What is flying like in 2023?
September 5, 2023 12:51 PM Subscribe
I haven't been on a plane in 7 years, about to take a US domestic flight this week, wondering what to expect.
Flying out of SEA to SFO.
During security screening, do you still have to take off shoes and belt? Remove laptops? Medicines and toiletries?
Is a paper boarding pass OK, or does it have to be a phone app?
Using the internet in flight: how easy is this? Is it monopolistic and expensive to do so?
What else do I need to know (things that might have changed in the last decade)?
Flying out of SEA to SFO.
During security screening, do you still have to take off shoes and belt? Remove laptops? Medicines and toiletries?
Is a paper boarding pass OK, or does it have to be a phone app?
Using the internet in flight: how easy is this? Is it monopolistic and expensive to do so?
What else do I need to know (things that might have changed in the last decade)?
RE: Wifi many airlines offer free in flight wifi for texting/messaging (iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook messenger) if you download their app. There’s usually a charge if you want wifi that can do more than that. Heads up that you should download the app in advance as you can’t usually do it in flight.
A lot of airplanes no longer have the screen in the headrest but there may be inflight movies and tv available through the airlines app to watch on your phone. Sometimes there a charger (outlet or usb) sometimes not. I’d bring a power brick if you plan to use your phone for entertainment.
Paper boarding passes are ok, but again, you can just check in on the app and if you have a checked bag do a bag drop at the airport in the check in area.
posted by raccoon409 at 1:02 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
A lot of airplanes no longer have the screen in the headrest but there may be inflight movies and tv available through the airlines app to watch on your phone. Sometimes there a charger (outlet or usb) sometimes not. I’d bring a power brick if you plan to use your phone for entertainment.
Paper boarding passes are ok, but again, you can just check in on the app and if you have a checked bag do a bag drop at the airport in the check in area.
posted by raccoon409 at 1:02 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
During security screening, do you still have to take off shoes and belt?
Yes.
Remove laptops?
Yes.
Medicines and toiletries?
Only if they are "liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes"
TSA has a pretty good overview online of all this, and most of that can be skipped if you have PreCheck but I don't think you could get it in less than a week.
PreCheck is almost exactly 10 years old so you might have seen it last time, but make sure you don't accidentally wait in the precheck security line. You might get sent to the back of the "regular" line, I see this happen probably every time I fly.
Is a paper boarding pass OK, or does it have to be a phone app?
Either is fine! I always have them on my phone but often use the paper ones to avoid the hassle. Other people I know use their phone to avoid the paper hassle! Anything goes. Make sure to also have your ID in easy reach.
Using the internet in flight: how easy is this? Is it monopolistic and expensive to do so?
Who are you flying? I've only ever used Southwest internet but it was straightforward and $8. Southwest also offers a free iMessage/WhatsApp connection over wifi. Other carriers will have different offering.s
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 1:03 PM on September 5, 2023
Yes.
Remove laptops?
Yes.
Medicines and toiletries?
Only if they are "liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes"
TSA has a pretty good overview online of all this, and most of that can be skipped if you have PreCheck but I don't think you could get it in less than a week.
PreCheck is almost exactly 10 years old so you might have seen it last time, but make sure you don't accidentally wait in the precheck security line. You might get sent to the back of the "regular" line, I see this happen probably every time I fly.
Is a paper boarding pass OK, or does it have to be a phone app?
Either is fine! I always have them on my phone but often use the paper ones to avoid the hassle. Other people I know use their phone to avoid the paper hassle! Anything goes. Make sure to also have your ID in easy reach.
Using the internet in flight: how easy is this? Is it monopolistic and expensive to do so?
Who are you flying? I've only ever used Southwest internet but it was straightforward and $8. Southwest also offers a free iMessage/WhatsApp connection over wifi. Other carriers will have different offering.s
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 1:03 PM on September 5, 2023
During security screening, do you still have to take off shoes and belt? Remove laptops? Medicines and toiletries?
Actually, this is very much an airport by airport situation. I've flown through four different airports since May. My small regional airport has upgraded their scanning equipment, so I didn't need to remove my laptop or liquids. I did have to take off my shoes.
Newark was running a trial on just a few lines where you didn't need to take off shoes or take out liquid/electronics.
The other two airports were shoes off and remove computers and electronics.
So just be ready as you get close to the front of the line, and pay attention.
posted by kimdog at 1:08 PM on September 5, 2023 [9 favorites]
Actually, this is very much an airport by airport situation. I've flown through four different airports since May. My small regional airport has upgraded their scanning equipment, so I didn't need to remove my laptop or liquids. I did have to take off my shoes.
Newark was running a trial on just a few lines where you didn't need to take off shoes or take out liquid/electronics.
The other two airports were shoes off and remove computers and electronics.
So just be ready as you get close to the front of the line, and pay attention.
posted by kimdog at 1:08 PM on September 5, 2023 [9 favorites]
Security screening procedures have always been sort of in flux in that they are left up to the discretion of local TSA employees, but this has accelerated notably post-pandemic. On the same trip, on the outbound side I was sternly told not to remove laptops or toiletries from my bag, and on the inbound side, told the opposite, plus, told to keep my shoes on. I would err on the side of to-the-letter-compliance. They'll tell you to do something different if they want.
A paper boarding pass is fine.
I wouldn't count on being able to use the internet on the flight. Since you haven't flown in 7 years, the chances of you being able to get access to it for free through a rewards program is nil, and it's not worth paying for. It's usually slow af anyway.
Airlines have become even more nickle-and-dimey: paying extra for "preferred seating" which is just... a standard economy seat closer to the front of the plane (some will charge for a seat assignment!) Aggressive baggage fees. Cheaping out on things like in-flight entertainment in place of using your "personal device" to watch stuff but of course you need to have previously downloaded that specific airline's app to watch anything during your flight.
1% or less of the plane will be wearing a mask.
posted by rhymedirective at 1:08 PM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
A paper boarding pass is fine.
I wouldn't count on being able to use the internet on the flight. Since you haven't flown in 7 years, the chances of you being able to get access to it for free through a rewards program is nil, and it's not worth paying for. It's usually slow af anyway.
Airlines have become even more nickle-and-dimey: paying extra for "preferred seating" which is just... a standard economy seat closer to the front of the plane (some will charge for a seat assignment!) Aggressive baggage fees. Cheaping out on things like in-flight entertainment in place of using your "personal device" to watch stuff but of course you need to have previously downloaded that specific airline's app to watch anything during your flight.
1% or less of the plane will be wearing a mask.
posted by rhymedirective at 1:08 PM on September 5, 2023 [5 favorites]
Best answer: For the most part, security screening is the same as it has been in the TSA era for regular people. There's all kinds of things like TSA Pre Check, CLEAR, Global Entry, and stuff that let people who pay skip some of it, but we'll assume you are traveling with us in the regular lines. You still take off your shoes and belt and empty your pockets of everything. For liquids, you still can only bring a 1 QT zip top bag with containers that are less than 3 ounces.
Many airports are trying out new systems, so even frequent travelers get a little mixed up these days. Most of the time, you'll be asked to take out your liquids bag from your carry on and put it in a bin to go through separately. You'll also be asked to take out any electronics bigger than a cell phone and put those in a bin as well. Once in a while, the agent will tell you everything stays in your bag in this machine. I wish I could reliably tell when that's happening, but every few times I think, this is one of those new good lines, they make me take it all out anyways.
You get one carry on bag and one "personal item". The personal item is small enough to go under the seat in front of you. They have recently gotten more particular that all purses count as a personal item, so if you have a small purse, you might want to tuck it into your personal item before you board.
Paper boarding passes still work fine.
Internet in flight depends on the carrier. I mostly fly Delta where you have to log in with your frequent flyer account. If you don't have one, you can sign up at the time and get free wifi. Many planes also have nice entertainment systems in the seat back in front of you. If you are going to watch something on there, you need headphones that plug in, no bluetooth. They often have free headphones of free quality that they hand out.
Very few flights have meals, sometimes you can buy on on board. On the larger carriers, you usually get cookies or nuts along with a free pop/juice/water/coffee.
posted by advicepig at 1:09 PM on September 5, 2023
Many airports are trying out new systems, so even frequent travelers get a little mixed up these days. Most of the time, you'll be asked to take out your liquids bag from your carry on and put it in a bin to go through separately. You'll also be asked to take out any electronics bigger than a cell phone and put those in a bin as well. Once in a while, the agent will tell you everything stays in your bag in this machine. I wish I could reliably tell when that's happening, but every few times I think, this is one of those new good lines, they make me take it all out anyways.
You get one carry on bag and one "personal item". The personal item is small enough to go under the seat in front of you. They have recently gotten more particular that all purses count as a personal item, so if you have a small purse, you might want to tuck it into your personal item before you board.
Paper boarding passes still work fine.
Internet in flight depends on the carrier. I mostly fly Delta where you have to log in with your frequent flyer account. If you don't have one, you can sign up at the time and get free wifi. Many planes also have nice entertainment systems in the seat back in front of you. If you are going to watch something on there, you need headphones that plug in, no bluetooth. They often have free headphones of free quality that they hand out.
Very few flights have meals, sometimes you can buy on on board. On the larger carriers, you usually get cookies or nuts along with a free pop/juice/water/coffee.
posted by advicepig at 1:09 PM on September 5, 2023
• Security screening is about the same as you describe, though they change up some details depending on how busy it is (and ostensibly to keep it from getting too predictable).
• Airlines are increasingly moving away from paper boarding passes & onto apps, Alaska Air has recently entirely moved to their app.
• Internet varies by airline, I think general price is around $8/flight.
Other things that you'll want to know:
• Heading out of SEA in particular (and guessing you don't have PreCheck/Clear/Global Entry since you haven't flown in 7 years), you'll want SpotSaver to get through security faster. It's like Disneyland's pass system, where you can schedule when you'll go through the security line & skip past the people in the walk-on line.
• You don't *need* a RealID-compliant ID yet (currently that's been pushed back to May 2025, but it's been pushed back a lot so who knows if that'll be the actual date), but you'll see a lot of warnings about it since WA is one of the few states that doesn't issue RealID IDs by default.
• Pay attention to batteries when you pack your bag. Lithium-ion especially, but they're concerned with those being in checked luggage in case one shorts out.
• Air recirculation is worst while the plane is on the ground, if you have a mask & are going to take it off during the flight wait until you're at altitude. (masks aren't required, but so you know)
posted by CrystalDave at 1:11 PM on September 5, 2023 [8 favorites]
• Airlines are increasingly moving away from paper boarding passes & onto apps, Alaska Air has recently entirely moved to their app.
• Internet varies by airline, I think general price is around $8/flight.
Other things that you'll want to know:
• Heading out of SEA in particular (and guessing you don't have PreCheck/Clear/Global Entry since you haven't flown in 7 years), you'll want SpotSaver to get through security faster. It's like Disneyland's pass system, where you can schedule when you'll go through the security line & skip past the people in the walk-on line.
• You don't *need* a RealID-compliant ID yet (currently that's been pushed back to May 2025, but it's been pushed back a lot so who knows if that'll be the actual date), but you'll see a lot of warnings about it since WA is one of the few states that doesn't issue RealID IDs by default.
• Pay attention to batteries when you pack your bag. Lithium-ion especially, but they're concerned with those being in checked luggage in case one shorts out.
• Air recirculation is worst while the plane is on the ground, if you have a mask & are going to take it off during the flight wait until you're at altitude. (masks aren't required, but so you know)
posted by CrystalDave at 1:11 PM on September 5, 2023 [8 favorites]
If you happen to be flying Delta, they seem to be in the process of upgrading their in flight internet. The older system is free messaging and paid wifi; the newer system is free wifi, and it’s actually pretty decent - you can stream okay quality video.
posted by maleficent at 1:12 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by maleficent at 1:12 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
Many airlines are going cashless, and some of them require you to pre-order food and drink, and / or have the app so that you can pay for it.
Bring a small, empty plastic water bottle. Most airports have refilling stations once you are inside past security.
Look up your flight on flightaware.com which has a really cool feature, allowing you to see where your incoming flight is. This is really handy, because you can tell if your incoming flight hasn’t even taken off yet vs. if it’s almost arrived.
posted by soylent00FF00 at 1:21 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
Bring a small, empty plastic water bottle. Most airports have refilling stations once you are inside past security.
Look up your flight on flightaware.com which has a really cool feature, allowing you to see where your incoming flight is. This is really handy, because you can tell if your incoming flight hasn’t even taken off yet vs. if it’s almost arrived.
posted by soylent00FF00 at 1:21 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
I would not count on the Wi-Fi working even if they claim to offer it, and I wouldn't count on being able to hear the in-flight entertainment over the noise of the plane unless you have well insulated over ear or noise cancelling headphones. Bring a pair of socks to go through security if you’re wearing sandals. Peanut butter is a liquid.
posted by wheatlets at 1:24 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by wheatlets at 1:24 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
Yeah I can't remember if it's American or United, but one of them now requires you to add a payment to their app so you can scan the app for 'contactless payment' for food/drink on board. Contactless does not mean tapping your card like it does in a store, so it's a pain in the ass. I wasn't able to upload a payment to the app during the flight bc the wifi sucked so they ended up just giving me my meal for free bc I think they just didn't want to deal with it.
All economy-priced seating now requires you to pay extra to book the seat of your choice, even if that seat is the back of the plane. Expect to pay more for even an aisle seat in the middle of the plane. Similarly, almost all the airlines expect you to pay extra for anything more than bringing a personal item (purse, backpack) on the plane, even a 20" rollerboard 'carry on'.
Wifi is hit or miss. Even if you pay for it (eff you delta for charging me $30 then me not being able to use it for 90% of the flight and having to deal with customer service for an hour to get a refund).
Tweeting at a company will get you a faster/more satisfactory customer service response than emailing/calling/automated chatbot.
tl;dr air travel is the worst ever, be prepared for rules to be arbitrary and any basic comfort/accommodation to be pricey.
posted by greta simone at 1:29 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
All economy-priced seating now requires you to pay extra to book the seat of your choice, even if that seat is the back of the plane. Expect to pay more for even an aisle seat in the middle of the plane. Similarly, almost all the airlines expect you to pay extra for anything more than bringing a personal item (purse, backpack) on the plane, even a 20" rollerboard 'carry on'.
Wifi is hit or miss. Even if you pay for it (eff you delta for charging me $30 then me not being able to use it for 90% of the flight and having to deal with customer service for an hour to get a refund).
Tweeting at a company will get you a faster/more satisfactory customer service response than emailing/calling/automated chatbot.
tl;dr air travel is the worst ever, be prepared for rules to be arbitrary and any basic comfort/accommodation to be pricey.
posted by greta simone at 1:29 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Seconding SpotSaver at SEA, it's free and fantastic.
SEA has many good food options now. If you want to eat before arrival in San Francisco, you could definitely have a good meal at SEA or get something there to take on board. Check out the food locations on the SEA website because they are a bit spread out.
posted by happy_cat at 1:31 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
SEA has many good food options now. If you want to eat before arrival in San Francisco, you could definitely have a good meal at SEA or get something there to take on board. Check out the food locations on the SEA website because they are a bit spread out.
posted by happy_cat at 1:31 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
If you don't want to install an app but do want to have a copy of the boarding pass on your phone, you can usually get one sent to you by email as a pdf, or screenshot the pass from the website. Then when you go to board they'll physically scan the code on either your paper pass or your phone, regardless of whether it's from an app or not.
It's a good idea to have offline copies/screenshots of anything important on your phone.
Triple check the fees and baggage allowance when you book. You're definitely not guaranteed a checked bag or even a carry-on.
Don't expect any food on the flight, or movies. You might get them, but don't count on it.
posted by trig at 1:35 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
It's a good idea to have offline copies/screenshots of anything important on your phone.
Triple check the fees and baggage allowance when you book. You're definitely not guaranteed a checked bag or even a carry-on.
Don't expect any food on the flight, or movies. You might get them, but don't count on it.
posted by trig at 1:35 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
As an addendum regarding in-flight wifi: you might have something available through your own cell phone carrier. I have T-Mobile and generally get an hour of free in-flight wifi through that.
posted by virve at 1:39 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by virve at 1:39 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
All economy-priced seating now requires you to pay extra to book the seat of your choice, even if that seat is the back of the plane. Expect to pay more for even an aisle seat in the middle of the plane.
This may be true for "basic economy" or "super duper economy" or whatever the carrier calls it these days, but you do not have to pay for (regular) seat selection in regular economy on any of the U.S. legacy carriers. You do have to watch when booking to make sure that you don't actually choose BE if you don't want it.
Similarly, almost all the airlines expect you to pay extra for anything more than bringing a personal item (purse, backpack) on the plane, even a 20" rollerboard 'carry on'.
Again, not the case, except for BE, on the legacy carriers.
posted by praemunire at 1:48 PM on September 5, 2023 [4 favorites]
This may be true for "basic economy" or "super duper economy" or whatever the carrier calls it these days, but you do not have to pay for (regular) seat selection in regular economy on any of the U.S. legacy carriers. You do have to watch when booking to make sure that you don't actually choose BE if you don't want it.
Similarly, almost all the airlines expect you to pay extra for anything more than bringing a personal item (purse, backpack) on the plane, even a 20" rollerboard 'carry on'.
Again, not the case, except for BE, on the legacy carriers.
posted by praemunire at 1:48 PM on September 5, 2023 [4 favorites]
Maybe they didn't even have these 7 years ago, but outside of maybe Delta they took all the little TV screens out of the back of the seats! You'll have to access in flight entertainment through the airline's app or just use whatever you've downloaded. Or you could read a book...
posted by kingdead at 1:55 PM on September 5, 2023
posted by kingdead at 1:55 PM on September 5, 2023
I was using 'economy' as a generic term for the cheapest ticket tier available as it used to be called historically, since every airline calls it something different these days. And for most of the domestic airlines, 4 of which I've flown in the last two weeks, you have to pay extra to choose seating in the lowest tier of ticketing, otherwise you will be assigned.
posted by greta simone at 2:11 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by greta simone at 2:11 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
Actually, this is very much an airport by airport situation ... was running a trial on just a few lines
I've had this happen, too, which is why the best advice you can get is to just listen to what the TSA agent tells you. I was trying to be all fancy-schmancy frequent flyer guy this summer, took my shoes off before I got to the front of the line so I could just walk right through the scanner, and... they were trying one of the new scanners where you don't have to take your shoes off. Be prepared to take pretty much anything out of your carryon or personal item - laptop, liquids, whatever, and travel light in terms of clothing and accessories so that you don't have to take off 100 bracelets, but don't do anything until a TSA agent tells you to do something. Just listen to TSA. Most of them are pretty neutral-to-friendly (outside of Boston, at least), and they don't expect you to know every codicil of every regulation. They'll tell you what you need to know.
One post-pandemic-specific thing to note is that a lot of airports offer free masks. The ones at my local airport happen to be my favorites in terms of comfort, so every time I fly now, I stock up with a handful of masks even though I don't actually mask in public much anymore. You never know when they'll come in handy.
SEA and SFO are both fairly crappy airports, but there's nothing you can do about that.
posted by kevinbelt at 2:42 PM on September 5, 2023
I've had this happen, too, which is why the best advice you can get is to just listen to what the TSA agent tells you. I was trying to be all fancy-schmancy frequent flyer guy this summer, took my shoes off before I got to the front of the line so I could just walk right through the scanner, and... they were trying one of the new scanners where you don't have to take your shoes off. Be prepared to take pretty much anything out of your carryon or personal item - laptop, liquids, whatever, and travel light in terms of clothing and accessories so that you don't have to take off 100 bracelets, but don't do anything until a TSA agent tells you to do something. Just listen to TSA. Most of them are pretty neutral-to-friendly (outside of Boston, at least), and they don't expect you to know every codicil of every regulation. They'll tell you what you need to know.
One post-pandemic-specific thing to note is that a lot of airports offer free masks. The ones at my local airport happen to be my favorites in terms of comfort, so every time I fly now, I stock up with a handful of masks even though I don't actually mask in public much anymore. You never know when they'll come in handy.
SEA and SFO are both fairly crappy airports, but there's nothing you can do about that.
posted by kevinbelt at 2:42 PM on September 5, 2023
Sending good vibes. Flying has become less predictable over time. The wait times, amenities, policies, etc have all been victims of greed entropy by the airlines and ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ by TSA and no one is enjoying it, least of all the folks employed there. My advice is keep your expectations relatively low, leave yourself plenty of time, and treat everyone, including yourself with grace. It reminds me of the old days of door buster shopping on Black Friday. It's packed, you don't know what to expect, and everyone is assigning high stakes to the outcome. I worked plenty of Black Fridays at the mall 25 years ago and the best advice I got is this: when something goes sideways, approach it with a sense of curiosity.
posted by kaelynski at 2:48 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by kaelynski at 2:48 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
Having seen notes above about overhead bin space, one "trick" is to never pay for checked luggage (as long as you stay within carryon sizing) -- always try to fit it in an overhead bin. Then, if/when you fail, the staff will have no choice but to "gate check" the bags for free. On crowded flights, or those little Embraer planes, they will probably start begging people to gate check luggage for free about a half hour before the flight boards.
posted by aramaic at 2:56 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by aramaic at 2:56 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
And for most of the domestic airlines, 4 of which I've flown in the last two weeks, you have to pay extra to choose seating in the lowest tier of ticketing, otherwise you will be assigned.
If you purchase an economy ticket, though, this is not applicable! "Basic economy" is a subfare and the name all the legacy carriers give it (just checked). Yes, if you go out of your way to pick the ticket that tells you up front you must pay for seat selection and a carry-on, you will have to pay for seat selection and a carry-on (and might not get FF miles, either). If you purchase an "economy" ticket--again, the name it is given by all the carriers--that is not what you will get. Sorry to be fussy, but no need to unnecessarily alarm OP that this is going to be their experience!
(My condolences for whatever circumstances have led you to repeatedly have to fly under these miserable conditions...economy is bad enough.)
posted by praemunire at 3:20 PM on September 5, 2023
If you purchase an economy ticket, though, this is not applicable! "Basic economy" is a subfare and the name all the legacy carriers give it (just checked). Yes, if you go out of your way to pick the ticket that tells you up front you must pay for seat selection and a carry-on, you will have to pay for seat selection and a carry-on (and might not get FF miles, either). If you purchase an "economy" ticket--again, the name it is given by all the carriers--that is not what you will get. Sorry to be fussy, but no need to unnecessarily alarm OP that this is going to be their experience!
(My condolences for whatever circumstances have led you to repeatedly have to fly under these miserable conditions...economy is bad enough.)
posted by praemunire at 3:20 PM on September 5, 2023
Following up on aramaic's comment -- on Delta, they ALWAYS ask people to volunteer to gate check their carry-ons, and I do it every time. It's a free checked bag and I don't have to fight with people for the overhead bin space.
posted by leftover_scrabble_rack at 3:33 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by leftover_scrabble_rack at 3:33 PM on September 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
On crowded flights, or those little Embraer planes, they will probably start begging people to gate check luggage for free
This is so frequent I plan on it and pack so that valuables and things I want for the flight are in my personal item (standard backpack), so I can go ahead and volunteer my carryon for gate check before boarding. I'd just as soon not even bother with trying to wrestle my bag into the overhead bin. And full flights may just declare all roll-aboards will be gate checked, or at some point in boarding, all carryons will be gate checked.
On one of my last flights, gate checked bags were available on the jetway, so I didn't even have to go to baggage claim. That was a pleasant surprise. But I've never had an issue with a gate-checked bag not turning up.
posted by EvaDestruction at 3:35 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
This is so frequent I plan on it and pack so that valuables and things I want for the flight are in my personal item (standard backpack), so I can go ahead and volunteer my carryon for gate check before boarding. I'd just as soon not even bother with trying to wrestle my bag into the overhead bin. And full flights may just declare all roll-aboards will be gate checked, or at some point in boarding, all carryons will be gate checked.
On one of my last flights, gate checked bags were available on the jetway, so I didn't even have to go to baggage claim. That was a pleasant surprise. But I've never had an issue with a gate-checked bag not turning up.
posted by EvaDestruction at 3:35 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
As a recent data point, I applied for TSA pre on August 17th of this year, and got approved by August 20th. (I was able to do a walk in interview instead of waiting a few weeks for my scheduled appointment).
You might want to get a paper boarding pass (or take a screen shot of the boarding pass). There are anecdotes out there that airlines are occasionally at the last minute changing passengers' seat assignments to seat families together. Electronic boarding passes can change seat assignments without notifying you. At least with a paper boarding pass, you will have evidence that your seat assignment changed.
posted by oceano at 3:48 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
You might want to get a paper boarding pass (or take a screen shot of the boarding pass). There are anecdotes out there that airlines are occasionally at the last minute changing passengers' seat assignments to seat families together. Electronic boarding passes can change seat assignments without notifying you. At least with a paper boarding pass, you will have evidence that your seat assignment changed.
posted by oceano at 3:48 PM on September 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
Something new-to-me when I flew recently was that the TSA checkpoint where the person looks at your ID and compares it to your boarding pass (right before you get in line for the carryon-bag-xray and the put-your-hands-up body scanner) was now via a face-scanner. There was a person at the station, but I had to insert my ID into a slot and then look into a camera and get my face scanned by it. The computer did the comparison to my ID, and the person seemed to be there only to double-check. This is probably something they're rolling out gradually so I don't think it's everywhere yet.
posted by LobsterMitten at 4:31 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by LobsterMitten at 4:31 PM on September 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
I don't know if all airlines do this now, but if you happen to be flying Alaska, some of the meal-sized food items can only be ordered ahead of time (cutoff time is 24hrs before takeoff). I think the food at SEA itself is pretty decent, too!
We flew this weekend to/from SEA on Alaska, and with T-Mobile I could either get 1 hour of free internet (valid every flight), a full flight of free internet (limited to 4x/year), or I could pay $8 for the flight. Your phone must have the ability to receive texts over wifi for the T-Mobile options to work. Alaska also had a selection of movies and tv shows that you could watch for free without selecting an internet option.
Thirding the recommendation to use SpotSaver for security at SEA. I haven't seen the face scanners there yet (at least not for domestic flights), but I assume they'll be there eventually.
posted by catabananza at 5:23 PM on September 5, 2023
We flew this weekend to/from SEA on Alaska, and with T-Mobile I could either get 1 hour of free internet (valid every flight), a full flight of free internet (limited to 4x/year), or I could pay $8 for the flight. Your phone must have the ability to receive texts over wifi for the T-Mobile options to work. Alaska also had a selection of movies and tv shows that you could watch for free without selecting an internet option.
Thirding the recommendation to use SpotSaver for security at SEA. I haven't seen the face scanners there yet (at least not for domestic flights), but I assume they'll be there eventually.
posted by catabananza at 5:23 PM on September 5, 2023
Despite the many comments above, I have had good experience with the inflight wifi. I have T-mobile cell service and they offer free wifi on many carriers.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 5:30 PM on September 5, 2023
posted by JohnnyGunn at 5:30 PM on September 5, 2023
You can check-in online 24 hours before your flight. United sends me a text reminder. The fare I get most often (basic basic economy; only a personal item allowed) means I have to print out the boarding pass at the kiosk so I need the confirmation number handy (screenshot).
While waiting in line for security checkpoint, dig out your ID to show along with the boarding pass. Take off your hat and sunglasses if you’re wearing them.
For security screening, the line will probably be backed up enough so you will have time to observe the rigmarole. Every airport is different (daypacks in the bin, daypacks on the conveyor belt). Loose/baggy clothing seems to invite more pat downs; keep one eye on your bins while that happens.
+1 for FlightAware to keep track of your flight arrival and the weather forecast at your destination. Afternoon thunderstorms cause chaos and a backlog.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 6:06 PM on September 5, 2023
While waiting in line for security checkpoint, dig out your ID to show along with the boarding pass. Take off your hat and sunglasses if you’re wearing them.
For security screening, the line will probably be backed up enough so you will have time to observe the rigmarole. Every airport is different (daypacks in the bin, daypacks on the conveyor belt). Loose/baggy clothing seems to invite more pat downs; keep one eye on your bins while that happens.
+1 for FlightAware to keep track of your flight arrival and the weather forecast at your destination. Afternoon thunderstorms cause chaos and a backlog.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 6:06 PM on September 5, 2023
Yes, unless you participate in one of the advance screening programs, which you won't have done.
Okay, this is not universally true of all airports. SEA will not require that you remove your shoes. PHL will. SFO might, on your return trip. It really depends on the airport.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 6:09 PM on September 5, 2023
Okay, this is not universally true of all airports. SEA will not require that you remove your shoes. PHL will. SFO might, on your return trip. It really depends on the airport.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 6:09 PM on September 5, 2023
During the initial screening where they check your ID you will have to pull down your mask for a few seconds. When going through x-ray, if you are wearing a N95 such as the 3M™ Aura 9210+ you should be fine leaving it on. If you are wearing an elastomeric like a Dräger X-plore® 3300/3500 or a 3M™ 6000 Series you may have to switch to a N95, depending on the airport. SFO is cool with it, JFK tends to freak out but the supervisor is usually cool and calms them down. A Trend Stealth Lite elastomeric was fine in JFK.
Another thing to expect is 800-1200PPM CO2 readings in the airport and 2400PPM CO2 in the airplane when boarding. Public monitoring of CO2 levels is something new in the past few years. These numbers are a proxy for how much of the air was exhaled by a person, so at 2400ppm about 5% of the air you inhale was exhaled by someone. While this was also true 7 years ago, what has changed is that now there is a high chance that the air contains infectious pathogens, capable of causing severe acute respiratory syndrome.
posted by Sophont at 3:18 AM on September 6, 2023
Another thing to expect is 800-1200PPM CO2 readings in the airport and 2400PPM CO2 in the airplane when boarding. Public monitoring of CO2 levels is something new in the past few years. These numbers are a proxy for how much of the air was exhaled by a person, so at 2400ppm about 5% of the air you inhale was exhaled by someone. While this was also true 7 years ago, what has changed is that now there is a high chance that the air contains infectious pathogens, capable of causing severe acute respiratory syndrome.
posted by Sophont at 3:18 AM on September 6, 2023
I think app use is a big one, a mind (at YYZ anyway) the face scanning at security (as well as customs) also.
I find using the apps and/or text notification is really nice - gate changes and baggage claim information shows up easily. I had a flight delayed multiple times due to fog and the information at the gate was always behind the app.
I put my boarding passes in my Apple Wallet but I usually get a paper copy in case.
The laptop removal, shoes, etc. has varied by airport. I just ask as I get up to security, but have things ready to go (and leave time so I’m not in a rush.) the baggage allowance is interesting…there really isn’t room on the plane for all the carry on luggage. Also, carry on sizes are smaller (or my bag that no longer passes United used to just not get checked), so be sure to check those if like me you have older bags.
If you used to travel by coach (like Greyhound etc.), air travel for non-business class people is starting to feel a lot more like that. Grubbier planes, lines of people hoping they can fit their bags in, worn out customer service. But it’s still aerodynamics getting you up in the freaking *air* even if the wifi is slow. I won’t link to the Louis CK interview where he goes on about that but it definitely is a thought that makes flight days better. Hope yours is great.
Water bottle refill stations are a lot more common. I take an empty bottle through security and then fill it up on the other side - saves me from any airplane water, plus then I have it on my trip.
posted by warriorqueen at 4:03 AM on September 6, 2023
I find using the apps and/or text notification is really nice - gate changes and baggage claim information shows up easily. I had a flight delayed multiple times due to fog and the information at the gate was always behind the app.
I put my boarding passes in my Apple Wallet but I usually get a paper copy in case.
The laptop removal, shoes, etc. has varied by airport. I just ask as I get up to security, but have things ready to go (and leave time so I’m not in a rush.) the baggage allowance is interesting…there really isn’t room on the plane for all the carry on luggage. Also, carry on sizes are smaller (or my bag that no longer passes United used to just not get checked), so be sure to check those if like me you have older bags.
If you used to travel by coach (like Greyhound etc.), air travel for non-business class people is starting to feel a lot more like that. Grubbier planes, lines of people hoping they can fit their bags in, worn out customer service. But it’s still aerodynamics getting you up in the freaking *air* even if the wifi is slow. I won’t link to the Louis CK interview where he goes on about that but it definitely is a thought that makes flight days better. Hope yours is great.
Water bottle refill stations are a lot more common. I take an empty bottle through security and then fill it up on the other side - saves me from any airplane water, plus then I have it on my trip.
posted by warriorqueen at 4:03 AM on September 6, 2023
I flew for the first time since 2018 in March of this year (Boston to Columbus) and again in August (Boston to Alexandria). A few new things I noticed:
If masking is important to you, I want to warn you that hardly anyone masks in airports or on planes. Both times I was practically the only one masked.
In March at the Columbus airport everyone was checked by sniffer dogs! I asked a TSA guard and he said they just do it randomly. So don't be alarmed and imagine there's something scary going on!
In August I applied for TSA Precheck (a 15-minute interview at Staples) and had my email confirmation 36 hours later! You might want to look into that, since it means you don't have to take off your shoes/belt or remove laptop/liquids from your bag, and the line is generally much shorter and faster. It lasts for 5 years.
I always sign up for the frequent flyer program offered by an airline, because then you sometimes get free wifi and other perks. In August on the outbound flight I got bumped up a class without even asking! My flying companion did too, but she didn't know until she went to board, since she had a static boarding pass on her phone and I was using the airline app, which notified me. So she ended up having to check her carry-on because they had run out of bin room - she wouldn't have had to if she'd known she got bumped up.
We did not get bumped up on the way home, and we all had to check our carry-ons. The airline app tracked my bag by number, which was cool! I'd never seen that before.
As others said, I recommend bringing an empty water bottle and filling it at the gate.
posted by wisekaren at 6:47 AM on September 6, 2023
If masking is important to you, I want to warn you that hardly anyone masks in airports or on planes. Both times I was practically the only one masked.
In March at the Columbus airport everyone was checked by sniffer dogs! I asked a TSA guard and he said they just do it randomly. So don't be alarmed and imagine there's something scary going on!
In August I applied for TSA Precheck (a 15-minute interview at Staples) and had my email confirmation 36 hours later! You might want to look into that, since it means you don't have to take off your shoes/belt or remove laptop/liquids from your bag, and the line is generally much shorter and faster. It lasts for 5 years.
I always sign up for the frequent flyer program offered by an airline, because then you sometimes get free wifi and other perks. In August on the outbound flight I got bumped up a class without even asking! My flying companion did too, but she didn't know until she went to board, since she had a static boarding pass on her phone and I was using the airline app, which notified me. So she ended up having to check her carry-on because they had run out of bin room - she wouldn't have had to if she'd known she got bumped up.
We did not get bumped up on the way home, and we all had to check our carry-ons. The airline app tracked my bag by number, which was cool! I'd never seen that before.
As others said, I recommend bringing an empty water bottle and filling it at the gate.
posted by wisekaren at 6:47 AM on September 6, 2023
Re: Masking, I took a few flights this summer, and I would estimate about 1% of passengers are masking in the airport, and perhaps 5% of employees are in the airport. On the plane, I had one flight where all the cabin crew were masked, but on the other 7 legs, crew were not masked.
TSA precheck is worth it, but if you do any international travel, get Global Entry instead since it includes PreCheck. Downside: Global Entry takes longer to get.
If you are flying Alaska, their first class fares can be surprisingly affordable, on some flights as little as 30% more than coach. On many other airlines first class is 2x to 3x the price.
posted by soylent00FF00 at 8:34 AM on September 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
TSA precheck is worth it, but if you do any international travel, get Global Entry instead since it includes PreCheck. Downside: Global Entry takes longer to get.
If you are flying Alaska, their first class fares can be surprisingly affordable, on some flights as little as 30% more than coach. On many other airlines first class is 2x to 3x the price.
posted by soylent00FF00 at 8:34 AM on September 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
I always print out my boarding pass at home or at the airport, though I'd also get the app-based pass as a backup. The app-based passes always feel a bit too fiddly and as noted above the paper can't change at the whims of the airline.
Nthing that exact security practice aren't standardized and can vary from airport to airport. Pay attention to signage and TSA agent instructions.
posted by Aleyn at 12:50 PM on September 6, 2023
Nthing that exact security practice aren't standardized and can vary from airport to airport. Pay attention to signage and TSA agent instructions.
posted by Aleyn at 12:50 PM on September 6, 2023
SEA can be crazy busy on mornings that cruise lines return to Seattle. On a recent Friday I saw Alaska have a several hour wait to check bags in the morning, but by noon it was almost empty.
posted by obol at 12:59 PM on September 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by obol at 12:59 PM on September 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
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Yes, unless you participate in one of the advance screening programs, which you won't have done.
Is a paper boarding pass OK, or does it have to be a phone app?
You can still get a paper boarding pass at kiosks or check-in. Sadly the paper stock is now pitiful.
Using the internet in flight: how easy is this? Is it monopolistic and expensive to do so?
Depends on the carrier. It can range from "free" to "you want me to pay what for two hours?" Check their website.
What else do I need to know (things that might have changed in the last decade)?
Retail and dining has improved at most airports, but it's still overpriced.
Everybody now tries to carry on everything to avoid paying to check a bag, so if you're in economy especially do your best to board as early as possible to get bin space. It's a war up there.
If you do check a bag, tracking is better. Some carriers will literally text you with location updates.
posted by praemunire at 1:01 PM on September 5, 2023 [7 favorites]