As if I'm 2: What do I do when I get to the airport?

[meloneyb21]

I need to know what I do from the time I walk through the entrance to the time I board my flight. I have never been on a plane nor in an airport for any reason before so I'm kinda gung-ho about simple airport stuff. Here's some quick information so you can help me out:

We're traveling with a 1 year old lap baby, do I have to get some type of boarding verification document? Do we pre-board?

I'm checking in on-line the day before. Even if we CAN preboard, I still like to have that comfortable A-ticket feeling.

We have 2 checked bags and 2 carry-ons (one for DH to carry and one for me.)

ummmmm, that's pretty much it. So.....what do I do?

I'm also carrying juiceboxes, little bottles of water, cereal and plastic spoons in one of my carryons (in case that helps any.)

Please help this inexperienced traveler

 

[maxiesmom]

I would double check that you have all of your documents/tickets before you leave the house. And know exactly who has them and where they are at so you can get to them easily. You will still need to check in at the airport as you are checking luggage. Last time I flew, it was on Delta. I checked in the night before and received a pass with a bar code on it. I was then able to go to a E check in line. You put the bar code under the machine and it scans it and prints your normal boarding pass. There is also someone standing there to take care of your checked bags. I would think other airlines have a similar setup.

Then you have to go to security check, and the lines can be quite long, so leave ample time to get thru. They usually have tubs lined up for you to put your stuff in. Coat, any jewelry you think might beep, purse all go in. And if you are carrying on electronics be ready to show them that they work. I had my sister's cam-corder, and I had to turn it on and demonstrate that it was functional. Also remember to be polite and listen to instructions. These people can make things hard on you, don't give them a reason to single you out. And while you are going thru the check keep an eye on your suff in the tub. People have been known to have some of their things stolen if they loose site of it. You may be pulled out for a more thorough search. They ususally have a wand that they wave all over you. I have gone thru this and they do use a female agent for a female passanger. They may touch your bra back to feel the hooks. Anything that beeps they put the back of their hand on. And your shoes may have to come off, so you might want to wear loafers or some such shoe.

After all of this head to your gate and have a seat. Wait for your flight to be called and have a great trip!

 

[penguin087]

I notice you are leaving from Philly. It is best to get dropped off right at the terminal. Its next to impossible to park and make your way back there and there is really no reason to drag your luggage all over the place.
You can still check your bags and check in at the curb in Philly.

They will take your bags and give you boarding passes, tip that guy a few bucks. Confirm that you have boarding passes! Then make your way to the gate. There are lots of signs. I think it is 2 security check points. Keep your photo ID out (adults only) after the first one you'll need it again. Anything you are carrying on goes on the belt to be xrayed. Take everything that could possibly make the metal detector go off out of your pockets and off your person put it in the little tub and send it through with your carry ons. Don't have anything remotely sharp in your carry on (nail clippers, corkscrew...) pack those things in your checked bags. Walk through the metal detector hopefully without setting it off. Gather up your things and move on. If they search your bag don't be concerned. Anything that looks unusual gets a closer look. They will just call you aside and you stand there while they search it. I am always as polite as possible because they are only trying to keep us safe. They seem to like that.

You normally preboard in Philly with a small child but sometimes the orlando flights don't because every row has a child in it.

On your return flight into Philly there is no reason to rush to the baggage carousel. There is no place slower at getting your bag from the plane to you than Philadelphia Airport. Figure on close to an hour before that thing starts to turn.

Have a great trip and don't worry about the airport too much. They make it pretty easy on you.

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

Here's a recent thread for you to look at:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1065373

 

[coffeeandfags]

Im LOLing at your post coz i was exactly the same 2 years ago!!

I had this hairbrain idea to fly from Scotland to Orlando via London, on my own with 2 kids in tow....... and had never been in an airport in my life!!

It was so easy, we have since done it again, even braving MCO airport last time (first time we flew to Sanford coz i thought it would be easier)

The best advice i was given was, if you get terrified, or lost or whatever...... just stand in the middle of the airport and cry...... people will come rushing to help LOL

Just take it one step at a time, and i promise, you will be fine!!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

The best advice i was given was, if you get terrified, or lost or whatever...... just stand in the middle of the airport and cry.

LOL! That would probably do the trick!

 

[Lewisc]

At the risk of stating the obvious you'll need government issued photo id, basically your drivers license or passport. SW might ask to see a copy of child's birth certificate to verify the child qualifies to be a lap baby.

It's probably easier to tip the skycap and check your luggage outside where you're dropped off. The skycap will tell you what gate your flight leaves from. Go directly to the gate, there may be a line at security.

SW will probably weight your luggage, the limit is 50 lbs. You might pack an empty duffel bag to transfer stuff if you're overweight.