Continental Airline Tickets

A couple of questions about air travel before my vacation next month?

at the end of next month, I'm flying Northwest Airlines from Detroit to Phoenix. I'm trying to understand the current "regulations" for flying right now, and there were a couple things that TSA didn't clear up. 1. what exactly is the rule for liquids?! i THOUGHT there weren't any allowed on carry-ons but the TSA website says something about putting them in a zip lock bag, and that the rule was different for checked luggage. can someone simplify that rule for me, and tell me what the rule is for checked luggage? the entire explanation on the website completely confused me :/ 2. razors...couldnt find a clear answer on TSA for this. can razors (like to shave with) go into check luggage, NOT the carry-on? 3. can i use my digital camera on the plane? (i'm making a scrap album of the trip...and i want all the pictures i can get) 4. and finally, what is the quality of northwest airlines? are they dependable, comfortable, etc. I'm flying alone, and i am unbelievably scared. i hate flying :/ any tips?

Public Comments

1. You are allowed to carry 3oz. of certain liquids (think travel size shampoo) as long as they are not on the prohibited items list. If you do carry those items in your carry on, they must be in a zip lock bag - no more than one quart size bag is allowed. You may carry larger sizes (think full size bottles of shampoo) in your checked luggage. Yes, you can have your shaving supplies in your checked bag. I am not aware of anything that says you can't take pictures on a plane. Of course, that doesn't mean there isn't some crazy rule caused by some idiot thinking that you're making some schematics for the layout so you can sabotage another flight. Whatever. Northwest isn't too bad of an airline. Dependability is decent (depending on what airport you're flying into or out of) and while no airline is comfortable, I have certainly been on less comfortable planes than theirs. I hope this helps. Don't forget to take some gum to chew on - it will help combat the ear discomfort caused by the air pressure changes.
2. 1. It's been a long time since no liquids at all were allow in carry-ons. The rule is explained in detail on the TSA website (and just about any airline website, and many time on Y!A.) Check out 3-1-1. 2. Sure. You have no access to it on the plane. 3. Yes. But (officially at least) not during takeoff and landing, nor may you photograph airline personnel or "operations." 4. Many people who live around NWA's hubs routinely refer to it as "NorthWORST." I'd say they are about average - there are certainly carriers I would prefer and carriers I would choose NWA over.
3. 1. Get a 1 quart Ziploc bag. Now gather your liquid and gels and toothpastes. Each one of the liquids or gels or toothpaste tube must be in a 3.4oz or smaller container. I go to the sample aisle of my local grocery store or Target. You may have as many of the 3.4oz or smaller liquid, gels or paste containers as you can put into a 1 quart ziploc bag. You must be able to close the ziploc bag. Pack any reasonable liquids in your checked bag. By that I mean, full size shampoo or the expensive large perfume. Non-reasonable would be lighter fluid and gasoline. 2. Safety razors are allowed. Open blades are not allowed 3. There should be no problem with your camera 4. If you do not already have a seat assignment, get one. Since it is your first time flying, try for a window seat so you can see. If you have long legs, try for an aisle seat so you will have the extra leg room. You can also check-in at 24 hours before your flight. I ALWAYS check-in online and try to get the best seats possible. You can print out your boarding pass at that time as well. Before you go, make sure your luggage has address tags, and a unique way to identify it on the luggage carousel. I tie colorful ribbon to the handle because everyone has black roll-arounds. I always carry chapstick, tissues, advil, and breath mints. Lotion can be carried in your liquids bag. I also carry a book, or puzzles or handheld sudoku game. My cell phone is charged so I can take pictures or input a new acquaintances personal info. You can carry an empty water bottle through security as well. Take a picture of where you park your car and it will be a lot easier finding it when you get back When you first go through security, you will need to show a picture ID and your ticket/boarding pass. At the screening tables, you will be asked to remove your shoes, jacket, keys, loose change and anything metal. Place everything in a plastic bin from the pile there. Use two bins if you have a lot of stuff. Walk through the metal detector. some places have a "room" that blows air around you to sniff for explosives. It reminds me of a funhouse. Do not be surprised if you are asked to step aside for a more thorough inspection. I have been publically patted down, had a wand passed over me and had my shoes sniffed. It doesn't mean anything except that the security folks are keeping you and everyone else safe. Most important, don't forget to pick up all your stuff. There are usually chairs nearby to put your shoes back on. I like to wear slip-ons to help with this.