Walk me through flying & airport procedures please!

[hopeis]

Hoping some of you experienced, friendly fellow Canadians can help me.

We are flying out of Saskatoon SK through Denver to Orlando in December on United... what EXACTLY should we expect?

I know that we have to be at the airport 2 hours before our flight. Okay,check.

Then what?? Do we check our luggage first, do we check-in or do we go through security right away... or do we sit and have our Tim's and visit? I can't find out anywhere! If anyone could walk me through exactly what to do or if there is already a post on here direct me to the answers, I would really appreciate it...

(And one more thing, does anyone know if there is anywhere that will teach/ show kids what to expect for the flight?)

Thanks!

 

[bc_butterfly]

First thing I do when I get to the airport is make sure I am at the right terminal... domestic, USA, international. Then find your airlines flight counter, I believe United has check in kiosks at the front of their lines so you can check in there and then go through their shorter line up to check in and get your bags tagged and your boarding pass.
At YVR you then proceed to customs, just follow the crowd, they tend to herd everyone together. Once we clear customs we head to the baggage drop off, then on to security. Once security is cleared you head to the gates, your gate will be on the ticket then it's just hurry up and wait.
Each airport is different but for the most part that's the run down.
Denver is a really nice well laid out airport. If you are really far from your connecting flight if I remember correctly there is a subway/train on the bottom level to take you from one end to the other.
Hope that helps!

 

[aristocat65]

I'll try give you a little help, but I've never flown out of Saskatoon Airport.

Firstly, you know to be there 2 hours early. Check in right away. They will give you a boarding pass with the gate number on it. When you check in, that is usually when they will tag your bags and either take them from you or give them back to you. If they give them back to you, there will be another point where someone will take them from you.

Here in Vancouver we would then go through US customs at the airport (seems odd, but that's how they do it). I don't think they do that for US bound flights out of Saskatoon though. Hopefully someone else here will know.

Then you will go through security. As for Tim Horton's, I wouldn't stop for anything until you're through security, and have found your gate. Your gate will be marked with your flight number and Denver as your destination.
I'm kind of funny at the airport, and I can never relax until I've been through all the hurdles (checkin, customs, security)and made it to my gate with time to spare. You NEVER know how long all that will take. Then we'll do our Starbucks thing, get magazines etc.

If you haven't already, check out the yxe website

http://www.yxe.ca/flights/checkin.php

As for the kids, go to your local library and I'm sure you can find a "my first airplane ride" type of book or DVD. Ask the librarian if you can't find one and they probably reserve one.

You might also want to go out to the airport one weekend for a "field trip" and familiarize the kids with what it's all about (and yourself too if you haven't been there) Locate where you'll be checking in etc. When we were kids my dad used to take us to the airport occasionally for an outing and buy us ice cream, watch planes take off, etc. Sounds weird, but we thought it was exciting with all the people travelling to interesting places.

Hope this helps a little bit.

 

[MikeyNS]

I flew through Denver a few months ago (going to Phoenix), and although I don't consider myself to be a novice traveller, I got lost in the Denver airport.

I didn't know there were 3 terminals connected by a train/subway thing and the signage was horrible. I wandered for about 10 minutes, then I asked at the information booth. They were great. They asked for my flight number, tolder me to goto the next terminal over and my gate. Felt much better once I found my gate. I was probably because I flew AC in and had to switch to a United codeshare flight which also had an AC flight number.

 

[crashbb]

According to the US Homeland Security site, Saskatoon SK does NOT have US pre-clearance. Therefore, you will simply check-in for your flight and go through security at YXE (Saskatoon's airport code). Generally, someone will take your luggage when you check-in, but it is possible that you will be sent to another counter to do that (the agent will tell you what to do).

Since you don't pre-clear at YXE, you'll go through US customs/immigration at the Denver airport. Thus, you'll have to collect your bags, go through customs/immigration, and drop your bags back again (you shouldn't have to check in again though). I've never had to do this in Denver, but, generally, you just need to follow the signs for "connecting" passengers.

At both airports, I would get through security/customs/whatever, find your gate, and then get a snack/go shopping.

 

[SaskDisNut]

Hoping some of you experienced, friendly fellow Canadians can help me.

We are flying out of Saskatoon SK through Denver to Orlando in December on United... what EXACTLY should we expect?

I know that we have to be at the airport 2 hours before our flight. Okay,check.

Then what?? Do we check our luggage first, do we check-in or do we go through security right away... or do we sit and have our Tim's and visit? I can't find out anywhere! If anyone could walk me through exactly what to do or if there is already a post on here direct me to the answers, I would really appreciate it...

(And one more thing, does anyone know if there is anywhere that will teach/ show kids what to expect for the flight?)

Thanks!

Hi hopeis, I am in Regina and have only flown out of Denver to Calgary but I'll try to give you some advice. There has been some good advice given already so hopefully I'll have something to add. First of all Saskatoon like Regina does not have US preclearance so when you land in Denver you will have to clear US customs there. I checked today's flight from YXE to DEN and it arrives at gate A37. A United flight from DEN to MCO leaves from gate B33. So using this as an example I would expect that when you arrive in Denver you would go through US customs in Terminal A. After you go through customs you will probably see a luggage carousel where you will have to pick up your luggage and take it to another United carousel somewhere close by. Drop your luggage on it and it will then be transferred to your MCO flight. You will then have to get to Terminal B. As has been mentioned there are trams to get you there. Once you get to Terminal B find your gate. If you have time, get something to eat as it is a long flight to MCO. If you don't have much time you can always take it on board and eat it.

Here is a map of Denver's Terminal A. You can click the other terminals and have a look at them too.

Are you staying at a Disney resort and taking Disney's Magical Express to your resort?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When you fly out of Saskatoon - Denver have you thought about checking in online to get your boarding pass, incase the Saskatoon has a different check-in counter for those who did that. That way when you arrive at the Airport you can line up to just get your checked bags tagged and to make sure they also put a connection tag for your 2nd flight. Also you should also see if you can check-in online for your boarding passes for your United Airlines flight from Denver - Orlando.

 

[hopeis]

Thanks everyone! I at least have a starting point.

SaskDisNut, we are staying at the ASM & taking the ME. We thought this would be the easiest and not have to worry about renting a car and taking car seats etc. That said, DH would like to see the ocean but I don't know if that is in the cards.. not sure how much a taxi would be that far and have to worry about car seats...

Thanks all.

 

[SaskDisNut]

Thanks everyone! I at least have a starting point.

SaskDisNut, we are staying at the ASM & taking the ME. We thought this would be the easiest and not have to worry about renting a car and taking car seats etc. That said, DH would like to see the ocean but I don't know if that is in the cards.. not sure how much a taxi would be that far and have to worry about car seats...

Thanks all.

OK, if you choose to let DME handle your luggage and have it delivered to your room, then you will need to attach the yellow luggage tags that you or your TA receives about 45 days out from your check-in date. You attach the tags to each piece of luggage that you are checking with the airline. Once you get to MCO you proceed to the DME check-in counter and skip baggage claim. You then get on a bus to your resort. Your luggage is usually delivered within 3-4 hours. Make sure you have take a carryon with essentials to get you through the first 24 hours just in case.

Here are some more informative threads with info from much more experienced people than me.

Disney's Magical Express -- Luggage Tag Info

A Newbie's Guide to Orlando International Airport

As far as taking a taxi to the beach, that isn't practical. Orlando is pretty much in the middle of the state with the Atlantic to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. You pretty much need to rent a car to see these. We take DME and then rent a car. There are several options on Disney property (Care Care Centre, Dolphin Hotel, and hotels just off Downtown Disney). We've rented from Dollar at the Regal Sun Resort across the street from DTD.

 

[eveandlo]

We are from Saskatoon as well, and will be at Disney, Dec7-12th. Haven't decided which hotel yet, either All-Star Movies, or Carribean Beach.

I have never flown to US from Saskatoon yet, but our flights go to Winnipeg first (points tickets - so not the best options available). I am excited, it's our first big family trip, and our first trip to Disney.

 

[hopeis]

eveandlo, have a great time!! How old are your kids? I'm just assuming that you have kids! Once you hit 10 posts you can send a PM, maybe we can swap some tips and hints

I'm a little nervous about the whole flight thing as you can tell! I'm worried I'll get delayed somewhere along the line...

We are suprising our girls at Christmas so we only have 5 days of "when do we leave".

 

[eveandlo]

eveandlo, have a great time!! How old are your kids? I'm just assuming that you have kids! Once you hit 10 posts you can send a PM, maybe we can swap some tips and hints

I'm a little nervous about the whole flight thing as you can tell! I'm worried I'll get delayed somewhere along the line...

We are suprising our girls at Christmas so we only have 5 days of "when do we leave".

I have two children, they are 2 and 4, my daughter will be 5 when we go, and my son will be 3. We have lots of wait time, as our tickets are a bit of a milk-run. My husband had enough points to get all four tickets. We have told them already, so we talk about pretty often, but I think your idea of not telling them until it's closer will work out to be a great thing.

Hopefully your flights won't be delayed. If they are, it's the airlines responsibility to get you onto the next flights, though it wouldn't be good if it affects your actual time at Disney. I am sure it will all go well! I tell you though, planning this is all consuming; we haven't decided on hotels, which reservations to make for eating, etc. I am glad I found this board, but it makes the decisions harder it seems!

 

[hopeis]

Thanks all! We have been for a few field trips to the airport. My kids had errands to run at that end of the city so stop for a Tim's. My oldest was waving to one of the planes as it was waiting and one of the pilots opened the front window to wave to her... so nice! She was thrilled... later when they were preparing to leave both waved at the kids!

 

[hopeis]

Ooops double post.

 

[brock20l]

Hoping some of you experienced, friendly fellow Canadians can help me.

We are flying out of Saskatoon SK through Denver to Orlando in December on United...

...might see you on the plane!! We too are flying United in December, from Regina to Denver to Orlando, and vice versa on the way home.

Depending on how long it takes you to get through security, you will have time to sit and have your Tim's to wake you up...that is, if you have a Tim's behind security at the airport. Remember that you can't take Tim's -- or any other liquid over 500mls that's not in a plastic bag, for that matter -- past the security checkpoint. Anything you buy AFTER you go through security is good to go on the plane though.

For kids, I'm sure you might be able to find some sort of "tutorial" or something by googling. I did a quick search for "kids airplane" and got several hits that looked promising.

 

[kathymuggle]

Hello!

I have never flown out of the airport you mentionned - but I have flown a fair bit.

I read the posts - and even though people have been quite helpful - it made my head spin.

It is not hard. Deep breaths. For the most part - staff shuttle you along quite effeciently. Check in -often where you do luggage tags and hand over bags, followed by security (which is kind of neat) - then finding your gate. I do not think SASK is that busy? (I have flown out of Ottawa and Syracuse - total joy compared to Toronto or Montreal). Ask staff - they have always been helpfull.

Park or get off at the appropriate terminal - departures - and near United.

I believe United charges 15$ per checked bag -(please double check this!) - so keep bags to a minimum. Honestly, I often fly carry on only - you can stuff a lot in a carryon - and have never regretted it.

If you do advanced check - in online, you can often pick your seats ahead of time and avoid the checkin line (which is sometimes quite long) if you have no luggage.

Check and see if your flight feeds you, and if they have entertainment. Flying can be quite boring without food and entertainmnet - you will have to pack extra stuff in your carryon if you are food or entertainment free.

You can bring a stroller right up to the plane - they will take it from you as you board - and hand it to you as you leave. It is great!

Kathy

 

[SaskDisNut]

I thought I'd add a couple of more things to keep in mind.

Check this thread out --> What to do if your flight is cancelled - Weather, mechanical, etc

And about what is allowed in carry-on luggage in Canada and the US.

For me, too much info is better than not enough.

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

i dont want to hijack the thread but had a question about the magical express. we went in 05 form halifax and once we went through customs secutiry and all that jazz we got our luggage then had to go to thier counter they had set up for m.e.. then they loaded it rite onto our bus for us and when we got off the bus it was with us. is this not what they area doing now?

 

[hopeis]

Thanks for that SaskDisNut... it was very informative. I think I'm a little smarter for reading it... a little worried but smarter!

 

[brock20l]

Hello!

I believe United charges 15$ per checked bag -(please double check this!) - so keep bags to a minimum. Honestly, I often fly carry on only - you can stuff a lot in a carryon - and have never regretted it.

To be exact, currently United is charging $15/1st checked bag and $25/additional checked bag...therefore 2 checked bags per person = $40 for baggage EACH WAY. So I would definitely try to keep bags to a minimum. My strategy will be to pack my smaller bag INSIDE my big suitcase, and pack all belongs in and around the small bag. Then, you only have to check one bag on the way to DW, but when you have enough souvenirs, etc. to fill two bags on the way home, you have the additional bag you need. And you'll save $25/person in the grand scheme of things.