How do we handle our luggage at the aiport?

[Heidijs]

Stupid question, we're just going to get dropped off at our airport. We fly out of the twin cities in Minnesota. I've flown before and we just carried our luggage to check in but we'll have our 4 year old DD with and extra luggage. Do they provide carts at the curbs at airports or do we have to lug it all in ourselves? Are the counters right inside the doors to check bags? I don't remember because we did park n ride last time and they dropped us off in the lower level and we ended up carrying our bags forever to find the main lobby upstairs! So I've never just been "dropped off" at the doors before and I'm not familiar with how the airport is laid out. I've looked at their maps on line and they're in levels and kind of confusing.

[dudspizza]

Originally Posted by Heidijs

Stupid question, we're just going to get dropped off at our airport. We fly out of the twin cities in Minnesota. I've flown before and we just carried our luggage to check in but we'll have our 4 year old DD with and extra luggage. Do they provide carts at the curbs at airports or do we have to lug it all in ourselves? Are the counters right inside the doors to check bags? I don't remember because we did park n ride last time and they dropped us off in the lower level and we ended up carrying our bags forever to find the main lobby upstairs! So I've never just been "dropped off" at the doors before and I'm not familiar with how the airport is laid out. I've looked at their maps on line and they're in levels and kind of confusing.

Counters are just inside the doors at both the main (Lindbergh) or terminal 2 (HHH). Just get dropped off at ticketing level and you are very close to the check in desks.

http://mspairport.com/maps.aspx
Click on Lindbergh Campus Map. You can see where it is labeled for passenger drop off. The ticket counters are just inside the doors. Watch the signs and try to be dropped off closest to your airline.

They also have sky caps outside and you can check your bags with them. I have always found a shorter line inside, but the sky caps are closer. Tips of $1 per bag are customary for using skycap service.

I have also used the Park N Fly. It is quite a haul from the parking garage. You have to go downstairs, under the road via the tunnel and then back up to ticketing. Drop off is much easier.

Travel safe!


Duds

[prncess674]

You can also rent a smartcarte to haul the luggage. They are outside and accept cash and credit. Cost is $3. You can then wheel your luggage inside to the check in desk.

I am personally a cold weather wussy and don't want to stand outside waiting for the skycap to print my luggage tags and boarding passes even if it is under the heat lamps.

Does your luggage have wheels? My duffle attachs via a little hook on the front of my larger rolling bag so technicaly I could carry 4 bags (2 rolling with two attached.) 4 pieces of luggage should be more than enough room for 2 adults and 1 child.

Also since someone is dropping you off, just leave the big Minnesota coats in the car. You won't need them in Florida! That means less you have to haul around.

[dudspizza]

also, when you go to the link I provided, you will see a link for ticketing lobby/baggage check. You are dropped right outside the doors listed on the map. If dropped directly outside of your airline, you will have maybe 50 feet to walk from the car door to the counter. It is very close at MSP. Unless you have 6 checked bags, you will be fine.

Our first flight out of MSP was when DD was 2 years 9 months. We each had a carry on and each had a checked bag. We did not need a cart and handled it just fine. Each DD had a backpack that they wore and the 5 year old pulled her our case. I ended up pulling our youngest's bag along with mine and DW took care of hers. Once checked in it is time to relax.

Another suggestion for getting through security quickest. Go to the far left or far right if at the Lindbergh Terminal. They always have the shortest lines, especially the far left. It does you no good if you are on AA, United, or USAirways as they are all to the right, but if you are on NWA/Delta and that is your side of the airport, use security check point 1.

Enjoy your trip.

Duds

[Heidijs]

We plan on checking three large suitcases, the big hard sided kind that do have wheels and handles. My dad flys internationally all the time so they're mint suitcases...I guess DH could pull two and I could pull one and let my DD 4 pull her own carry on till we get our bags checked. I plan on taking carry ons too but maybe just two and put DD's inside ours as hers is smaller. I wanted an empty for the flight home...I'll probably buy some sort of souvineer bag for my 3rd carry on bag home...I just didn't want a lot of carry on for the way down there. On the way home I don't care.

We're flying NWA...I thought I saw somewhere that they changed all the NWA terminals to Delta now??? Like I said, last time we fly we got dropped off in the lower level so I have no clue what the main terminal really looks like. The time before that was was the HHH terminal. We had the option to fly out of there with Trans Air for the same price but we have Skymiles with Northwest so DH chose Northwest...I wanted to fly Trans Air cus of the tiny terminal!!!! So when he whines with all the luggage I'll just remind him it was his idea.

[Heidijs]

Do we get charged to use skycap? Or is it just a tip involved? We'll be going the end of January so not sure I want to stand out there either!!!!! Although I could just sit in the car and wait too...

[kaytieeldr]

Are you positive you need three suitcases? Less is more; you could always do a load of laundry mid-trip, or even splurge and send it out to be washed.

There's generally no 'standing' allowed at the airport terminals. Drivers (private, public, or hired) are supposed to drop and go - so waiting in the car isn't a likely option. Really truly, you're not going to be out in the cold that long - but if it's a big issue, go right into the terminal with your child and wait away from the doors while your DH gets the luggage checked.