Can you help me with the logistics?

[casmanuel]

Our Oct. 10-15 trip is still on. We are flying, using priceline tickets which I scored at a great price, and which I would now dearly love to have refunded in lieu of driving. That doesn't look like a possibility, so we will likely fly. My delimma is that our return flight home departs at 6:55am. By my calculations, we will have to

wake up by 3am (we'll have to be ready to walk out of the hotel room by 3:30)

drop the car at National by 4am

check in with the airline between 4:30 and 5am

Pray the 6:55 flight is reasonably on time

1.5 hour Layover in Charlotte (pray the connection is on time)

I don't want to even think about delays of hours or days.

Does this sound accurate?

Does the 2-hour check-in process actually involve standing in line that entire time? Is there a fastpass for this? I had thought about leaving the stroller at home this time, but I think it will be more essential than ever at this point.

 

[CarolMN]

After things settle a bit, I'd recommend calling your airline to see what it is recommending. You may not have to go quite so early. NWA says that for flights before 7 AM, you should arrive 90 minutes ahead of time. For all other domestic flights they are recommending 2 hours. I don't know if you will be in a line the entire time. We're flying in November and will gate check a stroller unless our airline advises against it. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[seashoreCM]

Pack all your luggage the night before, except the clothes you will be wearing. You might even put the luggage in the car the night before.

Go to bed early. No E-nights or Pleasure Island.

If you are skillful, a family of six can be out of the hotel room ten minutes after all waking up together.

While one family member checks in the rental car the others can board the shuttle to the airport immediately to get in line there.

A few last minute loose items of clothing may be carried in a paper bag and integrated with the baggage at the car rental station or in the airport. (while you are taking the film canisters out of the suitcase to put in your pockets and taking the change and everything else besides your wallet out of your pockets to put in the suitcase, and discarding the McDonalds plastic knife.)

More Disney tips:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

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3/75 (World Inn* off I4 near DD)
4/85 (Kon-Tiki* on 192)
'80s Disneyland once or twice
7/94 PORiv
9/97 ASMu
11/98 ASMu
12/98 (Knights Inn on 192)
9/99 ASMo
12/00 ASSp
9/01 ASSp
11/01 ASSp planned
*no longer exists

 

[CarolA]

Your connection is plenty of time in Chalotte. Even if your first flight is running a little late you will be in good shape!

Also, I agree with calling the airlines about the early morning flights. IF the ticket counter does not open until 5 am, I will not be arriving at 4!