Community Conversation => Transitioning => Real-Life Experience => Topic started by: Nina on November 06, 2018, 06:33:34 AM Return to Full Version

Title: Next big test - flying.
Post by: Nina on November 06, 2018, 06:33:34 AM
Prior to transitioning and living full time 10 years ago, I was on a plane every week. I have not flown anywhere since, but hubby and I are leaving Canada next week - heading to Spain for two weeks.
This will be a real test for me. First nine years of my transition, I felt I needed makeup just to leave the house. Makeup was a crutch I needed to feel confident.
Something happened a year ago, can't explain what...maybe just not caring what others think, I stopped wearing makeup. It's now been 11 months since I applied any makeup. Sort of feels like liberation.
So, next week, it'll be interesting. We have a pond plane taking us to a small airport (we live off-grid in a cabin), then small flight to Toronto, then long flight to Madrid. It'll be a big test as I won't wear makeup, I'll be surrounded by thousands of people, going through airport security. Am I nervous? Oh, a wee bit.
No doubt, like the past 10 years, will come out of this trip feeling like why was I even worried. Lol
Title: Re: Next big test - flying.
Post by: Devlyn on November 06, 2018, 07:06:14 AM
Quote from: Nina on November 06, 2018, 06:33:34 AM
Prior to transitioning and living full time 10 years ago, I was on a plane every week. I have not flown anywhere since, but hubby and I are leaving Canada next week - heading to Spain for two weeks.
This will be a real test for me. First nine years of my transition, I felt I needed makeup just to leave the house. Makeup was a crutch I needed to feel confident.
Something happened a year ago, can't explain what...maybe just not caring what others think, I stopped wearing makeup. It's now been 11 months since I applied any makeup. Sort of feels like liberation.
So, next week, it'll be interesting. We have a pond plane taking us to a small airport (we live off-grid in a cabin), then small flight to Toronto, then long flight to Madrid. It'll be a big test as I won't wear makeup, I'll be surrounded by thousands of people, going through airport security. Am I nervous? Oh, a wee bit.
No doubt, like the past 10 years, will come out of this trip feeling like why was I even worried. Lol

I think you will, too.  :)

I was selected for the full body scanner, and I chose to tell the operator I was transgender before the process started. "No problem, miss."..... *scan*....."Step this way, have a nice trip, ma'am."  :)

Enjoy Madrid, Nina.

Hugs, Devlyn
Title: Re: Next big test - flying.
Post by: Colleen_definitely on November 06, 2018, 07:19:41 AM
The TSA kind of gave up on the "we're saving the universe from them tear-rists one grope at a time" act over the last decade. They're usually in full assembly line mode, mindlessly passing people through. Not to say they're efficient but it's better than before.

I have to say that going through USA customs in Toronto was downright painful last time.  It was like waiting in line at the DMV.

I have flown way too stinking much over the last five years. I'm glad to give that habit up at the end of the month.
Title: Re: Next big test - flying.
Post by: Kendra on November 06, 2018, 09:17:55 AM
I never had any issues flying after I started transition, before HRT or any other medical changes.  But it was definitely less stressful after updating my ID. 

And enjoy Madrid!