About that, i flew down to florida over christmas break, and while yes, it is more strict, you don't have to worry too much. A large group must leave LOTS of time for seurity. By the one carry on and one personal item, it's basically still two carry on items, just rephrased. i don't belive you need photo ID if you're under 16, although bring your school ID card, your SME card, and a license of some sorts (if you have one). My mom was stupid when we went, and forgot her driver's license, but she got lucky and we were able to convince the security people that she was my mom (and yes, she's never going to live that one down
).
about packing for florida, any sharp items must go in a check bag. do not just bring all your stuff in carry on, cause if the random number is you, then you have to open your bag for the entire world to see. because of that, it's easier in the long run to just pack a checked bag, and put eveyrthing but a cd player, book, cell phone, and maybe a video camera in that. the rest pack in your school bag (empty it out first though
). also, make sure no bags are more than 70 lbs, or else you may have to pay extra money, for some airlines at least. don't ask why, but when i went down, we had one bag at 65, and one at 75. we had to repack at the check in counter so they both were 70.
if yo uare picked for the random screening, jsut do what they say and it will go faster. once your on the plane though, you just sit down, and have fun. don't poke fun at the national guard either. those guns are real
. flying in today's world isn't that much different from before 9/11, but it is a lot more secure. be ready for the unexpected, and make sure you don't do anything stupid. if you say "bomb" you probably will force an early landing and be taken off the plane in handcuffs. doesn't sound like fun. so, while the rest of the time, you can have fun, if theres one time to be serious, it's during the plane trip.