Flying and Airports — Category

Issues at the airport and in the air.

Access at airports can vary. It seems to me that in the US they want to charge you but many airports offer ways to connect if you are already a customer of A&T, T-mobile or some other similar service. When out of the US I’ve found free access, at least it was when I was in Costa Rica and Egypt (both in the last 18 months).

My Thought:
Give me free Internet access at the airport and I’ll be early for my flight! I just hate being too early and having nothing productive to do.

Some of the airport privileged frequent flyers may get free access so if you can find a location near one of those areas you might me able to get leech some access from there for free. I’ve seen this in some hotels too, if there is free access in area, it leaks out to the other areas too.

I know from recent experience Detroit and Atlanta do require a charge (or membership with one of the WiFi companies) for the Internet, but one of the Las Vegas airports (McCarran Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) do not. But remember, airports are big and access may vary depending on where you are (McCarran only has it in certain terminals). And finding power isn’t always very easy…

I travel with so much junk in my carry on luggage I’m always surprised that I don’t get stopped more. I’ve got wires, cables, cameras, chargers, batteries, cell phones, a laptop, wires and who knows what else but the fact that they don’t freak out when I go through security always surprises (and worries) me.

Generally, security still wants you to put your laptop in the x-ray machine separate from the rest of your carry on luggage but they don’t ask me to turn it on for them anymore, they used to. So be prepared for this, since you’re probably removing your belt, shoes, change and cell phone from your pockets at the same time some times it’s tricky to handle it all at the same time.

They may ask you to turn items on so make sure they are all charged (or that you can plug them in if needed).

Technorati Tags: Airport Security

When you’re waiting at customs or immigration, do not talk on the phone! They’ll warn you of this over and over and yet people still get yelled at for this.

You shouldn’t take pictures in the secure areas either. This may or may not be announced but even if not against the rules, why draw attention to yourself.

I’ve been yelled at for using my computer in the baggage claim area before (in the US). No one could explain to me why not, but they’ve told me not to. Once again, why cause trouble for yourself when you might be in a foreign country. The last thing you want is to be detained when you need to be somewhere else.