First time flying as a family

[ash901]

And I'm so clueless. I planned to have my kids bring a back pack with their ipads and headphones and snacks. Then I will have a carryon with swimsuits, extra clothes etc. Is this ok? What is the 3 1 1 rule? I really need to have a small amount of sunscreen packed in the carryon, DD is allergic and wears a certain kind. I just don't want to get to the airport and we are not prepared at all. I guess I'm looking for tips to make this process easy for us and fellow travelers. Thanks

 

[alliecat523]

What you've stated is fine. I'm assuming you're also sending through a checked bag as well?

Basically the 3 1 1 rule is that you can only have 3oz of each liquid in 1 quart sized bag. So you can have 3 oz of sunscreen and 3oz of contact lens solution and 3 oz of whatever else all thrown in a 1 quart sized bag. You just pull that out at screening and throw it in the bucket/bin and send it through. If you need special sunscreen, go to Target or Walmart (probably even the dollar store) and get a plastic travel bottle that holds 3oz. Pour some sunscreen in that and pack the rest. Headphones, iPads and snacks are fine (so long as the snacks aren't liquid)

 

[cedricandsophie]

You can each bring a carry on and a personal item. My husband and I bring a small pull bag carry on each plus my purse. And my daughter brings her pull bag carryon and her backpack. Avoid any liquids like water etc unless you buy after you go thru security but you can bring snacks and buy juice or soda onboard. I always bring hand lotion in my purse and it's about a 4 ounce size. Have never been asked to remove it. But most people put small containers of creams or liquids like shampoo in a plastic ziplock bag. Each person can bring a ziplock bag of small fluids. I put all sundries in our checked bags. Check on the airline web site to see what you can bring and what you can't.

Some planes have tv monitors in each seat back and you can pay a certain amount to watch an array of tv shows and movies. We mostly fly United and if you download the United app on your phone or iPad before you go, you can access a ton of movies for free assuming their wifi onboard is working and that's a little iffy. Other airlines might do the same.

Depending on the airline and age of kids you might be able to get on relatively early but if not there's always a chance you have to check a carry on at gate if you are one of last boarding and the space is gone. It's generally free to check at gate and then you pick up the gate check at either the gate or at baggage claim.

When possible I always pay for seats in the plus section of any airline which means you get on early and close to front plus seats are a little roomier. Often you get a free bag too so the cost can be a lot less than u think.

You can Print out boarding passes at home usually 24 hours ahead of flight and then just check bags at airport. We never have to pay for luggage when we fly United but if yu do have to pay to check luggage do it online when you print out boarding passes. It saves time at airport. Just keep your receipt to show you paid.

Depending on airport and time of day security lines can be long unless you have airline status or get pre check. So leave enough time. And when u go thru security have boarding passes and photo ID ready. Nothing so annoying to the people behind you to have you fumbling for your drivers license when you get to the front of line.

Try to have kids or you avoid flip flops or sandals because you will have to take off shoes to get thru security. I usually wear gym shoes with socks but if I am going to wear sandals I bring a pair of socks in my carry on to put on when I take my shoes off.

But the most important thought about flying is to just relax. Get there in plenty of time so you aren't stressed. And if something happens like a delayed or cancelled flight BE NICE especially to the gate staff. If you need them to help you get on another flight, etc crying and yelling does not help. Be polite, understanding of their difficult job and pleasant. You will get a lot more help that way. I have flown well over a million miles and the airline folks respond to you the way you respond to them.

 

[tiggergal15]

The 311 rule is per person..sounds like your plans are fine

 

[Baklava]

Also, check your airline's website. There are good tips and guidelines for traveling with kids that may reassure you.

 

[ash901]

Thank you all! This helps. We are flying Southwest, and I paid for the early bird checkin to make sure we all sat together. Does Southwest have boarding passes I need to print or can I show them on my Phone?

 

[rwdavis2]

Also check tsa.gov

 

[kamik86]

Thank you all! This helps. We are flying Southwest, and I paid for the early bird checkin to make sure we all sat together. Does Southwest have boarding passes I need to print or can I show them on my Phone?

You can print your boarding passes at home, print them when you check luggage there, or use your phone. Most of the time I don't use my phone just in case the battery gets low or something. Plus I find it a pain. I have a few times (I was given teh wrong boarding pass at check in once, and once lost my pass for the connection between flights) but you can if you prefer it.

However with multiple people your goign to need multiple passes, doing this on one phone is going to be an even larger pain. I would just go with paper. If you don't want to use your own ink they will do it for you at bag check anyway.

 

[ash901]

You can print your boarding passes at home, print them when you check luggage there, or use your phone. Most of the time I don't use my phone just in case the battery gets low or something. Plus I find it a pain. I have a few times (I was given teh wrong boarding pass at check in once, and once lost my pass for the connection between flights) but you can if you prefer it.

However with multiple people your goign to need multiple passes, doing this on one phone is going to be an even larger pain. I would just go with paper. If you don't want to use your own ink they will do it for you at bag check anyway.

Thank you. Hearing first hand experiences helps!

 

[TellTheHubbyLater]

And I'm so clueless. I planned to have my kids bring a back pack with their ipads and headphones and snacks. Then I will have a carryon with swimsuits, extra clothes etc. Is this ok? What is the 3 1 1 rule? I really need to have a small amount of sunscreen packed in the carryon, DD is allergic and wears a certain kind. I just don't want to get to the airport and we are not prepared at all. I guess I'm looking for tips to make this process easy for us and fellow travelers. Thanks

You could pack up a small box of essentials needed if your luggage is late and mail it to your resort ahead of time.

 

[goofy4tink]

For that special sunscreen, just get an approved container and fill it with the sunscreen. You are allowed 3.4oz. There are a ton of containers for sale in most stores that meet the TSA requirements!

 

[bumbershoot]

Basically the 3 1 1 rule is that you can only have 3oz of each liquid in 1 quart sized bag. So you can have 3 oz of sunscreen and 3oz of contact lens solution and 3 oz of whatever else all thrown in a 1 quart sized bag.

Almost.

3.4 oz (100 mL) is the bottle size. It's not the limit *per liquid*. I've been known to fill a whole quart baggie with 100 mL bottles of sunscreen. I think I can fit around 7 in there. Maybe 6. Depends on what exact bottle I'm using.

Each ticketed person gets to have a 311 baggie. You can toss them all in one bin when going through security. I travel with two dudes which is how I have the luxury of a whole baggie of sunscreen. Then my hair goop, DH's hair goop, travel sizes of toothpaste if we can find the fluoride-free Tom's of Maine in the right size (otherwise a big tube gets checked), etc.

Each of the kids COULD have their own rollerbag AND a backpack, but if you're the only adult that gets tedious to have to put everyone's rollerbags up in the bins etc. If one rollerbag holds 24-36 hours worth of essentials in it for all, then that works!