Managing the airport solo with DS 4: WWYD?

[jpeka65844]

Hey all! DS and I will be flying down to meet DH at The World in 9 days! I just couldn't get the time off work and DH decided not to wait for me and go early with friends.

I'll be managing the a'port solo with DS4, a suitcase, a backpack and an across-the-body camera bag. I'll have already checked in online and gotten our boarding passes so won't have to stand in any lines other than to check the suitcase. I'll also be satellite parking my car which will mean a trek to a bus terminal with DS and luggage.

Do you think I'd be wise to temporary park close to the terminal (1st 30 minutes are free) long enough to get my baggage checked, then drive to satellite parking and come back with DS and our 2 carryons? Or just lug it all at one time and get it over with? It will be COLD (hopefully no snow!) and I know that DS will be complaining.

 

[Heidijs]

Wow...you're brave!

I'd make it as easy as possible. Don't they have park and rides there? Or could someone just drop you off? Won't they check your luggage inside the doors? That's how ours is I think...I'm not much help am I!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Lug it all at one time. I'm pretty sure they frown on driving away from the terminal after leaving your luggage there unaccompanied by anyone in your party (I don't mean someone is expected to physically stay with the luggage, but rather at the airport).

Even if it costs extra, is there any way your DH will take an extra suitcase with him so you don't have to check anything? Or, even better - will he take your DS?

 

[KristinU]

Another vote for schlepping it all at once. I've traveled solo several times with my DS at different ages, so I've been there. At 4, he may be able to help a bit with a lightweight backpack. If not, just sing the theme to Rocky or the WOMAN song in your head and think of all the people looking at you thinking how much you rock

One thing I did do on my first couple of trips solo was to literally do a dry run with the amout of luggage I'd have and maneuver around inside the house. Nerdy, I know, but I wanted to be confident that I could do it.

Best of luck, have a great trip!

 

[Detailor]

I'd also suggest going right to the satellite parking lot and then take everything from there. Assuming that your suitcase is a standard wheeler piece of luggage, then you can strap the backpack onto the suitcase to make the load a little lighter. You're going to end up in the ticket line, even though you'll already have your boarding pass, to check your bag and you never know how long that line will be so having the car already parked in its final destination will take away any stress about that.

Good luck with the flight.

Dick Taylor

 

[bumbershoot]

Just park normally and take it all in. Doesn't sound like that much, anyway!

Get there early, tell 4 yo what's going on at every step of the way (I have a questioner/worrier 5 yo, and at 4 he'd forget what I just told him, so there was a constant stream of info being given to him). Have him hold on to part of the luggage that you're holding, so you don't have to worry about holding his hand.

Again, get there early, so you can take it slow. Slow and steady! Make sure he knows he'll be taking off his shoes at one point, and so will you. My son hated taking off his shoes for a few flights, but now he's used to it. Make sure he knows to stop after he goes through the metal detector and WAIT for you. Slow and steady. You don't want to end up rushing; that's not a fun way to start a flight!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Pretty much a ditto to everything Molly just said (I flew alone with my two many times when they were that little and smaller--first time they were 6 months and 2 1/2). It is really not that bad. I always sent the kids through security first. As Molly said, make sure your son knows to wait for you. Further more, make sure he knows he or you may need extra screening--if you need it he will be through much faster than you are. I always looked ahead and found a specific meeting spot and pointed it out and had the kids wait there. Best is a bench you can point out and tell him to sit on. A planter to touch, etc works as well. Otherwise many kids will wither wander too far before stopping (out of your sight causing panic) OR stop right in front of the detectors in everybody's way.

 

[Sandi]

Even if it costs extra, is there any way your DH will take an extra suitcase with him so you don't have to check anything? Or, even better - will he take your DS?

That's what I was going to suggest! I'm with the others, schlep it all at the beginning. I've traveled alone a lot with DD15 because DH hates flying and is not a Disney guy. Give your child something to do or be in charge of -- even if it's one small carry on -- and he will rise to the challenge.

 

[msmayor]

Lug it all at one time. I'm pretty sure they frown on driving away from the terminal after leaving your luggage there unaccompanied by anyone in your party (I don't mean someone is expected to physically stay with the luggage, but rather at the airport).

Even if it costs extra, is there any way your DH will take an extra suitcase with him so you don't have to check anything? Or, even better - will he take your DS?

This is my thought. If its cold where you live, chances are most (if not all) of what you're packing for the trip isn't needed now at home. Even if you have to do some extra laundry at home to have enough clean undies and other items until you leave, far better that than having to deal with lugging/checking/retrieving a suitcase.

Tell your hubby taking the extra suitcase is the least he can do since he'll be enjoying Disney while you're still at home!

 

[jpeka65844]

Thanks for the tips! I think I will just get it all in one fell swoop.

DH is already taking the stroller with him and some additional luggage b/c after our trip he has to stay in Orlando on business. So that's out. I'll have help from a friend on the way back; not worried about that.

 

[SmileWoman]

I see that you live in Olathe. I assume you are flying out of KC. I fly out of there and I always park at "The Parking Spot". It is $8.95 per day but you can print out a coupon on their site for 10% off.

You park and the shuttle bus comes right up to your car and most of the time the driver gets off the bus and loads your luggage into the bus.

When they drop you at the terminal the driver unloads your luggage off the bus.

Same thing occurs in reverse when you get back. Many times the driver has loaded my bags from the shuttle into my vehicle.

Of course it is expected that you tip $1 or so depending on the amount of luggage but to me it is well worth it.

 

[brenda1966]

I'm not sure I understand why DH is taking the stroller. I always found the stroller to be helpful in carrying our carry ons, even if DD wouldn't ride in it, the bags would. Then I just had the stroller full of bags, DD, and the big suitcase to worry about. We'd gate check the stroller. I've traveled solo with DD since she was under 2 and it's really not that hard.

 

[Bitsmommy]

I am doing the same thing in September. Only, DS and I are going early and DH is meeting us. We plan on getting dropped off at the airport and gate checking all of the luggage, except the carry on of course. Maybe you can get someone to take you to the gate or arrange for a taxi to take you from the parking lot to the gate... not sure if that is feasible depending on the layout and size of the airport. I am willing to pay any amount to NOT have to lug my kiddo and my luggage. Good luck!!!