The words airport, airplanes,and TSA can stir feelings of uneasiness, stress and downright discontent to the average doll. With uber invasive X-ray machines and extensive patdowns just short of cavity checks, it’s a wonder most of us don’t need a shot of vodka or a Valium before boarding a plane! With the holidays just around the corner, it’s very likely that many of you will be traveling by air. I’ve had my fair share of long lines and have seen my fair share of angry/disgruntled passengers at the airport. With that said, I have learned to follow 3 very easy and very basic rules. I’ve managed to maintain my sexy in spite of long lines and touchy feely TSA people. Here are 3 rules that help me “Fly Fabulous” every time. Hopefully, they’ll help you too!
1. Pack light. I know that this may be easier said than done for most, but it is possible. Most airlines allow you to take two bags on the plane. One of the two bags is your purse. Instead of bringing a purse, opt for a larger bag that can fit your wallet, keys, cell phone, lady products, book, meds, laptop, a fruit roll-up….you catch my drift, right? Make sure that you designate a specific and easily accessible part of your bag for your passport/ID and boarding passes as you will need to take them out at a moment’s notice. As for your carry on suitcase, opt for lighter fabrics. Pack a pair of jeans, but explore other options such as cotton leggings, shorts and yoga pants. When packing shoes, opt for a pair of sandals to free up some room for the rest of your high heels 😉 . If you’re going somewhere cooler, opt for boots that you can stuff socks, undies (in a baggie of course), and other small items inside. To alleviate the issue of having to pack travel sizes of hair products (side eye) for big hair, opt for hairstyles that you don’t have to fuss with, like twists or braids. If you need to bring some hair products, pack 2 or 3 travel sizes of needed products. That way, they won’t confiscate your $11 bottle of hair salvation :-(. Also keep in mind that carrying on both of your bags will exempt you from waiting in line to claim your stuff. It will also keep you from having to worry about your stuff getting lost during the flight over! Hurray for less stress!
2. Dress like a sexy tourist. Look, they’re going to do whatever they have to do to make sure that you don’t have anything strapped to you or lodged in you. Somehow, this involves taking off your belt, shoes, and hat. Make things easier on yourself by wearing pants that don’t need a belt, sporting flip flops, sandals, or shoes that will slip on and off of your feet, and for heaven’s sake don’t decide to deep treat or henna your hair on the day you have to board a plane. They are going to make you take off your hat and everybody is going to see what’s brewing under there. Tres embarrassing! Lol! Though you have the right to remain fashionable, remember that you’ll be doing a lot of walking, standing and bending. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in.
3. Have a sense of humor. Flying the friendly skies can be a very emotionally draining experience if you allow it to be. If they have you stand in the X-Ray machine, give them a little “Shatterproof Shimmy”. If you forgo the X-Ray for the pat down, ask for a full name and a drink during the frisk search 😉 . Show up early so that you’re not pissed when the lines aren’t moving as fast as they should. In the event that your flight is delayed a bit, bring a book or something to do so that you’re not bored to crankiness! During my last airport adventure, I discovered a shoe shine stand. I even got to shine some poor, unsuspecting customer’s shoe! SEEEEEE?
Airport visits are only as fun as you make ‘em! If you follow my 3 simple rules, you’re bound to have fun before your summer vacation even officially begins! Until next time, stay gorgeous dolls!
What tips do you have for fabulous travel?
Taneica! You are one mad gyal! LOL!! Who would've thought to get a mini shoe shine internship at the airport? Love your carefree spirit!
LMAO! Thanks y'all! Ericka, I hear ya about the barefoot thang, but I'm a country gal. I'll get barefoot just about anytime and anywhere. LOL! It's all about what YOU'RE comfortable with though. KIKI!!! Girl, wassup?! Somebody is walking around with sexy smelling hair and fantastic hold courtesy of you. lmao! Live and learn eh? Shoehotline, thanks for the kind words! Congrats on the shoes btw. WERK! 😉
Great tips. I try to follow 1 and 2 when traveling myself.
The last time I flew out of Baltimore airport, I had a HUGE jar of gel in my carry-on case and they said nothing about it. It was still in my bag when I arrived at my destination. I'm not sure if someone half-assed it or if they just left it there because it wasn't a "liquid."
LMBO at Taneica shining those shoes!
Those TSA agents must have a ton of products at home in their own stash! Can you imagine the stuff they probably get to take home. Some new and unused I'm sure. I wonder what they do with all the items they confiscate.
Not sure if I agree with the flip flops idea, since you have to take your shoes off and I don't know many people who like the idea of being barefoot on a floor everybody's trampin' all over. But, yeah, I'm about to fly with a 3-year old and so these are good tips on how to pack. I'm plannin' on headin' down to the thrift store tomorrow and pickin' up lots of old People magazines to pass the time on the plane and while waiting for my connecting flight. I'm gonna wear my hair in mini twists which I hope no unsuspecting overzealous TSA agent will put their fingers through. Don't intend to wash my hair for the whole month I'm gone so I bought some alcohol wipes to rub my scalp with in case I get the itchies. I know it sounds a little gross but, hey, I'm gonna be in a very rural part of Mexico. Don't judge me.
this post was right on time…i am still licking my wounds after my newly purchased jar of DAX hair pomade was confiscated by TSA because it was one oz. over the limit. I thought that restriction only applied to liquids, only to be informed that it's applicable to liquids, creams, pastes, etc. The TSA lady said that if I really had to have it, I could leave the security line, go back down to the ticket counter and check it in there. I gave her the serious side eye and just let her have it cuz I didn't want to miss my plane. I didn't check any luggage for my flight and was most certainly not gonna check a jar of hair grease!
LMBO!!! Go on ahead with your shoe-shining self!! I'd never have thought of that! Lol!
I take AMTRAK as much as possible. No TSA. No stress.