Flying SW...Need to Know What to Expect???

[shaycamp21]

Ten days and counting !!! Myself, Dh, and my 2 dd's are flying out of Detroit on Aug 21. We are staying at the Clarion by the Airport on the 20th(includes free shuttle, breakfast, and parking) and they will shuttle us to the airport in the a.m.

This is our first trip to Disney and the first time we are not flying out of Pearson and I need to know what to expect. How do I go about getting our boarding passes printed and seat information. Are there any check in procedures we should be aware of? Also since meals are not served do you bring something to eat on the plane?

Although I am excited, I am getting very nervous about the flight. I would have preferred to fly out of Buffalo but I could not get any decent flight times.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
SHAY

 

[maryliz]

If you can, go down to the front desk of the hotel at 12:01 AM and ask them to print your boarding passes. This should secure you "A" passes. (means that group boards directly after the preboards). You will not have a seat assignment. It's pretty much a first-come, first-served situation with boarding. Get to the airport early, so that you are closer to the front of your "A/B/C" line. Check before you sit down 'cause you might choose a seat close to the gate, but it might be in the wrong A/B/C Aisle

They will most often allow preboards for families if they have a child 4 or under, although someone on the transportation board recently said they think it's now 3 and under. It was 4 years old in Jan. Don't know if you'd qualify, but since it's not guaranteed, try and checkin online at the hotel at 12:01AM to be safe.

Yes, you can bring food/drinks on board. They will provide you with a small glass of pop/juice and some little snack.

Where are you staying at Disney? DSis and myself are flying AirTran out of Buffalo on the 20th, and staying at POP until the 26th. Would have preferred direct flights on SWA, but at the time, AirTran was the cheapest and we just really wanted to get it booked.

We enjoyed flying SW in Jan, so no worries ... it will all be fine. And there's most likely curbside check-in at the airport which is really nice and convenient.

Have a great time ... maybe we'll see ya there!

MaryLiz

 

[shaycamp21]

Thanks. My girls are 5 and 7 so we won't qualify for preboarding. One thing I am worried about is I think our flight out of Detroit is not direct, meaning we fly straight from Detroit to Orlando but I think the flight orginates in Chicago and stops over in Detroit, so I am not sure what that means in terms of seating. I just hope at least Dh can be with one and I can sit with the other. I think my girls would be a bit freaked out if they had to sit alone with strangers.

We are staying At POFQ from 21st-30th!! It would be great to meet up with a fellow DISER especially a Canadian one.

 

[jjohns]

We are staying At POFQ from 21st-30th!! It would be great to meet up with a fellow DISER especially a Canadian one.

We fit that bill!

We arrive Aug 26, depart Sept 2. Also staying at POFQ, we have a boy (10) and girl (8). Maybe we can meet and the kids can play at the pool or something...

 

[shaycamp21]

That would be great! We have requested a nonsmoking room but that is all the info I know. I don't know what building we are staying in. You can email me shaycamp21@yahoo.ca and perhaps we can arrange something.

Single digit dance. 9 days and counting.

 

[BensMom]

My DH flies down every weekend from BUF to MCO. Favorite directs are #2021, #512, #497. I am surprised you couldn't book.

You can print your boarding passes on SW's website at 12:01 am the day of the flight. You want to get in the "A" group--you board first and get pick of seats, versus B or C group. Just fill in your name(s) and confirmation number(s). Bring originals - you can't fax em or copy em--they won't take them. Southwest is usually on time, but they won't take off or land in electrical storms. If they are late taking off, they usually make it up. They're pretty good like that. Just be prepared for long security lines. This is what holds you up.

Don't be scared. You'll be just fine.