Travel

[Ainhisg]

I am 61, in good shape, and walk easily. I am in a situation where I don't know what I don't know. I will be flying solo to see a long-distance friend this next spring. I used to fly all the time, but because of life circumstances, I have not flown anywhere in 18 years!  To say that navigating packing, flights, and airports in today's world seems like flying for the first time again...is an understatement.  

As I get closer to the time of the trip, I do have a local friend or two who can give advice, and the friend I am going to see will help, too.  But...I wish there was a YouTube video or something that could walk me through everything--how to pack, how to use electronic tickets, etc. that I could watch right now just to answer a few of my questions.  I couldn't even find how much it costs to check bags on the American website this morning.  

Do you have any packing/flying advice or suggestions for me?  I know the trip is months out, but the not knowing how to do any of it is causing me a bit of anxiety even this far out from the trip. TIA...

[house_cat]

I don't know how old you are, or your wellness level, but I have a suggestion that really helped my husband.  He is disabled, can walk but not long distances and carrying things is very difficult.  It was simple to check a box when booking his travel, which allowed for a wheel chair to take him from his initial flight to his connecting flight.  It saved a lot of physical and emotional stress. There is no charge for this other than a tip for the attendant.

I wish I could sit down with you and walk you through the processes.  Is there a friend or relative who can do this for you? If you are a member of AAA they will be happy to answer your questions and ease your mind.

[Group 5 minus 1]

Every time I have flown I get air sick. Call your doc for patches. 

[Stevie Nix]

I know how you feel.  I would be the same way.  See if you can get any good info from the airport's web site----  floor plans, tips, etc.  Good luck!

[jlkz]

@Ainhisg 

To ease the packing, checking in, baggage claim issues:

when we snow bird, we send our stuff to the condo and arrange for delivery the day after we arrive.  Of course, all meds stay with us as well as one change of clothing.

If you're staying with your friend, work out the delivery with them.

To return, reverse the delivery to your home.  Staples seems to be everywhere as well as UPS in shopping centers.

Enjoy your visit !

[Yahooey]

the airlines charges for many items thst used to be free

if u are checking in luggage - find out if u get a free checkin bag or not

if u are placing ur luggage in the overhead compartment - find out the size

some planes have shrunk their bins and what used to fit may not...

check with the airline - i would think they have a page

before you fly - here is a checklist or something of that nature

of course - the rule about liquids - 3 oz containers that will fit in a 1 qt size resealable bag

i know i cannot bring food or liquids into the terminal

i must buy the food or water in the terminal

idk if that is terminal specific or across the board

i usually download my airline app - so my tix is on there

but i also feel more comfortable having a paper version also

everything goes through the machine - including shoes

so be prepared - 

get there early - so you wont feel so rushed - trying to find the gate etc

good luck

[Ainhisg]

@house_cat thank you so much for your kind response and the video.  I will watch it!  I will edit my post to include that I am 61, in good shape, and walk easily with no health concerns.

I do have two local friends who I will bug about this when I get closer to the trip in April...lol...and I know my friend I'm flying to see will help, too.  I'm just the type of person who likes to know all the answers way before I need to know them, as that helps ease the small amount of anxiety I get from the unknown.  

[KittySoftPaws]

First thing you want to do is download the Airline/Airlines apps on your phone. This will give you up to the minute info on your flights, like any delays etc. as well as enable you to check in without a printed ticket by just using your phone. Make sure when you set up the apps that you allow for notifications regarding your flights. Since you haven't done this method before or flown in a while, I would also print out your intinerary from the Airlines websites as a backup. I do this because I don't like to rely on just one method. In relation to packing, less is best and if it's a short stay, pack all that you need in your carry-on that way you can omit the checked bag process. Make sure to check with each airline you are flying with as the rules are different for each, regarding the sizes of your bags and weight of any checked bags. The fees for going over the weight limits can be minimal to very high. Try to allow for going under weight so that if you purchase something on your trip, you will be able to pack it and not go over the weight limit. Remember that any liquids, gels, or the such with your carry-on must not exceed certain ounces. If it does, they will confiscate it from you and you will not get it back. If you have such things, this would be one reason to check a bag in addition to your carry-on. Try to relax and don't be afraid to ask for help at the Airports. Do expect some confusion because no matter how many times you fly and how prepared you may be, there is always some. 

[Yahooey]

@Ainhisg 

on the home page of american airlines

there is a whole section on $ for checked bags

sizes and weights of the bags

continental US 40 for 1st checked bag 

45 on 2nd checked bag - lowered if you pay online