First-time flyer with a few basic questions. Any advice appreciated =]?

Question

I'm flying next Monday for the first time--I'm in the process of packing--this isn't a vacation trip; I'm moving from La to Ca.

A few questions:

I'm flying Southwest, and I've heard their carry-one policy allows 3 items, but on their site, they only say two by TSA rules. I want to bring my pillow, medium-sized purse, and my tote that'll carry my laptop. Do you think I can get by with that? If necessary, can I just stuff my purse in my tote bag?

Southwest limits carry-on dimensions to 10x16x24. My tote is 19" from side to side (length) and 12" from top to bottom (height). Does that fit the rules?

What's the security screening like?

And what advice do you have for packing? Any tips for optimum use of space? I'm trying to roll my clothes verses folding, because I've heard you fit more that way.

Thank you very much for any help you can provide!

Answer 1

As far as I know SWA allows 2 carry-on items, like most airlines.  However, they may not count a pillow as a carry-on.  Your tote should be OK - the rules are so the bag will fit in the overhead storage compartment - it doesn't matter if your bag is 19" X 12" or 12" X 19", that is still smaller than 16" X 24".

Compressing your clothes (ex. by rolling) does maximize space, but don't exceed the weight allowed per checked bag because there will be a stiff fee.  You might consider simply mailing the extra clothes to yourself.  

Advice:

Join the frequent flier program for the airline. Joining is free and you can do it online.

Call the airline before your flight date if you want to request a seat. You should request a window seat since it is your first-ever flight. It is OK to tell the reservations agent it is your first-ever flight. Some airlines don’t do advance seat selection and others charge a fee. The reservations agent will tell you if there are restrictions. Go to www.seatguru.com for info on seating arrangements in airlines.

Call the airline the day before your flight and the morning before your flight to make sure there are no schedule changes. You can also check flight status online.

Pack almost everything in a suitcase that you will give to the airline to "check". The suitcase has to weigh 50 pounds or less.

All liquids & gels in containers over 3 ounces and anything that might even LOOK like a weapon (nail file, scissors, etc.) should go in your checked bag. Go to www.tsa.gov for more info on prohibited items.

Mark or tag all checked luggage with something that makes the bags more distinctive. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag ALL bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK.

You are allowed two carryon bags, but they have to be not larger than a small backpack. One carryon is better.

Take some things to do or read. Also pack basic toiletries and one change of clothing in the carryon bag. You are allowed to pack "travel size" liquids & gels in your carryon bag, but the items have to go in their own clear plastic bag and scanned separately when you get to security.

Dress in shoes & clothing that are comfortable and not tight, but also not overly casual. Avoid clothing with metal attached (ex. jeans with studs).

Make sure you have your ID, frequent flier number, and ticket (or flight information if it's an e-ticket) on you before leaving home.

Get to the airport two hours before your flight. Really. It is MUCH better to have an hour to wait than to arrive later and have a problem.

Go to the airline counter and give the agent your ID, FF number, and flight info or ticket. Tell them how many bags you want to "check". You can request a window seat at check-in if you didn't already do so. The agent will put destination tags on your checked luggage and give you a Boarding Pass. They will then either take your checked bag(s) or tell you to carry it/them to the big x-ray machine.

The "Gate" for your flight will be on the boarding pass (example E-17). Follow the signs toward your gate. Ask an airline or airport employee for directions if you are not sure.

At some point you will have to go through security. There will be a stack of plastic bins - place your shoes, carryon bag, the clear plastic bag containing any liquids or gels, sweater/jacket, and anything metal (including cellphone) in the bin. Keep your ID and boarding pass in your hand. Follow the instructions of the security personnel - they will have you place the bin on the X-ray conveyer belt and you will walk through the metal detector. Once through you collect the bin and put everything back where it belongs.

Then go to the gate. Check to make sure there has not been a gate change - most airports have TV-type monitors with the info. If not sure, ask an airline or airport employee.

Try to wait near your gate. If you want to wander off, be back 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. Follow the instructions of the ground staff when boarding starts. Your seat number will be on your boarding pass; The numbers increase toward the back of the airplane and the letters go from left to right >> as you face the front of the plane << (Seat 1A is at the front on the left and seat 22 F would be towards the rear + probably on the right). .

Once you find your seat, take out whatever you want for entertainment (book, etc.) and put your carryon bag either in the overhead storage compartment or under the seat in front of you.

Follow the instructions of the flight crew.

The aircraft is a machine and has a lot of moving parts that make noise. There will be sounds like "Thunk" when taking off and landing as the landing gear is retracted (after take-off) and lowered (for landing). The pilots also adjust parts of the wings during the flight and that sometimes causes noise.

The flight attendants will serve drinks and snacks once the plane is at "cruising altitude".

There are restrooms on airplanes.  Be sure to latch the door to let others know it’s occupied, and latching the door also turns on the light.

When the flight is almost over, the crew will instruct the passengers to put everything away and fasten seatbelts. Follow their instructions.

Once the plane has landed it will taxi to the airport terminal. Stay in your seat with the seatbelt fastened until the crew tells you it is OK to exit the aircraft. It will be obvious when you can do so.

Make sure you collect everything you brought with you. CHECK the pocket in back of the seat in front of you to make sure you aren't leaving something you put there.

You may have to change planes somewhere.  If so, you will get a boarding pass for the connecting flight when you check-in at your home airport. Once off the plane just follow the signs to the gate for the next flight.  You may have to go through security again.  Your checked bags will be automatically transferred to the connecting flight by the airline.

At your final destination, exit the aircraft and follow the signs to Baggage Claim once you are off the plane. Most airports have multiple baggage carousels (conveyer belts) and there is usually a sign or TV-type monitor that indicates which carousel your flight's bags will go on. Ask an airline or airport employee if you are not sure.

Collect your bag(s) and exit the terminal (usually by going out the doors marked "Ground Transportation").

Hope you have a good trip!

Answer 2

Most airlines allow two carryons, plus a purse or "personal item" like a laptop.  I think you will be fine with your plan.

The size of the carry on is to make sure that it fits in below the seat in front of you (where your feet go if you have long legs like me) or in the overhead bin.  Your tote may not meet the requirements - but will probably be OK.  Make sure you pack it so that it can be "gate checked" (at the gate they will take it from you, put it with other luggage, but return it to you as you get off the plane).  I often have a backpack or sling bag to keep stuff in that I want in case my bigger carry on has to be gate checked.  That way I can still have a case for my laptop, mp3 player, books, etc.

Security is no big deal.  You will have to remove your shoes and any metal (so don't wear a belt or something that has metal).  Your purse, all carry on luggage, will go through x-ray. Your computer will have to go through x-ray by itself, so be prepared to pull it out of your carry on luggage.  You cannot bring any liquid over 3 oz, and what you bring must be in plastic baggies.  You can bring empty water bottle and fill it up at a water fountian to avoid having to pay big bucks on water on the other side. It's OK to bring food (leftover pizza, sandwich, etc. through security).

Make sure you luggage doesn't weigh over the limit of Southwest (50 lbs each??), or you will have to pay more.