Please help- ATL to MCO this week

[Mimi Q]

I don't fly very often- seventeen months ago was my last flight. My 4 yo DD and I will be flying on AirTran out of ATL in a couple of days. What do I need to know? What is the usual check-in procedure? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I am a little nervous as just the two of us will be flying down. We are meeting other family members in Orlando. Thanks.

 

[clkelley]

Just get to the airport a couple of hours before your flight. Make sure you have no liquids in your carry-on bags. Make sure you both have "easy" shoes on as you will have to take them off for security. Try to have her not wear overalls or clothes with excessive metal as that will set off the machine and she'll have to be wanded. Same with you, wear as little metal as possible so that you don't have to be wanded.

Prepare your daughter that she will have to place her "blanky, bubby," or whatever other toy she may be attached to through the security machine, but that she WILL get it back.

If she is not good walking with you or tends to wander, I would recommend bringing a stroller through the airport and gate checking it.

Turn it into an adventure for your daughter, she'll have a blast!!

 

[CarolA]

ARRIVE EARLY!!!!

I flew AirTran to MCO from ATL a few weeks ago. It took FOREVER to check my luggage. (FOREVER is defined as almost an hour, just in case you want a more specific explanation)

AirTran appears not to be able to deal with the the increased in checked luggage due to the new restrictions. My advice is to arrive at least two hours in advance.

ATL has a special seurity lane you will be directed to for families which should make it easier for you to get thur the security checkpoint.


Take the train. Follow the sigs to your concourse, probably D and get on the train. Don't walk, its a LONG WAY! The train is faster and easier.

 

[triplefigs]

When are you flying AirTran? We're on the 9:15am flight out of ATL to MCO this Saturday. My neighbor flew AirTran on a Sat from ATL last month and missed her flight due to how long the lines were (she arrived 2 hours prior to her flight). We are planning on arriving a minimum of 3 hours early.

 

[Mimi Q]

When are you flying AirTran? We're on the 9:15am flight out of ATL to MCO this Saturday. My neighbor flew AirTran on a Sat from ATL last month and missed her flight due to how long the lines were (she arrived 2 hours prior to her flight). We are planning on arriving a minimum of 3 hours early.

We are on the Friday morning flight. My DSIL has offered to take all our luggage with them in their car as they have plenty of room. Maybe that would be the best idea, then I would not have to check luggage.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I really appreciate it.

 

[Flyin2MCO]

I can confirm the challenges and delays in checking luggage for AirTran flights out of ATL....Even with web check-in, you still end up in what can be very long lines to check your bags (last week I stepped out of the line and dumped my liquids/gels so I could simply carry on to avoid the wait). Security lines have been very long lately, but they actually look worse than they are....movement is actually pretty good. Once through the lines, its a relatively straightforward trip on the underground tram to your terminal and then a walk to your gate. Getting in/out of ATL is a challenge in and of itself, since weather or delays elsewhere will work their way to impact ATL, and I've found AirTran to be especially difficult...Anyway once on the plane you're on your way to MCO and then Disney, which will more than make up for any hassles or troubles...have a great time!

 

[triplefigs]

I can confirm the challenges and delays in checking luggage for AirTran flights out of ATL....Even with web check-in, you still end up in what can be very long lines to check your bags (last week I stepped out of the line and dumped my liquids/gels so I could simply carry on to avoid the wait). Security lines have been very long lately, but they actually look worse than they are....movement is actually pretty good. Once through the lines, its a relatively straightforward trip on the underground tram to your terminal and then a walk to your gate. Getting in/out of ATL is a challenge in and of itself, since weather or delays elsewhere will work their way to impact ATL, and I've found AirTran to be especially difficult...Anyway once on the plane you're on your way to MCO and then Disney, which will more than make up for any hassles or troubles...have a great time!

So is 3 hours enough time for AirTran out of ATL? I have young triplets don't want to miss the flight. We will have about 4 pieces of checked luggage and 3 carry ons (for 5 people).

 

[Flyin2MCO]

3 hours should be fine, at least in terms of making your flight. Keeping the triplets happy?...now that's another matter!