First Time Ever Flying Questions

[pumpkinpatchquilter]

Thanks so much to those who answered my last question...this is my first time flying and I'm a bit nervous! We will be flying Air Tran - I have several questions for anyone willing to help! I will call Air Tran directly to confirm, but just to get a start on planning...

1. Am I correct that we can check our stroller at no additional charge? Also that we can check the stroller at the gate?

2. Air Tran's website says we can have one carry on suitcase and one personal item, like a purse. I have two Mickey bags to use for my daughters, I don't know if anyone is familiar with the black and white polkadot bags that were being sold at Walmart for $12 this spring but that's what we bought for them...would a small bookbag or a bookbag sized bag also be acceptable?

3. The website also says I can carryon additional items for an infant at no extra charge and that do not count towards my carry ons...would the diaper bag then NOT be considered a carry on? Also, am I correct that it's ok to bring in that diaper bag a container of milk that exceeds 3 oz. for the baby and snacks are permitted?

4. Can I bring baby tylenol or the meltaway tablets for my older children in my carry on?

Thank you so much!!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Hello,

Here is what I found on Airtrans web sight regarding the stroller:

You may bring a stroller to the gate for ease of travel through the airport. The stroller may be gate checked just before boarding the plane and will be returned to the aircraft jet way upon arrival at your destination. Car seats and strollers may be checked free of charge; any other items are subject to standard baggage fees (i.e., portable crib, high chair, etc.).

As far as the meds. If the infant tylenol is liquid it has to be in a container that is 3 oz or less. Also the infant tylenol must be placed in your 1 quart ziplock bag that will be presented to security. Anything liquid that you plan to carry on the plan must be in a container that is 3oz or less and it must be placed in a 1 quart ziplock bag. Each passenger is allowed only one of the 1 quart ziplock bag inwhich all liquids must be placed.

The meltaways are fine

 

[DebbieB]

Hello,

Here is what I found on Airtrans web sight regarding the stroller:

You may bring a stroller to the gate for ease of travel through the airport. The stroller may be gate checked just before boarding the plane and will be returned to the aircraft jet way upon arrival at your destination. Car seats and strollers may be checked free of charge; any other items are subject to standard baggage fees (i.e., portable crib, high chair, etc.).

As far as the meds. If the infant tylenol is liquid it has to be in a container that is 3 oz or less. Also the infant tylenol must be placed in your 1 quart ziplock bag that will be presented to security. Anything liquid that you plan to carry on the plan must be in a container that is 3oz or less and it must be placed in a 1 quart ziplock bag. Each passenger is allowed only one of the 1 quart ziplock bag inwhich all liquids must be placed.

The meltaways are fine

Medications are not subject to the 3oz rule and don't have to be put in the quart bag. They do have to be shown to the officer.

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.

http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm

To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers, in the absence of suspicious activity or items, greater than 3.4 ounce (100ml) of the following liquids, gels and aerosols are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary (all exceptions must be presented to the security officer in front of the checkpoint):
Baby formula, breast milk, and juice if a baby or small child is traveling;
All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including petroleum jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;

 

[pumpkinpatchquilter]

Thank you so much! I did read about the strollers on the website but was hoping for someone who's actually done it! I just want to make sure I'm reading and understanding correctly - thank you!

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

Yes you can check the stroller at the gate. We have done it about 10 times with AirTran. No worries.

Also, when you are talking about carry-ons and personal items remember that your children are entitled to them too (and they do not have to carry them, you could). The bags you described would be personal items, in my opinion.