Ok New to this flying thing walk me through some things to know!!!

[tinksgilrs251520]

Ok So I am flying to Disney in 2010 with my DD(12) and I am very nervous about doing this flying thing. Not nervous about flying but just the overall process so here is some things that I am nervous about:

1. When can I book flights and is the earlier I book better

2. Will my DD and I sit together on the plan?

3. How does the ME process work?

4.What is the best airline to go by?

5. I have a digital camera that has a rechargeable battery do i put in my checked bag or carry-on?

6. Can my daughter and both have carry-on bags or is it one for both us?

7. Whats the best way to bring home souvenirs?

8. We are doing the MNSSHP whats the best way to bring home extra candy that she gets?

Thanks in advance for the help!!!1


Thanks to all who answer!!!

 

[Tara]

Ok So I am flying to Disney in 2010 with my DD(12) and I am very nervous about doing this flying thing. Not nervous about flying but just the overall process so here is some things that I am nervous about:

1. When can I book flights and is the earlier I book better

When in 2010 will you be going? You can book domestic airfare 330 days in advance, so roughly between now and the beginning of August. However, I'd recommend that you not buy it too early unless it's already looking like a great fare. If it's a long way off, the price will almost surely be high now.

2. Will my DD and I sit together on the plan?

Most carriers do assigned seating. If you are on a carrier that charges extra for assigned seats (like Airtran, which charges $6 per passenger each way, I believe), you might find it easier to pay the charge for the seating. Odds are very high that yes, you and your daughter will sit together.

3. How does the ME process work?

There are several sticky posts at the top of the page about various aspects of DME...and I'll let others who use the service explain it in more detail. We always rent a car, so I've never used it, though my husband has. He swears he remembers nothing about the experience except that he had to sit on the bus a long time before it left.

4.What is the best airline to go by?

There's really very little difference between the major carriers in my opinion. Where is the closest airport for you? The airline with the biggest presence might be best because there will be more options or possibly non-stop flights. For instance, Detroit is a Northwest (Delta now) hub, so lots of options there. I always fly Southwest to Orlando because they're the only nonstop carrier from where I live and the only one that won't have me on a regional jet (with a connection at that).

5. I have a digital camera that has a rechargeable battery do i put in my checked bag or carry-on?

I assume you are just referring to the battery? There are some rules about lithium ion batteries, but one camera battery isn't going to be an issue. You can leave it in the camera. But do carry the camera onboard rather than checking it. You should never check anything of great value or that you need to sustain life, like medications.

6. Can my daughter and both have carry-on bags or is it one for both us?

Every ticketed passenger is entitled to whatever the airline's baggage allowance is. This allowance will be different for all airlines, but that's typically a small piece of luggage (check the airline website for the luggage dimension limit) and a personal item (purse, laptop bag, backpack). Generally speaking, the personal item should be small enough to fit under an airplane seat.

7. Whats the best way to bring home souvenirs?

It depends on the souvenirs. If you buy something fragile, you might consider having Disney ship it home to you - this service is offered at all the parks and resorts. For memorabilia I want to preserve, I will sometimes bring a stiff plastic file case and put items in that so they don't get wrinkled/bent in my luggage. Anything else just goes in the luggage. Just be aware of how full your suitcase is - you don't want to go over the bag weight limits! Many people will also pack a collapsable bag of some sort to put purchased items in to carry home.

8. We are doing the MNSSHP whats the best way to bring home extra candy that she gets?

Ziploc bag in carry on or checked luggage.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks to all who answer!!![/QUOTE]

 

[Missytara]

You should also read the TSA.gov site to familiarize yourself with the security guidelines and security walk-through process. I always tell people to be prepared; you are going to be in front of some really seasoned traveler and they can get impatient.

You want to have your ID and ticket information ready at the security line - they scan them quickly. Don't be fumbling in a bag looking for things.

You want to use shoes that are easy to pull off and put back on. You need to have your 3-1-1 bag out already for them to check (don't go fumbling in your bag looking for it).

All the good info about DME is up in the sticky.....it is awesome.

And have fun!

 

[goofy4tink]

Ok So I am flying to Disney in 2010 with my DD(12) and I am very nervous about doing this flying thing. Not nervous about flying but just the overall process so here is some things that I am nervous about:

1. When can I book flights and is the earlier I book better

2. Will my DD and I sit together on the plan?

3. How does the ME process work?

4.What is the best airline to go by?

5. I have a digital camera that has a rechargeable battery do i put in my checked bag or carry-on?

6. Can my daughter and both have carry-on bags or is it one for both us?

7. Whats the best way to bring home souvenirs?

8. We are doing the MNSSHP whats the best way to bring home extra candy that she gets?

Thanks in advance for the help!!!1


Thanks to all who answer!!!

1. Legacy airlines (like Delta) will allow you to book as early as 11 months before. Sometimes it's cheaper to book then, sometimes it's better to wait abit. Other airlines, like JetBlue and Southwest, don't allow you to book air travel until about 5 months before travel.


2. Most likely. I have never been seated apart from my dd...not once in over 35 flights, on any airline.

3. Anyone staying at a WDW owned resort is entitled to a ride to the resort and then back to MCO..as long as it is during the reservation period. You need to make a reservation for it before you arrive at MCO. YOu will be sent an info packet with vouchers for the ride to the resort as well as a luggage tag for each person for one piece of checked luggage. Those tagged pieces of luggage will be taken care of by ME and delivered right to your room for you.

4. Everyone has their favorite airline. None are perfect, none are all bad. I love Jetblue but will fly with Delta if I have to. SW is a decent option as well.

5. All camera equipment needs to go in your carryon bag. I usually put all batteries and cables in a zip-loc baggie. Cell phone chargers, camera battery chargers..all that stuff goes into that baggie. Much easier to deal with.

6. Each person with a ticket gets to bring on a piece of carryon luggage plus one personal item..purse, briefcase.

7. Wrapped carefully in your checked bags. If you have something really valuable, put it in your carryon bag.

8. Bring a plastic baggie or such. Dump it in there and put it in your checked bag or carryon bag..doesn't much matter which.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Another thing to keep in mind is if you decide to buy any snow globes while on your trip, they will need to go in your checked luggage - they cannot be in your carry-on. A better idea would be to have Disney ship them to you.