1st time flying and have questions

[mommi97]

Ok have some questions and maybe more later. I am traveling with 3 children ages 6, 4, and 2.

1. Saw posted on another board that people with children like sitting behind the bulkhead for more leg room. What is the bulkhead? Would you suggest me to sit there?

2. What is curbside?

3. can someone do my airline shopping for me? Just kidding! Even though i have no clue how to get the best rate I just keep checking every day.

Thanks!

 

[only1mouse]

1. Bulkhead is the 1st row behind 1st class. It does typically have more leg room, but there is nothing to put your things under, therefore, you will have to use the overhead bins for all your carryon luggage (this is enforced during take off and landing) during the flight you can typically have your things down if you need them)

2. Curbside check-in? Some airlines allow you to check in for your flight and check your luggage at the curb where you are dropped off.

3. If fly almost every other week and it's typically hit or miss. I tend to check daily for specials because they can change the web prices daily, even hourly. Where are you flying from? With 3 children I would try and get a direct flight, if you can..

Have fun!

 

[mommi97]

We are most likely going to fly out of Philly.

Do you think we may be better in the back of the plane then near the bathrooms? I don't want to bother other passengers with my children.

We will definitley be flying Direct, that is the only way I am going to fly with my kids I couldn't imagine having to get off and on another plane with all 3 of them.


Thanks for the info that was fast!

 

[CherCrazy]

I really wouldn't worry about where you're going to sit on the plane...as far as bothering any other people.

I have flown from Philly many times to Orlando...the flights are PACKED with kids! You're not gonna offend anybody by using the bathrooms too much. You will always know the gate you're leaving from to get to Orlando before you see the numbers...it's the one that's the noisiest

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

1. Saw posted on another board that people with children like sitting behind the bulkhead for more leg room. What is the bulkhead? Would you suggest me to sit there?

The bulkhead seats are typically assigned at the airport, not ahead of time. They're great for passengers with lap babies because there's no seat in front reclining into the space. There's more knee room, but actually less legroom.

You're not allowed to put carry-on bags by your feet in the bulkhead row because such bags must go under the seat in front of you -- and there is no seat in front of you. You can only access the overhead storage when the seatbelt light is off, which is only the case when you're at cruising altitude and the flight conditions are smooth. So, when traveling with young children, it's much better to have easy access to a bag with snacks, toys, coloring books and so on.

I would recommend against bulkhead seats for you.

2. What is curbside?

At many airports, there are skycaps who will check your bags at the curbside, before you go into the terminal This can be especially useful when you're traveling with young children who can't transport their own luggage (except for a little carry-on backpack). The normal tip is $1 or $2 per checked bag -- more if the skycap is particularly helpful or friendly, or does extra work for you. If you carry your bags inside and check them at the ticket counter, you don't tip anything. When my kids were young, we always used skycaps. Once the kids started wheeling their own luggage, we found it was usually faster to check in inside, especially when there are lines for the skycaps, which is often the case at Chicago-O'Hare.

Don't be afraid to tell airline employees that it's your first flight. Most airlines employees are very nice to passengers who are nice to them.

Airports can be confusing, especially with today's security. So allow a little extra time. Get to the airport early. Most (but not all) airports have a wide variety of places to eat before you fly, so have a meal before your flight. (The era of free meals in economy is over.) Relax. Enjoy your first flight!

 

[ladydancer]

I agree with the prior poster. Don't worry about your children bothering others. There are a lot of children on the flight going to Orlando. Our last flight there were 2 children under 2 years old that cryed the whole flight. I think it was pressure in there ears. I haven't tryed them yet but I'm going to buy those air plugs for the kids for our up coming flight. Make sure to take some snacks for the kids on the plane and something to drink. Don't drink the water on the plane. Heard that it is unsafe.