1st Time Adult Flyer Needs Packing Tips

[famsen]

We have driven down to WDW from Chicago for each trip since 1993.
I have not flown since I was twelve. I have been reading up on what is allowed on planes, what is allowed in checked baggage etc., but I am still confused. Can I still bring everything I am used to bringing when we drive?
Carry-on bags are those small rolling suitcases, right? Is there a way to pack my checked baggage to get the most out of the space we have? For instance, shoes on the bottom or the checked luggage or should shoes go in our carry-ons? I will baggy all our shampoos, lotions and such but is there a good place to pack those in the suitcase? What about the mini first aid kit I always bring with moleskin and bandages and Neosporin. I also carry a small pair of scissors to cut the moleskin, can I pack the scissors in the check bags? I want to start packing tonight and am getting panicked.
Thanks!

 

[twinklebug]

Don't panic Think of your carry-on as your survival kit - bring only what you can't do without for 24 hours (in the event that your checked luggage takes a detour to Texas ) -or- is valuable / hard to replace.

Scissors, nail clippers etc are allowed in checked luggage only. There are a few items that are never allowed on planes (think:weapons, chemicals etc), but something tells me you don't ordinarily bring them with you when you drive so I won't go there

It sounds like you're off to a good start packing already.

Not to scare you, but the luggage handlers WILL beat up on your stuff as best they can. I've had wheels broken off, handles bent, foot prints on the back, and the interiors ripped open. They'll toss by the handles with a swing, so put the heavier items at the far bottom corners so they don't crush other items. I add a shirt or two around anything I don't want cracked open such as shampoo. Don't bother with security locks, they're clumsy & if a thief wants anything in there they'll just rip through an outside pocket. Instead use twist ties simply to keep your suitcase closed as they're tossing it about.

Security tip: wear anything comfortable and easy to slip on/off - it just makes it so much easier to get out of there.

Most of all have fun and remember, you can only bring back what will fit in your suitcase or carry on!

 

[ZoZo]

Don't panic Think of your carry-on as your survival kit - bring only what you can't do without for 24 hours (in the event that your checked luggage takes a detour to Texas ) -or- is valuable / hard to replace.

Scissors, nail clippers etc are allowed in checked luggage only. There are a few items that are never allowed on planes (think:weapons, chemicals etc), but something tells me you don't ordinarily bring them with you when you drive so I won't go there

It sounds like you're off to a good start packing already.

Not to scare you, but the luggage handlers WILL beat up on your stuff as best they can. I've had wheels broken off, handles bent, foot prints on the back, and the interiors ripped open. They'll toss by the handles with a swing, so put the heavier items at the far bottom corners so they don't crush other items. I add a shirt or two around anything I don't want cracked open such as shampoo. Don't bother with security locks, they're clumsy & if a thief wants anything in there they'll just rip through an outside pocket. Instead use twist ties simply to keep your suitcase closed as they're tossing it about.

Security tip: wear anything comfortable and easy to slip on/off - it just makes it so much easier to get out of there.

Most of all have fun and remember, you can only bring back what will fit in your suitcase or carry on!

Great advice! A couple of other things to add:

Pack your medications and valuables (camera, etc.) in your carry-on.

Double-ziploc liquids in your checked bag (that means put them in a ziploc, seal it, then put that ziploc in another one and seal it, too). Better safe than sorry.

Go on your airline's web site and look at their "rules about packing liquids in your carry-on." I won't go into great detail here, since you can get the specifics on the airline's web site. Just remember the 3-ounce rule - if you pack anything remotely liquid (including snacks like yogurt and bottled water!) that are more than 3 ounces in your carry-on, they will make you throw them away!!!

 

[debbiedana]

checked[/U] luggage only.

Tiny scissors and nail clippers are allowed in carry on luggage. I can't recall the size of scissors allowed, but small ones are a-ok.

 

[Tara]

Don't panic
Scissors, nail clippers etc are allowed in checked luggage only. There are a few items that are never allowed on planes (think:weapons, chemicals etc), but something tells me you don't ordinarily bring them with you when you drive so I won't go there

Scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches are allowed by TSA, as well as nail clippers.

A comprehensive list of what you can't pack either in carry-on or checked baggage is here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Remember that the 3-3-1 rule is a bit misleading - it's actually 3.4 ounces, or 100ml that containers are limited to. Also note that the containers must be 100ml or smaller - you can't bring a big bottle of shampoo that only has a little bit of shampoo in it.

 

[VAN]

All good suggestions. Once you have your "checked bag" packed - weigh it. The airlines are getting pretty strict about the weight. Again, as others have said, all of the details are listed on the airline website. Drill down on their site to find, weight, size, etc.

Do not lock your luggage. Security may need to check your bag and if it is locked, they have the authority to break the lock. If security does look in your bag (they always check golf clubs), they will leave a note saying so.

If you have a somewhat flimsy bag, you may want to purchase a luggage strap to go around it; however, most people use the canvas-type bags that zip.

For carry-on ... make sure you stay within the size limit and try to pack the heavier items in the bottom (as you would carry/roll-it) so they do not crush your other items. If you have a bag with wheels, put the wheels in first into the overhead ... this way you take up only the space allowed for you.

I usually have a small to mid-sized backpack that I use for under my seat. In that backpack I carry any reading material, snacks, etc that I may need during the flight. A big no-no is getting into your overhead luggage once you put it there. Be prepared to board the plane, stow your carry-on bag in the overhead and sit down. I cannot tell you how many people get on the plane and then have to root around in their bags to get their iPod, magazines, etc.

A bit of a cost savings is to take an EMPTY water bottle through security with you. You can then fill it up at the drinking fountain once through. Small savings, but every little bit helps. Most low-cost airlines charge for beverages (even water) so come prepared.

Since you are a first-time flyer, you may want to pay attention to the safety instructions prior to take-off. Most people don't, but have probably heard it numerous times. Always good to know what to do in case of emergency. HOWEVER, it has been proven that you are safer flying than driving, so enjoy the experience.

Another note -- definitely, as others have said, take anything on the plane with you that you can't live without. Medicines, glasses, contacts, camera, etc. Most everything else can be purchased should your checked bag not arrive.

Oh, that quart-sized zip-lock bag with your liquids/gels 3-oz or less .... when going through security, take that bag out of your luggage and put it in a bin to go through the screener. If you forget, it usually not a big deal; however, technically they would like the bag taken out of luggage and placed in a bin.

When entering the security line you will need to have your boarding pass and government-issued picture ID out. Just carry it with you all through the screening process. Once through, put them away immediately. Upon boarding, you will need to have your boarding pass out but most likely not the ID (unless it is for an International flight).

 

[Tara]

A few more thoughts and tips...

• If you are traveling with a laptop, you'll need to remove it from whatever bag it's in and put it in its own bin to go through x-ray. Pack the cords neatly so that security isn't looking at some questionable tangle of cords.
• When going through security, you'll be required to remove your shoes, put them on the belt to go through the x-ray machine and walk through the metal detector without shoes on. If the idea of walking on airport flooring barefoot gives you the heebie-jeebies, wear socks.
• Neither O'Hare or Midway have a walkthrough on their websites (that I see) but the Orlando airport has an illustrated walkthrough for both arrivalsand departures. Familiarizing yourself with this might make your travel a little less stressful.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. It's tempting to take off your shoes in flight, but be aware that your body can (and usually does) swell slightly in flight, and your feet are particularly prone to this, so putting your shoes back on can be uncomfortable. (If I'm wearing loose-fitting shoes I'll sometimes remove them, but I always carry a pair of thick, fuzzy socks to put on them.)
• Clothes, part 2 - airplane temperatures can fluctuate wildly. It will often be very warm during boarding while the a/c may or may not be running and the cabin door is open. But it will get very cool in flight.
• Bring some chewing gum in case you have ear pain during flight. If you are prone to sinus issues or if your ears are sensitive to pressure changes, the action of chewing gum can help relieve some of that pain. If you think this might be an issue for you, it doesn't hurt to take a dose of decongestant before departure. Also, if you like chewing gum, bring it with you because Disney isn't the only place that doesn't sell it -- it isn't sold at the Orlando airport. (unless this has changed recently...)
• Definitely bring things that will occupy your mind, whether that's a book, magazines, an iPod/mp3 player, etc. Just remember that you won't be able to use any electronics during take-off or landing, and that's when you may need the distraction the most, so make sure you have something that isn't electric.
• I tend to put heavier shoes at the bottom and in the corners with the soles facing out. Lighter shoes (sandals, flip flops, etc) go wherever, usually kind of shoved in the sides of the bag once clothing is packed, or wedged in between sections of clothing.
• Segregate liquids from non-liquid toiletries and beauty from more health-related items whenever possible - it might seem all the same, but I for one don't want my contact lens case getting soaked in nail polish remover if the remover leaks. When packing toiletries, it's easy to forget this and just put like items, like makeup, together. One foundation bottle leak will cure you of this memory lapse, though.
• Don't overpack. It can cause you to go overweight but can also cause screening issues if TSA needs to open your bag.
• There are tons of packing tip websites and many schools of thought regarding how to pack to make the most of your space. A lot of people will recommend rolling clothing, but I've compared rolling versus folding and found no difference. (Yes, I actually tested this with identical items to see how they fared both in use of space and minimizing wrinkles.)
• If you are using Magical Express, be sure to pack whatever you need for the first 4-6 hours of your trip in a carry-on bag. This includes swim or park wear, the stuff others have mentioned like medicines and cameras (which should never be checked), and anything like guide books or touring plans.
• Be sure your luggage has a sturdy luggage tag, and include a vacation contact number - either your cell phone, hotel phone or the phone of a home friend who can contact you if your luggage is lost.

 

[famsen]

I knew I would find the best answers here!
Thank you all so much, I am printing out all your responses for our packing "party" Saturday.

 

[WillCAD]

Lots of great tips so far! Here's a rough timeline for you, based on my experience (I fly Southwest):

Check in online for our flight 24 hours in advance. This is Southwest's procedure; I think some airlines allow you to check in after 6am on the morning of your flight, or some other deadline. Check your airline to find out what their policy is.

Pack anything you might need during the actual flight - breath mints, iPod, paperback, magazine, kids toys, prescription meds, etc - in a smaller bag at the top of your carry-on, so you can easily get it out when you board. A 1-gallon Ziploc works well for this, or ladies can simply carry a purse or waist pack with these necessities.

Schedule your departure from home so that you ARRIVE at the airport approximately two hours before your scheduled flight time.

Drop checked bag off. You can do this at the airline couter inside, or at many airports you can do it at the Skycap station outside. If you drop at the Skycap, they are not airline employees, so tip them ($2-$3 per suitcase). Lines at Skycap are generally shorter than the airline counters. You will need your ID at this point. If you didn't print your boarding pass when you checked in online, you'll get one now.

After dropping your checked bags, find a place in the terminal to stop for a few minutes. Empty your pockets, take off jewelry and phone, and put everything except your ID and boarding pass into your carry-on bag. If you're wearing a jacket, take it off and try to fit it into your carry-on so you have one less thing to carry with you.

Find your terminal or pier, and get into the security line. You will need to show ID and boarding pass at the entrance to the line. Once in the line, you can put your ID into your pocket, but keep the boarding pass handy; you'll need it when you get to the metal detector.

When you get close to the conveyor belt, take off your jacket, take off your shoes, and take your laptop computer and your "3-1-1 bag" (liquids and gels) out of your carry on bag. There are plastic bins stacked at the beginnig of the belt:
*Laptop goes into a bin all by itself - nothing else
*Shoes and jacket go into another bin (ladies' purses can go into this bin, too)
*Carry on bag doesn't need a bin, just put it on the belt
*Bags don't need to be open to go through the scanner; close them so stuff doesn't fall out
*Hand 3-1-1 bag to the TSA agent when they ask for it
*DO NOT put your boarding pass or ID onto the belt with your stuff; you will need your boarding pass, and might need your ID

Stay with your stuff till it actually enters the scanner. Once it's in the scanner, go to the metal detector and wait for the TSA agent to wave you through. NOTE: TSA agent will need to see your boarding pass at this point.

Once through the metal detector, this is the point that some folks get pulled out for additional screening. Additional screening is usually random, but sometimes it's due to your name being similar to someone on a no-fly list. Mostly, they just wave a hand-held metal detector wand over you, but they might pull you aside and ask for ID or do a more in-depth screening of your carry-on. Don't panic, it's mostly routine and only takes a few minutes.

After you're through screening, you can pick up your stuff as it exits the scanner. Most airports have seats just past the screening area where you can sit to put yourself back together again.

After you're whole once more, proceed to your gate. On the way, you can stop at the airport shops or food court for snacks, drinks, reading material, etc., and make a bathroom stop.

Boarding generally begins about 1/2 hour before the scheduled departure time, so relax and find a seat near your gate to wait. Most airlines will call you by rows (1-20 now, please... 21-40 now please...), and Southwest calls you by boarding group and number.

When you get aboard, find your seat, pull your necessities bag out, put your carry-on into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and get comfortable (insofar as that is possible in an airplane seat!) Secure your necessities bag in the map pocket in front of you, or under the seat in front of you, and put on your seat belt.

After that, you're in the air.

 

[VAN]

Good info ...

We just flew this past weekend and they were having everyone put their shoes directly on the belt (something new from the last time I flew).

I have never had an agent ask for my liquid bag ... it always goes in the bin and then through the x-ray machine.

As with anything else new that you do, notice what others are doing and kind of follow suit. Believe me, there are other first-time (or clueless) travelers ... someone will correct you if you are doing something wrong.

As mentioned, you will be expected to take the shoes off and put them on the belt, take off your belt (if it has metal on it) and take off any jackets and/or sweatshirts and put them into a bin to put through. You will be instructed when to go through the scanner.

As stated previously, don't go through the scanner until you see your items go through the x-ray ... this is just a security precaution so someone doesn't make off with your purse/items. In this way, you should arrive on the other side at the same time as your items.

Quickly gather your items and take them to one of the chairs to put your shoes, jacket, belt back on and put everything away.

Again, you will see that others (at least most of them) are doing this as well.