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Traveling by Plane
Air travel is by far the most popular way to get to central Florida, so be prepared to make your reservations as far as a year in advance of your trip to ensure that you have reasonable choices. The bigger your family, the further in advance you will need to make your reservations. This will make it more likely that everyone will be on the same flight and seated together. Having to travel separately in the past because I hadn’t made our flight arrangements far enough in advance taught me a lesson I had to learn only once.
Depending on how far in advance you make your reservations, you may need to call back at a later date to have your seating assigned. This is especially important when traveling with younger children. Remember, you are competing with hundreds of other passengers, most of whom also want seats with their families and travel companions.
Keep in mind, too, that it is all a trade-off in the end, and the early bird usually gets the worm.
Reward Travel
You don’t have to travel that frequently to reap the benefits of a frequent travel reward program. Frequent travel reward programs are everywhere these days, offered by hotels, airlines, and even car-rental companies. Each offers you the opportunity to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for upgrades on plane tickets or rental cars, discounts, free travel, free nights at participating hotels, or even free car rentals. The kicker is that the programs cost nothing to join so while there is absolutely nothing to lose, there is plenty to be gained.
Besides the obvious travel incentives, many companies will e-mail or snail-mail you with unique travel offers and promotions that you may have otherwise been unaware of or that may be available only to reward members. These can include discounted fares or rentals or even additional ways to earn even more reward points or miles by doing business with select partner businesses (such as cellular phone companies, financial institutions, and retailers). Select airlines will automatically send you updated itineraries that include schedule changes that have been made prior to your departure. Some may offer online check-in and the option of printing your boarding pass from your own computer.
Many offer separate and generally shorter check-in lines, pre-boarding, and, for a fee, admittance to the airline’s club at the airports, where you can enjoy snacks, drinks, and business-related services while you wait for your flight. Other services are available as well, all geared to making your trip more enjoyable, though some services depend on your individual reward level, those with the most rewards being offered the most benefits. Hotel benefits often include complimentary newspapers, early or late arrival and departure times, discounted meals, and other similar incentives regardless of your membership or reward level.
Even if you travel infrequently, and you aren’t constantly jet setting about the country, the benefits of simply being a member make such programs well worth joining. The rewards can add up quickly. Many airlines, hotels, and car rentals partner not only with each other but with an array of retailers, restaurants, and businesses and services such as cellular phone service or financial services and credit cards. Simply show or mention your reward number and you can earn points or miles just by shopping, eating, or even making a phone call- things you do every day.
With so many different programs it would be nearly impossible to list them all properly, so check with your favorite airline, hotel chain, or rental car agency to see what program they offer and how you can earn your rewards.
The Airports
There are two major airports to fly into when heading to central Florida: the Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport. Which you fly into, of course, depends on where you will be vacationing. If you haven’t booked your flights far enough in advance and your choices are limited, you may find you have additional flights from which to choose if you fly into an alternative airport. The driving distance from the Tampa airport to the Orlando area is just over 1 1/2 hours, so it’s not unrealistic to make the drive if it becomes necessary.
The following major carriers service the Orlando and Tampa airports
-Continental (serves both airports)
-Delta (serves both airports)
-Air Tran (Orlando International Airport only)
-American (serves both airports)
-Jet Blue (serves both airports)
-Northwest Airlines (serves both airports)
-Southwest Airlines (serves both airports)
-United (serves both airports)
-US Airways (serves both airports)
Flying the Friendly Skies
When traveling by plane there are several things to keep in mind.
When to Arrive
As a general rule of thumb you should arrive at the airport at least 1 1/2 hours prior to your flight’s departure time. You may find that you need to adjust the time slightly based on how many children you are traveling with, what time of year you are traveling, and how much luggage and gear you’re hauling along for the ride. There is nothing worse than having to run through the airport to catch your flight with children and gear in tow. Curbside check in can be a real time saver, especially when the lines are rather lengthy inside the terminal at the airline counters. Though occasionally may still need to check in at the counter or the gate, this will, at the very least, save you from having to drag all of your luggage along with you (though in most cases checking in curbside will allow you to had directly to your gate [after passing through security of course], your checked luggage tagged and taken to the counter for you, your boarding passes in hand).
Security
Security is heightened everywhere these days, especially at the airports. This means both longer check-in lines and longer security-check lines. You can expect everyone in the family to be screened at the security checkpoints, even the youngest family members.
Screeners have been specially trained to treat children gently and respectfully, but it can still be an upsetting or even frightening experience for younger children who don’t really understand what is going on.
Kids Need To Know
To keep your kids from being unnecessarily frightened, especially younger ones, sit down and talk with them ahead of time about what happens when you arrive at the airport. Let them know what happens when you go through the airport security, and why, staying focused on the positive throughout your talk. Let them know that the security checks are done to ensure that everyone can travel safely. Explain to them exactly what the security screeners will be doing, how the scanners check their bags, their clothes, and maybe even their shoes, but that it certainly won’t hurt, and most especially that their things will be given back to them after they have been scanned. Let them watch as the passengers just ahead of you pass through the security check - see how it all works first hand may convince them more than simple reassurances that there is nothing to fear. Also remember to reassure them that they will not be separated from you, which is often the most terrifying fear that younger children have. Having a special treat handy to help coax your younger children through the metal detector can often help immensely. Many airports now offer separate lines specifically for families. The screeners try their best to make the children passing through as comfortable as possible. They’re also prepared for the strollers and gear you’ll likely be lugging along (as are the passengers waiting behind you - they after all are traveling with children too).
All carry-on luggage will need to go through the X-ray machine, even the blankies and bottles. Since separating children from their favorite items can be difficult at best, talk to your children about this beforehand, letting them know that they will get a favorite blankie or toy back after it goes through the tunnel. Other items that will have to be put through the X-ray machine include car seats, baby carriers, backpacks, strollers, and of course diaper bags. (This is in addition to the usual list of items such as pocketbooks, laptops, and really anything else that you are carrying with you.)
If you’re bringing along a stroller, make sure it is free from sippy sups, blankies, toys, and other such paraphernalia (really anything other than your child), so you don’t find yourself in a panic trying to find a place for it all upon reaching security. Strollers must be completely emptied (including the baskets underneath the seat) and folded up before you are allowed to place them on the conveyor belt for security scans. Another option would be to leave the stroller folded until you are at least beyond the security check point (if you are able).
Major Carriers
US Airways
Phone: 1-800 428-4322
Web site: www.usairways.com
Reduced children’s fares for children under the age of 12 are available in certain markets. To find out if the discounted fare is available you must call reservations directly. Most every flight offers a beverage service, with a variety of soft drinks and juices available.
Some flights will offer a snack service, but the snacks are not always suitable for younger children. Meals are available for purchase on flights over 700 miles.
Luggage Restrictions
US Airways allows up to 2 bags to be checked per ticketed passenger, along with 1 carryon bag and 1 personal item (which can include a purse, laptop, diaper bag, or similar item). The personal carry-on cannot be larger than 36 inches overall, and the carry-on cannot exceed the following dimensions (in inches):
- If put in the valet closet: 4x23 1/2x45
- If put in the overhead compartment: 10x16x24
- If put under the seat: 8x16x21
The 2 items together may not exceed a total of 40 pounds. Checked luggage must not exceed 50 pounds per bag (70 pounds for first class and preferred passengers) to avoid incurring an overweight charge. If it is over the weight limit, it absolutely cannot exceed 100 pounds or it will not be accepted at all. The dimensions for each piece of checked luggage cannot exceed 62 inches in combined length, width, and height. Again, there is an additional charge for exceeding these measurements, and nothing with a single
dimension over 72 inches or a combined dimension of 115 inches will be accepted.
Excess Luggage Fees
-$80 per piece for each additional piece
Overweight Fees
- $50 per piece at 51 to 70 pounds
- $80 per piece at 71-100 pounds
Oversized Fees
- $80 for each piece between 62 and 80 inches
Strollers do not fall into these categories. They can be checked or gate-checked at no
charge. A car seat, however, counts as a piece of luggage.
US Airways offers a rewards program.
Delta
Phone: 1-800-221-1212
Web site: www.delta.com
Reduced fares for children 2 through 11 are available on Delta on limited routes and promotions. To find out if there is a reduced fare available for your child, you must call reservations directly. Reduced children’s fares are not available if you are flying on a Sky Miles award ticket, only a paid ticket. Actual meals are only provided in first class and only on flights lasting over 3.5 hours or 1,550 miles. Infant, toddler, and children’s meals are available on flights that serve meals however as is the case with the meal service they are only offered in the first-class cabin. Small snacks (sometimes inappropriate for younger children) are served on all flights in the economy class section.
Luggage Restrictions
Delta allows 2 checked pieces of luggage per ticketed passenger, along with 1 carry-on and 1 personal item. Personal items include pocketbooks, laptops, diaper bags, or similar items. If your luggage exceeds that limit, additional pieces will be accepted however you will be charged a fee for each additional piece of luggage you choose to bring along.
Checked baggage also must adhere to weight restrictions of 50 pounds per piece otherwise you will be charged an additional fee for each piece of luggage over the weight limit. No luggage over 100 pounds or 80 inches will be accepted.
Excess Luggage Fees
- $50 for each additional piece
Overweight Fees
- $25 per piece weighing between 51 and 70 pounds
- $100 per piece weighing between 71 and 100 pounds
Oversized Fees
- $100 per piece between 62 and 80 inches
If your luggage is both oversized and overweight both fees will apply. The additional charges will be applied each way unless you rearrange your packing to meet the guidelines. Strollers that are gate-checked do not count toward your allowance for checked luggage or carry-on luggage. A car seat will count as 1 piece of checked luggage if you check it with your luggage, but if you use the seat on the plane for a ticketed child, it will count as the child’s carry-on. If you are hoping for an empty seat for your infant (and you haven’t bought them a seat), the car seat will count toward yourcarry-on allowance if you are unable to use it.
Delta offers a rewards program
American Airlines
Phone: 1-800-433-7300
Web site: www.aa.com
American offers tickets at a 50 percent discount for children under 2 who are accompanied by an adult. Children 2 and older however, are charged full fare.
If you are flying on one of American’s Boeing 757s, changing tables are available. Also found on the 757s is a children’s audio channel featuring classic children’s stories.
Snacks are available for purchase in the economy class cabin on most flights over 3 hours long. Complimentary snacks and meals are available in the first class cabin on flights over 1 hour and 45 minutes. While American does not offer children’s meals, they will allow food from the terminal (or home) to be brought on board the plane, and most flights do offer a beverage service featuring various soft drinks and juices.
Luggage Restrictions
American’s baggage allowance includes 2 checked bags, not to exceed 62 linear inches and 50 pounds each, along with 1 carry-on bag not to exceed 45 linear inches and 40 pounds. You are also allowed to carry on 1 personal item such as a purse, laptop, or diaper bag. If your luggage exceeds that limit, additional pieces will be accepted for a fee.
Excess Luggage Fees
- $80 per piece for up to 3 additional pieces
- $105 per piece for the fourth, fifth, and sixth pieces
- $180 per piece for the seventh or more
Overweight Fees
- $25 per piece at 51-70 pounds
- $50 per piece at 71-100 pounds
Oversized Fees
- $80 per piece between 62 and 115 inches
If your luggage is both oversized and overweight, both fees will apply. Certain items will be allowed above and beyond the baggage allowances. Some of these items include coats, approved safety seats, strollers, diaper bags, or a bagged meal.
American offers a rewards program.
Southwest Airlines
Phone: 1-800-435-9792
Web site: www.southwest.com
Special infant fares are available are available for children under 2. You will need to bring along a copy of their birth certificate to verify their age. Children between 2 and 11 are eligible for special child fares as long as they are accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Southwest has an open-seat policy (meaning that there are no assigned seats), therefore you need to remember not to sit in an emergency row if you have a child in a car seat with you. This also means that you need to check in earlier than with most airlines.
Because there are no assigned seats, Southwest divides its passengers into 3 categories (A, B, and C), with those checking in earliest falling into the A category and those checking in the latest in the C category. Category A boards first, B second, and C last (with a good possibility of no seats being together). The saving grace here is that families traveling with children under the age of 4 are able to board before anyone else.
Beverages are served on all flights, and packaged snacks are served on flights over 2 hours (not including multiple legs, each 2 hours or under).
Luggage Restrictions
Baggage allowances provide for 3 pieces of checked luggage per ticketed passenger. The maximum weight per piece cannot exceed 50 pounds and a size of 62 linear inches.
No luggage over 100 pounds or 80 inches will be accepted under any circumstances.
Excess Luggage Fees
- $50 per piece for the fourth through the eights piece
- $110 per piece for the ninth and additional pieces
Overweight Fees
- $25 for each piece weighing between 51 and 70 pounds
- $50 for each piece weighing between 71 and 100 pounds
Oversized Fees
- $50 for each piece between 62 and 80 inches
Approved car seats will not count toward the baggage allowances if they are used for a ticketed child. Carry-on items are limited to 1 bag and 1 personal item per ticketed passenger, with personal items including a purse, diaper bag, or similar item.
Southwest Airlines offers a rewards program, which enables you to earn free airline tickets. Rapid Rewards is the one and only reward program that offers unlimited reward seating, not restricting the number of reward seats available to only a few per flight.
If you have a free ticket, you can use it (providing there is a seat available). Something else that differentiates this program from others is that there are no black-out dates to work around. It is also run a bit differently from the other rewards programs in that it counts the number of round-trip flights you take, not the number of miles. For every 8 round-trip flights you take, you earn 1 free round-trip ticket.
Northwest Airlines
Phone: 1-800-225-2525
Web site: www.nwa.com
A seat for a child under 2 costs 50 percent of the regular fare. For children 2 and over, the full fares apply. Special children’s meals are available only in the first-class cabin for domestic flights. There is an in-flight beverage service on almost every flight, offering various juices and soft drinks.
Luggage Restrictions
Two pieces of checked luggage are allowed per ticketed passenger. The checked luggage cannot exceed 50 pounds and 62 linear inches. If you are flying first-class, 3 pieces of checked luggage are allowed per ticketed passenger, two of which may weigh up to 70 pounds each, the third only up to 40 pounds One piece of carry-on luggage is allowed per ticketed passenger, not to exceed 40 pounds and 45 linear inches. It must be able to fit in the sizing box, which can be found at the check-in counters. One personal item is also allowed. They include such items as a diaper bag, stroller, car seat, or luggage cart (as long as it fits under the seat).
Excess Luggage Fees
- $80 per piece for up to three additional pieces
- $105 per piece for the fourth, fifth, and sixth pieces
- $180 per piece for the seventh and each additional piece
Overweight Fees
- $25 for each piece weighing between 51 and 70 pounds
- $50 for each piece weighing between 71 and 100 pounds
Oversized Fees
- $80 per piece between 63 and 160 inches
Time Allowance for Luggage Check-In
Northwest Airlines adheres to a strict schedule for checking in your luggage. If you check your luggage after these set times, Northwest will not be responsible or liable for any expenses incurred due to the late check-in. For domestic flights (within the United States), your luggage must be checked in at least 30 minutes prior to flight time. There are 3 exceptions: departures from Atlanta, Denver, and Las Vegas require luggage to be checked in at least 45 minutes prior to your flight time.
Northwest offers a rewards program.
Continental Airlines
Phone: 1-800-523-3273
Web site: www.continental.com
A seat for an infant can be purchased at a discounted fare. Children 2 or over will be charged full fare. On flights less than 1 hour, only beverages are served. On flights 1 to 1 1/2 hours, beverages and light snacks (such as pretzels) are offered. Flights over 1 1/2 hours offer a meal or snack to first class, and for flights over 2 hours. meals and snacks are offered in all cabins. For meals and snacks to be served, the flight must take place within the appropriate times: 7-9 a.m. for breakfast or a snack, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for lunch or a snack, and 5-7 p.m. for dinner or a snack. A light snack may be offered if the flightdoes not take place around the normal meal times.
Luggage Restrictions
If you are traveling economy class, you are allowed 2 checked bags, not to exceed 50 pounds and 62 linear inches. Extra charges will apply for exceeding these limits.
Excess Luggage Fees
-$80 each for up to three additional pieces
-$105 each for the fourth, fifth, and sixth piece
-$180 each for the seventh and each additional piece
Overweight Fees
- $25 for each bag weighing between 51 and 70 pounds
- $50 for each bag weighing between 71 and 100 pounds
Oversized Fees
- $80 for each piece between 63 and 115 inches
If you are a One Pass Elite member and are traveling economy class, you are still allowed 2 checked bags; however, the weight limit increases to 70 pounds per bag. The size limit of 62 inches remains the same. The charges for exceeding the limits also remain the same. Traveling first class or business class brings your checked bag allowance up to 3 pieces, each with a maximum limit of 70 pounds and 62 linear inches.
The charges for exceeding your allowances still remain the same. Bags over 100 pounds and/or exceeding 115 linear inches will not be accepted at all.
One piece of carry-on luggage and 1 personal item are permitted per ticketed passenger regardless of what class you are flying. The weight limit for a carry-on is 40 pounds, and the measurements cannot exceed 51 linear inches. Personal items can include a purse, briefcase, laptop, personal entertainment item, and diaper bag. Continental also considers a stroller or car seat a personal item.
As A Note
Continental is one of the few airlines to still offer some type of meal service (albeit far from gourmet) and, for flights over 1 1/2 hours, a movie (for a small charge unless you already have a pair of earphones from a previous Continental flight). They seem to understand a bit better than most how to make flying a bit more enjoyable.
Continental offers a reward program.
United Airlines
Phone: 1-800-241-6522
Web site: www.united.com
A seat for a child no matter what their age, even if they are under 2, will cost full fare – you won’t find any discounts for infants or toddlers here. Special meals for infants and toddlers are available as long as the child occupies a seat, and as long as that particular flight has a meal service (which includes flights over 3.5 hours). Beverage service is generally offered on most flights.
Luggage Restrictions
Passengers are allowed 1 checked bag and a 2nd bag for an additional fee of $25.00. Each bag not to exceed 62 linear inches and 50 pounds in weight. If you are an Elite Mileage Plus member you are allotted 2 checked pieces at no charge, each within the measurement and weight limits.
Excess Luggage Fees
- $80 for each additional bag
Overweight Fees
- $25 for each piece between 51 and 99 pounds
Oversized fees
-$80 for each piece between 63 and 115 inches
If any of your luggage exceeds the limits in more than one of the categories, all combined additional charges will apply. One carry-on and 1 personal item are allowed per ticketed passenger. Car seats for ticketed children are not counted toward the allowance.
United offers a rewards program.
Jet Blue
Phone: 1-800-538-2583
Web site: www.jetblue.com
No meals are served during flights however a beverage service is provided. Something that differentiates Jet Blue from other airlines (other than their lower fares) is their inflight entertainment. Jet Blue offers DIRECTV programming at every seat free of charge. Up to 24 channels are offered, including Nickelodeon, Animal Planet, Discovery Kids, VH1 Classic, and TV Land, among others. How great is that for traveling with kids? There’s no fighting over who can or can’t see the screen on the portable DVD
player, let alone which movie to watch.
Luggage Restrictions
Ticketed passengers are allowed 2 pieces of checked luggage, not to exceed 70 pounds and 62 linear inches.
Additional bags will be accepted however extra charges will apply. You will also incur an extra $50 charge for each and every bag that weighs in over the allotted weight limit of 70 pounds though it must not however exceed 100 pounds or it will not be accepted.
Oversized bags will accepted however an extra charge $50 will be applied to each bag between 63 and 80 inches. No bags exceeding 80 inches will be accepted. One carry-onand 1 personal item are allowed per ticketed passenger. These items generally include smaller bags, purses, laptops, diaper bags, and similar items.
Jet Blue does offer a rewards program, though the only way to earn free travel is by flying with them.
Air Tran
Phone: 1-800-AIRTRAN (800-247-87260)
Web site: www.airtran.com
No meals are served however a beverage service is offered.
Luggage Restrictions
Passengers are allowed 2 checked bags, each not to exceed 62 linear inches and 50 pounds.
Excess Luggage Fees
- $50 for every additional piece
Overweight fees
- $25 for each piece weighing between 51 and 70 pounds
- $65 for each piece weighing between 71 and 100 pounds
Oversized Fees
- $65 for each bag between 63 and 80 inches
No bags over 100 pounds and/or larger than 80 inches will be accepted. Any excess bags however, may not exceed 62 inches or 70 pounds or they will not be accepted. Luggage must be checked in at least 45 minutes prior to departure. Carry-on items are limited to only 1 per ticketed passenger, not more than 45 linear inches in measurement.
Air Tran offers a rewards program. At this time, however, the only way to earn credit toward free travel is to fly on Air Tran or use the Air Tran credit card.
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