Traveling southwest and need help!

[smfritz03]

This is my first time flying since 9/11. I havent a clue on what to expect and I've been reading all these horror stories! Is there any tips to get through the security hassle free? (like things to take or not take)

Also, can I check in on-line if I have bags to check? What are my bag limits? I've read 2 and 3 bags per person? Is that right?

I am traveling w/ 3 children, 6, 6 and 7 (step and bio kids)--will we need identification for the step kids? dh is having a hard time getting birth certificate copies from Mom-and I know there is no way she will let us obtain the originals! And should I allow each of them their own carry on-or limit it to one to get through security quicker?

Thanks so much!!

 

[pooh2001]

School ID's - Camp ID's - Swim ID's - anything with your child's picture is fine.
You can even make one with your child's wallet size picture glued onto a small card with the child's name, address, birth date and lamenate it.
They do not need ID's for the plane - but may need ID's for their WDW tickets.
Adults require ID's for planes - US drivers license works well.

Check out their web-site....
www.southwest.com/travel_center/travel_tips.html
and
www.southwest.com/travel_center/baggage.html

from SWA web-site it says...
Baggage Allowance: For each ticketed Customer, Southwest allows three (3) checked pieces with size limitations for each individual piece.

Weight and Size Allowance: Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per checked piece of luggage. Effective March 1, 2005, overweight items from 51 to 70 pounds will be accepted for a charge of $25.00 per item. Items weighing from 71 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches (i.e., surfboards, bicycles, vaulting poles) will be accepted for a charge of $50.00 per item. Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo. However, Customers cannot use SWA Cargo unless classified as a Known Shipper as defined by the FAA or FAA approved Indirect Air Carriers (IAC). For all Cargo inquires please call the Cargo Sales and Service Center at 1-800-533-1222.


Late Check-In: When checking luggage, allow sufficient time for it to be placed on your flight. Luggage checked less than 30 minutes before scheduled departure at curbside or at the ticket counter will be tagged with a Late Check-In Tag. Although every effort will be made to get late checked baggage on your flight, in the event your baggage does not arrive with you at your destination, Southwest will not assume delivery charges to get your baggage to you.

 

[klinlin]

Flying SWA is easy!! I have flown with my boys (3 1/2 & 2) a number of times, and have never had to show id's We just used them in march, and were able to check in online, and check bags curbside. Very easy, and no waiting.

 

[dkrause716]

We always use curbside check-in. SW is easy and very friendly. Long security lines are an airport issue, not SW. We've never had an issue with security lines either but MCO does get very busy at times.

Good luck, don't worry. You will love SW!

 

[Jeanne B]

We've flown numerous times so you would think I would know this but can someone please tell me what the advantage/disadvantage is of curbside check-in?? It sounds like with the long lines at MCO with SW curbside is the way to go?? What's the difference? Thanks in advance for any input!!

 

[Disney_1derland]

This is my first time flying since 9/11. I havent a clue on what to expect and I've been reading all these horror stories! Is there any tips to get through the security hassle free? (like things to take or not take)

Also, can I check in on-line if I have bags to check? What are my bag limits? I've read 2 and 3 bags per person? Is that right?

I am traveling w/ 3 children, 6, 6 and 7 (step and bio kids)--will we need identification for the step kids? dh is having a hard time getting birth certificate copies from Mom-and I know there is no way she will let us obtain the originals! And should I allow each of them their own carry on-or limit it to one to get through security quicker?

Thanks so much!!

You will not need ID's for the children for any reason. (And, because it is a good idea to have them on hand, your dh can obtain the original birth certificates from the state or county office in your town as long as he is named as the father on the birth certificate and his Ex wouldn't even know. They are certified copies and are good to have as legal documents.)

Wear sandals through security, easier to get through with. Carry as few bags as possible. Make sure nobody is wearing jewelry (you'd have to take it all off) and nobody has change in their pockets or metal in their hair (like clips or anything).

It's not as bad as it sounds but does cause some large lines (especially on your return flight from MCO) but be patient, it moves quickly. Keep your boarding passes out, they will check your boarding passes and the adults ID's as you go through security.

 

[klinlin]

For the cost of a tip to the baggage handler, you can avoid the long check in line. WE flew SWA out of Albany, NY in March. We pulled right up to the SWA stand and unloaded our 2 bags. I tipped the guy $10 as it was 4 degrees and 5 a.m. (plus he complimented me on packing for four in just 2 bags!) I was not up and ready in time to check in online, so he did it for us. Just handed him a copy of our itinerary and our drivers licenses. I took my 2 boys, 2 carseats, & stroller inside while my husband parked the car. It took less than 10 minutes for us to get from pulling up to airport to getting on line for security. (If only there was a way to avoid that line!!)

We did the same on the return at MCO. (but I didn't tip as much since it was it was 70 degrees )

Hope this helps, but lets just keep it our little secret!

 

[Jeanne B]

For the cost of a tip to the baggage handler, you can avoid the long check in line. WE flew SWA out of Albany, NY in March. We pulled right up to the SWA stand and unloaded our 2 bags. I tipped the guy $10 as it was 4 degrees and 5 a.m. (plus he complimented me on packing for four in just 2 bags!) I was not up and ready in time to check in online, so he did it for us. Just handed him a copy of our itinerary and our drivers licenses. I took my 2 boys, 2 carseats, & stroller inside while my husband parked the car. It took less than 10 minutes for us to get from pulling up to airport to getting on line for security. (If only there was a way to avoid that line!!)

We did the same on the return at MCO. (but I didn't tip as much since it was it was 70 degrees )

Hope this helps, but lets just keep it our little secret!

Thanks!!

 

[dkrause716]

Honestly, we always use curbside check in. The only time we didn't was if an airport didn't offer it. (Jamaica??) We usually tip $2 a bag. There are rarely lines and they will print out your boarding pass if you don't have one.
Very convenient!

 

[Disney_1derland]

Our airport also has self-check in kiosks for southwest. You can check your baggage in this way, they will tag them and you take them to a conveyor belt. If curbside is too long, I use this!