Flying home from the desert

[-----P-----]

I've finally received confirmation that my deployment will be ending early. While I have yet to find out any details on how exactly I'll be flying back to the states (Space-A, NATO, commercial, etc...), I do know that I will be flying home from Turkey. While this isn't the first time I've come back to the states from out of the country, it is the first time I will be flying in as opposed to riding the ship. Therefore, I would like to pose some questions to anyone that has done this before:

1. Customs. I know when we rode the ship in last time, Customs was more concerned about us getting all of our produce thrown away rather than making sure we were indivually bringing any contraband items. Therefore, I know nil about bringing souvenirs back to the states (although I could cite regulation on produce in my sleep). First question: Will Customs actually go through all my shit to see what I'm bringing back? Or will I have to fill out a form? Additionally, will I have to pay them for any of the stuff I'm bringing in?

2. In flight regulations. I know something recently went through about Lithium Ion batteries in air mail, and how we couldn't ship electronics anymore as a result. Does this regulation extend to bringing stuff on planes to where I would have to leave my laptop and whatnot back at the ship? How about my zippo (will I have to check it/drain it/leave it)? Any other stuff that I should know about that's changed since I last flew? (2010ish)

3. Documentation: Since (and i'm assuming here) I'll be flying in on a military flight, will I need to have my passport available? I plan to bring it regardless, but it would still be nice to know going in. Will I need any other documentation to successfully re-enter the states?

4. General travel tips. I know I'll be beaten over the head with briefings and such over the next few weeks, but does anyone have any regulations beyond keep your head on a swivel, keep your shit close, and watch for suspicious activity?

5. Finally, boredom. I hear the flight over the atlantic, while certainly preferable (time-wise, I'm more confident in the ship not fucking up), is still hellaciously long. Any recommendations on things to do to keep myself occupied?

Thank you for any input you're willing to provide to help get this sailor home!

[Blacksmith]

1. Yes, yes, and most likely not unless you are bringing something in for resale or really high dollar.

2. No lighters allowed on the plane, batteries most likely fine unless you have dozens of them. Also NO Knives/ Gerber. They will be confiscated.

3. If you are military on orders traveling in uniform your ID should be enough. If not you need your passport.

4. Travel light. Put as much of your stuff in checked bags as possible. Keep a hygiene kit, poncho liner and change of clothes in your carry on for the unexpected.

5. Watch the movie, listen to your MP3 player and sleep. It will be over before you know it.

[-----P-----]

1. Yes, yes, and most likely not unless you are bringing something in for resale or really high dollar.

2. No lighters allowed on the plane, batteries most likely fine unless you have dozens of them. Also NO Knives/ Gerber. They will be confiscated.

3. If you are military on orders traveling in uniform your ID should be enough. If not you need your passport.

4. Travel light. Put as much of your stuff in checked bags as possible. Keep a hygiene kit, poncho liner and change of clothes in your carry on for the unexpected.

5. Watch the movie, listen to your MP3 player and sleep. It will be over before you know it.

1. Good luck to the poor sap that has to unpack my seabag...

2. DAMN IT! About the lighter, my knife I figured as much.

4. Good advice there. Just wish they gave us poncho liners... Is that 3 oz or whatever for liquids rule still in effect?

Good thoughts all around. Thank you for the response.

[Blacksmith]

1. Yes, yes, and most likely not unless you are bringing something in for resale or really high dollar.

2. No lighters allowed on the plane, batteries most likely fine unless you have dozens of them. Also NO Knives/ Gerber. They will be confiscated.

3. If you are military on orders traveling in uniform your ID should be enough. If not you need your passport.

4. Travel light. Put as much of your stuff in checked bags as possible. Keep a hygiene kit, poncho liner and change of clothes in your carry on for the unexpected.

5. Watch the movie, listen to your MP3 player and sleep. It will be over before you know it.

1. Good luck to the poor sap that has to unpack my seabag...

2. DAMN IT! About the lighter, my knife I figured as much.

4. Good advice there. Just wish they gave us poncho liners... Is that 3 oz or whatever for liquids rule still in effect?

Good thoughts all around. Thank you for the response.

4. If you go through US customs than, yes. Which if you have to meet a connecting flight you will. Every once in a great while they will wave off on a returning service member but more than likely they will make you pitch it. Worth noting that they will probably make you pitch porn if it is officially illegal in Turkey IDK if it is though. Does not matter if an eight year old kid sold it to you at news stand in the airport.

[Baba Brad]

Since you are flying, there is a very strong chance you'll be riding on one of the planes I work on.

1) Unless you give them a reason, Customs will most likely not go through your bags. You will have to fill out a Customs Declaration and I have seen random bag checks, but usually they receive an anonymous tip and know who they are targeting.

2) No butane lighters. No Zippos. Matches are okay. No knives, Gerber/Leatherman. They will be confiscated. But, you can't smoke on the plane and if you go through Bangor to enter the USA, you won't be able to smoke anyway.

3) What Blacksmith said. However, I do not know if the 4oz rule is in effect for you guys since it is a charter flight. Also, over head space fills up quickly. Very quickly. The more in hand, the less often you will have to climb over your seatmate to get to your gear.

4) Same as what Blacksmith said. However, please don't let boredom get to the point where you start taking apart the seat armrests or seat backs. Just creates more work for me (and yes, it happens far more than you'd think). We usually have movies that were just in the theater, but not out on DVD yet. (and we still use VHS tapes, go figure)

One more suggestion. Police your seat and area before you get off the plane. Check the overhead bin. I have lost count of the sunglasses, iPods, MP3 players, DVDs, cell phones and wallets I have found after an AMC flight. I try my best to return them, but sometimes, it's hopeless. If I find it before leaving where ever we dropped them off there is a better chance, but usually I find it at my last stop.

[Blacksmith]

Baba i hear what you are saying about the customs but they love military. 12 trips to the Middle East, 12 customs checks.

[-----P-----]

Worth noting that they will probably make you pitch porn

But... But...

Next you'll be telling me I can't bring Cuban cigars back*

Ok, so the zippo is staying. Liquids are going to stay because I honestly don't feel like dealing with it. Seatbacks and armrests will not be taken apart (never even thought about that being a possibility). And I will definitely remember to police my area. You only ever have to lose one ID... Any other recommendations?


*-----P----- is aware of the ongoing trade embargo between the U.S. and Cuba. It is against -----P-----'s policy to keep Cuban cigars in his locker. However, -----P----- is not authorized to either confirm nor deny the presence of Cuban cigars in his locker.

[Baba Brad]

I've brought Cubans back several times. Twice from Saudi I brought a box home each time. Lately, I've brought 2-3 individual ones. Never had a problem. Just make sure to claim cigars on your Customs form. Since there is no requirement to list what kind or country of origin....

Blacksmith, sorry about your luck with Customs. I have only had my bag checked 3 times in the 30 years I have been flying. And both times it was while flying as a civilian. Twice back from Saudi and once from classified. That last one was a random check of crew baggage. I got popped for having sausage in my luggage. But, all the other times flying and transporting military around the world, it wasn't Customs they had to really contend with, but the military itself. Example - Ft. Hood. Banned items found in luggage included dummy grenades, full magazines and clips. Knives. Sterno. Lots and lots of sterno. Coming back from overseas, the only time I have heard of Customs opening bags was from an 'anonymous' tip that drugs were being transported back. And only a certain group of soldiers had their bags opened.

Of course, YMMV.