Hi all!

I have returned from the Orlando gathering, had a wonderful time, which I'll have to detail at a later time. 

I do want, however, to highlight an issue that I came across while traveling.  I started my trip on the morning that liquids were all of a sudden banned (August 10th), leaving La Guardia Airport in NYC.  My brother pointed out the concern of lack of being able to carry bottled water.  I didn't think much of it because I thought I'd just have to buy it after passing through security (go figure, another way for those stores to make more money). 

Well, I found out the hard way that they are now randomly doing baggage checks AT THE GATE.  No liquids allowed, including bottled water.  So, I wear my medical id bracelet these days during travel and I boarded my return flight today, and told the flight attendant about my situation (showed the bracelet) and said that I needed a cup of water.  She said as soon as everyone boarded, no problem.  Which would have been fine except that the captain didn't put on the A/C and it was hot as heck.  As sweat started dripping down my face, I told the attendant that I really needed a cup of water esp. since they didn't allow me to bring bottled water aboard.  She said, 'yeah, isn't it crazy' and then walked off.  After 15 minutes, when I thought I was about to have a stroke, I walked over to her and repeated my request for water and she said absolutely, as soon as everyone is seated.  I told her NO ONE IS GOING TO GO ANYWHERE IF I HAVE A STROKE FROM LACK OF WATER.  That got her attention and thankfully, I got two cups of water. 

I say all this because it got me thinking on the flight, what are we to do now?  Beg for water on every flight we're on?  My mom suggested drinking a bunch of water beforehand (which I had, by the way, but it only made me go to the toilet twice before even leaving the gate, and depending on timing of these flights, sometimes we won't be able to do that). 

I'm thinking of requesting a note from my doctor that I can show to the TSA requiring water as something that has to be brought on the plane due to health.  Does anyone else have any other suggestions?  I know the policies are still developing but I'm thinking of contacting the TSA to ask what they suggest.  I'll let you know if I come up with anything.

Happy flying,
Trina

Hi Apu!

I certainly can understand your concern, you guys gotta stay hydrated, but I got to thinking, which is sometimes scary, but anyway… there really shouldn’t be a problem with getting water while traveling. There wasn’t any place that you didn’t have access to water though, right? The problem was the flight attendant. I certainly would hope that all flight attendants wouldn’t be that inconsiderate to your needs after you explained your situation, but if they were… what do ya think about carrying with you at all times, an empty travel type cup/container to get the water yourself if they won’t help you?? Ladies rooms or water fountains aren’t the best situation, I agree, but you’d certainly stay hydrated if that situation occurred again. I’ve seen those folding cups with a lid that people carry with them to take medication.

You’re right; a letter from your doctor that states you must stay hydrated is always a great idea as well.

Just my  

Your buddy…
Mar

Hi all, tell me about the water thing.  This October 06 will be my 10 yr anniversary of mm surgery and nobody told me to drink lots of water.  I stay thirsty ALLLLL the time but thought it was my allergy medicine.

I found this to be a problem on my flight here to Stanford. I had a sealed bottle and they still would not allow me to take it on the plane and the stewardess didn't bring water for at least 20-30 minutes later.

I will request a medical letter while I am here at Stanford, stating that it is imperitive for me to stay hydrated. Hopefully, they will give it some credit on my behalf.

And an empty bottle or container will make it easy on them.....just FILL IT please!

big hugs....diane : )

Trina,

I don't know if you saw the recent anouncement, the FAA has lifted the ban on carry-on beverages. The caveat is that you must by the beverage at one of the highly overpriced stored beyond the security gates.

Greg