Frankie and Slim

Frankie and Slim
Happy New Year

Friday, July 04, 2014

WALKING THE PLANK

I have not set foot on an airplane since 1999.  This means that I have not encountered all the new security rules and regulations since 9/11.  

August of this year I will be heading for Los Angeles to see my god daughter Jessi for six days and have managed to book a direct non-stop flight that will take just under three hours.  I do not want to check any bags, so it is my plan to do only carry-on.

I have a CPAP sleep machine which means I will be limited to my one suitcase and my machine in place of my purse.  It is my intention to carry my purse inside my CPAP case. My suitcase space will be limited because I will have to carry all of my medications in their bottles with the labels.  I believe this will work.  If anything is missed, I can surely buy what I might need when I get there.  I plan to carry my cell phone in pocket unless I have to carry it in my purse inside my CPAP bag. 

I will be wearing a thigh leg brace under my clothing.  Possibly will be wearing my carpal tunnel wrist braces or they will also be in my CPAP bag. Does anyone see any problems I might be overlooking?

These two bags are all that I will have with me. 
My small purse will slide in the top of my CPAP bag.
All of my medication, my toiletries and my jewelry will be in clear bags on top of my clothing in the one piece of luggage that meets airline carry-on size requirements. Extra pair of shoes will be in side pockets.

26 comments:

  1. I have good news for you. Because your cpap is necessary medical equipment it does not count as a carry on. You can carry yuor suit case, your cpap and your purse on.

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  2. Yes, you can get a larger purse as a result of what Lisa said. Are you asking for a wheel chair both going and coming? You can certainly do that and it will make the travel much easier. They may ask you to remove your clear bag of medicines before a scan. Wear shoes that are easy to get off and on. The phone in your pocket will not go through the scan and has to be placed in a basket on the belt. Security is getting much tighter with the ISIS and other groups becoming more crazy. I am not looking forward to the lines of security on my trip to Colorado at the end of the summer.

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  3. I am just in awe of (and slightly jealous of) the fact that you got a non-stop flight!

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  4. Anonymous7:36 AM

    I have also carried my CPAP and because it is a medical device it is not considered extra baggage. It can go on at no charge. You might need a letter from your doctor. Of course, don't trust my experience but I have never had a problem.

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  5. Lisa
    Your response has me in shock. I thought for sure my CPAP replaced my purse. I was on hold for US Airways a long time the other day and finally gave up. This is good news.

    Tabor
    I haven't seen my goddaughter in a long time and cannot bear her seeing me in a wheel chair. I hope I can manage walking on my own. Guess I might check about a wheel chair since I am a heart patient.

    Olga Hebert
    I will drive to Oklahoma City the night before and stay with my brother and sil. They will take me to the airport for my flight. It will be a joy to get to visit with them plus I won't have to mess with parking my vehicle. And they will pick me up on my return so I will get another night with them.

    ditchinthedog
    I have heard that I don't need a letter from the doctor, but I am getting one just in case. Better safe than sorry. I really did not know that it as well as my purse. This is good news and I am glad I ask you guys.

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  6. I strip down virtually naked every time I go through security in the States.:D Remove anything metal before going through, no liquids are allowed, put all your medicine in clear plastic bags in the baskets. Remove your shoes, belts, jewelry etc. Be prepared for the x-ray machines, they have stopped using them in the UK but they do in the States, infact they ask my 15 year old daughter to go through them which I don't feel is right, but I really don't want to argue with anyone.

    Personally I prefer to get as much as I can in the suitcase, and get rid of it as I check in, I keep all my hand luggage to a minimum. I can't bare dragging it around the airports etc.

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  7. It sounds like you have it all pretty well covered....I'm impressed by all of your pre-planning. The Oklahoma City airport is pretty easy to get through but you might consider checking about a wheel chair at the airport in LA.

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  8. all I will say is have a great visit - I still am nervous about air travel since theoperation, but used to love it.

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  9. Anonymous9:25 AM

    Well, good luck and have a nice trip.

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  10. I would definitely ask for a wheel chair before boarding and on arrival. It really cuts down on the time to get from place to place and is better than having to lug cases and purses by yourself. Wear no jewelry other than rings and earrings and no belt, if you can help it. Slip on shoes, for certain. Good luck!!

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  11. So excited that you are doing this. I think it would be good to get the wheel chair for boarding and arrival. Wearing no jewelry helps, and slip on shoes. Hopefully you will be put in the VP boarding line. That is what I get, there are advantages to being an ol granny.

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  12. Have a wonderful, wonderful visit. And I hope the security is a breeze for you.

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  13. Anonymous6:50 PM

    Just be sure that your carry on bag doesn't exceed the size that the airline allows.

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  14. No way--no plane travel here but sounds like you have gotten some good advice. Some people I know FedEx somethings ahead of time to save baggage.

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  15. Don't forget that all liquids must fit in one quart size bag:) Hope you have a great trip!!

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  16. Anonymous10:37 AM

    I always wear stretchy yoga pants and slip ons. And I just throw every single thing into a bin and go through easy peasy. Give yourself at least an hour before your flight to get through security, you'll be nervous, but everyone is because no one likes to feel so scrutinized! Drink lots of water the night before so you're hydrated and take advantage of the pre-boarding they allow for passengers who need a little extra time.

    Since I overcame my travel anxiety, flying has turned into a great adventure!

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  17. Lucky you! Have a wonderful visit and enjoy every minute! I have no advice since I haven't been on a plane since 1991 other than wear comfy clothes and take something to read! You sure sound organized and prepared. I would take advantage of the wheelchair if it were me. Can hardly wait to hear about your adventure.

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  18. I haven't been on an airplane since 1997, so I'm no help, but I will wish you the best of luck, and happy trails.

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  19. Remember to take your airline ticket with you to the airport! ;)

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  20. Sounds like you have what you need and guess what?? I have never been to Los Angeles but tonight my daughter and I spent the evening trying to find a good hotel in the area for mid-August for a Beautycon event she and a friend plan on attending. Isn't that something? Let me know if you know of any nice places to stay in the area.

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  21. #1 - Lisa is right, so hurray! #2 - you have planned well. #3 - Sorry to say it, but since you're a white lady from the Midwest, they're not going to give you any trouble!

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  22. I have nothing to add as everyone else has it covered. I wish you a very safe and sane trip, and I have you beat about flying.

    I haven't flown since Thanksgiving 1992 when I went to visit my in-laws with my now 21 1/2 year old son.

    Father Nature's Corner

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  23. Everyone has given you great advise. I personally like to check my bag - I don't want to mess with it getting on the plane. On my recent trip (Southwest) to AZ, I got some wonderful perk (random, I think), and I didn't have to take anything off or open any luggage or put anything outside my bag. It was quick and wonderful getting through security - I got it going and coming back. Probably never again! If you're wearing a leg brace, ask for a wheel chair - it will make it much easier for you. Have a great adventure and lots of fun!

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  24. btw- they'll confiscate toothpaste! That's the worst thing, then not finding yours at the store. N shampoo, n deodorant! They took my nieces nail file too. Checked bags get lost- carry ons won't. I hate taking shoes off, but everyone has to.

    Safe trails n contrails!

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  25. That is going to be such a fun trip!!!!! Los Angeles is fun, I think.

    Just remember to do slip on shoes - everything else seems fine.

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  26. Excellent planning - I salute you and shall try to do as well in December. I have to fly to the ship,

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