Upcoming Vacation and my First SCC - Should I worry about my travel?

Comment by Stephani Krzysik on August 21, 2011 at 7:48am

Going through customs more than likely in Phoenix or returning from Atlanta might prove to be difficult if you do not match your passport. I would suggest unless others have a different experience to start your "vacation" once you get to Atlanta and up to leaving.

Comment by Caroline Grace on August 21, 2011 at 8:11am

Related to travel within the US, I traveled several times appearing as me while all my ID and ticket said my former male name.  When the ticket and ID matched, there weren't any problems.  A couple of times, eyebrows were raised and then as I was passed along without comment or any additional screening. Mind you, I am 6 ' 2", 240, and I was really comfortable with myself so there wasn't any detectable "nervousness" that might trigger a screener's concerns.

 

One time, in a really crowded airport, to help alleviate teh congestion what was obviously a new screener was stationed in front of the regular screeners to help check IDs and tickets.  She saw my ID & ticket, looked at me, and said "Wait here." She took my documents to her supervisor. Her supervisor called me over and asked, " What's your last name?" "Temmermand," I replied.  He then said, "Have a nice day!" and off I went.

 

Two quick points: 1) I was traveling with IDs issued within the US so screeners know what those look like. Not sure how familiar they would be with Canadian IDs other than a passport.  2) I didn't bring my carry letter.  In fact in the beginning of my transition I would carry it. Never had to use it. So I stopped carrying it. Once my ID got my new name and then I changed the gender marker on my ID, the idea that I might need a carry letter has simply faded.

 

Confidence, honesty, clarity with screeners gets you far.

 

These are my experiences pre FFS and when I did not look very feminine at all.

 

In fact, while I had a carry letter for use in everyday situations in the beginning of my transition, I never showed it to anyone in any situation. Confidence goes a long way to say, "I belong here." How you appear to others  is also important. Clothing needs to look appropriate for teh situation.

 

My lawyer says I need to tell you, "These were my experiences. Your experiences may vary. Some people experience heightened emotions when traveling in airplane as their true self. If this happens, consult with your physicians for appropriate treatment."

 

And yes, the pun was intended. I know its a stretch.

 

Comment by Lauren Elisabeth Tancyus on August 21, 2011 at 9:04am

Hi Stephanie! I'm so glad that you are coming to SCC! Please stop to say hello if you see me and I shall do the same if I see you!

 

I don't think you will have any problems whatever. I've flown 8 times and I have a male name and picture on my ID. It's never fun, but it's my own stuff, never a problem with TSA or the airline itself. One thing I do when I'm on an airline I've not been on before is to call them and advise them that I'm TS and transitioning, the picture on my ID does not match my appearance. I've never had a bit of trouble or delay. The only thing I really didn't care for was the damn full body scan, but I thought that was the lessor of two evils as I didn't want to chance having a man pat me down (shiver and twitch!). So please sit back, enjoy the ride and have some peanuts!!!

Comment by Monica Lorraine Beaudry on August 21, 2011 at 9:28am

Stephanie, I only had one experience with customs in relation to being TG. It was many years ago and I was planning my first night out and it was going to be at Triangles. I packed all my necessary things and made the long journey driving to the border. I arrived at the border crossing and it must have been a slow night and the customs officer decided to be extra thorough and asked many questions about where I was going, who I as going to see and started searching my vehicle. My suitcase was in the back and he only was in the vicinity of it for a brief time. He turned and pointed south and said "Go just go!" I complied with his request and drove of to  my destination. The return trip to Canada all I got was "Welcome back home!" I almost felt if they would have milk and cookies and a big hug waiting for me if they felt I needed it.

My impression of the whole attitude with them is "we" are hands off because of political correctness, unless of course some other obvious reason sparks interest.

Have a good time, I wish I could go to SCC too.

Comment by Stephanie Shaw on August 21, 2011 at 9:49am

I am fortunate that I will be leaving Canada and arriving back in Canada via the Calgary International Airport. When leaving, I clear US customs in Calgary and thus the decision not to start my official vacation until I get to Phoenix. And when returning, I clear Canada customs in Calgary as well. Canada customs should be ok from what I have been told by other traveling GFs. So the main issue will be with TSA and airlines when I check in. Does callig the airline in advance really assist matters?

Comment by Rose Marie on August 21, 2011 at 10:11am

I have had two encounters with law enforcement and both times I was dressed as Rose. The first was a traffic stop for not wearing a seatbelt which he discovered I really was and the second was when I had my accident in Virginia. Both times I told them I was TS & had letters from doctors which they never took. I was treated with all the dignity and respect due a woman both times. Follow the traffic laws and you should be all right.

Comment by Caroline Grace on August 21, 2011 at 9:41pm

Stephanie,  my dear friend suggested calling in her comment below. I am not sure all her reasons for calling. My friend is brilliant, so I am sure she has her reasons. My thinking is that it is not necessary.  I just fly as me and nobody questions me. If they did I just show them my ticket.  But really, nobody is comparing a manifest with who is seated in which seat unless two people claim the same seat. It's a none issue...  really, especially since restrooms are unisex.

 

I think airlines need to know that TG fly on their planes and we no different than any other passenger as far as security wise... BTW, my daughter works for the TSA so I find it ironic that we are talking about this stuff...

 

Caroline

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