Question about DCA
 

I haven't flown in over a year. Next week, I'm taking a USAirways flight out of DCA. A travel writer at the Washington Post recently wrote that you are able to select which line to get into after your boarding pass and ID are checked, and that there are still some old school metal detectors at the USAirways check point. Does anybody know for sure? Also, I'm traveling alone, and back in the day, when I did so, I always put my cash in my pocket when I walked through the metal detector, in cash my handbag got stolen while I was separated from it. Can I still do that with the new machines? If I get selected for "supplemental" screening, will they let me pick up my handbag or am I required to leave it where somebody can pretend it's theirs and walk away with it? Thanks for the help.

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Welcome to FT, Fantine!

wb9tio already directed you to the thread to read. I'll add that, if you are flying a roundtrip, you will also need to read up on the airport that you're flying back from because there is absolutely no consistency between TSA checkpoints.

It depends. The last time I flew out of DCA on USAir in February there were two lines with nude-o-scopes only. Sometimes they are roped off. Best to lock your hand bag and hope for the best.

I flew USAir out of DCA back in May and went through a line with no nude-o-scope.

Most of US Airways' flights go out of Terminal C (which is the third pier in the main terminal). When I flew out of there a couple of weeks ago, they had all lines open. If I am remembering right, in two lanes (on the left and right), you have two x-ray machines leading to a NoS/WTMD combo. Some pax able to avoid NoS if they timed it right (e.g. if they went through when the NoS was already occupied). In the middle lane, you had two xray machines leading to only a WTMD. However, it is a crapshoot whether this middle lane will be open.

Some US Air flights -- I think mostly RJs -- also go out of the center pier in the main terminal. This checkpoint, as of yesterday, has NO NoS. It makes me want to fly American/United (that have all their flights in this pier) all the time.

I don't know if US still offers this, but they used to have a shuttle from the American/United pier to their pier. If it still operates, that would be a perfect way to escape the NoS.

July 4 weekend at 5am, all NoS were operating, the only way you could avoid was if it had a backup and they shuffled you through the xray, or you "opted out" which I did... took almost 35min to get from the end of the line to the NoS... and other 10 to opt out as they had a newbie on the x-ray that was doing "bag check" for every 3rd bag thru

You can opt-out instead of going through the NoS (Nude-O-Scopes), and you will get a patdown. They will almost surely find the wad of cash, and feel compelled to 'inspect' it.

If you have cash or anything in your pockets and you go through a NoS, they will have to pat down your pocket areas, and they will probably find and 'inspect' the cash.

If you luck out and get an old-fashioned walk-through metal detector (WTMD), you should not have to worry about your cash. Unfortunately, since most checkpoints have both WTMD and NoS, the TSA will often yell at people and say they must remove everything, including paper and boarding passes, from their pockets, in case you go through the NoS.

Officially, you should have the option of holding cash and/or your boarding pass in your hand when you walk through the NoS, but if they start yelling at you that you need to put it in a bowl, you will either have to comply or argue.

The safest plan would be to get a simple combination lock for your carryon (I assume you carry at least a small toiletries or overnight bag in case the airline loses your luggage), and to lock your purse inside that before you go through any scans. That way, no one can inspect your luggage or access your cash unless you open the lock for them.

Personally, I don't carry more than $20 through the airport when I travel. I use an ATM when I arrive at my destination. ;)

Wow, what a TON of helpful information. I really appreciate all the responses. I can definitely pick up more cash when I arrive in Florida, so goodbye to the wad of cash in my pocket. My purse won't fit inside my carry-on, but I will shove my credit cards, drivers license, cell phone, and house keys in there and lock it up. Let's just hope the iPad makes it through OK (I read that I don't have to take that out of its case).

The last couple of times I flew out of DCA, it took maybe 5 minutes to get through security. I'm really thankful for the warning that it may take over 30 minutes -- I'll be sure to get there early enough now.

My other airport is FLL and the list says backscatter is primary at my gates.

Things really have changed since I last flew. Maybe next time I'll just drive from DC to FL on I-95. It might be less stressful than flying. :)

Thanks again everyone.

Don't forget the Auto Train.

One more question -- if I get selected for "secondary" screening, will I be able to collect my carry on first, or does that sit around waiting for somebody to walk off with it (including the iPad, especially if I have to take it out of my carry on)?

Screeners are not supposed to let you touch your carry-on items until they finish screening you; one of them should collect all of your belongings and bring them to where you are. Some are more careful than others. I wrap my iPad in a jacket or something before locking my carry-on as I don't trust its cover to protect it from a direct hit. To date, I've never been asked to remove it.

You should be able to see your belongings at all times; public service announcements repeat this endlessly at many airports. Insist on it. If told to wait anywhere your property is out of sight or vulnerable to theft, move to where you can see it. If they object, tell them you're just following instructions to keep your baggage under control at all times.

Welcome to FlyerTalk! Good luck, and have a good flight.