Southwest First Time Flyer

[disneygma11]

My husband and I are looking to fly Southwest in early December to MCO. This will be his first flight. We are bringing our 18 year old so and 3 yr old granddaughter along. None of them have flown. I have but it has been back in the early 80`s. I really have no clue what I am looking for or at on the Southwest site. I know that I want Southwest as opposed to Airtran because they do offer Non Stop flights from STL to MCO. I am hoping someone can answer some questions for me.


What is the Wanna Get Away fare? Is there a danger of not being able to get on the flight if I book this kind of ticket?

What do we do when we get to the airport? I know this sounds lame but like I said we have never flown. I dont even know the first thing about what to do when I get there.

What are some things that can keep the granddaughter occupied during the time at the airport. I am expecting to arrive at STL via a earlier CapeAir Cessna flight from CGI and then board the Southwest flight to Orlando from there.

Is there any chance of motion sickness for my granddaughter, should I prepare in advance for that?

Thanks for the answers in advance.

 

[mom2brooke76]

I always book Wanna Get Away fares (and fly Southwest frequently) and have never been not been able to board a flight. Now I did once take a voluntary bump because a flight was overbooked, but was given credit worth 3 times what the one leg was worth. For me, it was totally worth it since I had another trip coming up.

When you get to the airport go to the ticket counter or curbside check-in if you have checked luggage. They'll need to see ID's for everyone 18 or older. They can print your boarding passes if you didn't at home (you can check in 24 hours ahead of time for your flight and this is STRONGLY recommended so that you get good boarding numbers or you can opt to pay $10 per person each way for Early Bird Check In. They automatically check you in 36 hours before the flight with this.) If you have no checked luggage and already have boarding passes that you printed from home you can just proceed to security (make sure to have your ID's out).

I fly often with my dd who is now 7, and I'd go to the dollar store or a place like that and get her lots of cheap toys, coloring books, etc. Stuff that she's never seen to keep her occupied during various parts of the airport/flight. If you have a portable dvd player those can be a godsend on the flight for little ones!

My dd never had motion sickness problems, so I can't help you there.

 

[disneygma11]

Thank you! So, the process once you arrive at the airport is basically just to go through the security checkpoints and then check your luggage in or how does that work. I know in this day and age I must sound really out of the loop for not knowing this. *blushes slightly* lol

 

[mom2brooke76]

Thank you! So, the process once you arrive at the airport is basically just to go through the security checkpoints and then check your luggage in or how does that work. I know in this day and age I must sound really out of the loop for not knowing this. *blushes slightly* lol

If you have luggage that has to be checked (not carry on size), you'll need to proceed to either the Southwest ticket counter inside the airport or to the Southwest curbside check-in counter which is outside. Usually the outside one has a much shorter line (you should tip them 1 or 2 dollars per bag if you curbside). Then you'll take your boarding passes and proceed through security, go to your gate and then wait for the plane

 

[nkereina]

What is the Wanna Get Away fare? Is there a danger of not being able to get on the flight if I book this kind of ticket?
It's just the cheapest fare they offer, and it's standard coach class. The more expensive fares are business class which allow you to board first. All airlines overbook, prices would be outrageous if they didn't, but it's rare that people actually don't get on the flight. There's always no-shows, cancellations, etc. When they do get more people that show up than the flight allows, they typically ask for volunteers to be bumped to a later flight and they receive some compensation. Again, this is rare and I would not worry about not being on the flight. And the Wanna Get Away fare does not have anything to do with that either.

What do we do when we get to the airport? I know this sounds lame but like I said we have never flown. I dont even know the first thing about what to do when I get there.
Southwest is actually different than most airlines. Its recommended you go on their web site 24 hours ahead of your scheduled flight time and check-in. They will then assign you a number, and that determines when you board. Southwest does not have assigned seating, so the earlier you board, the better choice of seats you get. So if you want to sit together, it's imperative you check in online exactly 24 hours ahead of time (you can't do it any earlier), so that you can have early boarding positions. If you don't think you will be able to check-in exactly at the 24 hour mark, you can pay $10 extra per person to purchase the "early bird check-in" where Southwest will do it for you. I've done this and have always gotten an early boarding position. You can also opt to do this for just your return flight. At the airport, go to the counter, receive your boarding pass and check your bags, and then proceed to security. Since you haven't flown in a while, definitely review the TSA web site for what is prohibited. There are strict rules about liquids in your carry on and it may surprise you.

Is there any chance of motion sickness for my granddaughter, should I prepare in advance for that?
Unless there is severe turbulence or she is really sensitive, I don't think you'd have to worry about it. If you are worried, you could bring some meds along. I usually get motion sickness on rides, back of buses, cruises and boats and have only been sick on a plane once - and that was when there was bad turbulence due to a thunderstorm.

For someone who hasn't flown in a long time, I might almost recommend another airline than Southwest. Sure Southwest may have great fares and I have never had a problem with them, but their open seating policy, their boarding process and their 24 hour check-in procedures are very different than other airlines. Even for a frequent flier, it might cause some confusion. If you're nervous about flying and security and all that to begin with, the Southwest procedures might be added stressors.

 

[lyonking3]

Here's my advice:

Buy the cheapest ticket.

Buy early bird check-in.

Get ready for a cattle car, free for all boarding process.

Keep your expectations low, and you'll be fine. (keep telling yourself, you saved money)

You won't get bumped.

 

[malibuconlee]

Haven't read all the replies, but wanted to let you know that in STL flying Capeair you will have to change terminals and re-enter a security check point. The hubby has done it, I have not, but wanted you to know that. So make sure you have enough connection time.

Also beware, since CapeAir how so few flight into and out of STL that if you are on the last flight leaving and your flight into STL is delayed you are out of luck til the next morning. DH has had to rent a car to drive home once and a work colleague that drove to STL to fly out of there had to drive him home on another occasion. Just something to think about. It might be easier to just drive to STL than to fly the little planes and they are little!

I was going to use them on an upcoming trip, but their schedule just didn't work for me.

Flying isn't so bad and once you get used to the process it gets easier to go thru security.

 

[malibuconlee]

If you have luggage that has to be checked (not carry on size), you'll need to proceed to either the Southwest ticket counter inside the airport or to the Southwest curbside check-in counter which is outside. Usually the outside one has a much shorter line (you should tip them 1 or 2 dollars per bag if you curbside). Then you'll take your boarding passes and proceed through security, go to your gate and then wait for the plane

Actually when you check in at Cape Girardeau you will let them know about your SW flight and they will tag and transfer the luggage for you from their airline to SW. Then you will go thru security in CG. After landing in STL you will I believe take a bus from one terminal to the other. Then you will go thru security at the next terminal.

You will be fine, ask if you need help finding your way around.

 

[disneygma11]

So make sure you have enough connection time. Also beware, since CapeAir how so few flight into and out of STL that if you are on the last flight leaving and your flight into STL is delayed you are out of luck til the next morning. It might be easier to just drive to STL than to fly the little planes and they are little!

Thank you for the tips! I have actually flown the Cessna Plane from Cape to St. Louis once and I remember the bumpy ride. I believe the first flight leaves from the airport in Cape Girardeau, Mo around 6 something in the morning. That flight only takes 45 mins to get to STL. If I have a flight scheduled around 11:45 a.m out of STL to MCO do you think that would give me enough time to get through the security process once again? Or should I look at maybe an afternoon flight out of STL around 2 or so? Any thoughts?

 

[malibuconlee]

Honestly you'll have plenty of time. IMO too much time. It looks like your flight would get to STL at 6:55 AM and your flight out would leave at 11:45 AM. That's almost 5 hours at the airport. Thinking of how early in the day you would have to leave your house for that 6 AM flight just IMO it's going to be a VERY long day especially for the 3 year old you will have with you.

Like I said, for me the Cape Air flight times just don't work with my other airlines, which is why I'm driving to STL instead of taking the flight from Ft. Leonard Wood.

Depending on traffic around STL if it were me I would drive to STL and fly from there. You would be able to leave your home much later than if you took the flight from CG to STL. Probably a couple of hours later even with the drive. If you are leaving your home at 4:30 AM to catch that 6 AM flight, instead you could be leaving home around 7 or so to catch the flight in STL.

Does the 3 year old still nap? Our last flight was with a 2 1/2 year old who refused to nap on the plane, but desperately needed a nap. It was not fun.

Not trying to be Debbie Downer, but wanted to give it to you honestly. Also look at the connection time you would have on your return to make sure you have enough time to change terminals/re-enter security. On your outbound you have plenty of time but check the return.

Even at $50/pp each way it will still be cheaper to drive to STL and pay for parking there for your trip than it will to fly CG to STL.

 

[DebbieB]

Here's my advice:

Buy the cheapest ticket.

Buy early bird check-in.

Get ready for a cattle car, free for all boarding process.
Keep your expectations low, and you'll be fine. (keep telling yourself, you saved money)

You won't get bumped.

Southwest hasn't had "free for all boarding process" for years. Everyone lines up by boarding pass letter & number and orderly boards the plane. No more campouts by letter.

 

[mom2brooke76]

How long before the flight do they line you up?

About 20 minutes.

 

[SmilingGrump]

I've flown Southwest a few times and prefer it to other US airlines (I've never been growled at or had my pretzel snack thrown at me, unlike US Air or United lol). Their boarding process is different, but since you haven't flown in a while you probably won't notice! They don't have assigned seats, instead (as previously mentioned) you get a bording letter and number. Each letter organizes itself as per number (ie. passenger A3 lines up between passengers A2 and A4), then you board in order and grab a seat. It works very well and doesn't require problematic software to keep track of seating assignments.

As mentioned, hit a dollar store for cheap colouring books and toys to keep your DD entertained.

As for air sickness, here's a few tips:
If you're feeling queesy, ask for some gingerale. The carbonation in it helps you burp and calm your stomach without the sweetness of a cola drink. 7-up or Sprite also works, but for me, Gingerale is best. Just sip it.
Use the air vent to blow air on your face. You're in motion so your body expects a breeze, this can help.
NEVER EVER chew gum! I see people doing this all the time as it helps "pop" your ears. The problem is that your body assumes you're eating and starts generating stomach acid to digest the "food" you're chewing. The extra stomach acid causes (more) queesiness.
If you are prone to motion sickness, then taking some motion sickness medication prior to air travel might be a good idea. Gravol, Bromine, Dramamine are all examples but I'd suggest talking to your pharmacist, especially if you're on other medication. They're available in non-drowsy formulas, but maybe a regular formula might help sleeping the flight away too

 

[pooch]

actually has a "boarding school" section which explains clearly how their system works. I strongly suggest you read it and the TSA website concerning what you can and cannot bring onto the plane. I find the more information I have, the better I feel . Read those and then come back and ask questions. Its kind of hard to walk you through the whole process "blind". A lot of it won't make any sense to you yet.

 

[Dis_Dreamin]

One more suggestion I would add, take a look at your departure airport's website. They may have additional information about processes at that airport that may impact/influence how you proceed upon arrival.

I know our airport has multiple security lines noted for different levels of travel experience.. business/frequent travelers - those who don't need much instruction, infrequent travelers - those who need some assistance or instruction, and family security lines where they really explain the process of the security lines and understand that kids and their parents need more assistance.