Virgin, a pushchair and Immigration

[Bexx]

We're flying with Virgin, and someone on the Families board thought that, on arrival at MCO, flights with an airline from the UK tended to send the pushchairs to the baggage claim, rather than have them ready to collect at the gate.

Now, not having been to MCO for a number of years, and only going by what I've read, do I understand correctly that even the first baggage claim is AFTER immigration?! Does this mean we will have to stand in a long queue (and we WILL be about the last of the plane) holding our hand luggage, our older DDs hand luggage AND a sixteen month old!!

Help - if it's worst case scenario, I need to be prepared!!

 

[gilld]

Since my children are all grown up now, I'm afraid I have no idea about when your pushchair will be returned. When we took a wheelchair for my mother, that was returned at the door of the plane.

The baggage hall is after immigration so I'm afraid if you don't get your pushchair early, you will have a bit of a struggle. Can you ask for it to be returned at the door of the plane when you hand it in, which will presumably be at the same place - they can only say no!

 

[mrsminniemouse]

Yes you will get your buggy immediately after you go through immigration. It isn't so bad really. Hold the baby from the plane to immigration then put him or her on reins and have a little wander while your party queues to see the immigration officer. Our DD was 6 months, 11 months and 16 months on our trips there and it has never been a problem. It is worse at Gatwick where you walk further. Just try to limit your hand luggage a bit so you dont have too much to carry (easier said than done I know)

Mandy

 

[Bexx]

Thanks for you help. Not the way I'd choose to do things, but at least I'll be prepared!!

 

[leise]

Hi Becky,
I know what you mean. Last time we went, my two were 18 months and 3 years, and we decided not to take a buggy at all. This was okay , but we really did miss it at Orlando airport. We had two very tired and grumpy toddlers, all the hand luggage, etc etc. And at that time we had to be searched before immigration because of foot and mouth....it wasn't the best part of the holiday I can tell you. Although I seem to remember we could put the hand luggage on a trolley.
This time we don't even own a buggy anymore, but I can still see us having to carry them if they're half asleep. Oh well, just take a deep breath.........

 

[JohnnySharp]

You can sometimes have the stroller put in the hold on the plane which means you will have it before you even get off the aircraft.

With a young child you may stand a chance, especially if the plane is not full.
Ask when you check in, usually the staff who check you in are also there when you board.
To be honest we always ask because we have an Autistic son so we tend to be okay.
Good Luck

 

[Bexx]

Thanks JohnnySharp - I might well ask them. It certainly won't hurt to!

it wasn't the best part of the holiday I can tell you.

LOL leise - I realise it won't be quite such a hassle as you had. But I'm really not looking forward to this bit. It's very probable that this will be the point I'm going to get CRABBY!!