What do i need to do to fly these days?

Question

i've never flown. on a commercial flight. what can i take, baggage size, what is check in like? id info etc. where can i find this information.

thanks!

Answer 1

Most airlines allow you to check one bag, 50lbs or less, for free.  If it's over 50lbs or if you have additional bags to check, the cost is around $25.  American Airlines is now charging $15 for your first bag though.

You can carry-on one small bag (about the size of a small rolling suitcase) and one personal item such as a purse or briefcase.  If you have any liquids/gels in that carry-on bag, you'll need to follow some additional guidelines.  The liquids/gels must be in containers that are 3oz or less, and they must all be placed inside of one 1-qt Ziploc bag.  You take that out during the baggage scan so that it can be scanned on its own.

When you check in, you'll find the desks for your airline.  You give them your name, and they'll pull up your reservation and check your ID.  You'll need a driver's license for ID, or a passport if traveling overseas.  If you are checking any bags, they will take them then and place them on a conveyor belt to take them down to the tarmac area to be loaded onto the plane.  The bag will be marked with your flight numbers so that it gets on the right planes and to the final destination with you.  They will then give you a boarding pass, which provides your seat number, for any flights you are taking that day.  They will also tell you what gate you need to go to.

From there, you'll go to the security checkpoint.  Here, you'll be asked to take off your shoes, and sometimes any jackets or sweaters you're wearing.  You will place those, along with your carry-on bags into bins that will be passed through an x-ray machine.  You will then pass through a metal detector and pick up your things on the other side.  They randomly select some individuals for more intensive screening - they'll use the metal detector wand, and actually open up your carry-on bags to search them.  It's no big deal.

After that, you just head to your gate and wait for the plane to board.  They usually start boarding about 30 minutes before take-off.  

You'll want to get to the airport about 90 minutes before take-off, or more if you're going through a busy airport.