First time Flyer tips

[PrincessMom4]

We have driven countless to Disney World, but we wanted to try this method once and see how it goes.

We will fly out of Syracuse, NY. We are thinking of taking one laptop, my purse, and one smaller bookbag as carry on plus one bookbag for me with snacks and emergency clothes.

Each kid will have one suitcase plus the stuff for my hubby and I.

Any tips on how to bring a few groceries, etc?

Thank u

 

[backyardponder]

Are you checking bags and what airline are you flying?

 

[PrincessMom4]

I checked one check suitcase. We are either flying with Delta or Jet Blue.

 

[Jestocost]

JetBlue allows one free checked bag per ticketed passenger, Delta charges $25 each for one bag per passenger ($35 each for a second bag). Both are subject to size and weight limits and the charges for oversized or overweight bags are very high.

Both airlines allow each ticketed passenger to bring on board one carry-on bag (subject to size limits) and one personal item (such as a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, etc.). In general, the carry-on bag can be a roller bag or something smaller and will go in the overhead compartment and the personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you. If all of the overhead space is full when it is time for you to board, you may be required to check your carry-on bags.

Note than anything in your carry-on bags or personal items will need to go through TSA screening and will have to comply with all of their requirements. This includes the limitation on liquids and gels, under which each passenger gets one quart-sized bag into which can contain liquids or gels in containers no larger than 3.4 oz. each. Liquids in larger containers (other than prescription or OTC meds) have to go in your checked bags.

Food can be packed in your carry-on bags subject to any applicable restrictions or can be packed your checked bags. Note that airline baggage handlers are not know for being gentle, so breakage can and will occur. It is not generally recommended that you pack drinks in your checked bags due to the risk that they will leak and ruin your things and other people's things. You should not pack perishable items in your bags.

 

[PrincessMom4]

I had to re-read the one part about medications. I was thinking of putting it into a clear ziploc bag as its important medication and can NOT be away from us.

 

[backyardponder]

You can definately pack non-perishable groceries in your baggage. Just be aware of weight limits on your baggage. You can buy some perishables like milk at the store in your resort. You can also have grocery buying services buy things for you and deliver to your resort. There's lots of threads on that.

When we went 2 years ago with a group of 12 for 10 night we rented a car for a day and did all the grocery shopping, including a Costco run. We made fairly large breakfasts in the room before heading out for the day.

On medications, I've never had a problem taking it through security including various liquids. I do put it in separate zip lock bags, not with other things.

Final thought, since it seems there are going to be 6 of you flying...get ready for HUGE sticker shock. Airfares are way up and I don't see fares like they used to be.

 

[PrincessMom4]

You can definately pack non-perishable groceries in your baggage. Just be aware of weight limits on your baggage. You can buy some perishables like milk at the store in your resort. You can also have grocery buying services buy things for you and deliver to your resort. There's lots of threads on that.

When we went 2 years ago with a group of 12 for 10 night we rented a car for a day and did all the grocery shopping, including a Costco run. We made fairly large breakfasts in the room before heading out for the day.

On medications, I've never had a problem taking it through security including various liquids. I do put it in separate zip lock bags, not with other things.

Final thought, since it seems there are going to be 6 of you flying...get ready for HUGE sticker shock. Airfares are way up and I don't see fares like they used to be.

Our flight is about 1800 for all 6 of us. We each get one carry-on and one checked luggage.

What can i expect with children going through security??

 

[ToddyLu]

For tips I would make sure that everyone wore a slip on/off shoe. You will have to remve shoes when going through security. Crocs/flip flops would be great for the day you fly. Make sure that the kids have their items in a small bag for easy access-and I am sure you already have that handled. I keep my itenerary, phone, Iphone and jewelry in my personal bag on the floor. Makeup can go in the carry on. I would think with four children -one book bag with toys, meds and one bookbag with food would be enough--it just seems that if everyone has their own bag it would be more difficult to get on, seated and comfy. But then I do not have children. My brother has five and they are in WDW this week. I do not think I would have a heavy meal the evening before or the morning of the flight. Maybe just a glass of milk instead of cola before the flight. The kids if they are old enough can chew gum and pop their ears if needed.

Make sure you keep up with everyone's ticket.

Take the opportunity--make it easy on yourself and let each person check a bag--if there is no charge. Most people recommend packing the kids clothing in a zip lock bag for each day. They get a gallon size bag for each day and place tees, shorts, socks, hair bows in the bag and kids get ready much faster. Then they can put dirty things in them when ya'll return.

Have a great trip. We paid $600 for our direct non stop tickets from New Orleans so I think $1800 is a pretty good price for six--and so much faster.

Have a fantastic trip.

 

[ironpig70]

How many days will you be at the resorts?

If its a week or so you can save yourself space by doing laundry at the resort.

Also if you use nested suitcases use the large one with the medium one inside it. Fly down with it together. Fly home with them seperate and use one for stuff you are bringing home. This requires 1 person not taking one down.


Go to the TSA website and see what the rules say and follow them. If there is a question on what you can carry on ie a "grey" area stick in the suitcase thats getting checked.

Lastly you'll be in an airport for a couple hours at each end of the trip so if you can eat, read or do something to maximize the time then plan for it

 

[MaryPoppins1964]

We flew to San Diego in January and TSA told us that children no longer had to remove their shoes, which is a big help.

We have never had a problem with medicines, as stated before, I just make sure they are in a ziploc by themselves.

I pack DD's swimsuit in our carry on, sometimes it takes a couple hours to get your luggage, and the pool is always the first thing she wants to do.

Have fun!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Not sure about your home airport but Orlando uses the full body screener so you will need to make sure everyone has everything out of their pockets. This includes your husband wallet, kleenex. Your pockets have to be completely empty. A hint about the wallet. Have your husband but it in a carry on bag before getting into the security line but make sure he has his photo id out. The reason I caution about putting the wallet away before security is that no one behind you can see where the wallet is. That way if for some reason he has to go through the pat down search someone behind him could easly see that you put a wallet in a bag and take off with the bag while he is be patted down. NEVER put it in a tray by itself. The screen belts sometimes will more items through xray machine before you walk through and your wallet will be sitting out in the open at the other end for anyone to walk off with.

 

[SeniorWoodchuck]

Yes, children under 12 can now leave their shoes on when going through security.

If you've never flown, you should know that (except for a few minutes during takeoff and landing) you ARE allowed to use electronic devices on the plane, as long as they don't emit radio signals. This means that you can watch DVDs or write on your laptop, and if the kids are into electronic games they can play them. You can also use cell phones after landing but before you're allowed out of your seat, so keep a phone handy if you think you'll need it.

 

[PrincessMom4]

What is a full body screener?? We are flying on a domestic flight. Is that where they take pictures of what's under your clothing??

 

[PrincessMom4]

Now laptops go through xrays?? would that not damage it or do they have a different procedure with a laptop??

 

[LWQuestie]

What is a full body screener?? We are flying on a domestic flight. Is that where they take pictures of what's under your clothing??

Now laptops go through xrays?? would that not damage it or do they have a different procedure with a laptop??

Laptops go through the xray scanner. Laptops must be removed from the luggage and placed in it's own bin on the conveyor belt.

TSA article about traveling with laptop.