Explain it 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.)

We're going to PHL and we're taking SWA.

 

[tjmw2727]

When you arrive at the airport you will first need to check your bags. You can use curb side check in, outside the gate will be sky cabs (airport bellman) they will check your bags through to Orlando for you. If you use sky cab its customary to tip @2.00 per bag +/- (IMHO totally worth it)

If you don't want to tip or use curb side enter the building and get in line to check your bags.

During the bag check-in you will be instructed as to what "gate" your flight is depating from. The gate is the place where the airplane leaves from. The airport is very well marked so you should have no problem finding your gate.

You can use your stroller for your dd if you like or check is as luggage. I suggest you just keep her in it for use in the airport. I also advise taking everything possible off prior to the flight and putting it in your checked bags. The canope if it can be removed, cup holder bar and any toys. Use it stripped in the airport and then re-build it later.

You, dh and dd then proceed to the gate, prior to which you will have to clear security. There are lots of posts on the transportation board about how to clear secuirty so I will be breif here as I know you read there.

You will want to take off belt buckles, cell phone, take carkeys and change etc out of your pockets and place them in your carry-on. You will need to take your dd out of the stroller so don't have the basket loaded with stuff. You will have to place everything including the stroller through an xray type machine with a conveyer belt like at the grocery store. If you have shoes or thick soled sneakers you may want to remove them as well. You walk through and if your dd can't walk you can carry her then have dh come through. Collect your carryon's from the belt and head to the gate.

At the gate you should approach the desk and tell them you would like to gate check your stroller. They will give you a luggage type tag to attach to the stroller. After that you don't have to do much except listen for any possible announcements and as the flight time gets closer you may want to line up in the preboard line. Its very well marked with signs and queues for A, B,C pass and preboard. If its you and dh with your dd you can all preboard, auntie, nana and the friend you just met don't count, JK

When you board the plane you can leave the stroller just outside the door. I highly suggest folding it as you normally do and attaching a bungie coard to make sure it dosen't open. Most damage occurs when a stroller opens and the baggage handlers don't know how to close it. Making sure it stays closed and taking off the accessories takes care of most stroller issues.

Board the plane, take the first row you see and settle in. In your case I would take a middle and aisle so you can get up if needed. Your carry on bags go under the seat or on top in the bins. Make sure you have a few things for your dd like a sippe or bottle in the seatback pocket of your seat as you won't be able to access your bags during take off or landing. I would take the middle and asile in case you need to get up

If your dd likes the spill proof cups they are ideal for takeoff and landing as the sip and swallow or chew and swallow is great for the ear pressure. This is the reason many chew gum. I would suggest having some gerber graduate fruit chews or other chewy snack for your dd (if you allow that) in case your dd' isn't thirsty.

Then enjoy the flight, depart the plane follow the signs to ME and start a wonderful vation.

TJ

 

[meloneyb21]

So, during the bag check-in, they take them? I mean, that's where I leave my bags right? They don't go through the security checkpoint? They must get screened separately huh?.......I hope I don't sound too blahzay......

 

[jodifla]

Yes, they take your checked bags and they are inspected separately, behind the scenes. Some are x-rayed, some are opened, so don't lock them and don't put valuables like jewelry in them. Carry that stuff on.

Will you have a car seat? If you do, you can also gate check that. The advantage of this is, if the plane's not too full, they often let you put the car seat on the plane and use a seat for your baby for free. At least all the other airlines do...not sure about SWA

 

[tjmw2727]

Yes - your checked bags are screened separately, that was a good question I forgot about.

Do not lock them - they may need to be opened, its random so don't worry. I use a round key ring to keep them shut, anything that keeps them shut but dosen't prevent TSA from searching them is ok. They do sell special locks and sip ties but I find key rings work great. Don't pack anything of value on your checked luggage, carry it on. I also put anything I don't want touched in zip locks including my underwear This way they can search the bags without "touching my things". I also pack shoes on top soles up! Again there are stickeys on the transportation board with specifics so I won't repeat.

Ask away -

TJ

 

[meloneyb21]

I'm starting to think that tjmw2727 is my personal guardian-travel-manager. I swear you are on almost every single one of my posts or threads with an answer .

 

[tjmw2727]

I'm starting to think that tjmw2727 is my personal guardian-travel-manager. I swear you are on almost every single one of my posts or threads with an answer .

Oh - oh I hope that is a good thing and we just frequent the same boards? Honestly I only post when I have a question or an answer.

If I you need me to back off I will certainly do that, if not I hope I am a help.

FWIW - I flew SWA out of Philly for the first time as the solo adult with my dds in October so I paid attention. I will be flying SWA again on April 7th out of Philly so I will be following you. I do hope your trip is maigcal and don't worry ok?

TJ

 

[PlutoPony]

You will likely need your driver's license (govt. picture ID) to get into the security line. Some airlines require the license when you check bags (don't know about SW). Some airlines/flights required proof that your child is under 2 if they're flying free so you might need a copy of your child's birth certificate for boarding - not security however. Get to the airport in plenty of time to get bags checked and thru security so you're not stressed running for the plane! Haven't flown thru Philly lately but am guessing you need to arrive at least 1 1/2 hours before your flight - maybe someone with recent experience will post further info about that.
Have fun!

 

[mom22princesses]

Hi! Just wanted to add that you may not want to pre-board if your seats are already assigned. This just makes it a longer time for your baby to be on airplane. We've found that one of us goes ahead and straps in the carseat etc. The other stays out with DDs in airport until almost last boarding call. That gives them the most time to run around.

Also --- in regards to the gate checking of the stroller ... you can keep it with you up until you board the plane. When you get off the plane look immediately on the ramp. Your stoller should be waiting! If not, ask the airline personel at the gate to which you arrived!!

Good luck!!

 

[mom22princesses]

Wohooo! I'm a mouseketeer!!! LOL!

Have a great trip!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

If you catch one of the front rows--your stroller willnot necessarily be there and nor with their necessarilyi be an employee to ask. It takes a few minutes for them to hopen the door--pull up the baggage cart and begin unloading (though they are pretty quick).

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Please take a small bag with enough stuff (clothes, kids stuff) to get you through to the next morning. Luggage does get lost! I learned that the hard way. Oh another good idea is if your luggage is black (like almost everyones) you can put on a bright luggage tag or something so you can find it. We we lost our luggage and they finally said it came in, we had to wade through a sea of luggage find our black bag.

But all said it really isn't that hard, I could do it myself and I am really horrible/shy about stuff like that. Also, the floor where you get your luggage is where the buses and stuff are...but don't worry there are signs everywhere.

 

[dreamalittledream]

one more tip about PHL security, we just flew 2 weeks ago and they made us take cameras out of the carry on bags and open the cases and they took our laptop and hand inspected it. Give that job to DH while you take care of baby.

Also, just to warn you, anything the child is carrying i.e juice cup, animal or "lovey" will also need to go on the belt for xray. If you have the baby in a Bjorn or other carrier, that will also have to go thru the xray.

I always wear a yoga suit or pull on pants to avoid any extra metal that might set off the machines. Dress the baby the same way and bring extra clothes. Wear slip on shoes since your hands will be full.

I would also change the baby right before you board and use overnight diapers. For the 2 1/2 hr flight, you should not need to change again until you get off the plane, you'll have time waitng for luggage or transportation. (it is a PIA anyway to change them on the plane)

Have fun!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Since you said you plan on taking 2 checked bags I would recommend that you put 1/2 of each person's things in each bag. So if you do loose a bag (which has never happened to me) noone is left without any clothes.

I have also had good luck in mailing a box to the resort with diapers, wipes, extra clothes as I travel with 3 small children.

I flew SW for the first time last Aug and did preboard with my 4 year old. I thought SW was great. I'm flying without children in May. I hope I still enjoy it without preboarding.

I've flown with my youngest at ages 11 months, 1 1/2, and 2 1/2. Stickers were the best at occupying her for the flight. I also had story books and a few Happy Meal toys.

Have a great trip!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Also, just to warn you, anything the child is carrying i.e juice cup, animal or "lovey" will also need to go on the belt for xray. If you have the baby in a Bjorn or other carrier, that will also have to go thru the xray.

The first time I flew with my youngest she had a clear bag with hair ties it in that she for some strange reason was attached to that day. She had picked it up as we were leaving the house. She had a TOTAL melt down when they made her put on the machine. I so so wished I had gently taken it away from her before we go to security. They wanted her to walk through on her own but she was busy having a tamtrum on the floor. They had to let me pick her up and carry her through.

 

[dreamalittledream]

The first time I flew with my youngest she had a clear bag with hair ties it in that she for some strange reason was attached to that day. She had picked it up as we were leaving the house. She had a TOTAL melt down when they made her put on the machine. I so so wished I had gently taken it away from her before we go to security. They wanted her to walk through on her own but she was busy having a tamtrum on the floor. They had to let me pick her up and carry her through.

that is so funny! our incident was over the Ty bear and the juice cup. Not a full blown tantrum but a few tears. It helped to wave Bye Bye and wait for it to come out the other side. I learned to give reminders while in line that the things are going on a "special ride" and that we would get them right back. Thank goodness they didn't take away her thumb!

 

[mom22princesses]

Ours was a Clifford Book. We bought it in the gift shop and she wouldn't let it go! I pried it from her hands and carried her kicking and screaming through the security gate. I actually couldn't believe they wouldn't let her carry a little paper back book through the metal detector but I never really thought about it.

On flights from then on ... we've been sure she has nothing in her hands. Of course, then they make her take off her shoes ... a whole 'nother story!!

 

[nuts4wdw]

Our tantrum was over a soft silky blankie. Our ds wailed and thrashed, but then, the security guys made us try to get him to walk through the security gate vs. us holding him. Have you every successfully made a ticked toddler walk ahead without his blankie? For some reason we weren't allowed to carry him through. It was a very trying experience. But we did survive the ordeal and this was going to LAX not MCO.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

FYI- Southworst, I mean Southwest (sorry, couldn't help myself) leaves from Terminal D in Philly.

 

[eeyoregon]

Take your shoes off BEFORE you get up to the security conveyor belt! I got distracted with the kids on our last flight and forgot all about shoes having to come off - held up the line and got lot's of evil glares!

And if you are taking a stroller/carseat combo to the plane, it can no longer be pushed through the metal detector, but will have to be taken apart and scanned with your other carry on items = pain in the ___!

Good luck and happy flying - you can do it!!

25 days until 1st Disney Cruise - Western Caribbean