Multiple questions, first time flyer *gasp

[mom2pandc]

We are going to Disney Jan 3-10th and this is my first ever flight. DH has been on a plane one time 10 years ago. Oh and we're taking our 2 children (DS5 and DD2) *gasp*
I'm terrified. Something is going to go wrong and I won't know what to do. So to ease my fears can someone from this wonderful board answer a few of my questions.
First, we are flying with airtran from Indianapolis.
I made ressies on 11/2 so I'll be able to avoid the checked bag fees that just went into effect.
Second we are using ME and staying at Pop century.
So here are a few of my questions.
1. We are staying overnight in indy and catching a shuttle to the airport for our 7 am flight. What time should we plan on getting to the airport. I know the standard is 2 hours prior, but should I plan on 2.5 or 3 hours early since we're so new and unfamiliar with flying?
2. I have my confirmation number, and the printout of the itinerary, but what's this about e-tickets? I thought when we checked into the airport, we'd get our boarding passes/tickets then? Can someone walk me through the proceedure from when we walk into the airport until we get on the plane? Speak slowly and enunciate...
3. We have a compact stroller for DD2 and would prefer to gate check it. Does that count as one of our 4 checked bags that we get (4 tickets)? And do we just tell them at the counter that we'd like to gate check and they'll give us a tag for it? Really unsure about this one!
4. for carryone, air tran says you get one carryon and one personal item. Would my diaper bag be considered a personal item? Or would we have to count that as a carryon?
5. For the return trip, our flight is 5:44 pm and we'll be taking ME back to the airport. Can you do the flight checkin at pop century (many things I've seen says you can do it at select/certain resorts) is Pop one of them? Or will we just have to check in at the airport? If we can check in there, is that when we would get our return boarding pass/ticket?

Thank you so much for any replies. As you can see, I'm terrified, but deep down I'm kind of excited too. DH just thinks I'm a spaz and just says everything will work out, he doesn't concern himself with things until they happen, I freak out if things don't go well

Nicole

 

[bavaria]

Honestly? the best thing that you can do for yourself is to calm down. If you 'freak out' there is a good chance that you will be denied boarding and your panic will spread to your family. There is no need to plan to be in a bad spot.

Then educate yourself. Go to www.tsa.gov and read up and then watch the videos about clearing security.

I'm not trying to be harsh, but if you plan to 'spaz' and 'freak out' you will make things much more difficult for yourself. Every day people around the world do new things - flying isn't that much different and people do it successfully every day.

As to your other questions - if you are flying from a relatively small airport such as IND 2 hours is usually fine, unless you have a lot of luggage. Don't bring a lot of carry on luggage as this will slow you down and confuse you.

Check in online and bring your boarding pass to the airport. If you don't manage that then at least bring your confirmation email. But you don't actually need either.

 

[dudspizza]

First off, relax. Flying is not nearly as stressful as the DIS and other discussion boards will make you think. The best thing to do is be prepared and follow the directions you are given. Educating yourself before you go, including explaining to your kids what will happen helps. Above all, don't stress or freak out. Go with the flow and all will be just fine. In my opinion, air travel is one of the coolest, most enjoyable experiences out there (though many will disagree). Bavaria is a regular air traveler and can give some good info. I am more of a 1-3 times a year flier, but have been flying since I was 7 or so.

Answers to your questions
#1 I personally would try to catch the shuttle to the airport about 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of your flight. Many hotels don't start running their shuttle until 430 or 5am, so you will have to schedule that with them. Mornings are busy, but 5am should be just fine.

#2 All you will need to check in is ID for both adults. I always have my confirmation with me, but never have to show it. The counter agent will ask you for your name and ID. They call it up there. You will be given boarding cards for each person in your party. You will have to show those with ID at the security check point. After security, you can put your ID away as you will only need the boarding pass when you get on the aircraft. EDIT--- I suggest that your do online check in if you can. That way, you already have boarding passes in hand. You then just have to check luggage.

#3 I am beyond the stroller stage, so can't answer that one for sure. You can gate check it, but another helpful poster will have to let you know if it counts towards your allowance.

#4 A diaper bag can be counted as a personal item, as long as it will fit below the seat. If you have a carry on and personal item, one must go below the seat. In my opinion, you should pack fairly lightly. You will be dealing with 2 kids who have never done this before. Have them each have a backpack with things to do on the plane, but make it so they can carry their own. The 2 year old will be tough, but our almost 3 year old did it just fine.

#5 Yes, POP has resort airline check in. Hours are 5am to 1pm. Your ME pickup will be around 2:45pm, so you will have to go down in the morning and check in bags and get boarding passes. I would do this early to avoid any worries.

Have a great trip and relax. This is going to be FUN! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.........

EDIT---- I just read your response below and want to say again, things will be fine. Simply follow the signs and all will be fine. Frequent travelers can get frustrated with people who don't know what to do, but things will be fine. Ask questions if needed and things will work out. Traveling with kids can be stressful, but all in all it is a great experience. My kids love to travel and are great travelers. SHHHHHH, don't tell them, but they don't know they are going to WDW for spring break!

Duds

We are going to Disney Jan 3-10th and this is my first ever flight. DH has been on a plane one time 10 years ago. Oh and we're taking our 2 children (DS5 and DD2) *gasp*
I'm terrified. Something is going to go wrong and I won't know what to do. So to ease my fears can someone from this wonderful board answer a few of my questions.
First, we are flying with airtran from Indianapolis.
I made ressies on 11/2 so I'll be able to avoid the checked bag fees that just went into effect.
Second we are using ME and staying at Pop century.
So here are a few of my questions.
1. We are staying overnight in indy and catching a shuttle to the airport for our 7 am flight. What time should we plan on getting to the airport. I know the standard is 2 hours prior, but should I plan on 2.5 or 3 hours early since we're so new and unfamiliar with flying?
2. I have my confirmation number, and the printout of the itinerary, but what's this about e-tickets? I thought when we checked into the airport, we'd get our boarding passes/tickets then? Can someone walk me through the proceedure from when we walk into the airport until we get on the plane? Speak slowly and enunciate...
3. We have a compact stroller for DD2 and would prefer to gate check it. Does that count as one of our 4 checked bags that we get (4 tickets)? And do we just tell them at the counter that we'd like to gate check and they'll give us a tag for it? Really unsure about this one!
4. for carryone, air tran says you get one carryon and one personal item. Would my diaper bag be considered a personal item? Or would we have to count that as a carryon?
5. For the return trip, our flight is 5:44 pm and we'll be taking ME back to the airport. Can you do the flight checkin at pop century (many things I've seen says you can do it at select/certain resorts) is Pop one of them? Or will we just have to check in at the airport? If we can check in there, is that when we would get our return boarding pass/ticket?

Thank you so much for any replies. As you can see, I'm terrified, but deep down I'm kind of excited too. DH just thinks I'm a spaz and just says everything will work out, he doesn't concern himself with things until they happen, I freak out if things don't go well

Nicole

 

[mom2pandc]

Okay, perhaps my wording mislead you, but rest assured I won't be the crazy lady in the airport waving her hands around and screaming. I keep it to myself. Although if I could answer some of my questions before hand, I would feel better prepared.
I apologize with my ignorance with the procedure for things. I don't understand how it works, I didn't think my questions were that far off base.
Gate check, boarding passes etc.
I'm just trying to educate myself before hand so I don't do something like miss my flight or get cornered into paying some exorbinant amount because I "thought" something and was wrong.
Thank you for the helpful information though!

 

[dudspizza]

Okay, perhaps my wording mislead you, but rest assured I won't be the crazy lady in the airport waving her hands around and screaming. I keep it to myself. Although if I could answer some of my questions before hand, I would feel better prepared.
I apologize with my ignorance with the procedure for things. I don't understand how it works, I didn't think my questions were that far off base.
Gate check, boarding passes etc.
I'm just trying to educate myself before hand so I don't do something like miss my flight or get cornered into paying some exorbinant amount because I "thought" something and was wrong.
Thank you for the helpful information though!

Don't take anything personally. Read my post above. There is a saying that there is "no pixie dust on the transportation board". You will get lots of straight forward information that sometimes seems stern or to the point, but it is all good info that will help you tons. Don't take anything the wrong way.

Have a PIXIE DUST FILLED day. Ok, there you go bavaria, I just passed on some pixie dust on the transportation board! So there! ~ I am in one of those moods.

Duds

 

[bavaria]

Okay, perhaps my wording mislead you, but rest assured I won't be the crazy lady in the airport waving her hands around and screaming. I keep it to myself. Although if I could answer some of my questions before hand, I would feel better prepared.
I apologize with my ignorance with the procedure for things. I don't understand how it works, I didn't think my questions were that far off base.
Gate check, boarding passes etc.

Your questions are not 'off base' but please understand that readers respond to the words used in a post. Your post to me came off as very panicked and you chose some powerful words.

I do warn people because particularly in the US the words 'you will not be flying today' do happen. I see people 'freak out' quite regularly in US airports, and like Duds says, there really is no need.

And I stand behind what I say quite often in a variety of situations - educate yourself. Remember that no matter what anyone tells you on this website, the only rules which matter are the official ones. Hence I recommend going to your airline website and/or www.tsa.gov. Telling TSA 'but Dudspizza told me it was ok' has no value at all.

So read some threads, but more importantly read your airline website. Then read www.tsa.gov. Then watch their videos.

 

[dudspizza]

Telling TSA 'but Dudspizza told me it was ok' has no value at all.

No value? It would probably get a blank stare and the question of, "who"? There has to be some value in that. Maybe a little?

Either that or the TSA agent would go on break to find some pizza!

Duds

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I saw a woman denied boarding yesterday. It was not a pretty sight. She arrived at the airport after the baggage loading cut off time and was furious that a) the airline wouldn't accommodate her and load her bags when the others had already been loaded and b) allow her to bring her over-sized baggage through security to gate-check. They were more than happy get her a confirmed seat on the next flight (2 hours later) but she continued to whine and moan and get belligerent. She finally calms down and they issue her a new boarding pass for the next flight and accept her bags for that flight. She proceeds through security and attempts to board her original flight anyway. Naturally, her pre-printed boarding pass was invalidated by the reticketing to the new flight. That's when she really lost it, shoved a gate agent and the police showed up.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

First, we are flying with airtran from Indianapolis.

Indianapolis has a snazzy new terminal. It opened around a week ago. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing it yet, but my guess is that it will reflect all of best current ideas about making a terminal that's efficient and pleasant.

The good news for you, Nicole, is that the terminal will be new to just about everybody there, so you'll fit right in.

Arriving at the terminal about two hours before departure should be fine. Because aircraft boarding normally begins about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, you would have 90 minutes to check in, go through security, find your gate, and relax with a cup of coffee before boarding. Even if there are some longer lines along the way, you should have plenty of time. My guess is you'll be sitting at your gate with a cup of coffee less than 30 minutes after you arrive at the terminal.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to say it's your first flight. Airline employees and TSA employees are generally friendly, especially when the passengers are nice to them.

2. I have my confirmation number, and the printout of the itinerary, but what's this about e-tickets?

The term "e-ticket" is often misused on this forum to mean the confirmation printout when you buy a ticket online.

Actually, an e-ticket means there is no paper ticket at all. The ticket is electronic ("e") in the airline's computer. (In the old days, tickets were handwritten or printed on special multi-part forms. If you lost the ticket, you faced a small nightmare.)

To use an e-ticket, you just show your valid ID at the airline's ticket counter. Some airlines also offer self-service kiosks, but I would recommend dealing with a human for your first flight.

It doesn't hurt to have the confirmation printout in your pocket in case there is any problem, but it will almost certainly remain in your pocket during check-in. I have never had to show the confirmation printout with any airline, including AirTran Airways.

As others have recommended, read the TSA's security rules at http://www.tsa.gov/ and read your airline's baggage rules (size, weight, carry-ons, etc.) at your airline's website.

Relax. Enjoy the flight. Smile when you arrive in Orlando in a tiny fraction of the time it takes to drive.

 

[Disneyfanatic108]

When you gate check a stroller it does not count as a piece of checked luggage. Take your time and dont worry. I have found out that if you are going to check your bags, they will reprint your bording pass at that time. The first time we flew it was with our DS 3 and DS 6 and DW who is terrified of heghts and flying. Everything went smooth. Just be prepared. It is good idea to stay over night. That is what we do. Since our first trip we have flown several times with an addition to our family. We just flew with DS 9, DS 6, and DD 2. It was all good. they had a special line in Orlando for families at the security point. This really helped as we could take our time. Remember to have fun.

 

[crashbb]

One piece of advice - figure out what line you are getting into, why you are getting in it, and what to do when you get to the front BEFORE getting into said line. This is especially true at security.

Take a moment, off to the side, before getting in the security line to:
1) Make sure that your 3-1-1 baggies are out/accessible
2) Your kids are ready to take their shoes off, let go of their bags, and go through the scanner
3) You stroller is ready (someone else will need to speak to what needs to be done).
4) You have your boarding passes and ids in hand/accessible
5) You are at the right security (for your gate), if the airport has multiple security sections (and yes, I totally screwed this up at MCO a few weeks ago).

Make sure that your kids know that their bags/teddies/jackets will be going through the conveyor belt. In Manchester (UK) a few months ago, one poor little mite was having a fit because his Thomas carry-on had to go through the conveyor.

Asking questions (of airport staff or other flyers) before you get into the line(s) goes over much better than asking when you are at the front of the line and holding other people up. Honestly, unless you can see that I'm rushing somewhere or having my own trouble, I'm happy to help other flyers - I walked a woman to her gate last week when I realised that english was obviously not her first language and she was totally confused after a gate change.

 

[dis_guy]

It seems all the unknowns are causing you a great deal of stress. Give your airline people at the airport a call, explain your concerns, and ask if you can come in at a not too busy time the week before you fly, and have an agent walk you through the procedure and answer your questions. They may even be able to take you through security and onto a plane if one is parked at a jetway. Once you've seen it all for yourself it's not so bad.

 

[kristenrice]

It seems all the unknowns are causing you a great deal of stress. Give your airline people at the airport a call, explain your concerns, and ask if you can come in at a not too busy time the week before you fly, and have an agent walk you through the procedure and answer your questions. They may even be able to take you through security and onto a plane if one is parked at a jetway. Once you've seen it all for yourself it's not so bad.

I agree. When we flew in January, it was the first flight for DD2 and DD4. Since we only live about 10 minutes from the airport, we'd go out to the viewing area and watch planes take off and land. Then, we'd go to the terminal. I showed DD4 the "magic door" that she would walk through. I showed her the buckets that her shoes would go in and that she could make a little "bed" for her doll to ride on the "magic carpet"! They were still a little worried about the whole screening thing. DD4 didn't want to go through the door at MCO and went running back through the security line !
I flew solo with them last month (now ages 3 and 5) and they did great. They put all of our stuff in the bins and sent them through the scanners. Then, they felt all special and important when it was their turn to go through the "magic door". Unfortunately, while I was getting everything back together on the other side, DD5 decided that DD3 needed a secondary screening and I found her with the "magic wand" !

I also get anxious when flying. My imagination gets the best of me. Watching the planes take off and land really helped. Pilots do it every day, multiple times. I do not get in my car and drive, fearing that I am going to be involved in an accident. I have no reason to get into an aircraft with the same fear. That's what I always tell myself and it really helps.

Make sure you take plenty of time so that you aren't rushed. You're idea of spending the night before your flight near the airport is great! We had a 2pm flight and a 2 hour drive to the airport. I also opted to spend the night before near the airport. That way, traffic jams and potty stops would not affect my itinerary. Speaking of potty stops...make sure the kids (and you) make a bathroom run before getting on the plane. From the time you board, it may be close to an hour before the seatbelt sign is off and you can use the restroom. Even then, there might be a line!

Good luck , research and relax .

 

[bavaria]

Excuse me please for a moment - everyone except for one of you.

DUDS - you put that down right now!!! Get your hands off of that junk...

Did you drop it? Good. Now go wash your hands - with soap, young man!

And then pick up that jar and hand it back over to Safetymom. Where do you think you are, sprinkling pixie dust around? This isn't the Resort Board, mister!!!

 

[Twende]

My best advice for you is to slow down and enjoy the adventure of it all. Ask questions with a smile on your face and remember to say "Thank you (insert name of badge here)! It really helps.

Security is not all that bad although it is purposely different in every airport. Be prepared to take off your shoes, belts or anything with a lot of metal, heavy clunky jewelry, and jackets or sweaters. Take any keys or change out of your pocket and put them in one of your bags ahead of approaching the scanners. If you take a computer there is system for scanning it, so do not leave it in a carry on bag.

Take all your liquids out of your purse and bags and then make sure that it qualifies as a 3-1-1 ruling. Make sure you have no scissors, large nail clippers, or knives on key chains or money clips either.

Put loose items in the grey bins that are provided by the security conveyor belts. Larger items like carry on suit cases or brief cases can go through the scan with out a bin under them. They do usually ask that you lay all items on their sides so they scan better.

Now this is the one that got me last time I was traveling with my kids. They are much older than yours but my focus was them any way!

I could not get through the scan. They kept telling me to take my change and keys out of my pockets. I had no change or keys in any of my pockets and I kept insisting my pockets were empty of all metal. Next I hear them yell, "Female Check!" I am freaked out!

The lady was very nice and told me exactly where to stand and how to position my arms. I am trying to stay cool, calm and collected; my kids are laughing so hard in the background that they are almost rolling on the floor! So the magic wand scan begins. She goes down my left side and leg ...no problem, She tries the other side and nothing but alarm noise. She insists there is something there on the side of my calf muscle. I think she had me open the little pocket in my slacks and low and behold there was a single piece of gum wrapped in foil!

That piece of gum kept me from passing security! Who knew! Well I do now!

Have fun and enjoy your flights!

 

[kristenrice]

I think she had me open the little pocket in my slacks and low and behold there was a single piece of gum wrapped in foil!

That piece of gum kept me from passing security! Who knew! Well I do now!

My DH (on his first flight ever...our honeymoon!) had the same issue...except the alarm was sounding at his shoes! This was before you were required to remove your shoes. Uh, he is a by-the-book police officer so he has no idea why the metal detector is going off. Once he took his shoe off, they inspected it, X-rayed it, everything.... It was the little "Inspected by..." sticker that was stuck to the liner...they were brand new shoes! Before the 3-1-1 stuff, I had a package of ketchup set the detector off. I guess they think I was just preparing for a rogue hamburger or something!

 

[dis-happy]

As one travelling mom to another, here's my piece of advice for you....

make sure everyone (especially the kids) are wearing easy to remove/easy to put back on shoes. You have to take them off and put them in the x-ray bin (along with jackets and electronics and the stroller), then get them back on again afterwards. Don't forget to wear socks too!!

Don't worry about gate checking the stroller until you get to the gate. But don't wait until the last minute, do it before they start boarding, it saves time. Just go up to the desk and tell them what you are doing, they'll hand you a ticket to fill out and attach to the stroller and tell you what to do (take it to the end, fold it up, and leave it on the floor right before you board). Don't forget you'll need to retrieve your stroller in the same place (but different city) when you arrive. Sometimes it takes a few minutes, so wait for it if it's not there yet.

 

[dis-happy]

PS. Most airports are setting up "family lanes" for the holidays this year. I imagine they'll still be in effect Jan. 3rd when you leave. Ask at the airport, there should be extra people to help in these lanes, plus you won't feel as pressured to hurry through the process and possibly get rattled the first time around. HTH

 

[mom2pandc]

Thank you for the kind replies. I'm trying to ease my concerns before we leave so that I can enjoy everything as much as possible. I'm actually not too concerned about security, we're not planning on taking too terribly much at all, I'm just more concerned about the timing. We live 2 hours from Indy, so going before hand is not an option. I know that my concerns were minor, but still, I don't want to be blindsided by something and have very few options.
The kids have both been through security checkpoints before at the county city building here ...not taking off shoes, but walking through and putting things on the x-ray machine etc. I think they'll be fine with that part. As will I. I understand the rules, just more concerned about the unknown.
Sorry I sounded like a spaz, I'm really not, I just don't want something silly to upset the process. I'm actually quite excited about flying
Thanks again!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I saw a woman denied boarding yesterday. It was not a pretty sight

Hey, did I tell you about the time my brother checked in online for a flight on an airline that will remain nameless, in plenty of time, but got to the airport and tried to check his luggage right AT the cut-off time - and so was not allowed to, and so was not able to board that flight? It took him twelve hours to get to what should have been a five-hour destination, and it took his luggage about 36 hours.

She tries the other side and nothing but alarm noise. She insists there is something there on the side of my calf muscle. I think she had me open the little pocket in my slacks and low and behold there was a single piece of gum wrapped in foil!

That piece of gum kept me from passing security! Who knew! Well I do now!

On my way to Orlando in September I set off the alarm. I have screws in my hip, but they've never caused a problem before, but this time I got the personalized scanning.

Coming home, I told the agent that my hip was probably going to set off the alarm, and sure enough - another personal scan But it wasn't my hip - it was my bra hooks (and no, it wasn't in my pocket on the way down:.

Then, another guard told me something in my carry-on was setting off THAT alarm, and they needed to go through it. Fine with me. Turns out, when I was cleaning out the rental car I threw everything in the bag, intending to sort through it before security. I forgot. What set off that alarm? About six ounces of water!