Flying Southwest Airlines: Need tips!

[Sharon Kay]

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.

If I remember right the water fountain is on the outside of "security" ... because they wouldn't let us carry a closed coke through security but could buy it just on the other side of screening. Good idea on the water bottle if I could get access to water "on the other side" (sounds ominous).

Hmmm I haven't had a tootsie roll pop since my kids were maybe 5...I could count how many licks it is to the middle... ;-)

well my laptop case is 3 1/2" wide ...so it's not too thick... can I put it INSIDE another tote (like an open tote) so I don't have to buy a sleeve for it? It's pretty heavy being a 17" laptop.

Maybe I could put the laptop bag inside an open tote...put my crocheting next to it in the tote (thus giving "cushion) and the Rebel on top of it... then my other bag could hold all my other stuff ... do you think that will work?

I don't have to bring a lot of clothes...mainly undergarments & shoes ... because mom & I wear the same size clothes...and she has enough there for both of us.

When it gives a size for carry-on ... does it mean that size for each one of the bags?

 

[profiler_mar]

Just to chime in...I mostly fly SW and have since I was a kid. At Christmas I took my lappie and my Rebel XTi (great camera BTW) with me. I just used my camera bag as my purse as well, put my wallet and any other necesseties in it. But I checked luggage, so I was able to put my purse, empty, in the suticase and then unload from my camera bag when I got there. But maybe this will work for you? As for the other clothes, I would see what you could pack in your laptop bag. But remember, depending on where you are flying in AZ, Sky Harbor airport is huge, and laptops are heavy. So I would take into consideration how much weight you want to to tote around. Of course yours is a 17" versus my 19" so it is lighter. I would go light on the camera stuff too, I took all four of my lenses with me and that was a HUGE mistake. My back was so sore after walking through that airport!

HTH!

 

[Nettio]

well my laptop case is 3 1/2" wide ...so it's not too thick... can I put it INSIDE another tote (like an open tote) so I don't have to buy a sleeve for it? It's pretty heavy being a 17" laptop.

You could absolutely put it in another bag, just know that you'll need to take it out of the tote AND the laptop case when you go through security. They have to be able to xray it so anything that obstructs that has to be out of the way. Also, I would not worry at all about removing the battery. I've flown quite a bit both domestic and internationally and not once have I ever had to do that or seen anyone else have to do that.

When it gives a size for carry-on ... does it mean that size for each one of the bags?

Yes, the size is for each bag. I think it's the max size they'll allow in the overhead bins. But in general, they only want you to put one item in the overhead bin so you should plan for one of your items to fit under the seat in front of you, because especially on Southwest, the overhead bins fill up fast

 

[profiler_mar]

Oh and yes, when you go through security the laptop must be out, but the battery can stay in.

 

[Sharon Kay]

Just to chime in...I mostly fly SW and have since I was a kid. At Christmas I took my lappie and my Rebel XTi (great camera BTW) with me. I just used my camera bag as my purse as well, put my wallet and any other necesseties in it. But I checked luggage, so I was able to put my purse, empty, in the suticase and then unload from my camera bag when I got there. But maybe this will work for you? As for the other clothes, I would see what you could pack in your laptop bag. But remember, depending on where you are flying in AZ, Sky Harbor airport is huge, and laptops are heavy. So I would take into consideration how much weight you want to to tote around. Of course yours is a 17" versus my 19" so it is lighter. I would go light on the camera stuff too, I took all four of my lenses with me and that was a HUGE mistake. My back was so sore after walking through that airport!

HTH!

I love the camera too! I was just planning on taking it with the lens it came with. I figure I can crop pics if I need to later. My extra lenses are heavy and I agree with you there. I hadn't thought about putting clothes in the laptop bag....hmmm that would definitely help things there! I'm flying into Phoenix airport... thanks for the tips.

 

[Sharon Kay]

You could absolutely put it in another bag, just know that you'll need to take it out of the tote AND the laptop case when you go through security. They have to be able to xray it so anything that obstructs that has to be out of the way. Also, I would not worry at all about removing the battery. I've flown quite a bit both domestic and internationally and not once have I ever had to do that or seen anyone else have to do that.



Yes, the size is for each bag. I think it's the max size they'll allow in the overhead bins. But in general, they only want you to put one item in the overhead bin so you should plan for one of your items to fit under the seat in front of you, because especially on Southwest, the overhead bins fill up fast

Ok ... I am feeling better about this trip on Thursday ... thanks to all of you!

 

[kim21673]

I haven't flown in a while...last trip was our Honeymoon and before that was to New Zealand and Australia...

I know you are not take much with you but.......I will just add that I put EVERYTHING in ziplock baggies...I mean EVERYTHING! Security was so tight and I did not want them going through suitcases and whatnot....I put bras/panties in bags, socks in a bag, shirts in bags.....you get the picture. Then all they had to do was take out a bag without touching my stuff!! I was worried about things wrinking but actually nothing did.....it came out perfect!! They probably thought I had stock in Ziplock but......

I took a carry on suitcase and a big back pack on wheel when I traveled the last few times...I crammed everything I could in them...my purse, a jacket, change of clothes, personal items, etc.......I checked in the majority of my stuff but made sure I had what I needed for one day incase my suitcase got lost!

 

[Sharon Kay]

I haven't flown in a while...last trip was our Honeymoon and before that was to New Zealand and Australia...

I know you are not take much with you but.......I will just add that I put EVERYTHING in ziplock baggies...I mean EVERYTHING! Security was so tight and I did not want them going through suitcases and whatnot....I put bras/panties in bags, socks in a bag, shirts in bags.....you get the picture. Then all they had to do was take out a bag without touching my stuff!! I was worried about things wrinking but actually nothing did.....it came out perfect!! They probably thought I had stock in Ziplock but......

I took a carry on suitcase and a big back pack on wheel when I traveled the last few times...I crammed everything I could in them...my purse, a jacket, change of clothes, personal items, etc.......I checked in the majority of my stuff but made sure I had what I needed for one day incase my suitcase got lost!

Wow you have traveled! Good idea about the ziploc for the clothes...I like that idea. I had quart sized ziploc bags on the grocery list for ds to pick up ... I'll make sure I have some gallon or 2 gallon sized ones too!

My boys just informed me that the youngest has a rolling laptop case (which I knew he had) and that it is big enough for my 17" laptop and my rebel (I had no idea it was that big!) ... I just measured it and it looks like it just barely makes it into the guidelines of a carry-on!!! This means my heaviest stuff (laptop & camera) can go in the rolling laptop bag! It is even big enough to hold my purse stuff and the afghan (not very big yet) & yarn in it!!! That way the lighter bag of clothes will go on my shoulder!! I am doing the happy dance!

On the way home I expect that we will have checked on baggage because mom is taking me to a craft show this weekend in the Sun City West area (at least I think that is where it is). hmmmm rethinking this...might need to make sure my clothing is in a rollable or sturdy bag as well too so it can be sent into the checked area on the return trip if needed.

I'm getting SOOOOOOO excited about this trip!

 

[Sharon Kay]

Ok wish me a smooth flight...

Ok today is the day (take a deep breath) I am flying (first time flying by myself) to AZ to see my mom. I have packed fruit chews and licorice to chew on upon takeoff and landing. I have some little crew socks to put on under my oh-so-cute new Birks...have you seen these?

Well I tried packing last night and I just cannot fit all my clothes into a carry-on that I have. It's either a KID-SIZED carry-on or a check on bag. I have 2 capris, 1 pr shorts, 3 shirts, 3 pjs, and uwear & Birks and meds ... can't fit my toiletries in it or my mom's tote bag she wants me to bring. I think I need to give up and just get a bigger bag and check it (it's free). What makes it even more "different" for me is that I am driving mom's car to a Hertz place, leaving it with them and riding a bus to the airport. Mom says it is easy ... so leaving 2 hours before my flight in hopes that is enough time.

The rolling laptop bag I am not even sure will close once I put the laptop inside it...have a small over the body bag in there...so if I check a bag then I can carry a totebag with my afghan (that I couldn't take otherwise...it's only maybe 10" long so far) and my purse can fit inside. I just CAN'T (won't) go without my laptop from Thursday through Tuesday! I have the netbook out there ... but I know I will want to scrap at some point and I can't on it. I still need a lot of points I need to earn and when I get back will only have a week left to get them. The afghan will help me while waiting in the airport ... I know I won't be able to read ... or if I do, won't remember later what I read. I'm one of those that immerses into a book and become oblivious to all around me. lol

They are saying snow in Kansas City Friday night and Saturday ... and I'm going to MISS it ... sad? No. lol I've had enough this year. However dh and youngest son are supposed to go camping with the Boy Scouts in it this weekend.

Mom and her bff assure me I will be very busy and won't have time to scrap ... the ONLY time that has ever happened was at Disney last year ... but even then I think I managed one layout. lol I spent more time downloading, naming and reorganizing my photos. lol I plan on scrapping on the 3 hour flight today ... that should really help my nerves and hopefully make the flight go faster. ...so hopefully by the time I land I will have at least a layout done.

Ok...leaving in 4 hours ... so need to pull out a bigger bag, go to chiropractor, and leave ... talk to you all later! If any girls want to meet me in AZ if I can meet up at a coffee shop ... PM me. I'd love to meet you!!!

Thank you all so much for all your tips!!! I feel much more confident about traveling since you all were so generous with your comments!

 

[CA Dreamer]

Have a great trip! I hope the it goes smoothly!