Airport for Dummies- please help me.

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Ok, so we leave in 4 days, and I am starting to freak out here, lol!

I am a HUGE planner, and I hate going into a situation where I don't know what to expect, especially now that dh and I are traveling with ds2 in tow for the first time.

Let me run this by you seasoned travelers, and any help is greatly appreciated- I just need to know my step by step plans as much as possible....

We are leaving from BWI on SWA- soooo, the first step is to print my boarding passes the night before on my computer at home. Then, we go to the airport, and dh drops off ds and I at the curb (labeled SWA, I guess?), and he goes to drop off the car in the long term parking lot.

First question- what happens next? Someone will come to check our bags? Do they come to you, or do have to seek them out? I have a lot of stuff, and ds, so I don't know how to go anywhere by myself. Once I find someone, then what do they do? How do they know what flight to put them on? Do they take the bags from me, or do I have to go somewhere with them?

Ok, so next what happens? Do I still check in somewhere, or don't I have to since I have a boarding pass already? Does the boarding pass tell me what gate to go to? At what point do I go through security?

Oh, man- I am more lost than I thought, lol!
Please help me with step by step directions so I can feel like I know what to expect with all of this.

Thanks!!!!

Oh- 1 more question- we want to "lock" our suitcases with plastic cable ties- is this allowed? Also, can I pack fingernail clippers in my carry on to cut the ties off when we arrive in MCO?

 

[bicker]

First question- what happens next? Someone will come to check our bags? Do they come to you, or do have to seek them out?

They generally will not come to you. You'll typically need to go to them. I'm not sure about BDL, but you may be able to get dropped off right by the skycaps, though if there is a queue, you may still have to move your luggage yourself as the queue moves.

How do they know what flight to put them on?

You tell them. Your pre-printed boarding pass should have all the info they need.

Ok, so next what happens?

What you're describing is checking your luggage with skycaps, so what happens next is you tip these folks nicely -- $2 per bag, up to $5 for extra large or bulky bags.

Oh- 1 more question- we want to "lock" our suitcases with plastic cable ties- is this allowed?

Yes, but they'll typically be snipped off by the time you get your bags back.

 

[safetymom]

First does your son have a ticket? I ask because each ticketed person is allowed 3 pieces of luggage. If you have more than the amt for just the two of you standing there they will charge you for it. If you have more luggage then I would have your husband stand there to show the skycap his license then he could go park the car.

If you are ok on the limit then follow the directions above. Is there a reason you want to lock the suitcases with the tie? Chances are as mentioned above they will be removed when TSA inspects the suitcases.

Never put anything valuable in the suitcase.

 

[alicenwonder99]

I'm not a savvy traveller (lol), but let's see if I can help you.

When your dh drops you off at the airport curb (look for the Southwest signs), have him call over a skycap and have your dh tip him (I always have my dh do that). The skycap will ask for your travel documents and then he'll give you your gate number. Make sure you have your driver's license with you. I've had people tell me to bring my children's passports or birth certificates but I've never needed them. The skycap will check your driver's license, ask you the questions ("did you pack the bags yourself", etc.) You should probably just plan on meeting dh at the gate. Make sure dh has his boarding pass to get past the security to get to the gate.

Don't bring along the clippers or scissors. Go to Southwest's web page and there should be a list of things you can't bring on the plane. And if you are bringing along your makeup bag in your carryon, make sure there aren't scissors in them. You should also prepare your child about going through security. I'm trying to remember if they allowed me to hold my ds when he was 2 1/2 years old, or if he had to walk through the security thing by himself. Also, you'll have to take your ds's shoes off and if he has his blankie or stuffed animal, it will have to be put on the belt to be checked. Maybe you could do a role playing type thing with your son so he isn't scared when you get to the airport.

When you get to the gate, you have to stand in line at the counter...I'm not sure how Southwest is...but I'll assume you need to check in at the counter. Since you have the toddler, you'll probably get preboarding.

Now, once you get to Orlando, I'm lost...I'm not sure how DME really works, but I've read that you have to get to a certain area and then check-in at the DME desk.

Oh, and your checked-in luggage will get examined so if you put a lock on it, it will be cut.

OK...maybe someone can confirm what I wrote...I don't travel by plane too often. I'll be traveling by plane in just 4 days, too!

Mary

 

[safetymom]

They don't ask the question if you packed the bags or have they been in your possession any more.

Also no need to go to the ticket counter if you are already checked in.

During busy times there may be no skycap to come over. You will have to wait in a line at curbside for them to get to you.

 

[snowbunny]

The answers above are excellent, and here is some unsolicited seasoned traveler advice:
Pack nothing that you are not absolutely sure you will use.
A ton of luggage is an albatross. I don't know how long your trip will be, but there is no reason that two adults and a 2 year old need a massive pile of suitcases. You will also probably buy some souvenirs, so plan on lugging even more stuff home than you brought.
If you're unsure what to do when DH lets you off at the curb, you can always go with him to long-term parking. The bus to the terminal has space for luggage. Then you will all get off at the terminal together.