Tips for 1st time flyers??

[wdwobsessed]

Flying for the first time in over 15 years and when I did that I was with a group and just followed along.

My fear of flying kept me from doing it. Always drove. But for some odd reason I feel ok about flying now. Old age maybe??

I have no clue about anything. LOL.

Any tips?

Flying Southwest.

I know about the 24 hr check in and I know about the 3 -1 - 1 from these boards. Think I understand ME (but leaving and trusting my bags will get to me makes me nervous).

I have read NOT to pack water in your suitcase but don't understand this as the airline sais it's ok to pack booze right on the website so I don't get why that is ok but water is not???

Also if things are going to burst isn't your shampoo and hairspray going to burst?

How big can a carryon be? Do I need to pull out the measuring tape? (LOL) What do you suggest putting in the carryon?

I think I am more scared of my luggage getting lost than of the flight.

It will be myself, my niece age 18 and my two boys 10 and 14. The 10 year old is very nervous about flying ... but does not let on to this until AFTER I buy the tickets. (Great.) Any suggestions there?

Thanks!

WDWO

 

[Deesknee]

I'm sure there are many more educated flyers who will help. I just have a few suggestions.

When I fly I have atleast 3 kids with me. The best advise regarding flying with kids is to bring a surprise gift, wrapped hidden in their carry on. I think if you do a couple for your son it may help to distract him. It doesn't have to be expensive. We've given everything from lip gloss, or coloring books to suduko keychains. It worked with my kids for years. (actually oldest 19yrs & still works!). As far as in the airport prior to flying, there are usually restaurants to eat at. If he is listening to music, have a contest as to how many times he hear a certain word, like the word travel, or fun. If anyone has access to the same music make it a contest you each get a word, listen to the same song, see whos word is said the most. IMO, it's all about distractions with kids.

Bring gum to help prevent the ear problems. We all take dimetapp for 2-3 days prior to flying. ( our pediatricians suggestion about 15yrs ago)
Snacks in carryons.

I also worried about ME losing luggage. It didn't happen. It was great. Went to the parks, when we got back the luggage was in our room. We flew Jetblue from Boston. It was a very simple process. I made it much more difficult in my head.

Have fun. Enjoy!

 

[wdwobsessed]

I'm sure there are many more educated flyers who will help. I just have a few suggestions.

When I fly I have atleast 3 kids with me. The best advise regarding flying with kids is to bring a surprise gift, wrapped hidden in their carry on. I think if you do a couple for your son it may help to distract him. It doesn't have to be expensive. We've given everything from lip gloss, or coloring books to suduko keychains. It worked with my kids for years. (actually oldest 19yrs & still works!). As far as in the airport prior to flying, there are usually restaurants to eat at. If he is listening to music, have a contest as to how many times he hear a certain word, like the word travel, or fun. If anyone has access to the same music make it a contest you each get a word, listen to the same song, see whos word is said the most. IMO, it's all about distractions with kids.

Bring gum to help prevent the ear problems. We all take dimetapp for 2-3 days prior to flying. ( our pediatricians suggestion about 15yrs ago)
Snacks in carryons.

I also worried about ME losing luggage. It didn't happen. It was great. Went to the parks, when we got back the luggage was in our room. We flew Jetblue from Boston. It was a very simple process. I made it much more difficult in my head.

Have fun. Enjoy!

Thanks! All great suggestions! I think if I tell DS I have some special surprises for him once we get on the plane that he will become more focused on that than on getting on the plane. I hope anyway.

I have to laugh because my son (age 10) is such a dare devil ... I told him he puts himself in far more danger on a daily basis then getting on a plane will!

LOL

WDWO

 

[skiingfast]

If you had flown before you would know that not having your -checked -baggage with you is a true luxury. Don't worry about ME getting it to you.

Put the liguid things that you mentioned in ziplocks, Squeeze the extra air out of the bag. It's just a precaution some things leek a little but not always.

The 10yo is probably more scared if you are showing nervousness, reassure him that it will be a fun expereince to fly.


Think of an ok carry on to be a regular backpack, a very large purse, a small suitcase. Somthing you can lift and carry easily.

If you are flying long way bring snacks like PP suggested. I like to pack a lunch in a grocery bag. and just carry it along in addition to my carry on. I make some sandwiches, cracker and cheese, apples, and M&Ms because they take a while to eat. I just drink what they offer on the plane.

 

[PammieJ]

I fly a few times a year for work, primarily SW airlines.

I have found them to be very relaxed, fun airline. They take the stress out of flying, for me, anyway. The attendants are down-to-earth, and the pilots usually crack jokes. Once last fall, they ran somewhat late on a flight out of Norfolk. I was a tad late for my connection in Baltimore; it was the last flight of the day and I ran like a track star; still, they held the plane for me. Can you believe that???

I'm not an advocate of extreme drug or alcohol use, but you can have a drink if it would relax you. Not too much....the elevation can get you loaded fast! A friend of mine gets a low dose of Ativan from her doc when she has to fly, but she's extremely anxious. I find it relaxing to do Sudoku puzzles! Before I know it, we've landed!

We always pick up our luggage at MCO and bring it on the ME bus; a previous visit delivered our luggage via ME at the resort 5 hours after we arrived.....too inconvenient! I've heard they're much more efficient these days!

I can get a week's worth of shorts and tank tops in a carryon....but if you carryon, you can't pack certain items, like family sized toothpaste. So far, SW never lost my luggage!

Truly, the Disney people are professional. They are impressive in their ability to provide you with an awesome vacation! I worried my butt off the first time we visited, but they pretty much take care of everything!

Relax, have fun, you're going to the happiest place on earth!

 

[ChloroFiend]

Packing water in a suitcase is heavy; your checked bags need to be less than 50lbs each or you'll be charged an overweight baggage fee. I weigh myself on the bathroom scale, note the reading, then grab my loaded suitcase and weigh myself again to verify I'm under the limit. Not 100% accurate but it should be good enough.

The airlines should have information as to the size of a carry-on; in addition to your one carry-on bag, you are permitted one 'personal item'....a purse, backpack, something like that. The roll-aboard size suitcases go in the overhead bin, wheels first. Your purse, suitcase, bag, what have you goes under the seat in front of you.

I've never had any liquid containers burst in checked baggage, though i do tend to either tape them shut or pack them in ziplocs, just to be sure.

You'll want to arrive at the airport about 2 hours before your scheduled departure time, in order to allow time to drop off your checked bags, clear security, get to your gates, etc.

When clearing security, you'll need to remove your shoes, empty your pockets of any metal, take off any sweatshirts or jackets, and place them in a bin for scanning. I tend to put my wallet, watch, sunglasses, keys, cell phone, etc into my backpack before hitting security and just keep my boarding pass and ID in my pocket. All I have left to do is take off my shoes and belt, drop them in a bin, put my laptop in its own bin (if I have it on me), and toss that and my backpack onto the scanner conveyor. Wait for your stuff to enter the x-ray machine, proceed to the walk-through magnetometer, and walk through when directed by TSA personnel.

We've had nothing but good experiences with Magical Express....any checked baggage loss is probably going to be on the airline's part and over the several hundred flights my wife and I have taken over the last 10 years or so, we've only had 2 incidents of temporarily lost luggage. Odds are you'll be AOK.

I always bring headphones for the flight...many airplanes have on-flight entertainment provided. I'm usually listening to my ipod but I'll tune into the air traffic control channel when available. Also helps to mask out the sound of crying children. Munchies are good. Liquids can be purchased inside the secure zone, but most flights still offer complimentary beverage service.

Southwest does not have assigned seats, but rather 'boarding groups'. You line up in the order noted on your boarding pass and then are free to choose any of the seats available.

More when I think of it.

 

[ChloroFiend]

(double post)

 

[Alesia]

Flying for the first time in over 15 years and when I did that I was with a group and just followed along.

My fear of flying kept me from doing it. Always drove. But for some odd reason I feel ok about flying now. Old age maybe??

I have no clue about anything. LOL.

Any tips?

Flying Southwest.

I know about the 24 hr check in and I know about the 3 -1 - 1 from these boards. Think I understand ME (but leaving and trusting my bags will get to me makes me nervous).

I was much more nervous about the airline losing my luggage than ME

I have read NOT to pack water in your suitcase but don't understand this as the airline sais it's ok to pack booze right on the website so I don't get why that is ok but water is not???

The problem with water is that the bottles are very thin and your luggage will not be handled gently. Imagine what would happen if your suitcase was sitting on a pile of other people's suitcases and another bag was thrown on top of it and the bottles burst.

Also if things are going to burst isn't your shampoo and hairspray going to burst?

It can happen, not because of the air pressure, but rough handling. It's best to pack things that may leak in a ziplock bag. I actually pack every single thing that goes in my suitcase in a ziplock bag, just in case someone else doesn't

How big can a carryon be? Do I need to pull out the measuring tape? (LOL) What do you suggest putting in the carryon?

Southwest's website should have that info, but yes, it's a good idea to measure it. I would definitely put everything you'll need for the first 24 hours in your carry on, just in case the airline delays your luggage.

I think I am more scared of my luggage getting lost than of the flight.

It will be myself, my niece age 18 and my two boys 10 and 14. The 10 year old is very nervous about flying ... but does not let on to this until AFTER I buy the tickets. (Great.) Any suggestions there?

Thanks!

WDWO

See my answers above (in purple.)

 

[Taja]

You won't need headphones for in-flight entertainment on Southwest Airlines--there is none. You'll need to provide your own--MP3 player, game system, DVD player, book etc. What ever works for your group.

If you epect more than a small (very small) bag of peanuts or pretzels (depends on if someone on the flight has a known peanut allergy) and a soft drink, juice or coffee, it's a good idea to bring a few snacks along for the flight. You'll need to purchase beverages after going through security. I always like to have a bottle of water in my carry-on, but I have a five-hour flight. Snack service varies depending on the length of the flight. When we fly to Las Vegas from the Los Angeles or Phoenix areas, it begins about 10 minutes after take-off and ends about 30 minutes later! *LOL*

Check the Southwest website for definitive luggage sizes. Carry-ons usually 21" or less including wheels and handles works for the overhead compartments. And if you can find one that is less than 14" wide, it helps with the narrow aisles. Mine is 13", and even that can bump a bit at times--watch out for protruding elbows and feet!. Also, be sure that you--or someone in your group--can lift the case overhead and stow it without assistance from a flight attendant. Or two of you working together. You can figure it out at home before you depart on your holiday so it's a smooth operation.

The space under the seats is limited. Something soft and not larger than 12" wide, 14" long and about 8" high that be flexed and smooshed usually will fit under the center and window seats. Subtract 2" to 3" in width for the aisle seat--much narrower space. A small duffel bag, backpack, tote bag (be sure the top fastens securely) or a large handbag works. If you elect to bring a large bag for under the seat, expect to fit your handbag into it, if you carry one.

The first two checked bags per passenger fly free on SWA (as of today, anyway!), up to 50 lbs. per bag. Check their website for dimensions. I can tell you from experience that a 28" or 30" case will reach the weight limit quickly without being completely filled! I recommend a 26" case maximum--and check the weight, because the airline will--but everyone is different.

If you don't have suitable luggage, see if you can borrow it rather than purchasing it. And if you have to purchase luggage to check, be sure to avoid tapestry cases. They will be soiled, stained and ,possibly, ripped by the time you reach your destination! They don't survive the baggage handling systems very well.

You're going to have a wonderful WDW holiday!

 

[wdwobsessed]

THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!!

Great tips. I'm saving them all.

I have Mickey Luggage actually. 1 big and 1 small and 1 overnight. My kids luggage is fairly small.

Now my niece .... I will have to watch her suitcase for weight!

I was thinking 50 was a lot but I guess I had that wrong!

What i was thinking of doing is taking 1 suitcase and putting a few waters / snacks in it. We won't need 2 per person. Padding them with a beach towel or two (I like to have my beach towel at wdw) and putting them all inside a garbage bag.

Not a good idea? I'm thinking you could get quite a few waters for 50lbs.

WDWO

 

[Taja]

THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!!

Great tips. I'm saving them all.

I have Mickey Luggage actually. 1 big and 1 small and 1 overnight. My kids luggage is fairly small.

Now my niece .... I will have to watch her suitcase for weight!

I was thinking 50 was a lot but I guess I had that wrong!

What i was thinking of doing is taking 1 suitcase and putting a few waters / snacks in it. We won't need 2 per person. Padding them with a beach towel or two (I like to have my beach towel at wdw) and putting them all inside a garbage bag.

Not a good idea? I'm thinking you could get quite a few waters for 50lbs.

WDWO

A gallon of water = 8 lbs. A .5 litre bottle of water is just over 1 lb. (16.9 oz.) for the contents only--add a tad more weight for the bottle and cap.

Tucking a few bottles into a well-sealed zip top bag (or double bag!) might not hurt if they don't increase the weight of your case too much. And definitely remove as much air as possible from the bags and cushion them with towels and clothing.

It might make more sense to order water from one of the grocery delivery services, depending on how much you'll need for your visit. Garden grocer and wegoshop (I think that's the name--could be wrong!) seem to be the favoured services. They operate a little differently, but both probably have a minimum order. You can check their websites to see if it would be a good alternative for you.

 

[Taja]

For the overhead compartment carry-on (or only carry-on, depending on your needs) for each person, I would suggest taking only what you need to survive for a day or two if your checked luggage should be misdirected.

Two sets of underwear (including socks)
One complete change of clothing
3-1-1 bag
Hair brush/comb
Medications (including OTC)--mom should pack stuff for DSs in her own bag
Contact lenses/solutions (will need to go through screening)/eyeglasses
Sunglasses (if not wearing them)
Extra pair of shoes/sandals/flip flops (wear the heavier ones)
Sleepwear
Swimsuit
Cosmetics not in 3-1-1 bag (anything not a liquid or gel)
Nail file (not metal)
Electronics (do not put in checked bags)

Try to keep the carry-on bags as light as possible. I practice lifting mine onto the top of the refrigerator to be sure I can manage it! *LOL*