Can anyone tell me the steps to do when i arrive to the airport

[mckinley]

I have flew several times in the past when i was a child. It has been about 10 years though. We are flying this time & inlaws are going along. None of them have flew or even been in to a large airport. I am sure we will be fine but i just thought some insite would be helpful. We will be flying out of Nashville, TN. I have made plans to get us there a few hours early. I know that might sound strange but i just want to make sure. I would just like to seem to know what i am doing when we arrive to make them feel more at ease with this.

 

[NotUrsula]

Hard to give you exact steps without a bit more detail. What airline are you flying and do you have connecting or non-stop flights? Will you have luggage to be checked? Will you be travelling with a baby or anyone with a disability? (If you are travelling with a baby, did you buy a seat for the baby, or will it be a lap-child?)

Once we know these things, it will be easier to give you step-by-step info.

 

[PCFriar80]

Hi!
A couple of quick questions or "I'll make some assumptions" to help you out.

What time of day are you flying? Are you being dropped off or driving/parking yourself?

Okay, here we go....Generally speaking mornings 6:00 - 9:00, nootime, and late afternoon into early evening are the busiest at most airports. Key phrase here is "generally speaking". As the day goes on flights tend to become behind schedule; ie. morning flights are more apt to leave on time than midday and evening flights. Having said that that, I believe 2 hours will be ample time for you to arrive at the "curb" of your airline. Here are the steps.

If you have boarding passes (meaning seat assignements) and no luggage to check, proceed straight to the security checkpoint that services your airline/gate. Once through secuirity proceed to your gate. With time to spare you may be able to grab a bite to eat. Boarding for most flights begins approximately 30 minutes prior to departure.

If you have boarding passes and need to check luggage, you can either check in with an agent at the ticket counter or use a kiosk to check-in. Since you have not traveled in a while I would recommend the agent check-in, but the
kiosk is not that difficult. Once your luggage has been checked (ticketed) you'll need to bring it to the checked luggage scanning area. This will be close to where you just checked in. Hand it off to them and proceed to the
security checkpoint as mentioned above.

If you don't have boarding passes, regardless of whether checking luggage or
not, you'll need to check in at the ticket counter with an agent or kiosk....as mentioned above.

The bottom line, it's fairly straight forward and there will be people at the various decision areas to assist you with questions. If you have any specific questions fire away! I'm sure there will be others to offer tips on navigating airports! Good luck!

 

[Bill From PA]

Most legacy carriers allow you to print out your boarding passes from their web site 24 hours ahead of your flight time. Do that and have them in hand when you get to the airport. Make sure every adult has a valid ID with their picture on it, driver's license is preferred. Have the picture ID and boarding pass in hand as you get in line at your airline's baggage check counter, or perhaps, your carrier might have curb-side check-in. If so, ask if there's an extra fee for curb side checkin, some airlines charge for this and you may just decide to do it inside. At the counter you'll show your picture ID and they will take your bags, weight them and send them on to the plane, usually 2 bags per paying customer, 50 lbs total for the 2. Your boarding pass will have your gate number on it. Go there and go through security. Have the boarding pass and picture ID in hand, be prepared to remove your shoes, we had to coming and going last month. One you pass security the ordeal is pretty much over. Get to your gate and listen to be called by flight number and the row you're seated in. See, nothng to it!

Bill From PA

 

[sue1013]

We always do curbside checkin. The skycap will check your luggage and give you your boarding passes. Make sure to tip a few dollars a bag. After that proceed to security, then to your gate.

 

[Pixiedust34]

I'm grateful for this thread. It's been well over a decade since I've flown, and I know things have changed a lot since then.

I'll be flying alone with my 2 kids, so I have to have my wits about me.

I am pretty sure we'll be flying SW Air for our return flight home. Does ME make the rounds at MCO to drop off at different airline areas? Is there curbside check-in for our luggage at MCO, or do I have to go to a SW counter with our luggage?


Here's another thing............
I am nervous about reading the posts concerning how slow the security lines are at MCO. It makes it sound like we do not have a second to spare after we step off the ME bus. Since I'll be clueless about where to go once that bus pulls away and I'd like a little time to navigate myself thru the airport, is it possible to request a ME ride a little earlier than 3 hours before flight time? I'd rather have that extra time to find my way around MCO and to get thru MCO's security.

Thanks!!

 

[PCFriar80]

I'm grateful for this thread. It's been well over a decade since I've flown, and I know things have changed a lot since then.

I'll be flying alone with my 2 kids, so I have to have my wits about me.

I am pretty sure we'll be flying SW Air for our return flight home. Does ME make the rounds at MCO to drop off at different airline areas? Is there curbside check-in for our luggage at MCO, or do I have to go to a SW counter with our luggage?


Here's another thing............
I am nervous about reading the posts concerning how slow the security lines are at MCO. It makes it sound like we do not have a second to spare after we step off the ME bus. Since I'll be clueless about where to go once that bus pulls away and I'd like a little time to navigate myself thru the airport, is it possible to request a ME ride a little earlier than 3 hours before flight time? I'd rather have that extra time to find my way around MCO and to get thru MCO's security.

Thanks!!

Kelly -
Thought I'd try to help you out here. Concerning the drop off points, here is what I gathered from other posts:
How Disney's Magical Express DEPARTURE service works (from your Disney hotel):

* You will be notified of your motorcoach pick-up time and location the day prior to checkout.

* Motorcoach pickup time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes prior to your flight departure.

* The motorcoach has 4 drop-off locations in all four quadrants of the airport (Gates 1-29, 30-59, 60-99, and 100-129).

I think Southwest goes out of 100 - 129? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Concerning curbside check-in; ME drops you off on the lower level and curbside check-in is on the top level. There are three levels, I believe the lower level being 1, baggage claim 2, and main terminal (ticket counters, curbside check-in, security, etc, on 3. Having said that, you will need to
take the escalators, stairs, or elevator up to the main terminal level. Having done that you can either check-in at the ticket counter or go outside to use the curb-side check-in. It's up to you at this point based on the crowds at the ticket counter.

Concerning an earlier departure; I think that can be arranged. Either by calling the 1-866 number or checking with guest services during your stay.

Hope this helps! Fire away if you have any questions!

 

[Pixiedust34]

Thank you, PCFriar80!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Make sure to tip a few dollars a bag.

This is actually too much for a skycap tip. The general rule is $1.00 per bag of you check in at curbside.

 

[WillCAD]

Well, I can tell you what I do when I fly, and maybe that will help you.

1. Check in online and print boarding passes 24hrs in advance (SWA lets you do this - check your airline's policies to see if they do)

2. Arrive at airport 2 hours before scheduled lift-off. If on a return leg, arrive 2hrs 15mins ahead of time to drop off rental car in garage.

3. Check my checked bags at the airline counter or at curbside.

4. Empty my pockets into my carry-on bags - including keys, wallet, cell phone, anything that would set off the metal detector. Also put in watch and any jewelry. Keep boarding pass and photo ID OUT.

5. Get into security line. While waiting, take laptop computer out of bag (it has to be out to go through the x-ray scanner). If flying with photographic film, take out of camera bag so I can ask for hand inspection (keep it in a clear Ziploc bag, out of the cardboard boxes). Be prepared to take off shoes before going through metal detector - sometimes they require it, sometimes not, but be ready just in case.

6. Once out of security line, gather up my carry-on bags, laptop, and shoes from the x-ray scanner and find a seat someplace to put myself back together (most airports have some seats set up close by for this).

7. If early enough, grab a bite at one of the airport food places before proceeding to gate.

8. Arrive at gate at least 45 mins ahead of scheduled flight time. Find a comfy seat and read or nap till boarding begins.

 

[tkldisney]

I automatically remove my shoes before going through detector. I wear sometime of slipon/off shoe. Flipflops, sandals, etc. I would recommend this for everyone in your party. It's so much easier to slip them back on and hot have to tie. If it's little ones just get them cheap flipflops for trip/they can use them at the pool too. Just pack the walking shoes!!!!

I too check in and print my boarding passes from home. You can check your seats and everything at the same time. You can now check in and print boarding passes at the WDW resorts 24 hrs. before your flight home.

Each person is allowed to take one carry-on and 1 personal item (purse, laptop, backpack or briefcase) on the plane with you. You can check dimensions, weight restrictions, etc. on your airlines website. You can normally check 2 bags each (including children)

Since you haven't flown in a while I'd check FAA website for list of items you cannot carry on the plane with you. Some items have to be checked in your luggage some items not allowed. (sissors, metal nail files, etc.)

Also with the CT scanners they put all checked luggage thru, make sure you carry your film with you. Scanners can ruin flim but the x-ray will not.

The big thing is just relax. There are signs posted everywhere in the airports to direct you. You can always find airport personnal to direct you as well. Have a great trip.

 

[WillCAD]

Also with the CT scanners they put all checked luggage thru, make sure you carry your film with you. Scanners can ruin flim but the x-ray will not.

That's not exactly the case.

Checked bags are scanned by powerful x-ray machines. These x-rays will ruin photographic film, just like exposng the film to light. NEVER PACK FILM IN CHECKED BAGS.

Carry-on bags are scanned by a less powerful x-ray machine; it has to be less powerful since people walk past it constantly. The carry-on scanners will damage film, but how much damage depends on teh film speed. The higher the film's speed, the more damage a single pass through the carry-on scanner will do. 400ISO film can be ruined by as few as 4 passes through the scanner, while 800ISO and 1600ISO can be ruined by a single pass through the machine.

X-ray exposure is also cumulative, meaning each time your film goes through the scanner, it gets more and more exposure, and if your film is in the scanner for a longer period of time, it will get more exposure.

This is very important to remember, because the person operating the carry-on scanner will often stop the conveyor belt so he can look at some bags for a longer period of time, and any bags that happen to be in the machine at that time will get double or triple doses of x-rays.

The best way to carry photographic film when flying is to take it out of the cardboard box and put all of your rolls into a clear Ziploc bag. When you get to the security checkpoint, put your carry-on bags on the conveyor belt for the x-ray machine, but hand your clear bag of film to one of the screeners and ask, "Can I have this hand inspected, please?" Most of the time they won't bat an eye at the request, but if they try to give you the old, "It won't hurt film" routine, tell them that you have high-speed film in the bag. You are entitled by law to have your photographic film hand-inspected instead of x-rayed.

 

[mckinley]

thanks for the replys, We are driving & will be parking at the airport parking. We booked all of our trip through a local travel agent (they don't seem to know a lot about disney though). We are flying Delta non-stop from Nashville, Tn to MCO, leaving 11:26 a.m. coming back 3:45 i belive. Then riding the magical express to our hotel. We will not be carrying any large bags on the plane just money, ID & Camera. We are still trying to decide if we want them to deliver our bags or pick them up ourselves at arrival at MCO. (i am afraid we might not get our bags for along time)

This might be the stupid ? but when i enter airport i should go to Delta ticket counter correct since i am flying delta? Or they all the same?

Is it okay to carry my digital camera on the plane though?

How does return baggage check in work when riding the magical express? Can you check bags in at hotel for them to deliver?

 

[pppiglet]

I found this helpful with pictures too!

www.orlandoairports.net/goaa/arrive/arrive.htm

www.orlandoairports.net/goaa/depart/depart.htm

 

[tkldisney]

Also with the CT scanners they put all checked luggage thru, make sure you carry your film with you. Scanners can ruin flim but the x-ray will not.

I guess I said it wrong. The x-ray machines that check your carry-ons should not harm film. I always run my film thru and have never had any problem with any type of film. Maybe I was just lucky.

 

[WillCAD]

This might be the stupid ? but when i enter airport i should go to Delta ticket counter correct since i am flying delta? Or they all the same?

No, they are not all the same. You go to the counter of the airline that you're flying.

Is it okay to carry my digital camera on the plane though?

Yup. The x-ray machines used on carry-on bags will not hurt your digital camera or memory cards. You can let your digital camera and memory cards (and laptops and PDAs) go through the x-ray machine.

 

[Kristina]

Hi!

Ages back when I first started dreaming of going to WDW I found this great site

International Drive Map

They have maps that show the whole length of the Drive with all the shops and resturants on each side plus on the right side there is a box with information for British Travelers...and in that box a link with a walk through of what to expect when you land at MCO which I actually printed out and brought with us before our first trip, nutty overplanner that I am! Now you have gotten alot of great info here so the walk through info isn't so important but the maps I think are cool! I loved being able to see where all the resturants and shops were!

Have fun!

edit to fix link

 

[dawnball]

thanks for the replys, We are driving & will be parking at the airport parking. We booked all of our trip through a local travel agent (they don't seem to know a lot about disney though). We are flying Delta non-stop from Nashville, Tn to MCO, leaving 11:26 a.m. coming back 3:45 i belive. Then riding the magical express to our hotel. We will not be carrying any large bags on the plane just money, ID & Camera. We are still trying to decide if we want them to deliver our bags or pick them up ourselves at arrival at MCO. (i am afraid we might not get our bags for along time)

This might be the stupid ? but when i enter airport i should go to Delta ticket counter correct since i am flying delta? Or they all the same?

Is it okay to carry my digital camera on the plane though?

How does return baggage check in work when riding the magical express? Can you check bags in at hotel for them to deliver?

Ok, here are my recommendations for easy air travel from Nashville. The night beflor eyour flight visist http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/index.jsp and check in for your flights. You'll be able to print your boarding passes then. Make sure you bring your boarding passes and a photo ID for everyone. Arrive at the airport 2 or 2.5hrs before your flight is scheduled to depart. Park and head to the main terminal building. Go to level 3 and find the Delta ticketing desk (Yes, you have to use the delta desk). If you're generally familiar with how to use self-check out at the grocery store, you can use the kiosk check-in process.

There's a demo of the kiosk check-in procedure available at http://www.delta.com/traveling_chec..._kiosk_locations/checkin_kiosk_demo/index.jsp When you check in at the kiosk or ticketing desk you'll check your bags as well.

At this point all you really need to do is go through security, find your gate and wait for your flight. However - Your flight will leave from Terminal B, which is virtually devoid of places to buy food or gift-shop junk. Head toward Terminal B and check out the lines for security. If they look fairly short, you might want to get a drink, or an early lunch or whatever before going through security.

When you're standing in line for security, first you show your photo ID and boarding pass to prove you're a ticketed passenger. Then you will go through the scanning process. You'll remove your keys, change, wallet, camera, etc and either put them in a bin or into your carryon. Then your carryon goes in a bin and they may have you put your shoes in the bin too. The bin is placed on a conveyor belt. You'll walk through a metal detector as your belongings go through an X-ray machine. Once you pass the scanning you can collect your belongings as the end of the conveyor belt. There are usually a few chairs to sit on and put your shoes back on and re-assemble yourself. Taking your camera on the plane is fine, there will be times during takeoff and landing that you'll have to have your digital camera turned off though.

Now you can start looking for your gate. Concourse B is just one long hallway, so you walk along and look for your gate. They're usually signed overhead as well as on the walls of the waiting areas. I suggest you try to be at your gate and ready for boarding no less than 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to leave. If you need to do something to pass the time there is one place to get snacks and one newstand on Concourse B.

When your flilght is ready to board, Delta usually boards by rows. So they'll announce "now boarding rows 20 through 32" or whatever. They might board from the front back or the back of the plane to the front of the plane.

Find your seats, sit down, buckle up and enjoy the flight. Your checked bags will appear in your hotel room a few hours after you arrive.

Since you're flying Delta, you can check your bags in at your hotel (via bell services, I belive) when you're ready to leave and they'll handle checking your bags in with the airline. That's much nicer than trying to get your bags onto the ME bus.

I hope that was helpful.

 

[PCFriar80]

thanks for the replys, We are driving & will be parking at the airport parking. We booked all of our trip through a local travel agent (they don't seem to know a lot about disney though). We are flying Delta non-stop from Nashville, Tn to MCO, leaving 11:26 a.m. coming back 3:45 i belive. Then riding the magical express to our hotel. We will not be carrying any large bags on the plane just money, ID & Camera. We are still trying to decide if we want them to deliver our bags or pick them up ourselves at arrival at MCO. (i am afraid we might not get our bags for along time)

This might be the stupid ? but when i enter airport i should go to Delta ticket counter correct since i am flying delta? Or they all the same?

Is it okay to carry my digital camera on the plane though?

How does return baggage check in work when riding the magical express? Can you check bags in at hotel for them to deliver?

Me again!
* Yes go to the Delta ticket counter. Each airline has it's own ticket counter/check-in.
* Digital cameras can (and should) be carried on the plane with you. The screening process at the security checkpoint has no affect on the camera or
memory card.
* Flying Delta you can check your baggage at the resort. Delta is one of the participating airlines for MEresort check-in. You will also be issued your boarding passes at this time. A couple of tips; make sure you check your luggage 3 hours before your airline departure, all traveling members will need to go to the resort check-in desk to have their boarding passes issued....remember to have your ID's with you. Once you've done this, upon arrival at MCO via ME you'll be able to head straight to the security checkpoint for the Delta Gates and then on to the tram and to the gates!