Airport question

[Ellement_of_Freedom]

I just got off the phone with my dad as he is in the process of booking flights for us to go to Belgium for my FFS.

He is wanting to book flights that stop-over at Dubai airport. If we avoid Dubai it will cost quite a bit more.

Has anyone had any trouble passing through Dubair airport before? I did hear horror stories of some Transgender celebrities being detained there but I'm sure that's not the norm for those who aren't famous like me!

I am just hoping someone could put my mind at ease about a stop-over in Dubai airport.

[Cindy]

Not a problem

I just got off the phone with my dad as he is in the process of booking flights for us to go to Belgium for my FFS.

He is wanting to book flights that stop-over at Dubai airport. If we avoid Dubai it will cost quite a bit more.

Has anyone had any trouble passing through Dubair airport before? I did hear horror stories of some Transgender celebrities being detained there but I'm sure that's not the norm for those who aren't famous like me!

I am just hoping someone could put my mind at ease about a stop-over in Dubai airport.

[Cindy]

I'll modify. The transit lounge and airport is just a big international airport transit lounge airport.

I haven't stayed in Dubai itself just transited from Quantas to Quantas flights to Europe.

[Ellement_of_Freedom]

Okay, so I'm just being silly?

That's good.

[AnonyMs]

I'd be very careful about bringing any drugs like painkillers though that airport.

[jill610]

I'd be very careful about bringing any drugs like painkillers though that airport.

If it is over the counter or has a prescription label on the container it will be fine, but personally I agree with this on loose pills. You'd probably be fine but you don't want to find out in that country the hard way.

I have been through Dubai many times traveling between New York and Chennai, and it's a bit different than domestic airports in security. Not bad just different, though the airport is a safe international space where they sell all sorts of things that are not necessarily legal in that country.

[Ellement_of_Freedom]

I'd be very careful about bringing any drugs like painkillers though that airport.

Well that worries me a little because I think I'm probably going to need painkillers on my way home (post-op)...

[AnonyMs]

Its rare to have problems, but if you search you'll certainly find quite a few horror stories.

Here's one from a while ago with someone transiting Dubai.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/7801410/Dubai-warning-to-travellers-over-prescription-medicine.html

You're very unlikely to have problems if you're careful, but having said that I'd not do it.

[Dena]

I have never traveled out of the country but I think I would stick to two rules. The first is if you don't need to change planes, don't get off the plane. The second is if you need to change planes, stay in the secure area so you don't have to go through security again.

[Ellement_of_Freedom]

Thanks everyone..

Well I always bring my prescriptions with me if I have my pills on me and I'm catching a plane.

I'm still a bit worried but hopefully everything will be okay.

[Kendra]

If the name on your prescription matches your ID and the prescription is in its correct container, I can't imagine having a problem.  But if there is additional concern I imagine you could ask the FFS surgeon for a letter confirming this prescription is medically required for your return home.

For GCS, my post-op kit included a set of dilators and a letter from the surgeon explaining these are medically necessary - in case airport security doesn't like the way they look.  I was surprised to see the letter.  News headline: confused passenger pretends dilator is a samurai sword.

[Colleen_definitely]

Depending on my pain medication level I might be tempted to wave it around making lightsaber sounds.