Can someone help me re: flying

[CamperGoneDisney]

I need help! We don't fly so this is all new and freaking me out . We're on AirTran


When we get to the airport - do we have locks on the luggage that's being checked? Do we have to open it for them? (open the suitcases) (should they be locked at all?) Do we just check it with the airline and move on?

We have "carry-on" luggage that is under the 55 inches (L+H+W) it's one with the wheels and the pull out handle. Is their a weight restriction on that? (I can't seem to find one) It says it has to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, but they don't say how big that space is?

It says one carry on and one personal item. So if I have a "bag" with my purse and small camera bag with my book in there, that's considered "one personal" or they say that's all separate. (ie: carry on bag + tote bag is ok?)

When you go through the security do you have to totally dump the bags out? Or do they just scan them?

Sorry so long I'm so confused by all the info I find. I don't want to get there and then they tell me I have to chuck something. All help greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[shoppgirl]

I can answer a couple of things:
1) I would advise against putting locks on your checked luggage. It would just give TSA more incentive to cut your locks and go through you luggage. I have not locked my luggage in 7 years. When you go to the ticket counter to check in, they will check in your luggage too and you won't see it again until your destination.

2)I have not heard of weight restrictions on carry on...just size restriction. However, you are responsible for lifting your bags way up high into the overhead compartments. You don't want it too heavy. If the flight attendants see your carry on as too big, they will gate check it for you, so no worries there.

3)I have been able to bring 2 items with me...a purse (actually my backpack) and another small travel bag for books, snacks, extra clothing etc.

4)Going through security, you take your shoes off, put in gray bin, put your bags in gray bin, take out lap tops and put in gray pin. They will scan (x-ray) your bags. Make sure liquids/gel fit requirement. No need to dump contents of bag out. If anything is questionable, they will go through it after the scan. I also remove anything with metal from my personal body...take belts off, remove watch etc. I don't want to risk anything to make that metal detector go off!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I did have one occasion when I was chosen to step off to the side with all my luggage and it was searched. It's totally random.

So you do want to be prepared for it just in case - I'd suggest putting your underwear, bras ect. in big plastic ziploc bags if don't want them digging through it.

 

[CamperGoneDisney]

Oh .... so that's what the gallon size bags are for in the luggage! I kept wondering why everyone was talking about the ziplocs and packing.

Thanks for your replies.

You just zip them and that's it. OK.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

Oh .... so that's what the gallon size bags are for in the luggage! I kept wondering why everyone was talking about the ziplocs and packing.

Thanks for your replies.

You just zip them and that's it. OK.

Just so you do not have any issues if you bring liquids or gels (think toothpaste, lipstick, similar) it must be in a QUART size ziplock bag. You can get the full details from the TSA website http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/311/index.shtm

 

[parkers*momma]

here is a suggestion...if you are taking rolls of coin (for the penny press machines) it's a good chance they will see then in the scan and A)if they are in your carryon, they will search them or B)if they are in your checked luggage, you will find a note in your luggage saying that your suitcase was opened and searched. Unless it is just me and NW...lol

A couple reasons for ziplock bags but the big reason is because you can pack a complete outfit in them and just grab it instead of searching for a certain pair of socks or certain shirt that you ALWAYS wear with this pair of pants/shorts/capris. Just an really good organizational tool.

As far as I know you can't/shouldn't lock any of your luggage. Like the PP said, if it is locked you have a good chance in getting them cut off and your luggage searched. I don't know about you but I don't want somebody touching my unmentionables.

Never pack anything of value in your checked luggage...basically just clothing, shoes, shampoo, makeup, etc.

Just be warned, the air industry is BRUTAL on luggage so if you happen to pack lotions, shampoo, etc in your checked luggage it is always a good idea to double bag it in ziplock bags so if it does happen to break, it isn't going to get all over in your luggage.


It's good to wear easy on/easy off shoes, no underwire bras, no excessive jewelry(large belt buckles), etc.,...unless you want to set off the metal detector. I've done that once and once is enough for me...lol.

Also, no drinks are allowed (atleast at our airport) when going through security. Even un-opened ones aren't allowed. You can always buy one after you clear security.

Another small hint: Have your ID easy accessible to you. That way you don't have to search for it at the counter or at security.

HTH

 

[ToddyLu]

You posted that your carry-on is under 55 inches, it needs to be 22 inches or under i think. Most airlines weigh your checked luggage and the limit is 40-50 lbs, depending on the airline, I think. We always weigh our luggage at home before getting to the airport and risking a hefty fee--literally-hehe.

 

[KAMLEM]

I disagree with not locking your luggage. We always lock it, but we use locks that are TSA approved, They have a special keyhole at the bottom and TSA has a master key that fits it. Before we had those locks, we used plastic clip strips because they could easily cut them if they had to get into the bags. They never had to, though.

 

[mommy-on-the-move]

we used TSA approved locks too - between our group of 20+ there must have been 30+ cases and all with TSA locks on, none of us had any problems- you can buy the locks for around $8-$12 each

My main airport tip would be slip on shoes- sounds crazy I know but I did not realise (well actually I was told but thought my sister was joking LOL) that you DO have to take shoes off and put them through the scanner with your pocket change, purse etc in a tray- we travelled with 4 kids, one is great with shoes, one is four and determined to do her own and cope, one is a baby and the other is 5 year old with dyspraxia and autism.... that's alot of people to keep track of and alot of feet to get shoes back onto in a busy area! It was a complete god-send that I wore slip on shoes! Next time we're ALL flying bra-less, belt-less with flip-flops and leaving our glasses in our purses!!!!! (I had wireless nursing bra on no problems- my mother is a J cup and underwired and beeeeeeep, beeeeeep LOL My father had a belt buckle and didn't understand the guy at washington (who evidentally thought my dad was trying to sneak something through or threatening him and had my nearly 60y.o father hands up, lifting edge of shirt etc, step back, rar, rar, rar.... you get the picture! )

Also do note nothing can touch the sides of the walk-through arch as you go through or it WILL beep... my DS5 has issue with balance etc due to his dyspraxia and brushed it no less than 3 times before they actually *got* he's not awkward- he's disabled!!!!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

here is a suggestion...if you are taking rolls of coin (for the penny press machines) it's a good chance they will see then in the scan and A)if they are in your carryon, they will search them or B)if they are in your checked luggage, you will find a note in your luggage saying that your suitcase was opened and searched. Unless it is just me and NW...lol

A couple reasons for ziplock bags but the big reason is because you can pack a complete outfit in them and just grab it instead of searching for a certain pair of socks or certain shirt that you ALWAYS wear with this pair of pants/shorts/capris. Just an really good organizational tool.

As far as I know you can't/shouldn't lock any of your luggage. Like the PP said, if it is locked you have a good chance in getting them cut off and your luggage searched. I don't know about you but I don't want somebody touching my unmentionables.

Never pack anything of value in your checked luggage...basically just clothing, shoes, shampoo, makeup, etc.

Just be warned, the air industry is BRUTAL on luggage so if you happen to pack lotions, shampoo, etc in your checked luggage it is always a good idea to double bag it in ziplock bags so if it does happen to break, it isn't going to get all over in your luggage.


It's good to wear easy on/easy off shoes, no underwire bras, no excessive jewelry(large belt buckles), etc.,...unless you want to set off the metal detector. I've done that once and once is enough for me...lol.

Also, no drinks are allowed (atleast at our airport) when going through security. Even un-opened ones aren't allowed. You can always buy one after you clear security.

Another small hint: Have your ID easy accessible to you. That way you don't have to search for it at the counter or at security.

HTH

Ugh. Forgot about the pressed penny issue. I haven't flown since 2001 and will be flying next month. I think I'll put those in my carryon and just pull them out and put them in the tray like the rest of the change/car keys in my pockets.
Thanks for reminding me!

 

[janets]

Depending on the airline you're flying, each has a different requirement for carry on luggage. You can check your airline's website and click where it might say carry on information for dimensions.

I fly Continental and I believe it's between 50" and 55" (can't remember) but I know that my 24" suitcase, while making the dimensions, really can't fit into the overhead so that the wheels are at the back of the overhead and the handle at the front...I have to turn it sideways. So I use the smaller suitcase for carryon.

I wear an underwire and have not set off the detector so maybe each airport is different. I try to always fly in flip flops (hate to untie/tie again) so I can easily get them off and on.

I never lock my suitcase and have not had a problem. Always remember to put any liquids or lotions into ziploc in your checked luggage so if they leak, your clothes are kept clean.

I usually leave my regular purse at home and transfer the necessary items to either a small purse or an over the neck holder. I only take my DL, a credit card or 2, and our annual passes. I don't need 95% of what's in that wallet anyway. Then I bring a canvas Disney bag to hold cameras, iPods, snacks for the plane (no liquid), papers, etc. This fits under the seat in front of me since it squishes.

 

[Bren's Mom]

Just flew Airtran last Monday to MCO and back to HPN on Friday. Had my camera stolen from my checked suitcase...I know, I know, I'm kicking myself too!!!! We have TSA approved locks but moved recently and couldn't find the keys so I left it unlocked. BIG mistake. Buy a TSA lock, you can get them at Walmart and they're not expensive.

And Airtran had no problem with my backpack (which housed my purse, books, snacks, etc) and I could have had an additional carry-on if I'd wished. (And I should have...should have had my camera!)

Anyway, buy a lock. At least if something is stolen you can blame it on TSA. Otherwise, no one will want to take responsiblity for it.

Good luck!

 

[Pamlur]

DH and I, in 30 years of flying, have never locked a suitcase. We normally wouldn't consider putting anything of any value in checked luggage, but had to check my camera out of London in 2006 (it was a cheapie and made the trip fine, but I was resigned to its loss if not). We've had the "love notes" from TSA in our bags a few times, most of the time not. I don't want zippers cut from my luggage, or ripped, so I just leave them unlocked and so far, so good.

And we fly fairly often, last trip was to S. Africa for two weeks.

I don't think there is any way to predict if your carry-on luggage is going to fit; sometimes the plane will be big enough, sometimes it won't. I go with gate check if necessary, and haven't ever had a problem with that, either.

I wear slide-off "mules" with socks; don't want to walk on the airport floor with my bare feet, but that's just me.

Air Tran has always been an easy airline to fly in, in our experience.

 

[CamperGoneDisney]

I bought a couple locks today at OfficeMax for $8. They have the TSA # on the bottom. I don't believe those baggage people are trustworthy. (IMO)

We're going Airtran and their website says 55inches so ... I guess I can always "gate check" and make sure I have the kids snacks in a bag that can stay with us. Got to make sure I've got the pennies (thanks for that reminder too!) some place easily accessable. I also warned my always joking DH not to speak to anyone while going through there. Now I'm wondering about my BRA! Ack! What a pain.

Thanks for all the info!!

 

[PaulaSue]

What about carrying on the girls necklaces with pins to trade. Each neacklace has about 6 pins. Will that be a problem with check in?

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Pin lanyards - not a problem. Just put it in their carry-on bag. Should be just fine!!! The biggest issue with carry-ons in length in the overhead bins. 22 inches is the absolute max for hard suitcases. I would take backpacks or a soft sided tote. For my girls, we do backpacks. I picked up a really nice set of wheeled ones at DisneyShopping.com with Tink on them - they should be clearancing out a whole bunch of those nowadays. I put their empty drink cup in the outer mesh side pocket (with the lid off - so they can see it's empty). Once we are through security, I get water or milk for it.

I've never had a problem with an underwire. I used to be a weekly business traveller, so I have a lot of experience with that.

Make sure any jewelry that you wear through the unit is real gold or silver. That doesn't set the detector off. (Platinum and titanium are fine, too.) I had a couple specific sets that I would wear. Pearls are fine, too.

Make sure you have another zip-loc bag for any medications. Put that one and your liquid/cream ziploc out together and you should be fine.

Also, I can't remember if you (the OP) have stroller aged kids, but for anyone who is reading this for advice - have them put your stroller through WHEELS UP - especially the bigger models like Graco. This makes them fit better and helps to avoid hand-checking - if it won't go through the scanner. I sometimes travel with my girls by myself - both are under 3.5, and hand-checking my stroller means I have to wrangle them and all the carry-on baggage while I wait. If you have an infant and a toddler - this can be pretty crazy. Allow for extra time - just in case they do have to take it for hand-checking.

 

[WantToGoNow]

We have to carry a Neubulizer for ds7's asthma -- it's in a small bag that looks like an igloo and is probably 12" x 8". Will that count as one of our carry-on's?

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

We have to carry a Neubulizer for ds7's asthma -- it's in a small bag that looks like an igloo and is probably 12" x 8". Will that count as one of our carry-on's?

If you can shove it in another bag/backpack with other stuff - nope. Make sure it's out for security and then tuck it in when you get to the gate.

The carry-on bag count is only critical when you are ready to board, so make sure you can consolidate everything down into your 2 bag allotment before that happens.

 

[CamperGoneDisney]

I measured the carry on "case" but the wheels and stand take about another 1 1/2" so it's 22 + the 1 1/2. Does that matter? Where does it go if it gets "gate checked"? Do they bring it back when you get off or do I have to get if from the luggage area? Thanks!!

 

[PaulaSue]

Pin lanyards - not a problem. Just put it in their carry-on bag. Should be just fine!!! The biggest issue with carry-ons in length in the overhead bins. 22 inches is the absolute max for hard suitcases. I would take backpacks or a soft sided tote. For my girls, we do backpacks. I picked up a really nice set of wheeled ones at DisneyShopping.com with Tink on them - they should be clearancing out a whole bunch of those nowadays. I put their empty drink cup in the outer mesh side pocket (with the lid off - so they can see it's empty). Once we are through security, I get water or milk for it.

I've never had a problem with an underwire. I used to be a weekly business traveller, so I have a lot of experience with that.

Make sure any jewelry that you wear through the unit is real gold or silver. That doesn't set the detector off. (Platinum and titanium are fine, too.) I had a couple specific sets that I would wear. Pearls are fine, too.

Make sure you have another zip-loc bag for any medications. Put that one and your liquid/cream ziploc out together and you should be fine.

Also, I can't remember if you (the OP) have stroller aged kids, but for anyone who is reading this for advice - have them put your stroller through WHEELS UP - especially the bigger models like Graco. This makes them fit better and helps to avoid hand-checking - if it won't go through the scanner. I sometimes travel with my girls by myself - both are under 3.5, and hand-checking my stroller means I have to wrangle them and all the carry-on baggage while I wait. If you have an infant and a toddler - this can be pretty crazy. Allow for extra time - just in case they do have to take it for hand-checking.

THanks on both issues!