Flying En Femme without A Femme ID: Crossdressers Air Travel Guide

If you travel a lot, you most probably know that not everybody is liberal to our stands as the Q community.

This applies even to the LGBTQ+-friendly destinations.

That means while in public, we are almost always prone to weird looks, discrimination, and other unfavorable conditions, especially around non-LGBTQ+ people.

This typically brings an extra load of anxiety, nervousness, and stress.

Now, imagine having to undergo security checks and later being confined in such an environment for hours with no way to back out.

Seems extremely nerve-racking, right?

Well, I’ll be honest with you.

That’s precisely what fly en femme for the first time is – highly daunting.

It doesn’t matter the level of your self-confidence.

At some point in your journey, multiple “What ifs…” cross your mind, and a feeling of anxiety and dismay will kick in.

In this piece, we will explore all the ABCs of Flying En Femme. I will share simple, proven tips and tricks for enhancing your fly en femme experience. T

Tips for Flying En Femme

Here, we will cover everything from packing to going through airport processes and flying.

So read through to the end.

Preparing Yourself and Packing

Preparing Yourself

Traveling as a femme is no different from traveling in male mode when it comes to outfits: You can wear what you wish.

However, when traveling en femme, you should keep in mind that some types of clothes, jewelry, and accessories can attract additional screening and unwanted attention.

You do not want that, especially if it is your first en femme fly.

You should wear comfortable outfits and avoid clothes, jewelry, and accessories with metallic components that may set off metal detectors.

It is also recommended to wear shoes and outer garments that are easy to slip on and out.

This will help you avoid unnecessary inconveniences.

Still, you should be prepared for a pat down, especially if you tuck or wear prosthetics, a wig, or a hairpiece.

Note that the body scanner may or may not detect anomalies when wearing some prosthetics.

I highly recommend informing the concerned security officer about your feminization before screening and pat down to expedite the process.

Better yet, you can remove the prosthetics and submit them for X-ray screening if possible.

Packing

When packing for your travel, it is imperative to research and be familiar with the screening process.

Additionally, check the list of prohibited items – learn what is allowed and what’s not, and their limits – if you plan to carry liquids, medications, and prosthetics.

Note that these items have additional regulations and are typically subject to additional screening.

While packing, ensure the liquids, gels, medications, and other regulated items are in their original packaging.

Also, consider getting a doctor’s note explaining why you need them.

In that regard, if you will be packing these items in your carry-on, it is advisable to put them in a separate clear plastic bag and keep them within easy reach.

Otherwise, it is better to pack them on the checked luggage.

Important: It is recommended to pack the essential items only.

If the items are available at your destination or can be bought online and delivered to your destination, I suggest not carrying them.

You may also consider sending your luggage to your destination in advance to avoid the additional stress of the screening process.

At the Airport

The most important thing to do in the airport is to stay calm, low-key and organized.

You do not want to draw much attention to yourself.

Ensure your identification and travel documents (as well as regulated items such as liquids you’ll be carrying onboard) are always within your reach.

This will help expedite the screening process and avoid unwanted attention.

Important note: When booking the boarding pass, use the accurate information on your government-issued documents.

Do not book with the feminine name to avoid discrepancies.

Typically, your gender presentation does not matter.

If your boarding pass matches the legal documents, you will be okay even if you’re standing in line as a woman, yet your ID states you’re a male.

I also recommend not applying excessive makeovers that significantly change your appearance from what is on your identification documents photo.

You can always redo your makeup after you’re cleared.

If you have undergone significant facial modification, such as surgery or removed facial piercing or tattoos, you should consider obtaining a note from your clinician explaining the change in appearance.

This will eliminate unnecessary questions and hassles.

In addition, you should try as much as possible not to be overly anxious.

Airports usually have behavioral detection officers (BDOs) for additional security purposes.

Lastly, In case you need to use a washroom, I recommend using a gender-neutral one.

In the Plane

At this point, all the hard parts of the travel are complete.

All you need is to get yourself comfortable and enjoy the flight.

Still, I cannot stress keeping cool and friendly enough.

Be polite and respectful to the flight attendants and your mates to enhance your experience.

That’s it.

Below are additional tips for making your en femme air travel stress-free.

Consider Using a Notification Card

One thing that can help you significantly avoid unnecessary inconveniences is communicating your concerns prior to screening.

Notification cards offer a better means of communicating discreetly.

On the card, disclose all personal effects that may cause additional screening and medical conditions, among other relevant information.

This will speed up and reduce the hassles of the screening process.

Ask For A Passenger Support Specialist

Another best way to get a hassle-free security check process is by requesting to get a passenger support specialist.

Call your airline helpline ahead of the traveling date and ask to get a support specialist when you arrive at the airport.

The specialist will help you through the flight boarding process, from screening to document verification and obtaining a boarding pass.

Arrive Early

Traveling as a crossdresser may require additional screening, especially if you wear prosthetics.

While you cannot skip any of the processes, it is recommended to arrive a few hours (up to three hours) before the flight to have enough time to go through the processes and relax.

Although three hours may seem a long time in the airport, giving yourself enough time will help you get used to the environment, which may influence your travel significantly.

You do not want to start your flight stressed out and depressed.

Be Prepared For Worst Case Scenario and Know Your Rights

Every passage is entitled to equal rights, meaning you are protected from discrimination regardless of your gender presentation or dress code.

You should be prepared for the worst scenario, though. Knowing your rights is crucial in that case.

This will help you effectively mitigate any issue that may arise during screening or on the plane.

Being prepared also adds extra comfort and calmness, reducing anxiety significantly.

Note that you have the right to be treated respectfully at all times.

Also, you’re entitled to private screening, and you can bring a companion if additional screening is needed.

Refer to the TSA website’s trans passenger page to learn about your rights.

You can also contact your airline’s help center with any query you may have.

Stand Your Ground in Style

While controlling your emotions and keeping cool, respectful, and friendly is crucial in an en femme travel, standing your ground may also be essential.

Do not let anyone – security agent, airline staff, or other travelers discriminate, disrespect, or harass you under any circumstance.

Remember, you have equal rights as any other traveler in the airport.

In case you encounter any unpleasant issues, ask to talk to the supervisor and file a complaint as soon as possible.

If it is something you can go through with, I suggest completing the boarding process first and then sending a detailed complaint later.

Also, have a companion if possible.

Still, remember that things can get ugly really fast if you are not respectful to others.

As such, ensure to be positive always and complain where necessary only.

Conclusion

Flying en femme had been one thing that I always wanted but couldn’t get due to fear of discrimination and judgments from the non-LGBTQ+ people in the airport. Interestingly, that’s a thing of the past now.

I overcame the fear and accomplished my goal, and so can you.

Today, you can fly freely while dressed and face no issues.

Try it soon, and let me know how it goes.

The discussed tips will help you enhance your travel, getting you the desired experience.

Keep them in mind while planning for your next expedition. Enjoy your flight.