First time flying questions.

[wbarkhur]

I have quite a few questions, and figured that someone would be able to help me figure it out(if I need to post each one in it's own thread please let me know). Basic info... we are flying on Southwest out of denver going to MCO on Nov 20 returning Dec 5. It will be myself, my husband and our five kids ages 2,6,7,10,12.

1. I know that I can not have any liquid over 3oz in my carry on, is this also true for my checked luggage?(had read something about two baggies?)

2. We are bringing a travel bed for our 2yr old, it has it's own case similar to a pack and play. Do we check it with our regular luggage? And does it count as a bag or is it considered baby equipment?

3. I will check in at the 24hr mark, and print my tickets at home, once we get to the airport do we have to go to a counter and get "real" tickets or are to the ones I print at home all I need?

4. We will have travel bags(backpacks) for all the kids with activities/snacks in them. Once we get on the plane can these fit under the seat in front of them? I want them to be able to get to them easy with out having to bother others to get to them.

5. (last one for now) We are going to be gate-checking our stroller, thanks to the boards I know to let the person at the gate know this before everyone wants to board. On our trip there we have a stop, but do not change planes. I am worried about them un-loading the stroller, and it getting left, at the first stop. Is there sometype of tag that tells them when to unload things that are gate checked or do I need to make one, or tell them that it goes all the way to MCO, when we check it?

Thanks so much for any help. This board has been great in helping to lessen my stress about our first flight. I really appriciate it a bunch.

 

[dburg30]

I have quite a few questions, and figured that someone would be able to help me figure it out(if I need to post each one in it's own thread please let me know). Basic info... we are flying on Southwest out of denver going to MCO on Nov 20 returning Dec 5. It will be myself, my husband and our five kids ages 2,6,7,10,12.

1. I know that I can not have any liquid over 3oz in my carry on, is this also true for my checked luggage?(had read something about two baggies?)

No real limits on liquids in checked luggage, of course assuming 'normal' liquids ie: soap / shampoo / hair gel etc etc. Would be limited by weight and you do want to consider that checked luggage gets handled roughly, so make sure you dont put things that will get broken open easily. Many people suggest putting stuff inside ziplock bags if it does break / come open MAYBE it would hold some of it. Just remember anything that breaks would not only get all over your stuff, but COULD leak out and get on other peoples stuff too.

2. We are bringing a travel bed for our 2yr old, it has it's own case similar to a pack and play. Do we check it with our regular luggage? And does it count as a bag or is it considered baby equipment?
PRetty sure it will count toward your checked baggage allotment. THat being said, you have SEVEN of you going so that would be FOURTEEN total bags available, so that shouldnt be an issue for you

3. I will check in at the 24hr mark, and print my tickets at home, once we get to the airport do we have to go to a counter and get "real" tickets or are to the ones I print at home all I need?

The ones you print will be your boarding pass, will get you thru security and on the plane

4. We will have travel bags(backpacks) for all the kids with activities/snacks in them. Once we get on the plane can these fit under the seat in front of them? I want them to be able to get to them easy with out having to bother others to get to them.
If you dont pack them super full they should fit. There is a decent amount of room under the seat in front of you

5. (last one for now) We are going to be gate-checking our stroller, thanks to the boards I know to let the person at the gate know this before everyone wants to board. On our trip there we have a stop, but do not change planes. I am worried about them un-loading the stroller, and it getting left, at the first stop. Is there sometype of tag that tells them when to unload things that are gate checked or do I need to make one, or tell them that it goes all the way to MCO, when we check it?

Thanks so much for any help. This board has been great in helping to lessen my stress about our first flight. I really appriciate it a bunch.

Last one I dont know about, but I would expect it has an 'destination airport' tag like normal luggage would?

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

each person can have 1 quart sized ziploc bag filled & able to be sealed - 3 oz containers of liquids. They have to have the 3oz measurement on the bottle.

In your checked bags you can put what ever you want as far as liquids. I would recommend putting them in a ziploc bag, but it doesn't have to be quart sized.

I don't know about the travel bed. I don't bring those, I use the ones at the hotels. No sense in dragging that around.

If you are checking bags you will have to visit the counter at the airport regardless of if you have printed your boarding passes. Since you are flying SW you should do that at the 24 hr mark anyways.

yes backpacks can be stowed under the seat in front of them.

Stroller. When you get to your gate, go to the counter and ask for a gate check slip. They will put your final destination on that tag so your stroller will stay on the plane.

 

[ccgirl]

I have quite a few questions, and figured that someone would be able to help me figure it out(if I need to post each one in it's own thread please let me know). Basic info... we are flying on Southwest out of denver going to MCO on Nov 20 returning Dec 5. It will be myself, my husband and our five kids ages 2,6,7,10,12.

1. I know that I can not have any liquid over 3oz in my carry on, is this also true for my checked luggage?(had read something about two baggies?)
No limit in checked luggage. However, I put it in a ziploc bag in case it spills...I don't want that stuff all over the clothing.
2. We are bringing a travel bed for our 2yr old, it has it's own case similar to a pack and play. Do we check it with our regular luggage? And does it count as a bag or is it considered baby equipment?
Since your 2 year old has their own seat they are allowed 2 checked bags for free with SW. The pack 'n play can be used as one of them. But, I believe, you can check this for free like a carseat or stroller.IF you don't want to lug it the hotels will provide a pack 'n play for you.
3. I will check in at the 24hr mark, and print my tickets at home, once we get to the airport do we have to go to a counter and get "real" tickets or are to the ones I print at home all I need?
You do not need real tickets. However, you need to go to the counter (or sky cap) to check the baggage.
4. We will have travel bags(backpacks) for all the kids with activities/snacks in them. Once we get on the plane can these fit under the seat in front of them? I want them to be able to get to them easy with out having to bother others to get to them.
They will be able to fit under the seat. However, I will caution against bringing one per person. It makes going thru security more difficult and is just more things to lose. I bring 1 backpack per row. The portable DVD players are pretty small and I can fit that, crayons, coloring books, stickers, snacks in one bag with ease. Also consider packing an empty covered cup for the little one that way you don't have to worry about the drink spilling on the plane.
5. (last one for now) We are going to be gate-checking our stroller, thanks to the boards I know to let the person at the gate know this before everyone wants to board. On our trip there we have a stop, but do not change planes. I am worried about them un-loading the stroller, and it getting left, at the first stop. Is there sometype of tag that tells them when to unload things that are gate checked or do I need to make one, or tell them that it goes all the way to MCO, when we check it?
I think since it is gate checked you need to wait for it when you get off the plane. Then you will have to gate check it again when you board your next plane. Not positive though as I only fly non-stop.
Thanks so much for any help. This board has been great in helping to lessen my stress about our first flight. I really appriciate it a bunch.

You are welcome. I hope my info helped. Have fun!

 

[Missytara]

Here's a couple of other helpful hints:

1. Put a piece of paper inside your baggage with your contact name, address and phone number, in case the baggage tags get lost or your bags get misdirected in some way.

2. Pack travel size items, that you can throw away as you use them. Pack liquids in your checked baggage in manila envelopes with bubble wrap, to avoid breakage.

3. Always remember, you are most likely surrounded by seasoned flyers. Remember to always be prepared, have your ID and tickets ready to show at security, gate, etc.

4. Stow your luggage and get into your seat as quickly as you can when boarding. When de-boarding, be prepared as the line moves quickly from the front to the back of the plane. Again, a lot of seasoned flyers are ready to get off the plane and get going.

5. Bring some small munchie snacks to occupy you or the young ones. Try not to bring anything on board that has peanuts in it, in case someone on board has severe nut allergies.

6. Since you are going from a cold destination to a warmer destination, leave your heavy coats, gloves, etc. in the car (in case you have to clear snow/ice off when you return), and brave the cold with a sweater/hoodie at your home airport. I leave a heavy coat and winter gloves in my trunk, along with a scraper/brush. When I get into the airport at BWI to check-in, I put my hoodie in my checked baggage and change into shorts at the airport, so when I get off the plane, I am ready for warmer weather. Do it in reverse on your way home.

Enjoy!

 

[skelooch]

I think everyone answered your questions already, so I would just like to add a couple of additions tips to Missytara's list:

Being you are flying SW I assume you will not have assigned seats and will be given boarding assignments when you do your online checkin. It might be a good idea to arrive at the airport a little earlier and talk to the gate agent about keeping your family together. Because your family could wind up with different boarding assignments and the ones getting on last may not be able to find seats near those that boarded earlier.

One other thing I have found helpful when traveling with small children is to have some chewing gum to help equalize the pressure that some kids experience, especially during landings. If they can't clear their ears it can be painful for them. Also something for motion sickness might not be a bad idea if you think your kids might be affected. I don't mean to scare you about flying, but they are some things I see happen all the time. I hope you don't have any of them happen to you just want you to take precautions.

Enjoy your first flight and especially your first trip to WDW.
I don't envy you having to pay for all those tickets.

 

[dburg30]

Also just plan for the seating, as stated above. I would strongly consider just paying the 10 bucks per person each way (yes I know that would make it 140 more total) for the early bird check in. While it cant promise you "a" boarding passes, you'll have a pretty good chance at them.

Also, SW jets are all 3 across so you have 3 seats on the left 3 on the right with the aisle between. You have 7 people. Someone will either be by themselves, or you will have to do 2,2,3 or 3,3,1. If you dont want people to be totally 'alone' probably pairing up the 10 and 12 year old will be the best. Put them a row in front of you or put one on 1 aisle seat and one on the other aisle in front of you. That's something you will jsut want to try to figure out ahead of time. or you could put parents on the aisles, 2 to the left and 2 to the right and one child in the aisle ahead of you. Just think about that also.

 

[ccgirl]

I see your youngest is 2. You should be fine. You should be eligible for family boarding between groups A and B. I have yet to pay the $10 and have yet to be split up between my family. Even with a C boarding pass. Although it does happen. Of course, as long as 1 parent was with 1 child I was okay. Just check in 24 hours in advance and I think you will be fine. On the way home you can check in for the flight using a web enabled phone, the concierge at your hotel, or Guest Services in a park.

Have fun.

 

[wbarkhur]

Thank you everyone for answering my questions, and for the advice. It is really great to have a place to ask questions and get good answers and advice. Thanks

 

[njmom47]

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

This website may also provide additional information.