Silly Questions from a First Time Traveler/Flier

[jernysgirl]

Hi! Sounds like you're going to have an awesome trip. Have been reading your questions and have one for you : Why are you thinking of bringing towels with you? Last time I stayed at DLH they had nice, big, fluffy towels. Plenty of them too! You can always call housekeeping for extra's as well. Not trying to tell you what to do, just wanted to let you know how the hotel's towels are. We take our own when we go to budget hotels 'cause my spousal unit and I are not itty bitty! Didn't have to worry about that at DLH!

I would agree about the towels. There are always going to be towels in room and at the pool. If you need more, you can always ask.

As far as dimensions for your carry-on, check your airlines website. They should have that listed.

The nesting suitcases you were asking about previously, are just a suitcase set that one is bigger than they other, and the smaller will fit (nest) inside the bigger one. Pack the smaller of the two with your stuff, put it inside the bigger one, and close. That way on your way home, you technically have 2 suitcases to fit all your stuff in, you can just separate them and use them both. I am a fan of doing this too, I have done it many times going to the east coast from Cali to visit family.

 

[toocherie]

I just wanted to add, make sure you have cash on you for the plane ride. If your flight does serve meals, or offer a movie, they most likely charge extra (I think almost everyone does now.) I think a lot even charge for snacks or drinks these days too from what I have heard. Avoid going hungry or paying outrageous ATM fees in the airport and just have enough cash to cover little expenses like this on you before boarding.

A warning however--some airlines have gone "cashless"--so you do need a credit card or debit card to be able to buy food and drinks on the plane.

 

[toocherie]

Ding....... Not Southwest!

CrazyDuck--Southwest DOES charge for alcoholic drinks--and they don't take cash (just flew on Monday)

 

[Vala]

Hello again, it's me!

I don't know what kind of bag to use for my carry on! Is there a website that shows the dimensions of a carry on suitcase? Do they need to be pretty darn small?

Bare with me, remember, I'm a first time flier, I know nothing about this stuff!!

You best check your airline's website for that. There should be a section "carry on" or "hand luggage" somewhere.
The dimensions are not the same for every airline, that would probably be too easy.

I have a small trolley, and I've always been fine.

 

[Rainforest_Elf]

Hi! Sounds like you're going to have an awesome trip. Have been reading your questions and have one for you : Why are you thinking of bringing towels with you? Last time I stayed at DLH they had nice, big, fluffy towels. Plenty of them too! You can always call housekeeping for extra's as well. Not trying to tell you what to do, just wanted to let you know how the hotel's towels are. We take our own when we go to budget hotels 'cause my spousal unit and I are not itty bitty! Didn't have to worry about that at DLH!

Oooh that's good to know! I guess I just wanted to bring one or two in my luggage because I'm planning on buying a few breakable items (like Christmas ornaments) and want to package them safely in something soft and cushy.

 

[bumbershoot]

Hello again, it's me!

I don't know what kind of bag to use for my carry on! Is there a website that shows the dimensions of a carry on suitcase? Do they need to be pretty darn small?

Bare with me, remember, I'm a first time flier, I know nothing about this stuff!!

I know I would be happy to help you more specifically if I knew what airline you were going on.


But in general, a carryon bag is rather generous. This bag is what WE use for a checked suitcase, but officially it meets all of the carryon guidelines I've seen. The company that makes them requires ONLY carryons for their 1-2 week-long European tour trips, and that is the bag they make for that purpose. As you can see, it's a generous size.

But filled with breakable souvenirs, it's not going to do well, if it's packed, b/c it will be smashed into the overhead bin (I'm a queen of putting my carryons under the seat in front of me, but that bag won't let me put it there), then someone will crash their enormous hard-sized bag next to it, and smash crash tinkle, your souvenirs are broken.

This bag is what I now use as my carryon. I like that I can put things "upright" in it, as there is a definite top and bottom. I can put a TON of stuff in it, it seems almost infinitely fillable. And it's well under the limits.

If by chance you're going on southwest, along with the 2 bags you're allowed to check, you can also bring "one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item." "# Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included)." Then the "carryon bag dimensions" are up to "10x16x24 inches." SW is generous.


So let us know the specifics and we can help specifically!


Won't the ornaments come in boxes?

 

[aagee]

I would highly recommend bringing your own hairdryer. In my experience, the in-room hair dryers are not that powerful, so you might be standing there a LONG time.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

How does one do this? Just buy it in the park, pay a shipping fee, and give them your address?

If ]you won't need it for a week or two after you leave - have Disney ship it!!!!![/B I have done this every year at WDW - even with very expensive collectibles and I have never regretted it. They pack the stuff they send you like a fanatic! They use this wonderful recycleable couregated paper that is really cushy. I would defintiely have them ship your Christmas ornaments - especially if you get the glass Christopher Radko Disney ones or the glass ball Mickey heads.

The other poster was right - if Disney ships and they are broken, THEY WILL REPLACE FOR FREE! I have only had one damaged item and it was replaced immediately (back in 1997, I think). I didn't even have to send it back. Also, you might not even have to pay sales tax if you choose to ship. (Never had to in WDW...)

Here's how it works:
- When you get to the register at any store operated by Disney (inside or outside the park), tell them you would like to ship your purchases.

- The CM will ring you up on a special receipt that makes several copies. You supply your name, address, phone number and they do all the rest. They will charge you the shipping fee at that time and that is when you find out if they actually charge you for the tax or not.

- They they give you a copy of the entire receipt to take with you. There will be a phone number on the receipt to call if you have questions. They tell you it wil arrive in 3-4 weeks, but I found that some packages made it home before I did (if I got them at the beginning of an 8 day trip).

It's like having your vacation all over again when things start arriving in the mail!!!

Also, check with the Dept 56 people and see what their shipping policy is - it's probably the same! I definitely wouldn't lug one of their houses on the plane with me. Too bulky!

 

[Rainforest_Elf]

I know I would be happy to help you more specifically if I knew what airline you were going on.


But in general, a carryon bag is rather generous. This bag is what WE use for a checked suitcase, but officially it meets all of the carryon guidelines I've seen. The company that makes them requires ONLY carryons for their 1-2 week-long European tour trips, and that is the bag they make for that purpose. As you can see, it's a generous size.

But filled with breakable souvenirs, it's not going to do well, if it's packed, b/c it will be smashed into the overhead bin (I'm a queen of putting my carryons under the seat in front of me, but that bag won't let me put it there), then someone will crash their enormous hard-sized bag next to it, and smash crash tinkle, your souvenirs are broken.

This bag is what I now use as my carryon. I like that I can put things "upright" in it, as there is a definite top and bottom. I can put a TON of stuff in it, it seems almost infinitely fillable. And it's well under the limits.
So let us know the specifics and we can help specifically!

First of all, everyone is being so helpful, thank you!!!

To answer your question, I'm flying Alaska, so I get one carry on and one checked back for no extra fees. I'm loving the bag you use for your carry on, it looks so sturdy and compact!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

Yep, "You're allowed one carry-on bag, which can measure up to 10" H x 17" W x 24" L (25 x 43 x 61 cm), plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer."

I should mention that the fabrics in the pictures look really different in person. So the carryon isn't sturdy with nothing in it...it's all just fabric (thick fabric), nothing holding it up when it's empty. Which is good b/c I can store the luggage in a really small space between trips!

 

[usschmidt]

I think I read that you were planning on checking your laptop? My dh would die if I did this! He's paranoid that it would get stolen. If I were you I'd carry your laptop with you. I did this recently and just used a neoprene sleeve (with handles) for protection. My carry-on bag was big enough that I put my laptop in that. But on the way home I carried my laptop separately b/c of all the souvenirs. Make sense?

 

[tink2dw]

Rainforest_Elf - DO NOT PUT YOUR COMPUTER IN YOUR CHECKED BAG!! IT WILL BE MISSING!! Carry it on the plane!!!!!

PDX Fired All its TSA Agents for theft of Medicines, Computers, Cameras, Camera equipment, Souvenirs, any item they could sell, use, wear Only put clothes in your bags!!

At your International Airport PDX You will want to be there 2 hrs in advance!!!!!!!!

First any of the coastal state airports, security is tighter! So is yours.

Gates are millions of mile a way! There are 5 moving sidewalk before you get to the gates. Then your gate is always the end one, an extra mile away. So, you have already walk as much as you will on any one of your DL Day. So, be prepared!!

If you have children you go first thru security with child behind you and Dh last so you have the children sandwiched. Other wise you will be on one side and they will be alone on the other side.

Wear your coats, don't try to pack them it is not possible any more. Take them off at security, as so your shoes. Do Not wear a Under wire bra it will set off the alarms. As will body jewelry!!!!

If your feet swell were comfy shoes not your best dress heels!!

You can't even take a closed Coke can thru security, There is a Wendy's in the gate areas buy breakfast there, Also buy a bottled soda with a lid for on the plane And a bottled water, too.

If you take Medicine carry it on. Diabetics can carry on 1 extra "carry on" bag with their meds and anything foods or juice boxes they need. But you Must declare it at the 1st person you see at security and everyone else there to so they know what it is.

My Carry on Bag, I want a zip top bag. I use my Disney big Water resistant bag with the Mickey Sorcerer on it.
It is shaped like this \_/ with short shoulder straps so it stays close to my body. AS soon as I get on board and settled I can take my coat off an open my bag and fold it on top. then my bag is open so I can get into it. At DL I use it for my park bag, and for the camera.

Carry on suit case size is: 21 inches length x 14 inches width x 9 inches height, you want wheels and a pull up handle. The cheaper the better. So you won't cry when the TSA tear you bag to pieces,and ruining all the zippers! yes we have lost 3 bags

We ALWAYS use Space Bags to pack our Clothes in! Haven't had as much TSA trouble since using them. We always pack dirty clothes on the way back no want to mess with them.

 

[Rainforest_Elf]

Rainforest_Elf - DO NOT PUT YOUR COMPUTER IN YOUR CHECKED BAG!! IT WILL BE MISSING!! Carry it on the plane!!!!!

PDX Fired All its TSA Agents for theft of Medicines, Computers, Cameras, Camera equipment, Souvenirs, any item they could sell, use, wear Only put clothes in your bags!!

At your International Airport PDX You will want to be there 2 hrs in advance!!!!!!!!

First any of the coastal state airports, security is tighter! So is yours.

Gates are millions of mile a way! There are 5 moving sidewalk before you get to the gates. Then your gate is always the end one, an extra mile away. So, you have already walk as much as you will on any one of your DL Day. So, be prepared!!

If you have children you go first thru security with child behind you and Dh last so you have the children sandwiched. Other wise you will be on one side and they will be alone on the other side.

Wear your coats, don't try to pack them it is not possible any more. Take them off at security, as so your shoes. Do Not wear a Under wire bra it will set off the alarms. As will body jewelry!!!!

If your feet swell were comfy shoes not your best dress heels!!

If you take Medicine carry it on. Diabetics can carry on 1 extra "carry on" bag with their meds and anything foods or juice boxes they need. But you Must declare it at the 1st person you see at security and everyone else there to so they know what it is.

My Carry on Bag, I want a zip top bag. I use my Disney big Water resistant bag with the Mickey Sorcerer on it.
It is shaped like this \_/ with short shoulder straps so it stays close to my body. AS soon as I get on board and settled I can take my coat off an open my bag and fold it on top. then my bag is open so I can get into it. At DL I use it for my park bag, and for the camera.

Carry on suit case size is: 21 inches length x 14 inches width x 9 inches height, you want wheels and a pull up handle. The cheaper the better. So you won't cry when the TSA tear you bag to pieces,and ruining all the zippers! yes we have lost 3 bags
.

Oh my gosh, you're scaring me, LOL!!! I recv your Pm, thank you so much for the map. Your information is VERY helpful, but good god is it scary, especially considering how many Souvenirs i'm planning on bringing back. Yikes =(

 

[Leofoenget]

My best piece of advise is be early. I would rather sit around at the gate drinking coffee and reading the paper then rushing around like a crazy woman. I HATE the airport mad dash.

If you buy a snow globe with water in it, you hve to check it.

 

[farmfresh]

You have received some helpful information here, but I think some of it might put you in overdrive. We travel right throughout the world, including the world's busiest airports, eg heathrow, Lax, and through the US frequently. (even spent some time in Portland!)

It is not nearly as complicated as it is starting to sound. Just arrive a couple of hours before the flight, put any sharp or fluid items in your checked luggage (better still, just don't bring any.) Put any cream or liquid that you must have with you at all times in a 100ml or less container, and put them in a see through ziplock plastic bag. But bear in mind this is a short flight - you won't need much.

Show this as you pass through security. you will have to take your shoes off, and a belt buckle can set off the alarm (not an underwire in my experience!) But if by any chance you set off the alarm...IT IS NOT A PROBLEM! They just run a wand over you to determine the cause. It is no big deal! It happens all the time when people forget they have change in their pockets etc.

You will have to put your laptop through the scanner separately but again this is no hassle at all. The procedure is absolutely crystal clear and obvious. It takes into account first time travellers.

Also - do not lock your bags - they will be unlocked for inspection. This is a procedure you have no control over, so just don't worry about it, and don't travel with valuables.

And whilst it would be nice to check your bags - despite rulings on bag size and number, no one seems to pay any attention to them, stuffing enormous amounts of carryons on board! The worst that will happen is that you will have to gate check a piece, which means as you enter the aircraft, the steward will say, 'that's too big/too many' and they whisk it into the hold for you. Again, no big deal.

You do sometimes have to walk a little to a gate, but , then , you left time for that right! Plus, if you have checked in luggage, they will not leave without you. They cannot transport unaccompnaied baggage, and so it is easier to wait for you then unpack the hold and take out your suitcase.

It would be a shame to let the tigtened security procedures weigh on your mind too much. Look on the bright side - at least you don't have to go through Immigration, like visitors from other countries - that requires fingerprinting, photo scans etc. A recent new requirement for us foreigh visitors is that we register our intention to visit the US months before we leave, and at the same time provide our address in the states. Not quite sure what will happen if we have to change hotels! Compare this to the UK where we simply fill in a couple of lines on a card and show our passports!

But we enjoy our time in the US, and so we look past the system to the holiday - and I think you will have a great time. The flight will look after itself!

 

[tink2dw]

I am not trying to scare you, honestly! Just caution you.

There are 2 theories Tell you everything you must know or just let you struggle so you learn it on your own.

I like knowing. I remember getting to the little tiny airport and watching thru the window of the terminal as they loaded the bags and the rush when a Man got his Stand By, I was telling my friend "wasn't that nice", just as the plane started taxing away. With out ME! I had missed my first flight!! Because I didn't know anything!

Ship you souvenirs!! Or wait and buy them at the Disney Store when you get home Especially Cups
and other breakables. [lots of us do that!]

 

[jkh1978]

I'm a very paranoid person, so I like to get to the airport two hours early just to make sure things are fine. But I hear you only need to be there an hour for US flights.

Some airlines are really enforcing the size limits of bags, so they can charge you extra if you don't fit. So just make sure your bags are appropriate. I think the limit for a checked bag is 50 lbs.

Don't bother locking your bags with any lock, because they will cut the lock off. Don't put anything valuable in the bag, because it will "be lost". If you want to lock your bag, get a lock that is TSA approved so that they can use their master key to open to check it and relock it and not need to cut the lock.

 

[tink2dw]

lock your bag, get a lock that is TSA approved so that they can use their master key to open to check it and re-lock it and not need to cut the lock.

That gives the TSA the right to rifle you suitcase.

Only pack your clothes in checked suitcase.

We never check suitcases any more. We Always do carry on suitcases it is so much easier and I don't have to get my damaged suitcases at the carousel any more. Which is so worth it!!

 

[Rainforest_Elf]

Well I'm packing today, just because it's my last day off before we actually leave on Monday, and I don't want to be stressed after work on Sunday night.

I've been reading the TSA website and the restrictions for my carry-on from Alaska Air.

I'm bringing a good bit of first aid stuff because I've nominated myself "the mom" of this trip (hey, in a group of 3 young adults, someone has to do it!) so I went and bought a "day pack" first aid kit from REI which has some basic stuff in it like tape, anti-biotic ointment in itty bitty disposable packages, individual packets of Advil and Tylenol, and a mix assortment of bandaids.

Now, this little thing is crammed pretty tight as it was designed this way. It's going in my carry on because, hey, if my luggage gets lost/stolen, I'd like to have it. Are the TSA people going to tear the thing apart looking for contraban items? Is my makeup bag that's packed in my carryon going to get searched through? Am I going to need to take everything out of my purse and show them every last bit of change??

Just how visible and easily accessable does my stuff need to be?

and then, there are our plane tickets. We bought them through expedia and printed off our e-tickets, and the confirmation email that they sent me. Is that all I'm bringing to the airport? Something I printed off from my home printer? I never got anything in the mail, nor did the confirmation say that I should expect one....

 

[avalon451]

Do Not wear a Under wire bra it will set off the alarms. As will body jewelry!!!!

I have NEVER had my underwire bra set off the alarms, and I've been flying out of Seattle for 25 years. Also, although I take off most jewelry, I can't take off my wedding ring or the earring I wear in my upper ear, and they have never set off the alarms, either.

The only time I was ever asked to step aside to be wanded was in Madrid.