In case you're unfamiliar with the process, most of the major airlines are working the same way now. At almost all airports you can either use a self check-in kiosk or wait in line for a person. Most have evolved to the kiosk level. Note that in every case, there are airline staff to assist with the kiosk process and people to assist with checked in baggage.
Here's how most kiosks work:
1) Identify Yourself - You can use a credit card or airline frequent flier card. (The cards are only used for identity at this stage.) You may also use a reservation number. Some offer other options. This is actually easy and nothing to be concerned about. I travel on business regularly and just whip out my corporate card, swipe it through, and my reservation pops up. Easy as that.
Note: Typically, everyone in your party will appear together on your reservation, so stay together through the process.
2) Verify your itinerary - Your flight information will be displayed (hopefully it also says "On-time" and not "Delayed"). You're asked if this is correct.
3) Options - Most systems now present options to upgrade options for seats or simply seat selection. Each airline is a bit different here. Read the screen carefully as some may have a "Next" button to continue while others have "Accept" & "Decline" or "No Thanks". Yes, this can be a pain.
4) Luggage - There will be an option "Are you checking baggage?" in some form. Again airline dependent, you will enter how many bags you're checking and in the case of fees methods to pay (typically charged to the card on file with the reservation).
The system will print your luggage labels for the airline staff to grab and attach to your bags. They will put them on your bags and check your photo ID and boarding passes when they take the bags.
5) Print - The kiosk will print your boarding passes. DON'T WALK AWAY WITHOUT THEM! really, I see this happen all the time.
Notes:
- CRITICAL: Get to the airport early! Larger airports require you be there earlier than small airports. This is NOT for the lines, that's your call/problem. This is due to the new baggage scanning proceedures hidden from view. You must check in (again at most major airports) 45 minutes prior to departure or you will be locked out of the flight. If this happens, you cannot check baggage and must carry on. Being vacationers, chances are good your bags won't pass size or TSA requirements for carry on. Thus, you'll have to go on the next flight.
- Part two of the previous, now you know the drill, anticipate long lines. If you get stuck waiting 20 minutes for a kiosk or choose the 45 minute staffed line (if there is one) and you miss check-in by 2 minutes, YOU ARE "S.o.L." and are now victim of my above "critical" note. The days of get there while it's boarding are over.
- Depending on your airline & flight, you may not get a boarding pass, but a "priority verification". The verification allows you through security for seat assignments at the gate. This is typical for small flights.
- Go to the TSA web site and your airport's site and read up a bit. You'll find important info such as:
- Taking a camcorder? DO NOT pack the extra rechargable batteries in checked luggage. It is against policy and will be removed from your bag or your bag may be held. Put the batteries in carry on for inspection. This is due to the problems with batteries spontaneously burning....rare, but a minor safety issue none the less.
- Regular film is typically safe up to the 800 speed. This can vary by airport and should be posted. You can ask to have film inspected by TSA by hand.
- Plan on taking off your shoes through security. Don't wear those that lace up to your....... Try simple comfy gym shoes, sandals, slip on dress, etc. (Yes, winter travel is loads of fun during boot season.)
- You will need both your photo ID and boarding pass/verification card when entering security. Have them ready.
- Don't keep $10 in toll road coinage in your pocket or wear all your favorite jewelry or the belt buckle the size of Texas that uncle Trace sent you from Dallas. If you set off the magnetometer in security, you may be given a 2nd chance to discard items to the scanner and/or you may get secondary security screening. 3rd beep is imediate secondary screening. (This means hand done bag inspection, pat down, etc. :lookaroun)
Well, I'm no expert on this, I just deal with it a lot. Make sure you check out the web sites yourself as you may encounter some things I didn't cover correctly or at all.
Above all, it's not a big detail, just different than it used to be. Give your family a little time, research it a bit, then
relax.....
your going to WDW! :wave:
