Come Fly With Me . . . . .

[Emy'sMom]

Hi All!

Well, it's down to a month 'til our WDW vacation. I can't believe it's almost here!

Usually DH, DD (6) and I drive to WDW but this year we are flying. I am a VERY inexperienced flyer; I've flown only 4 times in my life with the last time being in 1993 (to WDW of course). DD has never traveled by airplane before. (DH travels very infrequently for work with his last flight being in April.)

I'd like to get any tips you may have in regards to air travel - Anything from the airport (checking in, security, baggage claim) to the flight itself would be appreciated.

Also, we are having a towncar pick us up at the airport to take us to the Poly. Any tips there would be appreciated too!

TIA!

Debbie

Please move this thread if it would be better suited to another forum. Thanks!

 

[GoofItUp]

Emy'sMom,

I can understand your anxiety. When DH and I left for the airport to start our honeymoon, I was very nervous about finding the right gate, getting to the flight in time, etc. Fortunately I've flown several times since then - both by myself and with others - and found out it is really easy and nothing to worry about. I would say the #1 thing is to give yourself plenty of time at the airport, especially since you'll be traveling with a child. Check your airline's website and see if they'll let you check in on-line before you even get to the airport. That will save some time. Check your luggage curbside. You'll need to tip for this, but it's so much easier than waiting in line inside the terminal IMO. Be sure of what gate you are going to......one time I rushed to gate 647 (or something...can't remember what gate it was) between flights only to find out I wasn't leaving from gate 647, but a completely different gate at 6:47 p.m. Check you ticket and don't make that kind of silly mistake! I'm sure there are others who can give you lots more advice, but there's a start for you! Have a great trip!

 

[twinmom1292]

Bring along a little snack. Airline snacks are not very good. I usually bring along little muffins. Keeps the kids from getting grumpy.
Remember to drink water. Flying dehydrates you.
Bring book or something for your child to do to keep them busy. Mine always start on makeup homework.
Have fun! Look out the window, laugh, and enjoy yourself!

Beth

 

[indyanna]

We're flying out the same day from Indy. You wouldn't be flying ATA by any chance would you? That'd be weird if we were on the same flight!

OOPS! Never mind - we're leaving the 17th! I keep getting confused because our package starts the 18th. Sorry about that!

 

[Memaw2Wm]

Pack your film in a slide-lock bag ... pull it out and ask for a handcheck ... also your camera will have to go thru the scanner so you might want to use up the film ahead of time.

Don't forgot photo ID ... my daughter lost her driver's license and she didn't realize it until 5 hours before our flight (on a Sunday) ... they accepted her birth certificate and an old (very old) high school ID, but the TSA agent in FL (return trip) wasn't happy about it and made her go thru the "suspicious person" line at the security check, while me and her two children were sent thru the regular line ... it was pretty funny ... but wouldn't have been if they had decided not to let her thru.

Pack your daughter's school book bag with crayons, coloring books, word puzzles, GameBoy, etc. and a snack or two so she won't get bored waiting for the plane.

I bought some Mickey playing cards at Target and my grandkids (7 & 8) and I played "Go Fish" while waiting for the plane to board.

Until this summer the last time I'd flown was the Spring of 1975 ... lots of changes but we found MCO (Orlando airport) simple to navigate.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Emy'sMom]

Thanks for the tips! I can use all the help I can get!

indyanna - Yes, we are flying on ATA. Our flight leaves at 8am on the 18th. Lucky you - you get there a day earlier. It would have been neat if we were on the same flight!

We head back to Indy on the 25th ... our flight leaves a little after noon.

Have a fun and safe trip!!!

Debbie

 

[indyanna]

our flight home is on ATA around noon on the 25th as well! I have two kids ages 8 (son) 11 (daughter), and this will be a first trip to Disney for everyone except DH who last went the year it opened! Can you believe it's so close already? When I first made the reservation it seemed like it was an eternity away.

Have a great time - maybe we'll see each other!

 

[Emy'sMom]

Your first trip to WDW - how exciting!!

I'm traveling with DH and DD (6). This will be our 4th trip to WDW together as a family. DH & I also honeymooned there and we went as children.

Are you going to MNSSHP? We're going on the 19th. First time for us and we can't wait!

Maybe we will see each other ..... you'll recognize me on the flight home because I'll be crying my eyes out!

Debbie

 

[indyanna]

We will be at MNSSHP on the 19th too! Just look for the Flintstone family. I felt lucky because Halloween's one of my favorite holidays so it's an added bonus to get to celebrate it at Disney!

Well, as they say in Disney "It's a small world!".

 

[EthansMom]

Just a couple tips: You aren't allowed to lock your checked luggage any more. Might affect how and what you pack in the checked suitcases.

Also, you'll want to have your i.d. and tickets ready to show when you go through the Security Checkpoint in adition to checking in for the flight.

I always try to get the airport a couple hours early and then can relax while waiting to board.

Enjoy your trip!

EthansMom

 

[peanuttrip]

I have flown many times and still get very nervous when ever I do. One thing that I will always do is introduce myself to the captian. This way I feel he nows atleast one more person on the plane. Probally does not mean a thing to him but it gives me some peace of mind.
While I am walking to my seat I will also count the number of seats that are between mine and the closest exit. That way if something was to happen I would know the quickest way out for my family.
Good luck and have a great time.