Luggage Question

[CharityLynn]

Ok this will be my first time ever traveling for more than one night and first time on a plane. We are going to WDW for 4 days for our honeymoon. I am curious about luggage.

Do we need carry-on and regular luggage?

I have heard you can just use carry-on, that is easier.

We have a direct flight to Orlando from Grand Rapids Michigan. Should we be worried?

Any travel tips would be appreciated, I am getting nervous.

 

[Laz]

I hope I can help a little.

While I wouldn't worry about losing checked luggage, it does happen sometimes. That is why I have a small carry-on in which I pack my toiletries and a few neccesities. Make sure you are not packing objects security may not like (sharp items, for exampe).

If you can get away with just a carry on, go for it! It is just one less step in the air travel process. Check with your airlines about what is the maximum allowable size for a carry on. It must fit under the seat in front of you or in the over head compartment. It also must fit through the security X-Ray.

Direct flights are the BEST! No running through airports trying to catch the next flight, less chance of lost luggage, etc. In fact, since I am in the Fort Wayne area, I may check into that flight, What is the name of the airline?

Best hint: Get to the airport at least 2 hours early. Once you get through security, just sit back, relax, and enjoy your honeymoon!

 

[CarolA]

I am of mixed feelings about carry on.

Yes, it is faster when you get off the plane since you don't have to wait on baggage at the baggage claim. Is it easier, probably not. I find that lugging it through the airport (and mine rolls) and heaving it up into the overhead is a lot of work! As a consequence I rarely do it!

Generally you can have a 22" suitcase. If the suitcase expands on the front or has lots of pockets, the pockets should be fairly empty and the expansion area closed. Otherwise you run a very good chance it won't fit into the overhead. I have a feeling that you want to take more clothes on your honeymoon then will fit in this size luggage.

On all airlines you are limited the carryon and one personal item per person (briefcase/purse)

Do not check film or any electronic equipment! The xrays they use for checked luggage are stronger then those for carry on and can ruin film. The airlines will not reimbuse you for any damage or loss to electronics.

 

[CharityLynn]

We are on North Western..it leaves at 4:10pm on October 8th.

Thanks for the info.

I think I want at least one suitcase that will have to be checked, but there really shouldn't be a need to worry? Especially since we have a direct flight?

 

[Lewisc]

You shouldn't have a problem with checked luggage. Your carryon should include items that might be stolen such as cameras, items that you MUST have like meds, items you want during the flight like books, gum and a change of clothes/bathing suit just in case your luggage is delayed OR your room isn't ready and you want to change without having to rummage through your luggage.

Remeber most flights don't offer food. You might want to bring a sandwich.

 

[chicknoodle99]

CharityLynn--Congrats on your marriage! I have flown out of GRR to MCO on NWA..the nonstop is wonderful! I live near Flint but have family in GRR and they watch our dog sometimes and we fly out of GRR. You will enjoy it...

I have a tendancy to pack more than I need and I always go home with more than I started with. If you can live out of your carryon then I would, but I cant. So, I check a bag. The checkin lines can be long in GRR so please allow yourself the two hours before flight time. I also agree with the previous posts..in your carryon put anything that you will need for one night in case your checked luggage is delayed (meds, clothes, cameras, etc). Plus with it being a nonstop flight your luggage is less likely to be delayed but you never know.

Make sure your carryon will fit in the overhead bin or underneath your seat. On a few flights I have been on out of GRR they have been SO full they have to gate check carryons that dont fit in the cabin because the flights are full. I usually take a roller bag and DH takes a duffel that fits under the seat..so if the flight does fill up the duffel will stay with us and that is where I keep our most important things.

Relax, enjoy, you will have a wonderful time! Have fun!

 

[CharityLynn]

Thanks for all the great info. I am beginning to feel less nervous now.

Does anyone know anything about E-Tickets?

That is what we have, but we do not have a credit card, so I wasn't sure if we can use the E-ticket check-in centers. Any info on E-tickets will greatly appreciated.

 

[chicknoodle99]

You dont need a credit card for the etkt machines..your confirmation number will work. NWA now has etkt machines to check you in instead of agents (unless there is a problem with the machines).

I would suggest you check in online (nwa.com)24hrs prior to your departure. The plus side to checking in online is you can get your seats (or change them) 24hours in advance.You can get boarding passes online and then if you are not checking luggage you can go right to the gate. If you are checking luggage you will still have to check in with a machine to get luggage tags and an agent will tag them for you.

Etkts are the norm now..so just keep a copy of your itinerary and your confirmation number handy in case of any problems. You will be fine..have fun!

 

[prncess674]

don't try cramming everything in a carry on bag. It's your honeymoon and you will probably want lots of clothes and options. Personally on vacation I am a shoe-a-holic. I took a 4 day trip to Dusseldorf, Germany and took 7 pairs of shoes.

Carry on a small shoulder bag with a change of clothes, bathing suit, and toiletries just in case luggage is delayed but check the rest. Schlepping luggage through the airport is not how you want to start your honeymoon. Try just having one carryon for you and your hubby, that way you can just make him carry it.

 

[CharityLynn]

ok, one more question.

Is there any specific seats better than others on a plane?

 

[gw_lit]

Yes, try http://www.seatguru.com . Click on the name of your airline, and the type of plane.... this should bring up a seat map showing good and bad seats.

SeatGuru is a great website!

 

[chicknoodle99]

The best seats (in my opinion) are the exit rows. You cannot get them in advance though--only at checkin. They are over the wing rows 11 and 12 as you will be on a DC9-30 for both flights to and from MCO from GRR--always take row 12 if possible as row 11 the seats dont recline. There is ALOT of extra legroom. There are a few stipulations though, you have to be able to lift 50lbs and be able to assist in case of an emergency..basically open the window and help evacuate people. Since its you and DH you can sit there..children under 15 are not able to. If you are not comfortable helping in case of an emergency then dont request those..its a personal preference...

If you dont want the exit or cant get one..the bulkhead is always good but those are available to passengers with disabilities first and they are highly requested by others so they fill up fast.

If the flight isnt full, then try to get the three side (DEF) and take D and F which would keep the middle seat open..that is always nice and give you a bit more room to spread out. Most people dont want a middle seat, so if the flight isnt completly full then that middle one should stay open.

I would see if you can get reserved seats (try the three side aisle and window) in advance. You can call NWA and they will do it for you if its available. Then when you check in you can try to move to the exit or bulkhead.

Keep in mind though, that if the flight is full...somebody has to sit in middle seats as uncomfortable as they are. I once was told by an airline representative on a full flight that I "bought a seat on the plane, not an aisle or window..just a seat and unfortunately someone has to sit in the middle"...and guess what--it was me! But hey, it beats driving!

Good luck!

 

[CharityLynn]

I went to the airlines website and took a look at our reservations it looks like they assigned us seats..we have 16A-B for the flight there and 18A-B for the flight home.

Now my fiancee came home and said something about hearing that some airlines are overbooking flights and have to boot people off their flight, if this is so. What do we do to make sure we aren't booted off our flight?

 

[hercamore]

CharityLynn,

Not to worry, you will be fine!


I fly NW all the time out of MN. We have to fly NW, only airline out of my small town connecting im Mpls.

Anyway, you will not be booted out of your seats. If the flight is overbook, the gate agent will ask for volunteers to take another flight. The only way you could lose your seats is if you are are do not show up till l0 minutes before takeoff. You are out of luck then, airline will give your seats away. But, you won't do that. NW starts boarding by row sections 30 minutes before takeoff.

Go to NW website, look up the type of plane you will be on. If you are on a small CRJ type, most wheeled bags are put in the cargo hold under the plane. Even the small wheeled bags 2l" or less.

I find NW to be reliable, haven't lost my baggage yet, most flights on time. Have fun,

Get to the airport 90 min before departure and you will be fine. Bring your drivers licenses for i.d.

 

[CharityLynn]

Thanks for the info I believe the plane is a DC-9 lol I have no clue lol.

WE are planning on being at the airport at least 90 minutes hopefully more like 2 hours early.

I am so excited!!! 79 days to go! yay