Flying Southwest Airlines: Need tips!

Sharon Kay

Sharon Kay

New member
Ok I have probably flown 3 times in 26 years of marriage ... and each time with my dh....we always checked on bags...and he helped figure out that our luggage was in guidelines. I am going to fly to AZ this week and I am a bit nervous about flying by myself.

I'm just nervous about being totally responsible for myself and messing something up... when it included the kids it was no problem...one carried on the camera bag, I carried my laptop & purse, etc. We just handed out the carry-ons between 4 people and checked the rest.

I have gone through all their info on their site and am a bit confused. I am flying on Southwest Airlines.

I want to bring my laptop, my Rebel XTi, and a purse....plus a very small amount of clothing (as my mom is the same size...going to wear her clothes while I am there..i.e. mainly personal stuff & shoes).

Carryon items are limited to one bag plus one smaller personal-type item (purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops case included).

It sounds like I can bring 2 bags (that includes the purse) on the plane ... the laptop will be it's own bag ... but my camera will not fit in the laptop bag ... I hesitate to put my clothes/purse/camera in the upper storage. The clothes don't bother me but the purse/camera does!!

Any tips on how I can make this work? I know you get 2 bags checked on free but was hoping I wouldn't have to check a bag on. My mom (who is picking me up at the airport) was hoping I wouldn't have any checked on baggage. ...even then it would mean my purse/camera would be on that upper thing right? I was hoping to scrapbook during the 3 hour flight.

My laptop bag is 17" wide x 3 1/2" deep x 14 1/2" tall. It says max size is 62" (length + width + height)

...so does that mean I could put the laptop bag inside a larger tote and carry it on?

I'm so afraid I will do something wrong and either have to "leave" it for my dh to pick up later or have to check on my laptop (gasp!)

  1. Wear slip-on shoes to remove before check-in area
  2. Do I keep memory cards out or they ok to xray?
  3. Can I put my laptop bag INSIDE another bag?
  4. 3 oz liquids in a 1 quart ziploc ... pull out separately & put on xray belt???
  5. Pull laptop out of case to go on xray belt.
  6. how do they determine what goes above in the luggage thing and what stays with you in your seat?
  7. any other tips? Greatly appreciated!

I can't believe I am so nervous about this ... but I'm very protective of my laptop and my camera!
 
yes you could put your laptop and camera into the same bag. My luggage is carry-on size- and I def could fit bot into it (well if I had these things LOL).

they WANT you to put everything under your seat- so if it fits, they're going to demand it goes there-- I've honestly never used the overhead.

I did not pull anything out of my suitcase & bag the last time I went through the airport (including my ziplock bag of goodies & camera stuff- I do not have a lappy though so I don't know there)..

and relax :] you'll be fine.
 
i fly monthly now - and used to fly weekly - LOL - so i can HOPEFULLY give you a few tips :)

for carry ons - i usually carry two bags - if you want to carry on clothes, etc - i would do this:
1) a small roller suitcase that is the correct size to fit in the overhead bins - you could put your clothes, personal items, maybe your purse (without your wallet in it) (if it's small), etc.)
2) a large shoulder tote that holds your laptop, camera and wallet (and other purse type items, plus a magazine or whatever) ... i usually just put my laptop in a sleeve (not a separate laptop "bag") and i don't travel w/ a lot of camera stuff usually (i.e., i don't bring extra lenses usually, etc) - just the camera and charger ... and that seems to work for me!

for southwest - make sure to check in on line 24 hours in advance so you can be in an earlier boarding group ... seats are 1st come/1st serve based on check in time ...

re you list:
1) YES - helps a lot :)
2) OK for xray
3) yes - but again - if you can go w/ just a sleeve, do that ... and maybe put the plug, etc in the larger overhead bag ...
4) can't hurt to do that - probably helps! i try never to travel w/ liquids at all, personally - esp. if i'm staying in the US - i just go to the drugstore when i get there ... but that's just me!
5) yes .. goes into a bin by itself :) - ehds, dvd player, etc would all go into a bin too
6) you can put whatever you want under the seat in front of you - it's just a small space - so a rolling type case wouldn't fit ... would be very difficult to fit two bags under one seat unless they were small-ish bags - they will cut down on your leg room b/c you can't put your feet out under the seat in front of you ... so the most you can put above you the better, IMHO...
7) ummmm .... not sure what size your computer is, sometimes i have trouble scrapping on flights b/c i have a 17" and sometimes the seats are so close together it's hard to get the completely opened - i make it work though :) you cannot have your computer on during takeoff and landing - they make announcements of when you can use it ...

i may think of other things later - i fly A LOT so it's all pretty normal for me - so i'm not sure what you might need to know :) good luck !! it'll be fine!
 
and LOL - i'm opposite of la - i like all my stuff above :) (and i've never had them say anything to me about putting it in front of me ... )
 
Wear slip-on shoes to remove before check-in area Good Idea
Do I keep memory cards out or they ok to xray? They are fine to go through xay, but if you're concerned you can request they be hand checked.
Can I put my laptop bag INSIDE another bag? Yes, but you'll have to take it out at security. They want it to go through the scanner separately.
3 oz liquids in a 1 quart ziploc ... pull out separately & put on xray belt???No. It can stay in the carry-on. If they see something 'wrong' they'll tell you.
Pull laptop out of case to go on xray belt. Yup--see above.
how do they determine what goes above in the luggage thing and what stays with you in your seat? You determine that. If you want your things in overhead and there is space, you can put it there. If you don't, you can put it under the seat in front of you (unless you're sitting in the bulkhead--then ehere is not seat in front of you.

any other tips? Relax and have fun. ;)Greatly appreciated!

I've never had anyone demand that I place my stuff under the seat in front of me unless there's no space in overhead. I always use overhead storage when I fly, but I always have a larger carry-on with me too. It doesn't fit under the seats. Only things I might use while in the air goes on the floor. I'm paranoid about turbulence and crashes. The last thing I want is for my stuff that's under a seat to become a deadly projectile in the event of severe turbulence.
 
dana said:
and LOL - i'm opposite of la - i like all my stuff above :) (and i've never had them say anything to me about putting it in front of me ... )
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I seem to always been on super packed flights LOL.. so they always demand it..

btw, my carry on IS the rolling type and it DOES fit under the seat :]
 
oh and the last few times i have flown it has been on southwest.. ^_^ maybe they just like packed planes lol
 
Like Dana pointed out - for Southwest you definitely want to check in online EXACTLY 24 hours before your flight to get in the earliest boarding group possible. This may not be as important to you because you're flying alone, but if you want your choice of seats window/aisle, plenty of overhead bin space, etc. getting in the A or B boarding group is a good thing. If you wait til you get to the airport to print your passes, you'll likely be late in the boarding group list and have to grab the leftover singles in the middle of a row.
 
I always bring a backpack which I put my purse, camera, a single change in clothes (just in case), whatever I am going to do on the plane (usually read) and some snacks into. That way I can wear it on my back and still have my hands free and it fits under the seat in front of me (I hate putting stuff in the over head things). Then I check my clothes. I prefer to check that stuff especially with all the regulations with liquids and everything. Slip on shoes are super helpful.
 
Oh and if you carry anything like mascara, creamy lip gloss in a tube rather than a stick, mini hand sanitizer or things like that in your purse, go ahead and put them in a quart-size baggie so you can just pull that bag out quickly and easily at security to avoid any questions or people digging through your stuff.

We don't bother with travel size shampoo, etc because those are easy to get at your destination, but sometimes people forget the other kinds of 'liquids' they travel with.
 
lauren grier said:
btw, my carry on IS the rolling type and it DOES fit under the seat :]
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i LOVE people like you!! it's so annoying when people bring on bags that are too big for the OVERHEADS and they cause all sorts of problems!

do you know what kind (i.e., brand) of rolling bag you have that is that small? - mine are all fine for overhead, but no way would they fit below ... part of my problem is that i usually sit in the aisle - and b/c of the way the seats are arranged the underseat space is usually cut in half by a bar! LOL! but - it would be nice to have one that was smaller than what i have now :)
 
lol it's just cause I use to fly standby back in the day (family member worked for AA) so we had to be compact. It's so old now- I don't even know if they make this particular one anymore as I've had it since I was probably 12, I just pulled it out in hopes there'd be a tag or something on it but there is nothing. I love it though.. I learned at a young age how to pack tightly & have never needed more for any trip- even now that ce comes along too (well he gets his own backpack too for his carry on but ykwim ^_^ )
 
Just wanted to note that regardless of how you pack your laptop, it needs to be pulled out and placed in it's own separate bin to go through the xay machine. You don't need to do that with camera's or memory cards.

I never pull my toiletries out, even though you're supposed to do that. I never have a problem (and I've flown SWA a lot).

I have a small carryon (that I got from Target like 4 years ago). It's a small sized carryon, but I always put it in the upper bin (and I've been on some PACKED flights, lol). I rarely travel with my laptop, so my big Coach purse gets my wallet, camera, sometimes an extra lens, a snack, some magazines, and a drink (drink and snacks usually purchased in airport to avoid security issues - some say sealed snacks are ok, other's don't, I just don't bother trying to mess with any of it). That purse goes beneath the seat in front of me.

Honestly, your laptop/camera will be fine in the overhead bin if you pack it with your clothes.
 
You are worrying WAY too much! :D

I fly Southwest many times each year and they are the easiest airlines to fly with. I've never had any problems. I don't bring a big handbag when I travel though. I wear a small over the body one that holds everything I need, and that way it is never off my body. They've never considered it another piece of luggage.
 
Robin Carlton said:
Like Dana pointed out - for Southwest you definitely want to check in online EXACTLY 24 hours before your flight to get in the earliest boarding group possible. This may not be as important to you because you're flying alone, but if you want your choice of seats window/aisle, plenty of overhead bin space, etc. getting in the A or B boarding group is a good thing. If you wait til you get to the airport to print your passes, you'll likely be late in the boarding group list and have to grab the leftover singles in the middle of a row.
Click to expand...

We paid the extra $10 for early bird check-in after we booked the tickets ... and printed out that receipt but it doesn't say WHEN I am to board ... will they say "ok early birds...come get the worm (seat)" ???

I was afraid that Wednesday my 16yo might have another bad day and I miss getting online and getting my 24 hour board pass done....so we paid the extra.

Not paying it for the way back because I will be flying home WITH my mom and she knows how to logon 24 hours in advance & do it...so she will do it for both our tickets.
 
Robin Carlton said:
Oh and if you carry anything like mascara, creamy lip gloss in a tube rather than a stick, mini hand sanitizer or things like that in your purse, go ahead and put them in a quart-size baggie so you can just pull that bag out quickly and easily at security to avoid any questions or people digging through your stuff.

We don't bother with travel size shampoo, etc because those are easy to get at your destination, but sometimes people forget the other kinds of 'liquids' they travel with.
Click to expand...

oh ackk! I hadn't thought about the mini hand sanitizer I carry in my purse!
 
Ok I was hoping to scrapbook to get my mind off of being so HIGH up in the air ... but I remember when I flew Air Tran to FL last year that it was kind of a tight fit with my 17" laptop on that little tray ... but it did distract me. ...and I have a LOT of Portfolio challenges still to work on!!

I'm a bit claustophobic ... if I get on the plane early enough to pick my seat ... which would have the most ROOM in it ... window...aisle...or a certain part of the airplane? I will wear loose clothing and that should help too.

My stomach has been upset all day at the thought of this coming up ... I really think scrapping will help me get through the 3 hour flight. Figured I would crochet while in the area waiting to board my flight ... because I only have 2 batteries and it will prob take both of them to scrap through 3 hours.

I couldn't find anything that says what size the under the seat area is ... my laptop being so big (17") it might not fit below. I don't have a sleeve for it...but it is only 3 1/2" wide.
 
I'm pretty sure with SW now you can log on the day before any time past midnight the day before to get your boarding pass. So if I was flying on Tuesday at 9 am I could log on Sunday at 11:01 pm central (so 12:01 am eastern) and get the boarding pass. If you are in Arizona that could be like 9pm now with the time change? Might be worth trying on the way back.
 
Sharon Kay said:
I'm a bit claustophobic ... if I get on the plane early enough to pick my seat ... which would have the most ROOM in it ... window...aisle...or a certain part of the airplane? I will wear loose clothing and that should help too.
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If you are a nervous flier the best place for you is going to be an aisle seat right in front of the wing.
 
I always sit aisle.. I can't do window- so I'd bet you'd be more comfortable there too..

your lappy should fit under the seat- I don't see why it wouldn't.
 
Your laptop will fit under the seat no problem. Mine's a 17 and the few times I have traveled with it, it fit fine.
 
I always try to choose aisle.

Also, after you get through security, plan on buying yourself some snacks, even a sandwich and I always get a water bottle. It's ridiculously expensive but it's worth it. That way you know that you have anything you need once you're on the plane. Even if it's just a short flight, I would still pick up a water and snack at least because it gives you a sense of control. And if you're delayed in any way you don't have to worry about not feeling well because you could just use a drink of water.

I also take a scrapbook magazine or idea book. That way if I just need to sort of veg I have something to look at.

I also recommend slip on shoes it makes things so much easier.

Also, if you have lotion in your purse take that out and put it in your zip bag.

For my carry on I use a beach type bag with a zippered top. I slip my purse inside this bag. I also keep anything I might need to access in there. For your situation I would try to put what you can with your laptop (wallet, etc.)

Now that practically everyone has to bring carry on, the overhead bins get full. A flight attendant might take what you put in the overhead to another overhead if it fits better. So you might want to just make sure that your personal items are with you under the seat in front of you.

Oh, and I would pack a little pack of Kleenex or some napkins.
 
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crecia27 said:
I'm pretty sure with SW now you can log on the day before any time past midnight the day before to get your boarding pass. So if I was flying on Tuesday at 9 am I could log on Sunday at 11:01 pm central (so 12:01 am eastern) and get the boarding pass. If you are in Arizona that could be like 9pm now with the time change? Might be worth trying on the way back.
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Unless they changed this since I last flew in January, with Southwest you can't check in even a minute before 24-hours before your scheduled departure time. So if your flight is 5pm on Tuesday, you can't check in until 5pm Monday, not even 4:59pm will work. Believe me I've tried. :D

I travel by myself a lot and my recommendation would be to minimize the amount of items you have to haul through the airport as much as possible. Since you won't have anyone to leave your stuff with, anytime you want to get a snack or go to the bathroom before your flight, you'll have to haul everything with you. I usually check my luggage because I find it easier not having to deal with it on my own. Then I usually carry my laptop in a laptop bag that goes in the overhead and a backpack with my camera bag in it under the seat.

I don't travel with a purse; I put my phone, medication and wallet in the backpack and pack the purse itself into the front pocket of my suitcase. That way if I need to access it quickly once I get to my destination, I don't have to open the suitcase to do it.

I like the window seats because while it can make it harder to get in and out, I find that you get a few extra inches of space between the seat and the body of the plane. Plus it gives you something to lean against.

Honestly, you'll be fine! It's really not as scary or stressful as you're probably imagining. :)
 
Just wanted to quickly add that slip-on shoes are the right idea during security checks. I also wear ankle-length socks or those ankle-length footie thingys (that are made of the same material as pantyhose) because walking around on a cold, dirty tile while you're moving trays of your belongings and shuffling along is NOT cool. :glare:
 
mrshobbes said:
Just wanted to quickly add that slip-on shoes are the right idea during security checks. I also wear ankle-length socks or those ankle-length footie thingys (that are made of the same material as pantyhose) because walking around on a cold, dirty tile while you're moving trays of your belongings and shuffling along is NOT cool. :glare:
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oh wow I didn't think about that ... or dirty carpet ... ewwww I wouldn't have thought of wearing socks with my birks for that reason! Thanks!
 
lovely1m said:
If you are a nervous flier the best place for you is going to be an aisle seat right in front of the wing.
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A nervous flier...me? Whatever gave you that idea? :thumbdown: Actually yes I would indeed qualify as that. I just don't have much experience with flying ... and last year when we flew I had to worry about my middle child who was scared to death of getting on a plane so that kept my brain occupied there ... plus the scrapping.

I will remember that... aisle --- front of the wing. Thanks!
 
Oh I thought of something else ... on our way home last year ... I was chewing on fruit snacks to help with the ears ... then ran out (I can't chew gum...it seems to make my jaws lock for some reason) ... and I had the most HORRIBLE descent (it seemed to take forever) ... turns out I ended up with an ear infection and I didn't know it until the next day when I went to the doctor ... I ended up dizzy and sick to my stomach...

....any suggestions?
 
I fly with two kids under 5 so my attention is on them. In my experience in the last 6 months of flying, my laptop had to be in separate bin with battery out. And my camera was in pieces in my laptop bag. I have DSLR, so I take off lens and add caps. I also have a 17in laptop and just have a big case I guess. I wear my crocs and have the kids wear theirs. I always wear socks too.
For a snack that you can chew, maybe jelly beans? I usually take some tylenol while I'm waiting to board the plane, helps with the ascent and descending for me.
I also avoid all liquids, just not worth it. I bring my laptop case, purse and diaper bag, and they've never said anything to me. But I guess with two kids, whatever keeps them happy and is safe they are not gonna speak about. If it was a solo trip I would pack my backpack with laptop and purse and camera. A large tote/purse could also work. Then carry on suitcase for clothes. Then you won't have too much to worry about.
 
Milmomma said:
I fly with two kids under 5 so my attention is on them. In my experience in the last 6 months of flying, my laptop had to be in separate bin with battery out. And my camera was in pieces in my laptop bag. I have DSLR, so I take off lens and add caps. I also have a 17in laptop and just have a big case I guess. I wear my crocs and have the kids wear theirs. I always wear socks too.
For a snack that you can chew, maybe jelly beans? I usually take some tylenol while I'm waiting to board the plane, helps with the ascent and descending for me.
I also avoid all liquids, just not worth it. I bring my laptop case, purse and diaper bag, and they've never said anything to me. But I guess with two kids, whatever keeps them happy and is safe they are not gonna speak about. If it was a solo trip I would pack my backpack with laptop and purse and camera. A large tote/purse could also work. Then carry on suitcase for clothes. Then you won't have too much to worry about.
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They might count the 3rd piece as one of the kid's pieces maybe? I was reading it that the "purse" is the 2nd piece so would have to use a larger tote that would hold the camera with clothes ... and then wallet in the laptop bag. I'm not planning on bringing any extra lenses...may regret that later but I'd rather have my laptop than several lenses. My back will thank me later. ;)

How come the battery had to be out of the laptop...did they ask you to remove it? Would be really hard (actually impossible) to scrap without it in! lol

I plan on crocheting in the waiting area of the airport ... but my hands can't crochet for 3 straight hours on the plane and it wouldn't distract me enough since it is just single crochet and nothing to "THINK" or count. lol I'm going to bring more skeins in with my clothes. I hope to crochet at least 4 skeins between the time I go to the airport on Thursday and when I get home on Tuesday ... that is probably over optimistic, because, as you all know ... I'm hopelessly addicted to digi!
 
Sharon Kay said:
Oh I thought of something else ... on our way home last year ... I was chewing on fruit snacks to help with the ears ... then ran out (I can't chew gum...it seems to make my jaws lock for some reason) ... and I had the most HORRIBLE descent (it seemed to take forever) ... turns out I ended up with an ear infection and I didn't know it until the next day when I went to the doctor ... I ended up dizzy and sick to my stomach...

....any suggestions?
Click to expand...

I yawn. I force myself and it always works!!
 
Also, I fly with my laptop EVERY time, and I've never had to remove the battery. I've pulled my laptop out of the bag I was carrying it in, put it in it's own bin (it is NOT considered another piece of luggage at this time) and that's it. I put the rest of my items in another bin if they are loose (my shoes, jacket, etc...). Since my handbag is a small one I wear across my body, that goes in with my shoes and is also never considered another carry on. Now, I have two bags that I also put through. One will all my clothes, and the other with that had the laptop in it and a few other things I need for my trip (my DSLR and bag are in that bag).
 
If you are going to go visit your family & have a few days available I suggest UPSing your clothes & toilettries to them. Then you can carry two bags with your personal stuff or just one large bag & not have to worry about all the other stuff. UPS is doing a booming busness shipping luggage since the check in fees started & they don't care if you pack a full sized bottle of shampoo or 8 tubes of lip gloss. I've been doing it for a couple years now when I have a family/friend desination.
Get a laptop sleeve! You don't have to take it out of the sleeve for xray & it can go in a large tote.
 
We went through with a baby the day after Christmas (think underwear bomber), and we were just fine. We had DH's carryon luggage in the overhead, and his backpack stuffed to the brim (which had his 17" laptop and our Rebel in it).

Also, to avoid having to pay astronomical prices for a waterbottle at the airport, just bring an empty one. We've done that every time we've flown and been just fine.

I know for kids ears they recommend a lollipop. That would last longer, if you're ok eating one. I have to do gum or I get a sinus infection, but I think a lollipop would keep your jaw moving enough.

Good luck! I always get a little nervous, but then everything goes just fine.
 
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