surviving the trip - security
Once all of your travel plans have been made and you are ready to go, the fun is about to start - but first, you have to make it to your destination. In today’s world of constant heightened security, airport travel is not as simple as it used to be. In most places, it’s more of a hassle than it ever was, and some airports are simply painful. However, with proper planning, you will survive the journey and show up intact to meet your new family.
To make the trip as smooth as possible, be sure to be up to date with any travel advisories and with the most recent rules concerning what you can and can’t take on board. The days of taking anything but the most obvious weapons on board with you are over. There are now rules concerning items such as bottled water, shampoo, and many other necessities, so be sure to check the following before you pack. Believe me, having to leave items (even inexpensive ones), are not a good way to start a trip. Be as prepared as possible.
You can find any travel warnings and other tips for international travel at the U.S. State Department’s travel website:
http://travel.state.gov/
The FAA website lists all that you can and can’t take with you on a plane, as well as anything else you need to know regarding travel to and from the US:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
Beyond what you can and can’t bring, it is important to dress comfortably for the flight and for easy passage through security. I recommend you wear sandals (weather permitting) or slip-on shoes during the journey, as you will have to take off your shoes to get through security. You will likely feel rushed through a packed security line by less-than-friendly agents, and wearing low-maintenance clothing and shoes will make the experience much less painful. Comfy, simple shoes will also make life on the plane easier, as will layered clothing.
If you’ve done your research (and yes, flying nowadays does require actual research), you will have done all you can to have a hassle-free trip. Bon voyage!
