Flying vs Driving

[my3sons77]

I just found some pretty cheap airline tickets. $109 each. That comes up to $1100 for all 5 of us to fly. To drive it would be cheaper but would take us 2 days to get to Disney compared to 2 hours flying.

The thing is this would be our first time ever flying as a family of 5. I have flown my whole life (father works for the airlines). The last time hubby and I flew together was over 10 years ago. The last time I flew was 3 years ago. I have never taken my kids on plane, let alone a 2 year old toddler!

We are really considering purchasing the tickets but what do I need to know?
Is the first check in bag free? You get one carry on per person right? How big can it be? What can/can't you take on the planes now? My list of questions go on and on.

I know one of you will have an awesome website for me to look at all the regulations.

Please give me some tips, suggestions. HELP! Our trip is only 11 days away so I need to start organzing things if we end up flying.

Thanks in advance for all of your help

 

[all4fun]

Here's a pretty good website:
Airline Baggage Policies - who's charging what, from expedia.com


That's a pretty good deal on tickets, and the time you'd save driving...personally, I think it's worth it. I'd much rather deal with a toddler on a plane for 2hrs vs in the car for two days! But that is me.

hope that site helps...I think most of the airlines are linked there.

 

[DisneyBrat]

We just got back from Orlando a couple weeks ago. Yes you are allowed one carry on bag plus one personal bag(pocket book,laptop,diaperbag) You can have up to I believe 45 inches. Some airlines may allow up to 50 inches. What you do is measure the length x width x height to make sure it is within the limits. Believe me I packed a carryon with 7 days of clothing. If you use the rolling method you can get ALOT in a carryon If I have the chance to fly or drive FLY FLY FLY. There were several little ones flying when we went down. Just be prepared with toys,snacks and wet wipes The little girl near us got sick She was then fine the rest of our trip They were on their way to Disney! I told them this wasn't too magical of a way for them to start out but hopefully some pixie dust will let them have a WONDERFUL time. Don't stress make sure to read the TSA guidelines and pack accordingly. If you wear slip off shoes that makes life much easier than tennis shoes to tie. Good Luck and if you have any more questions you can PM me!

Lew

 

[my3sons77]

I have heard that you can gate check a stroller. Is this correct?

Meaning I can take the stroller to the gate with me, fold it up, give it to them and at my destination, it will be waiting for me at the gate.

We are still back and forth between driving and flying. I am thinking now that hubby wants to spend that extra money and fly.

 

[blessedby3]

It is so much nicer to fly. You are there without spending so much time in a cramped car. We have a direct flight (1 1/2 hours) and it is so quick. FLY, FLY, FLY if at all possible!!! We have only driven once and we wont do that again unless airfare is just to crazy. We have Allegiant here so they usually have $59 each way rates.
You can gate check a stroller with no problems. Just roll it to the gate and fold it up. They will have it waiting when you arrive at the gate again. Much safer for the stroller IMHO than checking it as baggage. I have seen them throw the strollers around and I would be afraid it would get damaged. Good luck to you and have fun!!

 

[jen3082]

We are flying for the 1st time with twin 4 yr olds so I feel your pain. I'm sure it's different of each airline but I was told with a baby your allowed extra carry on items of pack n play, stroller and car seats at no extra charge. We are bringing our own car seat for our rental car. I heard the seats you can rent from the car companys are terrible.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I had the flying vs. driving debate with myself today. It'd just be for DD9 and I so it's much less people.

DD9 hadn't flown since she was around 2 years old. I also had my 6 year old DS with us and it was just me trying to handle everything. There was one problem after another but it was most likely just because of my bad luck.

I decided it was much better to fly since we got a 69.00 rate heading to Orlando than to drive 7 hours one way. So I booked it.

You'll be fine. I say go for it.

 

[MALE*RN*777]

We drive. It takes use 15 hours nonstop but with 5 of us. Driving costs us only about $300 the whole trip from Western MD.

 

[my3sons77]

Well, hubby changed his mind yet again. We are driving. The total cost of the trip will be about $400. That doesn't include food and an overnight stay. But we are still getting off cheaper by driving. We like it, the kids ride good and we keep them entertained with the portable dvd player and their PSPs. The 2 year old sleeps alot.

We acutally like driving because we get to see new things all the time.

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

I have heard that you can gate check a stroller. Is this correct?

Meaning I can take the stroller to the gate with me, fold it up, give it to them and at my destination, it will be waiting for me at the gate.

We are still back and forth between driving and flying. I am thinking now that hubby wants to spend that extra money and fly.

Yes, We always gate check my toddler son's stroller. His is a collapsable umbrella type which makes it easy to put through the security conyevor belt thingy. It is much easier waiting in lines for baggage chack, security, and boarding with that little one strapped in is stroller rather than running all around the airport! Just ask for a gate check luggage tag when you get to your departure gate. Good luck... remember it's just a short flight. Atleast you'll arrive at a wonderful place

 

[nextidiot]

We acutally like driving because we get to see new things all the time.

That's a good attitude to have about driving.

We decided to fly last year because gas was very high and we were able to fly for under $600 - Round trip, including the checked baggage fees, etc.

We have driven it a couple of times as well, which we used to enjoy. I don't know if it is an age thing or what, but I don't believe we will drive again.