I'm so excited, I just finished booking airfare and hotel for my younger sister and I to go visit our older sister for the weekend. It's going to be a girls' weekend. I'm going in full female presentation and will be packing only female clothing, no safety nets. This will be my first experience traveling by airplane in female presentation (flying pretty as the Crossdressers call it) and will also be the longest I've spent in a continuous female presentation. My sisters are already planning some meals and shopping while we're there, they seem to like the idea of getting to hang out with a new sister. We've got a solid three days for me to take it all in and really experience life as my authentic self.
The goal of this weekend for me is kind of a final confirmation that transition is the route I need to go. Getting out into an immersive situation like this is something that my therapists and others even here on this forum have recommended. I've ventured out to numerous "safe places" (church, friend & family's houses, my therapist's office) and a few general public places while dressed in various degrees of female presentation. However, this will be my first experience going full time in the real world. Barring some realization that this is not how I want to move forward, I'll be proceeding with HRT shortly after we return (I already have the Dr. Appt. scheduled).
As you can imagine I'm super excited but also have some anxiety as well. It's a trans-friendly city that we'll be in but of course things can happen anywhere. I also be with my sisters throughout the weekend so hopefully that will mean some added safety. Hopefully this all goes really well.
I obviously haven't done any name changes so my ID has my male photo and name. I've researched information on TSA so I think I'm good there. I have pre-check so going through the metal detector with breast forms should be fine, but I'll have to take off the boots I plan to wear (already checked them, they do indeed have a steel shank). My sister and I will be in a row together that only has 2 seats, so less concern about someone next to me being uncomfortable or worse yet outright rude or aggressive. I plan to contact the hotel in advance to make sure there won't be any issues checking in. Beyond that, I can't think of much else.
While I don't want this to be the focus of this thread as I'm sure traveling tips are covered in others, if you do have any specific tips you think I should be aware of, I'd certainly welcome hearing them.
Relax. Have fun.
I went through TSA without issue. As long as your ID and the name on the ticket match - they really don't care. If you are asked questions, just answer them. Totally ignore everything. Pretend you are in Guy mode going through. IF you go through the scanner that you put your hands over your head, you will probably get a pat down. When I went through I did not have breast forms in and told the guy doing the scanning to "hit the MALE button". I got a strange look but went right through (Okay they patted down the bra strap).
Have FUN and keep us up to date.
Here's a tip: Have fun! ;D
Out of curiosity, why is it obvious you haven't done a name change? It's relatively easy, and anyone can apply.
Hugs, Devlyn
Let us know it goes.
Sounds like a fun trip ahead and one I envy you for. I can't see myself doing anything of the like yet but I am just starting this journey.
It's great you have sisters that are in support of you.
I wish you a great time bonding with our sisters as a woman.
Hugs,
Jeanette
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on February 14, 2017, 03:04:13 PM
Here's a tip: Have fun! ;D
Out of curiosity, why is it obvious you haven't done a name change? It's relatively easy, and anyone can apply.
Hugs, Devlyn
Yep, that is a great tip, and one I definitely plan to follow :)
I said it was obvious only because I'm very early in this process. Thinking a name change doesn't really make sense until I start to socially transition. That was all.
Cool. Safe travels!
Hugs, Devlyn
Sounds awesome, have a great trip!
I want to say, I've traveled from Norway to both London, Amsterdam and New York as a female as well as a bunch of domestic flights and there has never been any trouble.. Even Mauritius and Tanzania went fine as far as the airport stuff went! I get the impression most have already dealt with people like us before, so just relax. Will be absolutely fine :)
Lisa - When is your trip? - Dee
Quote from: Floof on February 15, 2017, 01:59:55 AM
I get the impression most have already dealt with people like us before
That is SO TRUE. We've only been around for like thousands of years. :)