1st time flyers - need help (Southwest)

[markpenske]

These questions may seem basic but flying is a complete unknown to us. Please help us with the basic steps of flying (southwest airlines).
What we know so far: We are parking in Buffalo off site and getting shuttled to the airport. When in Orlando we are using the Mears shuttle to get to our resort. Everything in between that is an unknown for us.
We will have one bag to check in.
When we arrive at the airport do we proceed to the Southwest counter and check in our bag?
Do we get a paper boarding pass? Or just on our phone. If on the phone can one person have both passes?
Do we then proceed through security to our gate?
Check in at the gate?
When we land in Orlando where do we go to get our bag and get to the Mears shuttle and is there anything we need to do?
Thank you in advance.

 

[goofyernmost]

Yes, especially if you have never flown before, be sure to go to the Southwest counter and let them tell you what you need to do next. I have never been on a southwest flight so I am not sure of their specific procedures but worry not. This situation is just like all the rest of public interactions, if you are nice to them, they more than likely will be happy to help you in anyway they can. I don't know if Southwest has any check-in machines and I have found that some of those are easy and others are confusing. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You are only a first time flyer once, after that you gain a little more sophistication about air travel as you go. Some of it good and some of it bad, but it is still the fastest way to get to your destination and can be quite a nice experience.

I remember my first flight. I flew from Montreal to Lisbon, Portugal on a red eye DC-8 flight. I remember just before we got there sunrise happened and the tops of the clouds were outlined in gold trim from the rising sun. It was spectacular and something impossible to be seen from the ground. I also remember a lot of noises that I didn't know were part of it, but I just watched the crew to see if they looked concerned. If they weren't I just sat back and enjoyed the experience.,

 

[Sabres431]

These questions may seem basic but flying is a complete unknown to us. Please help us with the basic steps of flying (southwest airlines).
What we know so far: We are parking in Buffalo off site and getting shuttled to the airport. When in Orlando we are using the Mears shuttle to get to our resort. Everything in between that is an unknown for us.
We will have one bag to check in.
When we arrive at the airport do we proceed to the Southwest counter and check in our bag?
Do we get a paper boarding pass? Or just on our phone. If on the phone can one person have both passes?
Do we then proceed through security to our gate?
Check in at the gate?
When we land in Orlando where do we go to get our bag and get to the Mears shuttle and is there anything we need to do?
Thank you in advance.

When we arrive at the airport do we proceed to the Southwest counter and check in our bag? Yes
Do we get a paper boarding pass? Or just on our phone. If on the phone can one person have both passes? Either. They will print the boarding passes for you at the check-in counter or you can just have it on your phone. Both can be on the same phone or you can share it to the other travelers digital wallets
Do we then proceed through security to our gate? Yes
Check in at the gate? No. Go to your gate and sit there until boarding is called. Make sure you set an alarm for 24 hours before your flight to check in on the app and get the best boarding number. With southwest you will be given a number at check-in(ie B24) and you will line up according to your number for boarding. They don't assign seats(yet)
When we land in Orlando where do we go to get our bag and get to the Mears shuttle and is there anything we need to do? You will be told at arrival what baggage claim to collect your bags at. Mears Connect is still located on Level 1 of Terminal B. You'll collect your checked bag and then go down to Level 1, if I remember correctly. Take a look at the MCO terminal map before you get there to get yourself an idea of where you have to go. Check flightaware to see approximately what gate your flight usually parks at and then you can map out your route ahead of time.

Go Bills! Go Sabres!

 

[leebee]

I haven't flown from Buffalo but I fly from Portland, ME or Manchester, NH, both of which are small airports like Buffalo. Most of Southwest's terminals now have self-check and self-bag tag. It's pretty easy. Go to the self-serve kiosk, enter your confirmation number, and then follow the prompts. You can print out your boarding passes and also print out a baggage tag. Put the bag tag on your luggage and get in line for the counter, where they will take your bag and check your IDs. Then proceed to the TSA security check.

TSA works a bit differently at each airport as they are always instituting new technology, but they probably will want to see your photo ID and/or boarding pass. Some places are now using face-identity technology, but I don't know about Buffalo. Usually you and your travel party can approach the TSA agent together and they will check you all at the same time; no need to go to separate lines. ONCE the agent clears you, if you don't have pre-check, the fun begins. Remember that any liquid you bring in your carry on/backpack/etc has to be less than 100mL (I think that's about 3.5oz) and all of it has to fit into one quart sized baggie. I recommend you take everything out of your pockets, take off your belt, and put it all in your backpack. Wallet, purse, phone, and electronics (nook, laptop, etc) will need to go in bins to be scanned. You'll need to take off your jacket and shoes, which also can go in a bin to be scanned. Basically, when you go through the body scanners, you should have nothing in your pockets (no wallet, no chap stick, no tissues or receipts, NOTHING), wearing no shoes or jackets/cardigans, nothing with metal on it (like a belt or key ring). Jewelry is OK, but NOBODY should be wearing shirts/sweaters with glitter or shiny threads, unless you want to get "up close and personal" with a TSA agent.

Once you are out at the gate, take a seat and just listen for the boarding announcements. Southwest is still doing the A-B-C boarding groups, so when they announce your boarding group, go to the clearly-marked section that has your boarding number in it. People are usually pretty good about waiting in the proper space; rarely have I experienced line-cutting. When you get to the gate agent at the front of the line, they'll scan your boarding pass and you can get on the plane.

I can't help with any of your questions about boarding passes on phones; I don't have a phone so have no experience there.

Once at MCO it seems a little complicated, but it's not really. You'll get off the plane and walk thru the terminal to the shuttle monorail. This will take you to the main terminal. Go to the baggage claim for the terminal in which you landed to get your suitcase. (I believe baggage claim is on level 2). You'll then have to go up to level 3 to cross the main lobby to terminal B to go back downstairs to the ground level to get the Mears bus. The signage for baggage claim and the terminals is reasonably OK, but we were confused the first couple of times we took Mears. Don't worry, if you get confused, ask for help. People at MCO are generally friendly and like to answer your travel questions!

NOTE for flying home: At MCO, Southwest has a separate check-in area for flights to Northeast destinations. Check to see if Buffalo is one of them. This check-in is always less crowded and hectic than the main SWA check-in area.

 

[EACarlson]

These questions may seem basic but flying is a complete unknown to us. Please help us with the basic steps of flying (southwest airlines).
What we know so far: We are parking in Buffalo off site and getting shuttled to the airport. When in Orlando we are using the Mears shuttle to get to our resort. Everything in between that is an unknown for us.
We will have one bag to check in.
When we arrive at the airport do we proceed to the Southwest counter and check in our bag?
Do we get a paper boarding pass? Or just on our phone. If on the phone can one person have both passes?
Do we then proceed through security to our gate?
Check in at the gate?
When we land in Orlando where do we go to get our bag and get to the Mears shuttle and is there anything we need to do?
Thank you in advance.

Long post incoming, but should answer all of your questions.
Depending on what type of ticket you purchased, you will want to check in as close to exactly 24 hours as possible. Unless you purchased a Business Select or Anytime Ticket, or purchased Early Bird Check In, the order in which you will board the plane and select your seat is determined by the order you check in. Since you say us, I'm going to assume you will not be travelling alone. Anything further back than B40 and you will probably be sitting separate from anyone else with you. And it will be in a middle seat.
When you get to the Buffalo airport, you will proceed to the Southwest check in area, use one of the machines to check your bag and you will have the option to get paper boarding passes. They are not necessary and you can have multiple boarding passes on one device. You'll then go through security and go to your gate, there is no need to check in at the gate. Follow the directions on when to board and find a seat.
When you deplane in Orlando, follow the crowd to the APM, it's an automated shuttle that connects the airside pods to the main terminal building. When you get off the APM you'll go out to the right and just past the starbucks will be escalators going down, take them down one level and you will be at baggage claim. Once you have your bag, you will need to go back up to main terminal level and go across the terminal to the A side and down to ground transportation on level 1. Then follow the signs for Mears.

 

[_19disnA]

When using any airport shuttle make sure to tell them the correct airlines you are flying with since they drop off based on airline. Once in the terminal, look for the departure check-in area, each airline has their own area.

Airlines all have kiosk type terminals where you can print your boarding pass and that adhesive strip you attach to any checked luggage you might have. Typically, when printing the boarding pass it will also ask how many pieces of checked luggage so the proper number of tags print. Attach the adhesive strip to the handle of the luggage and proceed to the desk where the person will take your luggage from you. All passengers will need to show a photo ID as part of the check-in process. You can also print boarding passes at home prior to departure on your home PC. I prefer paper passes as it is one less thing to go wrong when traveling, but some like using their phone for that purpose. As I recall, Southwest doesn't have assigned seating, so you board based on the number assigned to your ticket. I think they are planning to change that process later this year.

Need to show your photo ID & boarding pass to go through security. There is no need to go to that desk at your departure gate, everything has already been handled prior to that time. Always check the TV screens at the airport since gate assignments sometimes change for a variety of reasons. Make sure you are going to correct terminal for your departure.

Upon arrival, look for the signs that indicate where to go for the 'baggage claim' area. Generally, the specific conveyor where your luggage will arrive is based on the flight number since there are many conveyors in the baggage claim area.

 

[Lewisc]

Many airports offer curbside check in. You wait on a short line outside the terminal. The rep will check your bag and print your BP. It's a TIPPED service.

The majority of pax on your plane, SW doesn't charge for checked bags, will be going to baggage claim.

 

[Mr_Woodchuck]

Sounds like you got some great answers so far. We always fly SW - i think you'll find Buffalo to be pretty easy to work with, just make sure you get their early and give yourself plenty of time. MCO on the way back is going to be a completely different beast. One thing I wanted to point out is that SW allows 2 free checked bags per person. I always put that to good use. I've packed one bag with water even. then one the way back, the empty bag becomes the dirty laundry bag

 

[starry_solo]

Make sure to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart, unless you've paid for early boarding.
You will get your boarding number then (upon checking in 24 hours before).
If you wait until you get to the airport, you will likely get the last boarding number.

 

[markpenske]

Awesome tips!!!
Thank you very much to everyone

 

[peppers]

I will say this site is very helpful for what you can bring in your carry-on or suitcase: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all Prayers for as best a first flight experience as possible!

 

[_19disnA]

Don't think it was mentioned, but good to look at an online map of the Orlando airport, since it is always very crowded with families/small children who aren't familiar with where to go or what to do. Always plan to arrive 2 hr prior to your flight time to allow adequate time for check-in, TSA security and walking to your departure gate. You can always have lunch at the airport or shop if you are early. If you are late, the plane will leave without you.

 

[focusondisney]

@markpenske We fly from Buffalo on SW a few times a year. The airport is small, you don’t have to worry about where you’re dropped off at the terminal. Departures are on the upper floor, luggage claim when you get home is on the lower level. SW is on the far right when you walk in. They have self serve kiosks that you print your luggage tag & paper boarding passes if you want them. You put the tag on your suitcase yourself & drop it off at the counter. The agent will check all IDs & tell you what gate your flight is at.

Security.. regular lane is in the middle area, you show the TSA agent your driver’s license or passport & stand in front of a screen for a photo check. They don’t check your boarding pass anymore. You have to remove your coats & shoes & put them in a bin. The agent will tell you if you have to remove electronics & liquids. There are tables & benches after you go thru if you need to reorganize or put shoes on. Security at Buffalo is really efficient & moves quickly.

SW gates are on the right after security, usually gates 15 - 18. There’s a Tim’s in the food court area on the right just after security, as well as pizza & and an Anchor Bar restaurant. Depending if you need something to eat & what time your flight is.

The gates are a little more than half way down the hall takes about 5 minutes or less. There are also some food counters & another small restaurant down that hallway, as well as a small store.

The SW gates all have stanchons with numbers (1-5; 5-10; 10-15 etc). One side goes up to 30, the other side is 31-60. A lines up first, then B, then C. Family boarding takes place between A & B groups & is for families with kids under 7 & gets pretty full. So if you get a B or C group, you will be after family boarding.

Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions about flying from Buffalo.

Edit..when you arrive in Orlando, you take a tram to the main terminal. When you get off the tram & get to the central area, you’ll see everyone going thru security as you head to the right past that. Keep bearing right, there will be stairs, escalator or elevators past that. Go down 1 level to luggage claim. There are many carousels, usually the flight attendant will tell you which 1 your bag will be on. There are also electronic signs at each 1. They can change tho, so listen for announcements & keep an eye on the signs. It does take several minutes for them to get lugggae off the plane & to the carousel, so you have time to use the rest room & don’t worry about missing your bag.