Yippee! Just confirmed I have tix for the swearing in ceremony.

[brooklynite]

Can anyone who attended last year give me any guidance on how to deal with security (I understand there were backlogs at the security checkpoints) and mobility around the City?

[s-cubed]

1. Go early and dress for the weather.

One of the problems was that too many people were funneled through a tunnel that was inadequate. Check the inauguration website for suggestions as well as the Washington Post. You may not have any choice of which direction you approach the area, but look for a less obvious one if possible.

Take nothing except your ID and invitation. No backpacks or large bags, and probably no liquids. Website will tell you. Have fun!

[KaryninMiami]

2. Get there early, be prepared to wait in long lines, wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly!

Don't bring any big packages or huge backpacks. Pack lightly! I had tickets last time with visions of being in a close in section (was traveling with a commissioner from my town)- we were pretty far away but at least in seeing distance and close to one of those giant screens. But there was a lot of confusion regarding which line to go to, which way to walk to get to our line color area (tickets were in different colors and sections) etc. Be ready for confusion and lots of long lines- patience is key here. Last time was FREEZING- colder then anything we imagined it would be so we were frozen on top of it all but you know what? IT WAS WORTH every second of frustration, waiting, walking- all of it. Public transport closed down- we were staying in town so although it was a far walk from the ceremony- we made it on foot. And what amazed me most of all was that in spite of the confusion and the security checkpoints all over the place and the lines and cold- everyone was kind and considerate and SMILING- it was like this gigantic bubble had surrounded Washington DC- everyone was glowing and that was the most amazing part of all (besides of course, witnessing the inauguration of President Obama which was beyond extraordinary).

[JaneyVee]

3. Have fun & find a TV camera to step in front of & to wave often.

[HughBeaumont]

4. Do. NOT. Take. Large. Bags. PERIOD.

GOD, in 2005, I was stuck on the 7th St. security checkpoint. Literally thousands upon thousands of people, since 7 AM, crammed shoulder-to-shoulder trying to get in, and on one of the coldest days in D.C. that I can remember (had to have been in the low teens, and I'm not kidding; It was CLEVELAND cold that day). Why? Because nearly 1/2 to 3/4 of these dumbasses bought large back packs, duffel bags, purses, coolers, etc.

Find out when I got up there . . . it was a total of FOUR entries for thousands upon thousands of people. FOUR. There should have been at least 16-20 entries. The military posted at each of these four entries do an extremely thourough search (flashlights and prods) of everything you're bringing in . . . took about 3-5 minutes per person, depending on how large your bag was. Square these inadequate numbers of security personnel against the giant throngs of people and you got a nice 8-hour logjam on your hands. In 10-degree weather. And every hour, you got to smell random gas passings. And there was no escape.

I BARELY made it into the parade in time to see the President and the First Lady leave their limo and wave to the crowd.

I'd look at forecasts ahead of time. So far in D.C., it's been in the high-30s to mid 50s in January . . . in Cleveland, we call that "April". But anything can happen, so dress accordingly. I'll be taking some Coldgear with me so I don't lose feeling in my legs and feet like last time.

[s-cubed]

5. You are right about the bags! We used to live in Cleveland Heights,

and our son, daughter- in-law and 2 granddaughters live in Rocky River. We're heading there this weekend from northern VA.

[HughBeaumont]

6. Thankfully, they've learned their lesson from last time:

http://dc.about.com/od/publicsafety/a/SecurityInaug.htm

Officials strongly recommend that you bring as little as possible with you. Allow for additional time and be aware of prohibited items. Cell phones and cameras will be allowed, however tripods and camera bags will be prohibited.

Security checkpoints will open for the Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremony at 8 a.m. Ticketed guests are advised to arrive by 9 a.m. Parade route entry points will open at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until the parade route can no longer accommodate additional people.

Prohibited Items
•Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
•Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
•Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
•Mace and/or pepper spray
•Sticks or poles
•Pockets or hand tools, such as “Leatherman”
•Packages
•Backpacks
•Large bags
•Duffel bags
•Suitcases
•Thermoses
•Coolers
•Strollers - Allowed on the Mall with a child in it, not allowed on the Capitol Grounds or the Parade Route
•Umbrellas
•Tripods and camera bags
•Laser pointers
•Signs
•Posters
•Animals (other than service animals)
•Alcoholic beverages
•Other items as determined by and at the discretion of the security screener

That, of course, isn't going to stop the cavalcade of dumbasses who'll insist on bringing this stuff anyway and causing massive logjams. Because they're dumbasses who don't have a clue or where to buy one.