Flying ?'s

[WDWKrazedKitty]

Hello. Please do not laugh at me lol. I have not flown in roughly 15 years, we always drive. But this trip to the World, in March, we will be flying. It will be myself, my DS and my DS's BFF. I'm a little nervous about the flight. Not the actual flying, but I have NO clue what I am doing. As I said, my last flight was a LONG time ago, and I was with a friend who was knew what they were doing, so I just followed them. For the two 'kids' (both will be almost 15), what will I need for them, as far as ID, etc.? For myself? Any flying/airport tips? ANY help would be greatly appreciated. I feel so silly asking because who doesn't know how to 'fly', right!?!

Thanks so much!!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

No laughing here....most of us would rather answer the question and have the flier be prepared vs getting behind someone who is completely uninformed!!
So...with that in mind. The boys don't really 'need' ID, but my dd has always had some form of ID with her. She now has a passport, just in case. You don't have to, I just prefer to.
I would be sure to bring something from the other boys family stating that you have permission to fly with him...may need to be notorized, don't know for sure. And of course, you need ID...a driver's license will do, but be sure the name on your license matches the name on your boarding pass exactly!!

Okay....so what to bring. Each person gets a personal item (purse, laptop bag, camera case, tote bag, etc.) that is expected to go underneath the seat in front of you. Then, if you choose to bring a carryon bag, check your airline's official site to see what the acceptable size is.
You are allowed to bring liquids on but they can not be any larger than 3oz. And anything that falls into that catagory (liquids, gels) has to be that 3oz or smaller size and it all goes into your clear ziplock qt size baggie. That has to come out of your carryon bag and be put into the security bin.

So....as you walk up to the security line, have your boarding passes and IDs out. They will be checked by the first agent. You will then be directed to the appropriate scanner line. Take off your shoes, put them in a bin. Take off any jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters and put them into a bin. Any laptops have to come out of their bags into their own bin. That baggie with 3oz stuff in it can go into a bin with other stuff. Remove any belts with big metal buckles. Same for any jewelry..you may want to do that at home and stick it in a ziploc baggie and put it in your carryon or tote bag.
Your personal item and carryon bag go on the conveyor belt. You will be directed to the personal scanner...either one that you walk through or one that you stand in....it will be explained to you when you get there. You go through the scanner, go over to the conveyor belt, get your items, put on your shoes and off to the gate you go. I usually just stuff everything in, hit or miss, into my carryon bag..and then make it all nice and orderly when I get to the gate rather than take the time to do it at the security area.

There are usually specific lines that those who aren't familier with security can get into. They tend to be slower moving with a lot less rushing. People seem to be more polite in those lines...try for one of those. Avoid the black diamond lines for the experienced traveler.

Any other questions, just ask away. That's what we're here for.

 

[dunbarfamily]

Don't ever feel silly....most of us love to answer questions! Goofy has already provided you with a lot of great advice here.

I'll suggest you visit the TSA website for the latest on the restrictions and how to package your liquids (like sunscreen, etc 3oz or less, in a quart zip top bag, etc). Because I travel with lots of little children, I personally don't take any liquids on the plane, but that's just my preference. I like things as easy as possible!

A visit to the website of your airline will also be helpful, in my opinion. There you can find out info on how to check in, how to print boarding passes at home, where to check your luggage, etc. Sometimes knowing all the details and actually picturing yourself doing them will help ease some nervousness. Also, I've been through several airports. It seems like there are TSA and airline employees all over the place. Most people, even other travellers, are pretty helpful and wouldn't mind answering a question.

Good luck! And think up more questions too....we're here to help! I'm not a regular here on the transportation board, I tend to float all around the DIS. But I'll make sure I keep checking your thread and will help however I can!

 

[Nbarker]

This wasn't my thread, but thanks for the great info! We don't fly alot and I am always scared that I'm going to do something WRONG! I love the walk thru to know exactly what to expect!

 

[goofy4tink]

Flying can be scary if you aren't used to it. I know that the first time I flew alone, not all that long ago, I was petrified. But, I did just fine. And so will all of you. It's just something you have to do once and then you find that 'oh, that wasn't so bad'. Try to keep things as simple as possible. That means as little liquid/gel as humanly possible in that baggie. It means nothing in your pockets. I like to keep all my electronics in one big ziploc baggie. Yeah, I know, I don't 'have to'....it just makes it easier if there is any kind of question. So, I put cameras, cell phones, chargers in that baggie. Disburse it all at the gate if need be.

Take it slowly and you'll be fine.

 

[Sandi]

goofy4tink is always so helpful and her advice is spot on. I just wanted to add that every day there are hundreds of first time flyers and they all do it successfully.

Have you purchased your flights yet? Let us know what airline you wind up on and you'll get more help on selecting seats, boarding procedures, etc.

 

[crashbb]

One, little, change to Goofy4Tink's advise.

The limit for liquids is 3.4oz (not 3oz). This is the same as 100mL (in case you have anything labeled in metric).

 

[dunbarfamily]

One, little, change to Goofy4Tink's advise.

The limit for liquids is 3.4oz (not 3oz). This is the same as 100mL (in case you have anything labeled in metric).

Thanks for the clarification. I too told OP the limit was 3 oz. Did that just change? It could be that its always been that way and I'm living in a cave. I do live in the middle of nowhere with only one blinking traffic light and three four-way stop signs. It takes a while for the news of the world to catch up to this area!!!!

LOL!! Thanks again!

 

[crashbb]

Thanks for the clarification. I too told OP the limit was 3 oz. Did that just change? It could be that its always been that way and I'm living in a cave. I do live in the middle of nowhere with only one blinking traffic light and three four-way stop signs. It takes a while for the news of the world to catch up to this area!!!!

LOL!! Thanks again!

It's actually always (or, at least, almost always) been 3.4oz. The international agreement is 100mL, which equals 3.4oz. It is just that 3-1-1 sounds much better than 3.4-1-1!

I live in Canada (where we use metric), and have many bottles that are 100mL, so the distinction between 3.0oz and 3.4oz is important.

 

[WDWKrazedKitty]

Thank you all SO much. All your advice and tips are greatly appreciated!!!

Sandi - no, have not gotten flights yet. Keepin my eyes on them. But will post when I do!!!

 

[peemagg]

Something that we found that makes going thru security easier, is to have our jackets off and stored in our carry-ons before even getting in the line. This is also a great time to empty pockets of things like change and to take off watches. If you put all of this in your bags before getting in line it will be easier. This is also a good time to pull your quart baggie out and have it ready.

Also if possible be sure to wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on. I will wear my Crocs for this, just so all I have to do is slip them off and back on and not worry about laces.

 

[krissyh]

The security questions have been addressed accurately and completely, but here are a few more tips.
1. Flying out of NE in March.
If it is still cold at home, leave your heavy coats in the car and wear
light layers into the airport. Might be a bit cold coming home, but
there is no need for all the bulk. I go from Buffalo to Florida in February
and wear a top, cardigan and light jacket I might wear in FL and a big
wrap that goes over everything, is a plane blanket and folds into a
small spot in my bag.
2. Have a notarized letter from DS's BFF's mom. I have traveled with my
niece and get this, along with her insurance card, before we go.
She looks like me and has the same last name, so I've never been asked,
but I feel better knowing I have it. The letter says she has permission to
travel with me from x to x on dates x to x and that I have permission
to make emergency medical decisions on her behalf.
Better safe than sorry.

Have a great trip!

 

[DopeyDame]

Great advice from everyone so far!
I'd just suggest one small change to krissyh's letter - take out the word "emergency" In a true medical emergency, the doctors will do what they have to do regardless of the letter. What you really need that for is the sorta-kinda-not-quite-emergency situation (broken bone, maybe?) I suspect most doctors would accept the letter, but you'd hate to run into the one stickler doctor who determines that the serious-but-not-life-threatening-situation isn't actually an emergency, and so won't treat the kid because the parents only gave you authorization for emergency medical stuff.

Other than that, read all the signs at the airport, follow TSA instructions, don't hesitate to ask for help, relax, and HAVE FUN!