So I am planning a trip

[Monica]

It will be my first trip ever all by myself. I live in Pa and I plan on visiting family out in San Diego. I do have some questions that maybe some of you can help me with.

I am going to buy the tickets online, either through Hotwire or Orbitz. Once I buy the ticket, am I able to print it out right away? How does that all work? Also, the airline I plan on using charges for carry-on. I am fine with the fee. The fee isn't included in the ticket price. How and when would I pay for it?

How many hours ahead do I need to get to the airport? This will help me greatly when getting tickets.

Any other advice and tips will help greatly. Thanks! :)

[RetailWorkhorse]

WARNING: I only flew out of the Atlanta Airport, so I don't know if any of the Airports in PA would have this same set up. You have been warned.

If you're getting your ticket from Hotwire (hey! I've used them! Cool!) then you print up your confirmation number and on the day of your flight, trot yourself to the airport and get your fanny to the Sign In computer in front of the great big desks you check your luggage in at and it will print up your ticket there. You just type in your name and it spits it right out.

You should be able to pay the fees for your luggage at the desk. The very nice people at the desks will then direct you to your gate and you'll go through Security (You will be asked to remove your watch, belt, shoes, and any loose change and put it into either a big plastic bag or big wash-tub like box).

Trot off to your gate (put your shoes back on first, that floor under the carpet tends to be HARD on footies). Grab a drink before the flight at the water fountain between the bathrooms and take a leak before you get on the plane. Plane washrooms tends to be very small.

If you were driving, EQ and I could give you better advice, but that's it for now.

DON'T FORGET A BOOK FOR THE FLIGHT!

[KiaKat]

Yup. That's pretty much how it works.

I fly a few times a year, all over the country, so I've been in a lot of airports. They're all pretty similar in how they work (although some have tighter security than others). Check the FAA site for current regulations on carryon/checked luggage. Also confirm if the airline charges for luggage.

You can use Tripadvisor.com or Fodors.com to find deals on flights (sometimes they have internet coupon codes), those are sometimes better than the online deal sites like Hotwire. Also make sure you check...oh hell, what's the name of that site....it searches all the travel sites for you....bah. Bugger it, I can't remember. I'll edit if I do, or maybe someone else will know what I'm talking about.

If you go with an airline like JetBlue or Southwest (they DON'T show up on the travel sites usually, so check them separately), you can check in before you leave for the airport...I think it's something like 12 or 24 hours ahead. Then you print the boarding pass at home, and if you have a checked piece of luggage, you just go to the appropriate counter at the airport.

A hint, if you're flying out of Philly - CONFIRM the terminal and gate, as well as how *exactly* to find it well before leaving for the airport. The Philly airport is under massive construction right now and finding your way around is an absolute bastard, especially if you aren't used to the controlled chaos of airports.

One last hint is to leave early. Even though it's a domestic flight, give yourself about 2.5-3 hours so you aren't rushed, and you can really be sure that everything is done correctly.

The important thing to remember is that this is going to be fun. Enjoy yourself. Don't stress.

[Evil Queen]

Personally, I prefer to go directly through the airline's website. When I last flew (HOU to ATL) I went directly through Continental's website because on damned near ALL the third party websites (orbits, Hotwire, Cheaptickets, ect.) where $40 more. I wound up paying $99 ($106 after fees and taxes) instead of the $134 that they wanted.

If you haven't done so, sign up for airline miles (you can do it before you even buy the tickets) because you can't get those "airline points" if you go through the third party websites.

Make sure you're at the airport a MINIMUM of 2 hours before your flight. You never know if there's going to be a problem with the Security Check points. Pack a book to read and make sure you get plenty to drink (water is best) because airplanes tend to have very very dry air (I almost always walk off airplanes with a nosebleed because of this).

[Giggle Goose]

What a coincidence! My dad and grandmother live in San Diego as well; and I was out there at about this time last year.

Everyone else seems to have covered information flight-wise, but I will tell you to pack a few hoodies and one coat. San Diego is mild, warm and sunny (I miss it)! but it gets downright chilly at night, especially in January. You probably know this already, but you would be surprised at the number of people who think it's like Florida or something :rolleyes:

Have fun! And be prepared for some leg cramps, because that's a long flight! (I flew nonstop from Baltimore to San Diego).

[sms001]

Don't forget to go here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm
for the latest and greatest in security info. They'd implemented the liquids/ziploc bag restrictions last time I flew and almost got me. :)

Can't reemphasize getting there VERY early enough. Seasoned business travelers may hop out of the limo and go straight to the gate on tv, but it don't work that way IRL. Plus, the people watching is very fun.

Take cash and a card.
Take a snack.
Take a book.
Gum?
Make sure your ID is up to date and completely unaltered!



If you can, dress for San Diego on the PA end - you won't look like a touristy noob, and you'll be a LOT more comfortable.

Aisle seat. Emergency Exit Row aisle seat. (There are sites online that will show you a layout of most airlines seating - you can pick and choose.)

Have fun!

[Monica]

Awesome! Thanks for all the advice. I will be flying out of the Erie, PA airport, as I live an hour and a half from there.

I do plan to dress for San Diego on my end. I plan on wearing flip flops so that I can take them off and get them on a whole lot faster.

The cool part is I don't have to pay for a hotel, as I will be staying with my cousin.