I am flying for the first time in years - what happens if you are on a no-fly list

[debbierlus]

I am such a outspoken activist whose name is all over the web and I have been fairly visible. I should state, unequivocally, I have never done ANYTHING illegal, but as we all know, being a concerned & vocal citizen is enough to get you flagged.

I am flying out West in a couple of weeks with my sis (I am going to watch my niece for her while she does job training - flying with a seven month old - that should be fun)!

Anyway, what happens if you are on a list? Is there anything I should know? I know there is no way to find out ahead of time.

Thanks!

[Zywiec]

1. Nothing, you just check your ego as usual but it now costs $15 n/t

[Hoopla Phil]

2. The list is classified.

There is no way to know if you are on it. And, as far as I know, there is no way of getting your name off if you are on it.

Good luck.

[sharp_stick]

3. You shouldn't be on it if

you are an activist. Without a history of illegal activity or something you should have no problem. The problem you may find is that "your" name can be on it even if it isn't you. A friend of mine with the name David Nelson gets double checked every time because there is one of the tens of thousands of David Nelsons on the damned list. He gets to the airport at least 2 or 3 hours early to make sure it's OK.

I don't think there is any way to check ahead of time but don't worry too much.

[patrice]

4. Yeah, I screamed at Cheenee a couple of times; I'm probably on a list too.

I've been wondering about this too; what actually happens? They just look at you extra-careful???

[billyoc]

5. You don't fly.

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. Surprisingly I have not made it to the list

oh wait I have.

Usually they have codes and threat levels... and you can even see it in the ticket... if you actually have an honest to goodness ticket. Look for a nunber of Es at the top, I've been told. The more the more hassle you will get.

Most folks are allowed to fly after some hassle

Early on I got sent to the special line every so often, but since I don't fly that often... they don't bug me anymore. So don't be too shocked if to your pleasant surprised you are not hassled at all.

[rocktivity]

7. You'll be traveling with a 7-month-old?

Seeing as you might end up on Stephanie Miller's Screaming Baby Airlines, a no-fly list might may not be such a terrible fate, LOL!

But seriously, folks, just be sure to wear shoes you can slip on and off, and observe the 3-1-1 rule if you'll be carrying on luggage.

:headbang:
rocktivity

[SheilaT]

8. If people made the list just for being outspoken

especially against the Bush administration, I'd have made the No-Fly list years ago. My not being on it is proof that they are incompetent idiots. Also the fact that they will screen everyone with a common name just because someone with that common name made the list. Or carefully screen two year olds and elderly nuns who have a name similar to someone on the list.

I'm a former airline employee. I worked at DCA (National Airport) before any kind of security, when we used to let people walk out onto the tarmac if they wanted to take pictures of planes. The original security measures were intended to put a stop to the rash of hijackings, and it was largely successful. The "heightened" security measures since September 11, 2001, are largely a joke, and essentially involve locking the barn door after the garage has burned down. It's entirely the wrong sort of thing too late.

Anyway, don't sweat it. The biggest pain in the butt is the stupid 3-1-1 rule, which means no normal woman can possibly carry along the basic essentials of shampoo, conditioner, face creams, contact lens solution, hand lotion, and other assorted amenities that are crucial to life. I used to tell my passengers not to check anything you couldn't live without for three days, just in case we managed to lose your luggage. Now you absolutely have to check the vital stuff, and not allowing me to carry on a full bottle of contact lens solution in no way compromises the safety of the flight.