Flying-what do I need to know?

[Mother2two]

Three days until we leave for Disney!!!!

Okay, so this is my first time going to Disney and only my second time flying. And my first time flying during the busiest traveling day.

What do I need to know? I’m flying Southwest. How do I get through all the security checks and what not? Can I check in early? Does that change the time it takes to get through? Those who travel often, how much earlier than normal do you go to the airport when it is a holiday or busy traveling time? Anything you can tell me to make this a little less stressful would be wonderful.

TIA!

 

[hardcorestitch]

Your safest bet is at least 3 1/2 hours before departure.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Depends on your airport and if you’re TSA Pre. If you name it in your title you might get someone here who is familiar. Generically I’d go 3 hours early over holiday season assuming no pre-check. Check the airline website and the airport website, they might post notices if extra delays are expected.

You can check in 24 hours before departure for domestic US flights. No, check in doesn’t affect how long you wait at security. Review the TSA website for what to bring, what not bring, what to expect, etc.

 

[sam_gordon]

I wrote this up a couple of months ago...

First thing to figure out is what time one needs to arrive at the airport.

For major airports (MCO qualifies), if I'm checking bags, I try to arrive (walk through the doors) 2 hours before my flight. That's my starting point. I have TSA Pre, and I might subtract 15 minutes (arrive 1:45 before) for that. Don't have to check luggage? Subtract another 15. Want to get fast food after security? Add 30. Sit down? Add 60. Uncomfortable/unsure/not confident about navigating an airport? Add 15 minutes.

So my "time to arrive" can be anywhere from 1:30 before the flight to 2:30 depending on conditions.

Note: I know this is very conservative. But I'd would rather wait at the gate for an hour than show up 1 minute after they close the doors.

This also allows for some contingencies...
* Ride share delayed or canceled? Get a cab.
* Luggage checkin crowded? Use self serve terminals or porters outside (if available). NOTE: If you use porters, customary to tip $1-2/checked bag.
* Everything goes wrong (transportation late, traffic, long security, etc), skip food and get to the gate ASAP!

"The busiest travel day" was yesterday (generally). I might add 15-30 minutes for a "busy" time.

Make sure you have your ID with you, preferably a "Real ID". If you don't know what that is, look it up. If your ID isn't "Real", I'd add an hour because they'll do supplemental checks.

You get to the airport.
I suggest going to the airline check in counter to check your bags, assuming you're doing that. Self serve kiosks are fine, but if you're not familiar with what you're trying to accomplish, could add stress.
Go to security. Get into the appropriate line (TSA Pre or "Standard").
You'll be asked for ID and possibly boarding pass (paper or on your phone). They might ask you to stand in front of a camera to confirm the ID matches.
You get past the security check, put all carryons through the X-ray, either in bins or just on the belt. Listen to the officers on what electronics you need to take out. Empty your pockets, etc.
You'll step into a machine, put your feet on markers on the floor, hold your hands above your head, let it scan, then step out. Depending on what the image says, you might need to be wanded, or they might "pat down" an area.
Then you collect your stuff (unless they need to open your bag, which they'll let you watch as they do), and go to the gate.

Check monitors at the airport to confirm your gate.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

How do I get through all the security checks and what not? Can I check in early? Does that change the time it takes to get through? Those who travel often, how much earlier than normal do you go to the airport when it is a holiday or busy traveling time? Anything you can tell me to make this a little less stressful would be wonderful.

You can check in and get your boarding pass 24 hours prior to departure. You can even pay for checked bags in advance. If you have no checked luggage, then you can go right to security with your boarding passes.

You cannot fly without REAL ID or a passport. Well, you can but it requires additional screening and can result in significant delays.. Children do not need REAL ID but you will need to provide a state-issued birth certificate (no photocopies) for lap babies.

You will need to remove shoes, coats and any large electronics when going thru the scanners. Children can keep their shoes on but if they can walk they will need to go thru the scanners by themselves. Don't forget that liquids in your carry on bags must each be 3 ounces or under and all of them must fit in a one quart zippered transparent bag which will also need to be removed from carry on bags prior to scanning. One bag per passenger.

Any small electronics with a lithium ion battery must be stored in your personal item that goes under the seat in front of you. You cannot stow it in your carry on that is in the overhead bin. That includes e-cigarettes and power banks for recharging devices. Li-ion batteries cannot be packed in your checked luggage however devices with installed Li-ion batteries (phones, laptops, etc) are permitted in most checked luggage, although you may not want to check those thru to your destination.

Any medications should be in your carry on bags, prescription meds should stay in their original bottles with the pharmacy label visible. Be aware that pot is not legal in FL except for medical marijuana and you must carry a state ID on your person at all times if you have an Rx for it.

I recommend having at least one change of clothing in your carry on bag. Checked bags can go missing and it helps. In that vein, I also recommend packing clothing for each family member in each piece of checked luggage. If one bag gets lost or delayed, everyone still has a change of clothes in the remaining bags.

Be prepared for delays. Just because you're flying out of a city with clear weather, that doesn't mean that your aircraft isn't originating in a city that is under heavy snowfall. Check the airline's app often. Some airports will also post real time updates on how long waits are for security screening. You can check them on the MyTSA app.

 

[sam_gordon]

You will need to remove shoes

That changed earlier this year.

 

[leebee]

Remember that "nothing in your pockets" means literally NOTHING. People leave irrelevant things like grocery lists, tissues, etc. in their pockets all the time, and this just slows things down.

We fly at least 3 times a year, so we have pre-check. However, before this, DH was one of the biggest empty-pocket violators. He also routinely forgot to take off his belt, Every Single Time. You'd think the man would learn, but nope!

I normally plan to be IN the airport 2 hours before flight time, but closer to 3 hours during holidays or at big, busy airports (like MCO), especially when we needed to clear security.

 

[Best Aunt]

If you will have a checked bag: some airlines at some airports let you check it at the curb. That is a real convenience, because it is a much shorter line than waiting at the ticket counter to check your bags. Usually it's no line at all. Most people tip if they are doing this. Then you can go straight to security.

You didn't mention how you plan to get from the airport to the hotel or wherever you will be staying. If you have questions about that, you would need to specify what method you are using (Uber, Lyft, cab, shuttle bus, towncar, rental car, etc.).