1st time flying

[Lilacs chosen]

There are quite a few, one is at the airport so you would just walk to the terminal. Here is a map of others.

http://g.co/maps/dmtkh

Some have a park, sleep and fly package, where for a one night's stay, you can park there for the length of your trip and they will shuttle you back and forth to the airport.

I found this.

http://pittsburgh.parksleepfly.com/

ETA: The above website lists a ton of hotels that in way would be considered "airport" hotels. Ignore any that don't airport in the name.

Thanks for that info it would make sense just to book with the motel that is at the airport would save on stress the next morning of getting through that traffic.

 

[chartle]

Thanks for that info it would make sense just to book with the motel that is at the airport would save on stress the next morning of getting through that traffic.

It depends on how much you want to spend.

Also I don't know how they handle parking fees. It maybe $7 a night. Since you are literally right in the middle of the airport's parking lot. But again you are maybe 300 yards away from security. You wouldn't even need to put on your coat as you are inside the entire time and on moving walkways.

Here is a link to that hotel.

http://pittsburghairport.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?src=agn_dtc_hr_lclb_gplaces_pitap

 

[Svhadden]

Don't have any advice to add, I just wanted to say I hope you and your little girl have a wonderful trip!

 

[Lilacs chosen]

It depends on how much you want to spend.

Also I don't know how they handle parking fees. It maybe $7 a night. Since you are literally right in the middle of the airport's parking lot. But again you are maybe 300 yards away from security. You wouldn't even need to put on your coat as you are inside the entire time and on moving walkways.

Here is a link to that hotel.

http://pittsburghairport.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?src=agn_dtc_hr_lclb_gplaces_pitap

thanks I am thinking of just seeing if my nephew will take us to the airport and drop us off. Then we would not need parking and I could stay in the motel.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

Don't have any advice to add, I just wanted to say I hope you and your little girl have a wonderful trip!

Thanks

 

[Lilacs chosen]

Go to your 's website. Read the information about luggage, checking-in, seat selection, etc. Go to tsa.gov and read the rules for what is prohibited in carry-on and tips for going through security:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Other useful sites:

http://www.ifly.com/airport-tips

http://www.first-time-flyers.com/

Have fun!

Thanks will do that

 

[lylone]

I also have worries whenever I fly and here are my suggestions.

I take about 3 tablets of Xanax .25mg about 30 minutes before the flight, listen to my mp3 player, get an assigned seat near the front of the plane and I am fine. One word of caution with the Xanax is to try it before you fly on a day when you will be home and don't have anything to do. People react differently to this medicine and if you take to much it will make you dozey and you can get side effects. And absolutely DO NOT DRINK with it. You will regret it later as it makes you more drunk.
One side effect is that when you come down off the medicine it can make you have more anxiety than normal. I don't seem to have an issue, hence I take very low dosages.

Also, go through this on line course http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/ it is by a pilot and will help you with the noises and what else to expect.
People do post a lot of flying videos on YouTube even to the point where you can see the inside of the airports, airplanes(landing and taking off), and even hear the flight attendants making announcements. Some of them are quite entertaining and will help you be prepared.

Do take plenty of items to distract you during the flight. I take my netbook and watch videos with a headset. It makes the time fly by!

Good luck....and I am sure you won't be the only one on the flight who is concerned.

 

[chartle]

thanks I am thinking of just seeing if my nephew will take us to the airport and drop us off. Then we would not need parking and I could stay in the motel.

I checked the Hyatt's website and they do have a park sleep and fly.

Its $209 (plus 14% tax) for the room and you only get 3 days of parking free. After that its $25 per day.

Cheapest parking at the airport is around $8 per day in the extended lots.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

I also have worries whenever I fly and here are my suggestions.

I take about 3 tablets of Xanax .25mg about 30 minutes before the , listen to my mp3 player, get an assigned seat near the front of the plane and I am fine. One word of caution with the Xanax is to try it before you fly on a day when you will be home and don't have anything to do. People react differently to this medicine and if you take to much it will make you dozey and you can get side effects. And absolutely DO NOT DRINK with it. You will regret it later as it makes you more drunk.
One side effect is that when you come down off the medicine it can make you have more anxiety than normal. I don't seem to have an issue, hence I take very low dosages.

Also, go through this on line course http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/ it is by a pilot and will help you with the noises and what else to expect.
People do post a lot of flying videos on YouTube even to the point where you can see the inside of the airports, airplanes(landing and taking off), and even hear the flight attendants making announcements. Some of them are quite entertaining and will help you be prepared.

Do take plenty of items to distract you during the flight. I take my and watch videos with a headset. It makes the time fly by!

Good luck....and I am sure you won't be the only one on the flight who is concerned.

Thanks for the info will check it out.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

I checked the Hyatt's website and they do have a park sleep and fly.

Its $209 (plus 14% tax) for the room and you only get 3 days of parking free. After that its $25 per day.

Cheapest parking at the airport is around $8 per day in the extended lots.

I am at the moment without a vehicle so just going to have my nephew take us to the airport.

 

[chartle]

I am at the moment without a vehicle so just going to have my nephew take us to the airport.

It should make for a better trip.

If you don't stay at the hotel and he just drops you off. He doesn't have to just pull up to the curb and dump you out. The first hour of short term parking (the garage right next to the terminal) is only $1.00.

So he can park there and you you can take your time on unloading.

Same for pickup but I don't think the way we pick up people would work for you. They call us as soon as they land and we are so close by the time they get their bags we are just about there.

For you I'm not sure. He should be able to track your plane but I know a non stop from Orlando to Pittsburgh takes less time then he will driving from your house.

Some airports have cell phone lots where the picker-uppers can wait but Pittsburgh doesn't really have those. Its straight from the expressway to the terminal. He could hang out at a retail area called called the Pointe that is only 10 or so minutes away and await your call.

 

[LWQuestie]

Same for pickup but I don't think the way we pick up people would work for you. They call us as soon as they land and we are so close by the time they get their bags we are just about there.

For you I'm not sure. He should be able to track your plane but I know a non stop from Orlando to Pittsburgh takes less time then he will driving from your house.

Some airports have cell phone lots where the picker-uppers can wait but Pittsburgh doesn't really have those. Its straight from the expressway to the terminal. He could hang out at a retail area called called the Pointe that is only 10 or so minutes away and await your call.

You must live right by me, because we do the same thing when we arrive at PIT.

Even if he arrives a little early, tell him to park in short term. Like mentioned previously, it's $1 for the first hour, and $3 for each additional hour.

 

[chartle]

You must live right by me, because we do the same thing when we arrive at PIT.

Even if he arrives a little early, tell him to park in short term. Like mentioned previously, it's $1 for the first hour, and $3 for each additional hour.

We are in the North Boroughs so we are already on this side of the airport.

With the ramp from 79 to the parkway we don't have to go the back way through Sewickley.

 

[kitnrose99]

For me the worst part of flying is the airport - it's like trying to shop in an unfamiliar store on black Friday. So some tips:

- if you're checking bags, put ALL liquids, gels, and anything you're not sure of in the checked bags. The exception is any medications or things you can't replace in case the bags are delayed. Shampoo, toothpaste, and the like are replaceable so into the bag! Your goal is to give yourself as little to juggle as possible.

- your carryon should be slimmed down to things to keep you busy on the plane (though your princess will probably be content just looking out the window - I love the views!), a snack, and a clean shirt and underwear for each of you just in case your checked bag strays. Now I've NEVER lost a bag so that's just worst-case, but a t-shirt's small so might as well be prepared. Make sure there's room in the carry on for your purse. It's much easier if you only have one or two bags to keep track of rather than your bag, princess', your purse...

- On flying day, dress appropriately. Stash the big coats in your checked luggage and stick to a jacket. Wear shoes you can slip out of easily and leave off the belts and jewelry. Though most jewelry is fine, it's easier to just go without for a bit. If you toss it in your carry on you can put it on while waiting at the gate. Wear sock unless you like walking barefoot in public places. Make sure your ID is in a very easy to access place, preferably on your carry on. if you do have any liquids or gels in your carry on, triple check they're 3oz or less and put them all in a 1 gallon ziplock bag.

- At the airport: arrive nice and early. 2 hours gives you enough leeway that you shouldn't get stressed. First, if your princess requires special assistance then I'd call the airport ahead of time. Not knowing your exact situation, I'll describe what i've always done and hope it's helpful!

-find the ticket counter for your airline. Stand in line. When it's your turn answer their questions and give them your bags to check. Smile. You're going to WDW! You'll get your boarding passes and be pointed to security. Go there.

- if your airport has a family line at security you might qualify. There should be a bouncer there to help. If it's just one line then that's simple - join it! Keep your boarding passes out along with your ID. If you have any liquids put that in the top of your bag, ready to be pulled out. When you get to the front of the line you'll see a TSA agent. When indicated, walk up to them and hand over the boarding passes and ID(s). Be pleasant - you're going to WDW and they're stuck there! They'll hand back your stuff and wave you on.

- there should be a row of x-ray scanners with lines of people filing towards them. If you're lucky a TSA agent will be directing traffic. Otherwise just pick a line and join it. When you get to the metal table just before the scanner grab a couple gray plastic bins. Slip out of your shoes and slip your princess out of hers. Put the shoes in a bin. Put your ID back in your carry on and put your carry on up on the table. If you have any liquids, those go in the bin along with certain electronics. Check TSA's website for specifics. The line will keep moving so keep moving with it. On your turn shove your stuff on the scanner's belt and wait for the signal to walk through the metal detector. If your daughter can walk, she'll have to go through separately. On the other end and barring any "random searches" which really aren't that bad - annoying, but nothing worse) just collect your stuff and walk in your socks to the group of chairs that usually waits nearby. Slip back on your shoes, readjust your carry on, and you're almost there!

- Follow the signs to your gate. Sit. Get bored. Wander the airport a bit, make one last restroom break, and make sure you're back at the gate a half an hour before your flight time. That number on your ticket? That's when it TAKES OFF, not when you begin boarding. So don't wander too far!

- Follow your airlines' boarding instructions. Congratulations, you're on your way!

 

[kitnrose99]

Also you can help you both immensely by preparing your princess for security. There's a lot going on and your attention is going to be on keeping pace and getting things where they need to be. That can be rough on a little princess in a new situation. So grab a couple Tupperware bins and play airport. Teach her to get out of her shoes quickly and put them in the bin on a table. Have her put her little backpack or bag up there too. Move along and then at the scanner teach her to wait while you go through and then only go through when told. Make sure she knows that the best thing she can do in all of that is to stay close and quiet. Knowing what to do and practicing will help her so much!! I've seen too many kids freaked out by all the newness and stressing out their parents and generally making what's a bit overwhelming at the best of times into something a lot more difficult than it needs to be. Make it a game and you're little princess will be a pro.

 

[Finally08]

For me the worst part of flying is the airport - it's like trying to shop in an unfamiliar store on black Friday. So some tips:

- if you're checking bags, put ALL liquids, gels, and anything you're not sure of in the checked bags. The exception is any medications or things you can't replace in case the bags are delayed. Shampoo, toothpaste, and the like are replaceable so into the bag! Your goal is to give yourself as little to juggle as possible.

- your carryon should be slimmed down to things to keep you busy on the plane (though your princess will probably be content just looking out the window - I love the views!), a snack, and a clean shirt and underwear for each of you just in case your checked bag strays. Now I've NEVER lost a bag so that's just worst-case, but a t-shirt's small so might as well be prepared. Make sure there's room in the carry on for your purse. It's much easier if you only have one or two bags to keep track of rather than your bag, princess', your purse...

- On flying day, dress appropriately. Stash the big coats in your checked luggage and stick to a jacket. Wear shoes you can slip out of easily and leave off the belts and jewelry. Though most jewelry is fine, it's easier to just go without for a bit. If you toss it in your carry on you can put it on while waiting at the gate. Wear sock unless you like walking barefoot in public places. Make sure your ID is in a very easy to access place, preferably on your carry on. if you do have any liquids or gels in your carry on, triple check they're 3oz or less and put them all in a 1 gallon ziplock bag.

- At the airport: arrive nice and early. 2 hours gives you enough leeway that you shouldn't get stressed. First, if your princess requires special assistance then I'd call the airport ahead of time. Not knowing your exact situation, I'll describe what i've always done and hope it's helpful!

-find the ticket counter for your airline. Stand in line. When it's your turn answer their questions and give them your bags to check. Smile. You're going to WDW! You'll get your boarding passes and be pointed to security. Go there.

- if your airport has a family line at security you might qualify. There should be a bouncer there to help. If it's just one line then that's simple - join it! Keep your boarding passes out along with your ID. If you have any liquids put that in the top of your bag, ready to be pulled out. When you get to the front of the line you'll see a TSA agent. When indicated, walk up to them and hand over the boarding passes and ID(s). Be pleasant - you're going to WDW and they're stuck there! They'll hand back your stuff and wave you on.

- there should be a row of x-ray scanners with lines of people filing towards them. If you're lucky a TSA agent will be directing traffic. Otherwise just pick a line and join it. When you get to the metal table just before the scanner grab a couple gray plastic bins. Slip out of your shoes and slip your princess out of hers. Put the shoes in a bin. Put your ID back in your carry on and put your carry on up on the table. If you have any liquids, those go in the bin along with certain electronics. Check TSA's website for specifics. The line will keep moving so keep moving with it. On your turn shove your stuff on the scanner's belt and wait for the signal to walk through the metal detector. If your daughter can walk, she'll have to go through separately. On the other end and barring any "random searches" which really aren't that bad - annoying, but nothing worse) just collect your stuff and walk in your socks to the group of chairs that usually waits nearby. Slip back on your shoes, readjust your carry on, and you're almost there!

- Follow the signs to your gate. Sit. Get bored. Wander the airport a bit, make one last restroom break, and make sure you're back at the gate a half an hour before your flight time. That number on your ticket? That's when it TAKES OFF, not when you begin boarding. So don't wander too far!

- Follow your airlines' boarding instructions. Congratulations, you're on your way!

Amazing post!!!

I have only ever flown once and that was 3 years ago. I was alone, and it was something I'd won so most things were taken care of for me. We are flying to WDW as a family (me and my dd, my mom, my sis) and I am sorta freaking out again over whether or not I know what to do. My mom hasn't flown in 20 years...my sis or dd never. But reading this post made me remember that I have done all this before so therefore it should be cake.

 

[aubriee]

Also you can help you both immensely by preparing your princess for security. There's a lot going on and your attention is going to be on keeping pace and getting things where they need to be. That can be rough on a little princess in a new situation. So grab a couple Tupperware bins and play airport. Teach her to get out of her shoes quickly and put them in the bin on a table. Have her put her little backpack or bag up there too. Move along and then at the scanner teach her to wait while you go through and then only go through when told. Make sure she knows that the best thing she can do in all of that is to stay close and quiet. Knowing what to do and practicing will help her so much!! I've seen too many kids freaked out by all the newness and stressing out their parents and generally making what's a bit overwhelming at the best of times into something a lot more difficult than it needs to be. Make it a game and you're little princess will be a pro.

Just to add to this: If your child has a favorite blanket or toy, prepare them for having to put it through the scanner with the carry ons. The time I took my GD on her first flight, she had a favorite stuffed green bunny rabbit that she couldn't sleep without. We had packed bunny in her carry on and I'd warned her the bag had to go through the scanner, while we had to walk through another scanner. However, apparently she didn't understand as well as I thought she did. Just as her carry on started to go through, she started screaming, "They're killing bunny, they're killing bunny" and tried to jump on the belt to follow her carry on through. Thankfully everyone else seemed to think it was hilarious. I was ready to strangle her. Once we got her though the scanner and grabbed our carry ons, she insisted on opening the carry on to make sure bunny was safe. She grabbed him, saying, "Oh I thought they'd killed you, I thought I'd lost you". Funny now, but not at the time.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

It should make for a better trip.

If you don't stay at the hotel and he just drops you off. He doesn't have to just pull up to the curb and dump you out. The first hour of short term parking (the garage right next to the terminal) is only $1.00.

So he can park there and you you can take your time on unloading.

Same for pickup but I don't think the way we pick up people would work for you. They call us as soon as they land and we are so close by the time they get their bags we are just about there.

For you I'm not sure. He should be able to track your plane but I know a non stop from Orlando to Pittsburgh takes less time then he will driving from your house.

Some airports have cell phone lots where the picker-uppers can wait but Pittsburgh doesn't really have those. Its straight from the expressway to the terminal. He could hang out at a retail area called called the Pointe that is only 10 or so minutes away and await your call.

Thanks for the great info.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

For me the worst part of flying is the airport - it's like trying to shop in an unfamiliar store on black Friday. So some tips:

- if you're checking bags, put ALL liquids, gels, and anything you're not sure of in the checked bags. The exception is any medications or things you can't replace in case the bags are delayed. Shampoo, toothpaste, and the like are replaceable so into the bag! Your goal is to give yourself as little to juggle as possible.

- your carryon should be slimmed down to things to keep you busy on the plane (though your princess will probably be content just looking out the window - I love the views!), a snack, and a clean shirt and underwear for each of you just in case your checked bag strays. Now I've NEVER lost a bag so that's just worst-case, but a t-shirt's small so might as well be prepared. Make sure there's room in the carry on for your purse. It's much easier if you only have one or two bags to keep track of rather than your bag, princess', your purse...

- On flying day, dress appropriately. Stash the big coats in your checked luggage and stick to a jacket. Wear you can slip out of easily and leave off the belts and jewelry. Though most jewelry is fine, it's easier to just go without for a bit. If you toss it in your carry on you can put it on while waiting at the gate. Wear sock unless you like walking barefoot in public places. Make sure your ID is in a very easy to access place, preferably on your carry on. if you do have any liquids or gels in your carry on, triple check they're 3oz or less and put them all in a 1 gallon ziplock bag.

- At the airport: arrive nice and early. 2 hours gives you enough leeway that you shouldn't get stressed. First, if your princess requires special assistance then I'd call the airport ahead of time. Not knowing your exact situation, I'll describe what i've always done and hope it's helpful!

-find the ticket counter for your airline. Stand in line. When it's your turn answer their questions and give them your bags to check. Smile. You're going to WDW! You'll get your boarding passes and be pointed to security. Go there.

- if your airport has a family line at security you might qualify. There should be a bouncer there to help. If it's just one line then that's simple - join it! Keep your boarding passes out along with your ID. If you have any liquids put that in the top of your bag, ready to be pulled out. When you get to the front of the line you'll see a TSA agent. When indicated, walk up to them and hand over the boarding passes and ID(s). Be pleasant - you're going to WDW and they're stuck there! They'll hand back your stuff and wave you on.

- there should be a row of x-ray scanners with lines of people filing towards them. If you're lucky a TSA agent will be directing traffic. Otherwise just pick a line and join it. When you get to the metal table just before the scanner grab a couple gray plastic bins. Slip out of your shoes and slip your princess out of hers. Put the shoes in a bin. Put your ID back in your carry on and put your carry on up on the table. If you have any liquids, those go in the bin along with certain electronics. Check TSA's website for specifics. The line will keep moving so keep moving with it. On your turn shove your stuff on the scanner's belt and wait for the signal to walk through the metal detector. If your daughter can walk, she'll have to go through separately. On the other end and barring any "random searches" which really aren't that bad - annoying, but nothing worse) just collect your stuff and walk in your socks to the group of chairs that usually waits nearby. Slip back on your shoes, readjust your carry on, and you're almost there!

- Follow the signs to your gate. Sit. Get bored. Wander the airport a bit, make one last restroom break, and make sure you're back at the gate a half an hour before your flight time. That number on your ticket? That's when it TAKES OFF, not when you begin boarding. So don't wander too far!

- Follow your airlines' boarding instructions. Congratulations, you're on your way!

Thanks for the info. I feel a little more relaxed knowing what to expect. My princess is 17 so the only thing she requires is her nitendo3 ds that i am getting her for Christmas this yr. That will help entertain her for the trip. I will probably go the night before so as not to be so stressed out.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

Also you can help you both immensely by preparing your princess for security. There's a lot going on and your attention is going to be on keeping pace and getting things where they need to be. That can be rough on a little princess in a new situation. So grab a couple Tupperware bins and play airport. Teach her to get out of her quickly and put them in the bin on a table. Have her put her little backpack or bag up there too. Move along and then at the scanner teach her to wait while you go through and then only go through when told. Make sure she knows that the best thing she can do in all of that is to stay close and quiet. Knowing what to do and practicing will help her so much!! I've seen too many kids freaked out by all the newness and stressing out their parents and generally making what's a bit overwhelming at the best of times into something a lot more difficult than it needs to be. Make it a game and you're little princess will be a pro.

sounds like a good idea.