First time flyers

[disfan4life1]

DH and I are flying in to the world in a few weeks. Never flown before. Couple of questions.... Should I pay for the early bird check in thing?? And anything else I need to know. We are flying southwest.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Since you have never flown and you are not familiar with what will take place and how you will react to the flight I would suggest getting the EBCI that way you will have a better chance of sitting together.

Remember you can not take liquids through security if they are in a bottle bigger than 3oz. You will have to take off your shoes to go through security and you must empty your pockets of everything to go through security. If you are taking liquids(3oz or less) through security you must put them in a 1 quart ziplock bag and you are allowed one bag per person.

Arrived at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. Security lines can be long. Two weeks ago the lines at Orlando were a 30 minute wait!!

 

[ColoradoDis]

I'd buy it. Takes away some of the uncertainty.

 

[dsneprincess]

If you are not willing/able to be online 24 hours prior to your flight to check in, I would buy EBCI otherwise, I would not. I would plan on 2 hours in airport, plan accordingly to park, drop off rental car, etc. Have your ids accessible. Pack liquids properly. Either pack something to eat on board or get something portable at the airport, depending on length of flight & times. You can bring liquids like water or soda on board so long as you buy after the security checkpoint. SW serves beverages in the air, alcoholic have an additional charge. SW's magazine usually has some interesting articles. Have fun!

 

[stevil73]

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/airport-experience/index.html

 

[nhmommy]

Along with shoes also take off your jackets bulky sweat shirts belts. The less you bring through security the better. I never pay for online check in and I have only been separated once that was because of a security line hold up we were last to board.

 

[Jestocost]

I agree that you might get more peace of mind if you buy EBCI. It's never necessary, but depending on the makeup of your family, how important it is for all of you to sit together, where you are flying from, etc. it can be more or less important. With just two adults it really isn't critical if you can be online to check in 24 hours before your scheduled departure.