What do i need to know?

[utkscvol1]

We are flying for the first time in 3 weeks- I think I might throw up. We are only staying 3 nights but as we have never had to deal with airports before- what do I need to know as far as packing, what to expect, what can we take onboard? We are choosing to only take 1 free bag per person onboard and we are checking 2 suitcases.

 

[Jimsig]

As far as your carry-ons follow this guide:

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons

There are other links on the left side of the page for other traveling info


And don't forget to take a deep breath now and then

 

[KrazeeK120]

First of all, don't throw up.

Check out the TSA website for guidelines on what is "legal" to bring onboard and in your checked bag.

The "biggie" is that each person is that liquids in carry-ons must be in 3 oz containers (or less). Your 3 oz containers must be in a quart size bag. Each carry on is allowed to contain 1 quart size bag full of 3 oz containers. Hopefully that makes sense.

You should take any medication in your carry on, as well as anything you absolutely couldn't be without in the unlikely case that your checked bag gets misplaced. I usually pack an extra shirt and my toothbrush in my carry on.

Make sure you have all of your travel documents with you at all times, as well as your ID.

Get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. I'd recommend 3 if it's a large airport (think LAX, O'Hare, etc.).

LISTEN to all instructions given to you at the airport. Things will go much smoother if you follow instructions. You'll have to remove your shoes and coat to go through security, so if you have small children, you'll want to prepare them for this.

I can't think of any other big pieces of advice. Flying really is an easy process if you simply follow instructions. You'll do fine!

 

[Greysword]

If you get airsick easily, then I recommend mechlazine to dramamine .

If you are getting sick from worry, you shouldn't, as there are lots of people who do this the first time, and many don't even think to figure it out ahead of time .

The security piece has been mentioned, so I won't go into that, except to say you'll need to take laptop computer out of their bag and place into a tray by themselves. Passengers under 10 and over 75 don't need to take off shoes and light jackets, but the rest of us do, so wear socks. Also, don't rush and try to suppress the feeling of being rushed in the security line. Take your time, as rushing may cause the line to move slower when you forget to remove something from the bag. It is stressful, but there will be plenty of time if you show up early. if other passengers are in a rush, then that's their problem for not arriving early enough, and the TSA will get those through who are actually going to be late (they won't be in the family line).

It would be helpful if we knew which airline, as they can be basically grouped into three categories: legacy (Delta, American, United), low-cost (Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier), and super low-cost (Spirit, Allegiant). They all have different rules, and it is worth your time to skim the airline's Conditions of Carriage, as it lets you know what the airline expects.

Generally our family's carry-on bags look like this: DD has a small kid's suitcase with her stuff in it (crayons, teddy bear, neck pillow, activity books, etc), DW has her laptop bag filled with stuff...Lord only knows what..., and I generally have a proper carry-on bag to go in the overhead bin with two days of shirts, undergarments, and one extra pair of pants for each of us, as well as DD, DW, and my 3-1-1 bags in the outer section (for easy removal at security). We also keep a swimsuit for us, if we are heading for a place we would use it.

Each person can have a personal item, so DW has a purse and I have my standard backpack with nook, snacks, magazine, etc. which goes under the seat in front of me.

Let us know what airline, so we can give suggestions on boarding, seats, etc.

 

[utkscvol1]

We ate flying allegiant. Not only are all 4 of us flying for basically the price of one, but it is also a direct flight vs having a 2+ hour layover.

 

[niffer5150]

like other people said, it's pretty easy as long as you are aware of directions and pay attention. dramamine is awesome and comes in non drowsy formulas now. just get familiar with the airport maps and look up procedures for boarding and getting past tsa. be early. REALLY early. far better to have a bit of a wait sitting in a coffee shop in the airport than to rush around like crazy and maybe miss your flight.

 

[njmom47]

like other people said, it's pretty easy as long as you are aware of directions and pay attention. dramamine is awesome and comes in non drowsy formulas now. just get familiar with the airport maps and look up procedures for boarding and getting past tsa. be early. REALLY early. far better to have a bit of a wait sitting in a coffee shop in the airport than to rush around like crazy and maybe miss your flight.

This would be my advice exactly!
Also, you can't bring bottled water through security but there are usually shops near the waiting/boarding area that have drinks/food for purchase.

 

[anniemck]

My daughter flies Allegiant from TN to FL all the time. Prices are awesome. The airport in Orlando is OUT of the way... like almost an hour from WDW depending on traffic, hope you have a rental car when you arrive.

 

[utkscvol1]

Yes- we got an awesome deal on a rental- still we are looking at around 2 hour travel time vs 9

 

[utkscvol1]

My daughter flies Allegiant from TN to FL all the time. Prices are awesome. The airport in Orlando is OUT of the way... like almost an hour from WDW depending on traffic, hope you have a rental car when you arrive.

We are flying out of chattanooga