Airport Check In Question

[Amy&Dan]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before (I did a search but came up with nothing) but I have an airport check in question. The next time we fly to WDW my husband will not be able to leave the office early, come home and drive to the airport with us. So the plan is that he will meet me and the kids at the gate. But a friend told me that since our tickets were booked together, the whole party needs to check in at the same time. Is this true? In the dozens of times my family of four has flown we have always gone to the airport and checked in together, so I am clueless! Anybody ever have family members on the same flight (booked together), check in separately with no problems? Thank you!

 

[MyZoeJane]

I cannot tell you anything for sure... but I CAN tell you that when we flew to WDW last January (from Chicago), we booked our flights with another family who went with us, and we paid for all 6 tickets (3 of them, and 3 of us) in one reservation/payment online...

My DH, our DD and myself got to the airport first and we checked our baggage and went to the terminal before our friends even got there. They met us at the terminal.

I'm gonna guess based on this experience that your DH will NOT need to be there with you to check in.

Look at it this way: What if he decided that last minute he was not able to make the trip at all? Do you think they would not let the rest of your party fly? No.

I wouldn't worry about it. Meet him at the terminal and have a great trip!

 

[CarolA]

No, I don't think you all have to be there together BUT your luggage allotment will require that. So if you have the maximum suitcases per person tell him he has to take his with him and check them.

(What airline are you on? That may make a difference)

 

[rparmfamily]

I agree with the above two and just like CarolA said becareful about the luggage allotment. How about you all check in online and he just brings his stuff with him.

Rex

 

[NotUrsula]

No, it won't matter -- we do this all the time b/c my office is less than 5 miles from the airport. (For us, the bear of doing it this way is the cost of parking two cars. Luckily we have a combined frequent-parker account that usually lets us park one car for free on credits. I *love* the offsite garage we use.)

Just be sure that you are both carrying a copy of the CC that you used to book the tickets, because the kiosk will require it if you use it to check in &/or check luggage, and even at the counter they may ask for it. Better to have it just in case.

 

[safetymom]

I never have the credit card that was used when I check in at the kiosk. Corporate books the travel. It will accept any credit card.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thank you very much, I think we should be fine. I figured this would be okay since I am sure this comes up more often than not. Thanks again!

 

[justplaingoofy]

Also keep in mind your luggage. You are allowed to check two bags per person. And carry on one bag plus a personal item. However, alot of families think it will be easier packing everything into one or two suitcases... Most airlines are now very strict enforcing the weight of the bags! Check with your airline. It is usually either 40 or 50 lbs. After I pack I make my husband get on the scale with it, then have him weigh himself to see what the difference is. (God knows I'm not getting on the scale!)

 

[bg4]

a friend told me that since our tickets were booked together, the whole party needs to check in at the same time. Is this true?

You definetly have got to stop listening to this person and ask here first. This is how rumors and urban legends begin - hmm maybe its not so bad after all.

Seriously there is NO WAY for TSA gate agents to know nor do they care if tickets are bought together or not. Airlines dont really care either. You paid for the tickets- they don't care whether you show up or not and if you don't Its not TSA or airlines problem, its your problem - Airlines have your money already and TSA's is only concern is screening passengers (with tickets- kinda completes the circle)

Just go and have fun. It will work out.

 

[shafke]

I would also make sure that he takes his own boarding pass/ticket with him to the office. That way if he gets delayed getting to the airport you can get through security with the kids with plenty time to sit a relax at the gate. If DH is a little late it is a lot easier for one person to rush through the airport than a family with all the carry ons and stuff.

I once flew to New Mexico with DW and her parents. DW and FIL both worked in NYC and were to meet us at the airport. MIL and I got to the airport in plenty of time but the other two just made the plane with about 5 minutes to spare. It was a combination of traffic and leaving the office late. Lickily this was before all of the extra security precautions (about 15 years ago) or they probably would have missed the plane.