Flying-what do I need to know?

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Thought maybe something wrong on my end? Still getting weird estimated wait time at MCO.

View attachment 1027724

JFK and LAX 25 minutes… and MCO/Orlando showing 3 million+ minutes. Yikes!

MCO has it's own info on their security

https://flymco.com/security/

Granted you posted half an hour ago but this is what it says for now


I'd be careful on third party stuff like this when the airport themselves has a tracker.

 

[Mother2two]

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.).

We are renting a car from Alamo that we will pick up at the airport.

 

[Mother2two]

We generally get to the airport 2 hours before flight time, because DW does not have realID and is a nervous traveler. We flew in october to Miami, and had plenty of time. After checking our baggage and TSA, we get to relax with a beverage and calm her down before boarding. I'm sure we will have the same routine next month going to WDW. Just remember, even for a nervous flyer, the airport experience does not have to be stressful. Have a safe trip, and relax and enjoy yourself.

Thanks for the reminder just relax and enjoy the trip!

 

[Mother2two]

Try not to stress. As suggested leave yourself a good amount of time. We also plan to arrive at the airport 2 hours before takeoff. Then we just take it step by step - without getting stressed - because we have a good cushion of time. That’s really helpful for us to conserve our energy for WDW Have a fantastic trip!

Thank you!

 

[Mother2two]

There is no way to answer how early you should arrive at the airport w/out knowing which airport. I don’t have pre-check so by far the biggest variable for me is how long TSA is taking, here’s a site that monitors various TSA wait times https://flightqueue.com/tsa-wait-times. Or you can download the TSA app https://www.dhs.gov/check-wait-times.
Personally for a big/busy airport or a busy travel time (like this week) I aim to arrive 3 hours early, that way if I run into a long line checking my bag &/or a long TSA line, I have a cushion built in. I’d rather arrive at my gate early than have to run through the airport at the last minute. If you get to your gate super early though, do check occasionally to make sure they haven’t switched gates on you - I’ve had that happen . For my small regional airport I aim for an hour early, maybe an hour & a half if I was flying this weekend or around Christmas.
I also prefer to print out my boarding pass, that way I don’t have to fiddle w/ my phone to show my boarding pass to TSA or the gate agent .

Thanks for the reminder to check the gate. That would really stink if we missed the flight because we were at the wrong gate.

 

[Lewisc]

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.

People shouldn't solely rely on anonymous posts on the internet. Some requirements are government imposed. Rules, and possible exceptions, regarding Real ID, liquids and passports are examples.

Southwest accepts photo copies of government documents as proof of age for lap babies.

Southwest allows putting power banks in bin bags. You're not allowed to use them to charge devices while in a bag, bin or other.

Medical Marijuana is state specific. AFAIK there is no reciprocity. A NY certification doesn't authorize transporting or using marijuana in other states.