I really need some help with Expedia, flying for the first time......HELP!

[Beauty]

Okay,

My DH and I want to fly to Orlando for 9 nights leaving this Friday. I have looked at Expedia and the round trip tickets are very reasonable I think. My questions,

Once I charge the tickets on Expedia are there any other charges besides the tickets etc??

Where do I pick up the tickets? My printer is definatly not the most reliable printer in the world so I would sincerely rather NOT have to use my printer for anything.

Now once we get to the airport what do I expect? We are changing planes in Atlanta......do I have to pick up more tickets for the next plane??

What do I need to do about my suitcases? I am really stupid about all of this and don't have a clue!!

Okay now lets talk rental cars. With the exception of getting to and from the airport in Orlando and possibly one trip to the Belz Outlet malls we aren't planning on leaving Disney property......so I really don't think I need a rental car.......or do I? For the economy car its like 23 per day and I just don't see using it but the day we arrive, the day we leave and possibly one trip during the week.

I thought about Priceline but I want to be able to pick my arrival times and departure time.

I just need advice since I haven't a clue what to do......oh and suitcases, is there a limit?? Can I buy luggage tags at Wal-Mart? What do I need to do for that?? And security........

 

[Deb in IA]

When you check in, you will get your entire ticket. If you are changing planes in Atlanta, you will get boarding passes for your second flight. It is not necessary to check-in again at your connection. Just show up at the gate for your second flight before they board (about 30 minutes before the departure time).

You are usually allowed to check 2 suitcases per person, but it has been a while since I've flown, and you should check the latest policies. Also, you are allowed 2 small carry-ons -- a laptop plus a purse or briefcase, etc.

You pick up your checked bags at Baggage Claim at your final destination -- which in your case, is the Orlando International Airport. When you get off your plane, just follow the signs to "Baggage Claim" -- or just follow the crowd. You will first go to a monorail (I am not joking!), that will take you from the concourse to the main terminal, where baggage claim, rental cars, and taxis are located.

 

[CookieGVB]

I think Expedia tacks on another $5 charge for tickets. Did you check the airline's website? Usually those fares are even lower than on Expedia.

Choose the e-ticket option. You can print out your receipt, but the airline will issue your boarding pass when you check in. You should get your boarding pass for the connecting flight as well.

You'll have to bring your carry-ons along to the next flight, but the checked bags should be transferred for you to the next flight. Each airline has their own restrictions. I'm pretty sure most are two checked bags, and one carry-on, plus a personal item (purse, laptop).

If you'll only use the car on your arrival and departure date, why not rent a car from Alamo or National for the day you arrive, and return it the next day at the Car Care Center or the Swan Dolphin. Same with the reverse - make a reservation to pick up the car the day before you leave at the Car Care Center or the Swan/Dolphin, and return it to the airport. Go to Belz or wherever during the time you have the car when you arrive or depart.

 

[Cthia]

Where do I pick up the tickets? My printer is definatly not the most reliable printer in the world so I would sincerely rather NOT have to use my printer for anything

Expedia doesn't really issue hard tickets. Your receipt is the ticket. You should try to print out your tickets. If not write down all the information from the receipt. Reservation number etc. The airline will have your information when you get there. They will issue you boarding passes for all your flights.

 

[Kimberle]

I have boughten tickets from Expedia, and have had no problem. I generally use Expedia as a research tool then go to the airlines site and book through them. Lot's of times, you can get a slight discount by booking on-line in the airlines own site. Plus, you can pick your own seats.

Hardly anyone uses tickets any more. When you get to the desk, you just tell them your name and where your going. They will give you your boarding passes.

Each airline's site has different pages to tell your their rules as far as what size suitcases to bring, what has to be checked, and weight. Airlines are cracking down, so be sure to check.

I would not book a rental car. It's just another hassle. We use a towncar when we stay on site. Most of them will even make a quick stop at a grocery store so you can get soda, water, munchies etc. It's nice to have a driver stand near the luggage area with *your* name on a card!

Have a great trip!

 

[decker96]

We used Expedia for our vacation to South Carolina this summer and I was very satisfied. They do charge a booking fee (I'm pretty sure it is $10), but it is included with the final price they quote you on the website.

You will need to print out a copy of your receipt from the website as this will have your confirmation number on it. Sometimes we have been asked for this when we check in and sometimes we haven't, but you should have it just in case.

When you get to the airport you are flying out of, check in at the airlines' ticket counter that you are flying on. They will ask for your ID's and will check you in and give you a boarding pass for both flights. They will also check your luggage. Each person can check two bags. I don't think there is a size-limit, but there is a weight limit. If your bag is over the limit, you have to pay extra. This hardly ever happens though. This summer I had a 29 inch suitcase and it was stuffed!! Our cabana for the beach was even in there and it passed no problem. One caution, since they randomly search suitcases nowadays, I wouldn't lock them. If you do and they want to search yours, they will break the lock. If you can't find luggage tags, they have paper ones at the counter you can use.

Security is really not a big deal. If you have on anything other than tennis shoes, you will probably have to take them off before you go through the metal detector (other types of shoes often have metal in the sole, so they may set off the detector). They may look into your carry-ons (you can each have one carry-on and a personal item like a purse, camera bag, laptop, etc). On our last flight security had to look in my purse because I had a ton of change in there and it registered on the x-ray machine. No big deal though.

Can't help you with the rental car situation, we don't rent a car at Disney but we don't go anywhere off property either.

Have a great trip!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Hi there,
I sent you a PM. Have a great trip