Going to the Bay Area in three months!

[ciphergoth]

In the afternoon of Thursday 19th July, I'll be boarding a plane that will ultimately take me to SFO airport. I'll be attending the Center for Modern Rationality minicamp, then staying in the Bay Area with the marvellous

Comments

[swiftangel]

Delta is one of the few carriers I can still turn to to get me home, so I am familiar with their baggage policy. You do indeed get one checked bag (max 23kg) and one carry-on for free, and have to pay for any additional checked bags. I will point out that last time I flew with them they didn't actually put the carry-on items on the scale. I'm flying with them again on 2 May and will report back if that would be helpful (I get back to the UK on 10 May).

[ciphergoth]

That's great to know! I don't know much about booking transatlantic flights; I was a bit nervous that someone would say "You booked with Delta? What do you think you're doing?" so I'm reassured by what you say.

[swiftangel]

There are far worse out there than Delta. I used to have a frequent flyer account with them because they had a hub in Ohio. When I started flying with them again recently I realised that in many ways they are stuck in the 80s - the intro/safety video for starters (you will LAUGH), but they also still appear to trust their passengers with real cutlery at meal time! I've also never had them lose or damage my luggage and they've also never managed to lose me on a connection (American and United used to do that with alarming regularity).

[djpsyche]

I agree, Continental are horrible! Delta are no Virgin, but they're not bad.

[wildeabandon]

I am very very envious - you must tell me all about it when you get back.

[ciphergoth]

I look forward to that lots, but we should definitely meet up before then!

[webcowgirl]

You always get a free suitcase on flights to the US

[pir]

[I don't know how much experience you have with US travel, erring on the side of providing way more information than you likely need since you mention not knowing much about booking transatlantic flights. Apologies if I assumed incorrectly]

Probably good to get your passport renewed ASAP. Getting into busy before-summer time for them.

The US doesn't do the older visa waiver style for Brits these days, it does ESTA which has to be filled in at least a few days before you leave. People won't talk about "visa waiver" they'll talk about "ESTA" and if you have one. Does at least mean you fill it in once online and then you're fine for additional travel within 18 months or so

[pir]

Oh, and depending on which terminal and thus which security line you take out of SFO you may get asked to go through backscatter X-Ray machines I don't feel these have had enough research (and were brought in with cronyism rather than actual need). You are perfectly in your rights to opt out of these and get the "Enhanced pat down" (AKA being groped) from TSA staff. If it looks like you're being put through them and don't want to you can just tell someone "Excuse me sir/madam, I'd like to opt out of the full body scanners." and follow instructions. Opting out will delay you a bit, I tend to get to airports early so that doesn't bother me.

[ciphergoth]

Wow, that is a world of useful advice, thank you! I know relatively little - this is all good.

I have filled in the form for a passport renewal - they should be posting me what I need to sign and send back soon. Will get on it pronto - thanks for the pointer!

One carry-on and one checked is cool. I shall just use both and stay within the limits rather than trying anything clever :)

I don't own a credit card - guess it might be time to ask for one. This guide seems useful

[pir]

The US has an expectation that you have a credit card, I didn't get one until I moved over there. They're useful things to have as long as you pay them off every month, IMO. The biggest problems are not things you'll run into by the sounds of it (staying at many hotels and renting cars can be difficult without a credit card) but they can't be beat for covering emergencies while travelling

[djpsyche]

Book hair dye, haircut, leg wax, eyebrow threading appointments before trip

Do you want contact details of someone who can do all that in a single appointment? My hairdresser/waxer Alexys is ACE, and she'll even come to you. xx

[ciphergoth]

Wow, yes please, that would be great! Thanks!

[djpsyche]

Rock a Beauty Ink
She's away until 3rd of May. xx