First flight....many questions

[dznygurl]

My DD11 and I will be flying into Orlando in January. This will be her first flight experience and only my second one (the first one was 15 years ago). I have many questions concerning our flight.
1. What constitutes a "carry on"? Does it have to be a particular size/weight?
2. Will my memory card for my digital camera be damaged going through x-ray machines?
3. My DH says I shouldn't wear any jewelry. What's the problem with that? I don't feel safe leaving my jewelry in my suitcase. Could I put it in my carry-on?
4. We are flying Southwest. What is your experience in being able to sit with your party? I would hate for her and I to not be together. She is getting nervous about flying. I have assured her we will be together, but the truth is, I really don't know

I know these are probably goofy questions to many of you. I guess I'm feeling anxious about doing things "right".

 

[maxiesmom]

Each airline will list the size and weight of what they consider a carry-on on their web site. Typically each person can have a larger (for a carrry-on) one in the overhead bin, and a smaller personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.

I always carry-on my camera and haen't had it harmed. I'm would never put it in checked luggage, beacuase I wouldn't want it stolen or misdirected. Never pack anything of high value in your checked luggage.

If your jewelry is cheap stuff, fine, put it in your checked bags. But if it is anything you can't easily replace, than put it in you carry-on too. I wear only minimal jewelry thru the security check-point, because I don't want even a chance of setting the scanner off. If I have earrings or a watch I leave them in my purse, and then put them on after I clear security.

Are you ok with the 3-1-1 rules? If you haven't flown in a while you will find that something new to deal with too.

I hope I was able to help.

 

[tjmw2727]

I highly recommend going to the TSA website www.tsa.gov and reading about the security regulations and what to expect for both of you. Most notably is the restriction on liquids - anything that can't hold it's own shape is restricted. You can only carry on travel size items, 3.4oz or smaller and they must fit into one quart size ziplock bag (one per person). You and your dd will have to remove shoes coats ect.

I have never had an issue with my digital camera - always goes through xray in my carryon.

Check the SWA website for exact dimensions but you can each bring a carryon and a personal item. One item must fit under the seat in front of you and the other can go up top. Make sure that you can manage both - including stowing it above you in the overhead compartment.

Never put anything of value in your checked bags - you can't lock them except for approved TSA locks and theft is an issue. As for your jewelry either wear it, put it in your carryon or leav it home. I have a few items I wear and other than my wedding ring it all goes in my carryon. Most jewelry won't make you beep but I like things to go as smoothly as possible.

I love southwest and have never been separated from my daughters (unlike other airlines with assigned seats!). Familiarize yourself with the boarding process, there is a section on the SWA website. Basicly the boarding process is first come first serve by getting in a virtual queue when you check in online. You can check in at exactly 24 hours prior to your flight, the closer to that T 24 the lower boarding pass number you willl get. You can also pay an extra $10 per person and SWA will check you in automaticly at 36 hours prior to your flight. If you are really concerned then you may want to seriously consider paying for the early bird check in.

Hope this helps - if you have any more questions ask away. FWIW the transportation board here in the dis is full of very helpful info from some folks who travel often.

 

[dznygurl]

Thanks so much for your answers

I visited the Transportation Board and found a load of information as well....i'm feeling much more relaxed now

 

[happymommy]

My DD11 and I will be flying into Orlando in January. This will be her first flight experience and only my second one (the first one was 15 years ago). I have many questions concerning our flight.
1. What constitutes a "carry on"? Does it have to be a particular size/weight?
what they said! I only bring carry-ons personally; put the larger rolling one in the overhead bin and my purse under the seat in front of me. We do laundry so don't need many clothes for travel.
2. Will my memory card for my digital camera be damaged going through x-ray machines?
Don't worry. Regular film that is high speed (I think like 1000 or so speed) can be damaged and should be checked manually, but digital is fine.
3. My DH says I shouldn't wear any jewelry. What's the problem with that? I don't feel safe leaving my jewelry in my suitcase. Could I put it in my carry-on?
I wear a simple amount of jewelry when traveling and never bring extra. I don't like to go out of town with much of value. I think he's worried about too much metal setting off the alarm when you pass through the security point. Once my son forgot his phone was in his pocket! Just jewelry is fine, but I don't like to draw attention to myself also when traveling alone with my kids. And make sure the room has a safe.
4. We are flying Southwest. What is your experience in being able to sit with your party? I would hate for her and I to not be together. She is getting nervous about flying. I have assured her we will be together, but the truth is, I really don't know
Definitely check in at the exact 24 hour mark before your flight on southwest's website. Even if you are in "B" section, you and your daughter just follow their instructions and head to the back of the plane. You will have no problem, I'm sure.

I know these are probably goofy questions to many of you. I guess I'm feeling anxious about doing things "right".

Even though I've flown many many times alone with my kids, since each of them were infants (even alone when DS was 2 and DD was only 3 months old) I still also have some anxiety when getting ready. Just have everything ready, and you'll be fine! Hope it's a great experience!

 

[pjzkent]

We love Southwest!

Make sure to check in right at 24 hours, or as the OP suggested, pay the extra 10 bucks for early checkin

Remember too that the first 2 checked bags (per passenger) are free with Southwest too!

 

[kpgriswold]

You didn't ask about this, but have your daugter pack her own carry-on. Include a good book, an iPod or DS if she has one, and some snacks for her to munch. Take a pack of gum for her to chew during takeoff and landing. Buy her a bottle of water -- AFTER you clear security -- so she doesn't get dehydrated in the very dry plane air. And pack a favorite, small stuffed animal. It helps with the nerves, even for the ones who think they don't need it.

 

[perkinsrose]

I hope you have a wonderful trip and a smooth flight.

Given the heightened security since Dec 25, you do need to arrive at airport early and I've heard you may only be allowed 1 carryon per person now. Check your carrier's website and/or call for updated info.

You may not be allowed out of your seat 1 hour before landing and may not get to storage bin and/or have pillows/blankets or personal items on lap or on person 1 hour before landing.

A whole lot of hassle all due to one crazy person's actions but it is now necessary. I'm flying in January with kids too. I'm sure airlines would make exceptions if your child has to use restroom during that 1 hour before landing--the news suggested maybe a flight member would accompany you and your child to restroom door...

Anyone flown with kids in the past few days & have experiences???

 

[Bren's Mom]

Talk to your dd about the noises planes make and other 'odd' things she might experience while flying so that when they happen she'll know they're normal. Such as; warning her that the landing gear makes a terrible 'thud' when retracted and sometimes again when coming back down, that often on take off planes need to bank very hard in one direction or another (which can be very frightening for first time flyers), that her ears might feel funny, that turbulence or air pockets are normal...that kind of thing.

I'm sure if you follow TSAs rules to the letter, have your bags properly packed, and have some fun things to do on the plane you'll be just fine and have a great trip.

Oh, and wear shoes that can easily be removed, that makes going through security SO much easier! And if you prefer to wear shoes without socks (if you're in a warm climate) BRING socks in your carry on...put them on before security so you don't have to walk barefoot, and then throw them back in your carry on in a baggie when you're done.

 

[perkinsrose]

My DD11 and I will be flying into Orlando in January. This will be her first flight experience and only my second one (the first one was 15 years ago). I have many questions concerning our flight.
1. What constitutes a "carry on"? Does it have to be a particular size/weight?
2. Will my memory card for my digital camera be damaged going through x-ray machines?
3. My DH says I shouldn't wear any jewelry. What's the problem with that? I don't feel safe leaving my jewelry in my suitcase. Could I put it in my carry-on?4. We are flying Southwest. What is your experience in being able to sit with your party? I would hate for her and I to not be together. She is getting nervous about flying. I have assured her we will be together, but the truth is, I really don't know

I know these are probably goofy questions to many of you. I guess I'm feeling anxious about doing things "right".

I have a white gold wedding ring & wear sterling silver earrings and never set off the machine or had to remove my jewelry & an inexpensive watch.

 

[happymommy]

I hope you have a wonderful trip and a smooth flight.

Given the heightened security since Dec 25, you do need to arrive at airport early and I've heard you may only be allowed 1 carryon per person now. Check your carrier's website and/or call for updated info.

You may not be allowed out of your seat 1 hour before landing and may not get to storage bin and/or have pillows/blankets or personal items on lap or on person 1 hour before landing.

A whole lot of hassle all due to one crazy person's actions but it is now necessary. I'm flying in January with kids too. I'm sure airlines would make exceptions if your child has to use restroom during that 1 hour before landing--the news suggested maybe a flight member would accompany you and your child to restroom door...

Anyone flown with kids in the past few days & have experiences???

I just read those restrictions are not not enforced, thankfully for those traveling with kids! But still, I'd recheck again prior to the travel day.