Traveling and flying for the first time and I could use some help/tips

[Rambo]

I was thinking about doing a shopping tour, seeing all the stores that I don't have access to down here, and then I realized that I wouldn't be able to take any of the things that I bought home with me. I suppose I could have it all shipped back.

 

[impolyt_one]

why is that? you can check-in a plastic or paper bag, if need be. Just tape it up on the corners and tape it closed. I have too many suitcases, leather bags, etc, so if I go somewhere and unexpectedly buy something I often just check-in shopping bags now.

 

[dfagdfsh]

yo wtf, you are (I assume) a young white male... TSA could give two ***** about what you do. i fly a couple times a year and i don't even bother putting things like medicine or toiletries in plastic bags, never had a problem, they simply don't care. stop worrying so much. worse comes to worse, just mail your **** home. use media mail / bulk mail, itll take a week to get there but cost you peanuts.

also if you have an amex platinum (or some gold cards) you can abuse airport lounges.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]



I was thinking about doing a shopping tour, seeing all the stores that I don't have access to down here, and then I realized that I wouldn't be able to take any of the things that I bought home with me. I suppose I could have it all shipped back.

This is why you underpack when traveling.

 

[Rambo]



why is that? you can check-in a plastic or paper bag, if need be. Just tape it up on the corners and tape it closed. I have too many suitcases, leather bags, etc, so if I go somewhere and unexpectedly buy something I often just check-in shopping bags now.

Wait, if I'm carrying-on my carryon, plus my shoulder bag, they would let me take a third bag/box full of ****?

yo wtf, you are (I assume) a young white male... TSA could give two ***** about what you do. i fly a couple times a year and i don't even bother putting things like medicine or toiletries in plastic bags, never had a problem, they simply don't care. stop worrying so much. worse comes to worse, just mail your **** home. use media mail / bulk mail, itll take a week to get there but cost you peanuts.
also if you have an amex platinum (or some gold cards) you can abuse airport lounges.

I'm not freaking out over here Teger. Just trying to get the lay of the land so that I can make it a hassle free trip.

This is why you underpack when traveling.

Ah, this makes more sense now.

 

[JayJay]



I was thinking about doing a shopping tour, seeing all the stores that I don't have access to down here, and then I realized that I wouldn't be able to take any of the things that I bought home with me. I suppose I could have it all shipped back.

Why worry with the hassle of taking clothes back home? Have what you buy shipped home, you'll be exempted from NYC taxes, too.

 

[NorCal]



Wait, if I'm carrying-on my carryon, plus my shoulder bag, they would let me take a third bag/box full of ****?
.

Yes. But it will be "checked in" which means that they actually take it from you and put it in the belly of the plane. You pick it up at the baggage claim when you land. You will still "carry on" the carry on bag and laptop.

 

[Rambo]

Well, ****, it looks like I won't have to worry about that after all. I just got my revised itennary, and it looks like I'm only going to be in town Wed and Thur, not Tue-Thur. Ah well.

Anybody have experience with Apex Bus, Bolt Bus, or Mega Bus? The reviews online are all pretty awful and they all are going to Philly.

 

[dfagdfsh]

megabus is fine, it's just greyhound. id take amtrak.

 

[philosophe]

Avoid the so-called Chinatown bus. Megabus is usually fairly clean but runs late. If you can, take Amtrak. It's quicker and gives you more personal space. If you have AAA or are a vet, buy your Amtrak ticket in advance for a discount.

 

[tropics]

i got either bolt or mega from DC to NYC a month ago, can't remember. it was surprisingly pleasant. i had two seats to myself so reasonably comfortable, i plugged in my laptop and used the wireless.

 

[tropics]

plus if you register (free) on their website, you get priority boarding.

 

[Rambo]

Believe me guys, I'd love to take Amtrack, but I can't justify the extra $40 over the bus ticket, even if they do occasionally run late. Even with my AAA discount its still $45 plus fees/taxes vs. the $10-$15 for the bus ticket.

 

[pebblegrain]

fuk these duke of windsor north by northwest cabin car wannabe assholes. Bolt Bus and Megabus are fine, especially on your FIRST TRIP EVAR. There is a good chance you will sit next to someone you don't know.

 

[whiteslashasian]



Avoid the so-called Chinatown bus. Megabus is usually fairly clean but runs late. If you can, take Amtrak. It's quicker and gives you more personal space. If you have AAA or are a vet, buy your Amtrak ticket in advance for a discount.

Definitely do Amtrak. Generally leaves and arrives on time (far better than the buses) and are far more comfortable.