Hi Everyone! I am so glad I found this forum, because I've already learned many tips from you seasoned travelers.

This is embarrassing to admit, but I haven't flown since the early 80s while on a family vacation. Now I am going to be flying UA from ORD to DCA next week for a couple of days. I'm not nervous at all about the flight itself, but I worry about that dreaded walk through security. I've read all the instructions for carry-on packing and dressing on the TSA website, and many of the tips here. But, I'm still nervous. And have a few questions I hope some of you might know the answer to:

One thing that gets me P.O.'d is that they say not to wear an underwire bra or it will set up the detector and I'd be subject to a "pat down". I have...um....certain parts that cannot do without an underwire....not ever. Trust me on this. So when my bra sets off the detector and they go to grope me, what rights do I have? Do I have a right to have a female do the screening? Can I simply tell them to bugger off, it's just my bra!?

Which airlines/airports provide those paper booties for the shoe screening, or should I just bring my own?

If I pack my electric curling iron in my carry-on do I need to take it out? Or will they think it's a weapon?

Besides my little 17" wheeled carry-on, can I bring a small tote bag type purse (think a Coach knockoff), or does the extra personal item have to be a small purse?

What do you guys do with disposable cameras? Is it better to buy one at the destination and then ask them to hand screen it on the trip back?

Sorry for the silly questions. I appreciate any and all insight. And please try not to laugh at me at the airport when I walk aimlessly around looking like a "deer in headlights" or when I can't figure out how to open the lav.

Thanks!