My very first flight?
Airline TicketsJess asked:
Im flying from Florida to Las Vegas in 3 weeks.. this is my first flight and i dont know what i should and shouldnt bring. i looked at the airport’s baggage policies and couldnt find out the restrictions that way… any help will be greatly appreciated.
Tommy
Im flying from Florida to Las Vegas in 3 weeks.. this is my first flight and i dont know what i should and shouldnt bring. i looked at the airport’s baggage policies and couldnt find out the restrictions that way… any help will be greatly appreciated.
Tommy

April 1st, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Air travel is a pain these days, but there are a few general rules that you should follow (beyond the obvious like no guns / explosives etc.)
If you are checking your baggage (going under the passenger cabin) you are probably ok with most normal items - including cosmetics, shampoo, shaving razor etc..
However, if you are only bringing a “carry on” bag, the limitations are somewhat tighter …
Any liquids must be 3 oz or smaller and be able to fit in a quart-sized zip lock baggy … most airports provide this at the security check, but if this is an issue you should probably test it at home first rather that being surprised an hour before your flight
There are exceptions for baby formula, breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Also, if you have any electronics - like a notebook, PDA, camera, mobile phone etc, be prepared to remove that from your bag and run it through the security scanner / x-ray device.
Another thing to watch out for is if you have any “body jewelry” … if you only have ear-rings then it shouldn’t be a problem, but I have heard stories of embarrassing issues with rings and studs in other places that get picked up in the metal detector
Finally, wear something comfortable!
I usually wear shoes that slip off easily and often times pants that don’t require a belt or wear a belt without a big metal buckle or other studs on it.
I hope you enjoy your first trip, just relax and MOST people at the airport will be very kind to you if you have any questions or don’t totally understand the rules.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Here is what you should take in your carryon
sweater
socks
iPod (don’t forget the charger in your suitcase)
crossword puzzles or sudoku
a magazine
a novel
lipgloss*
camera (don’t forget batteries, battery charger in suitcase)
glasses
contact lenses **
toothbrush
sunglasses
a little notebook (to use for notes and as a travel journal)
** You may bring liquids, but they have to be smaller than 100 ml and they must fit in a quart-sized ziploc bag. Lipstick, mascara, toothpaste and deodorant count as liquids and have to go in the ziplock bag. You can only use one ziplock bag. You can put as many liquids as you want in your checked suitcase.
Don’t bring illegal drugs. This website has some guidelines for domestic travel:
Have fun in Vegas!
April 4th, 2009 at 2:46 am
Check your airline’s size and weight restrictions for both carry-on and checked luggage to avoid fees.
Also, the airlines require that your bags be tagged with your ID. They’ll give you tags at check-in, but I use my own bright plastic tags so they’re easy to spot on the baggage carousel. You might want to buy a combination lock for your checked bags. Go to Target for both, they have a travel section.
I always bring gum, snax or something to eat (airline food is awful!). Just in case your bags are delayed or lost, pack essentials that you need for a day or so (undies, meds, tootbrush) in your carry-on bag.
I don’t know what airline you’re flying, but here’s a link to Southwest’s baggage regulations.
Have a great trip!