [more inside]
posted by Mutant on Mar 4, 2008 - 35 answers

TSAfilter: will there be any problem getting a laptop without a battery through the carry-on checkpoint at my local (American) airport? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 17, 2007 - 26 answers

What is this tiny valve, and what was it doing in my suitcase? [more inside]
posted by SemiSophos on Nov 22, 2007 - 9 answers

Dear seasoned travelers of MeFi, help me plan for my trip to PDX. I haven't flown in a while and am a bit nervous about the whole airport security thing. I want to avoid issues with the TSA and airline workers, so if you would, please give me suggestions on packing. [more inside]
posted by Lynsey on Jun 23, 2007 - 18 answers

can you bring a bike lock (u-lock style) on a plane in your carryon? [more inside]
posted by Hat Maui on Mar 13, 2007 - 9 answers

I'm flying to DC this week, and all of my travel sized containers are four ounces, not the 3 oz. specified in the TSA bulletin. I went shopping to try to find some more compliant containers, and everything I found was 4 oz. as well!!! The bottles are short, I'm only using 2 of them, and they easily fit into the quart-sized baggie. What are my chances, MeFi? Would I be courting trouble to use what I've got? [more inside]
posted by shelbaroo on Jan 14, 2007 - 34 answers

More US TSA questions. So this all your 3 oz or smaller liquid/gel personal hygeine items must fit in a one quart plastic bag thing, is that including the lipstick & other cosmetics, or just including the liquids & gels? I've checked TSA and several airport/airline sites and all the examples just show shampoo & shaving cream, &c in the baggie. Even the "woman business traveler" video doesn't show lipstick in her baggie. The only people I know who have flown since the new requirement are men and they have no idea. Is there any woman of MeFi who has flown in the last week (bonus if you left from O'Hare) and can tell me whether *all* my cosmetics, as well as my toiletries, must fit in the single one quart zip top baggie?
posted by crush-onastick on Oct 26, 2006 - 15 answers

I bought two non-refundable airline tickets, now one of us will not be going. What to do about that ticket? [more inside]
posted by attercoppe on Sep 5, 2006 - 11 answers

So we know they aren't letting any liquids pass the security checkpoint now. But I can still take drinks onto the airplane, right, long as I buy them at the overpriced gift shop at the gate? And I can fill my empty flask, once beyond the TSA inspection?
posted by Rash on Aug 14, 2006 - 23 answers

I'm flying tonight from Boston to Pittsburgh with a one month old baby. I know not to bring any liquids in my carry-on luggage with me, per the news today. Will they let me bring the car seat on with me, or will I have to check it? What else should I expect, in terms of flying with a newborn? [more inside]
posted by anastasiav on Aug 10, 2006 - 25 answers

Help me figure out whether I can fly in spite of the crazy Kansas DMV. [more inside]
posted by ubernostrum on Jun 20, 2006 - 13 answers

I tore apart a bookshelf stereo system and put it in a strawberry crate, as seen here. I love it. I would like to take it with me when I move to hawaii. Can I carry it on? It's nothing more than electronics that work. but i'm afraid TSA might just take one look and toss me into the clink. I realize safety is the TSA's priority but I do want to take this if possible. I've carry'd on my record player before. what's the diff?
posted by hurting.the.feelings.of.thechinesepeople on Feb 4, 2006 - 11 answers

When did the FAA/airlines stop asking those 2 questions about whether someone had given me something to bring on the plane, and whether my bags had been out of my possession at any point? What was their justification? I want to say that this changed after 9/11, but that doesn't really make sense.
posted by unknowncommand on Dec 30, 2005 - 27 answers

Can I check a cooler full of food when flying state to state? [more inside]
posted by rorycberger on Nov 11, 2005 - 18 answers

I am flying to another city soon and would like take my guitar with me. On the plane--not as baggage. I would like to read about the experiences of anyone here who has tried to do the same. My research thus far yields no fixed answer.
posted by y2karl on Oct 9, 2005 - 18 answers

Help me convince a Republican that Racial Profiling is Not Good (tm). [more inside]
posted by odinsdream on Jun 10, 2005 - 33 answers

I recently flew domestically in the US and had luggage damaged by a TSA inspection, anybody have a similar experience? [more inside]
posted by crazy finger on Apr 14, 2005 - 6 answers

I am ready to Fight The Man and refuse to remove my shoes at airport security *unless and until* they set off the metal detector. Help my defense. [more inside]
posted by tristeza on Mar 19, 2005 - 50 answers

Unpacking from a recent flight back to the U.S. from abroad, I just noticed that a few things were missing from my checked baggage (a pair of high-quality outdoor jackets). I'm wondering which avenue of renumeration would be the best to pursue - the airline (Continental), my renter's insurance policy, even the TSA - and how? [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky on Dec 17, 2004 - 7 answers

I'm flying in a few weeks, and I'm majorly worried by some of the stories I've been hearing about physical TSA screenings. There are certain ways I am not willing to consent to be touched by strangers, no matter what.

Do I have any recourse if I am singled out for a physical search of my person, other than not to fly at all? How can I prepare in advance for potential conflicts?
posted by croutonsupafreak on Dec 1, 2004 - 24 answers