Have her sign up for Skymiles. There is no reason not to do this.

Regarding checking vs carryon: Luggage isn't often lost outright anymore, but it can be misplaced and significantly delayed, especially when flights are crowded. If you do decide to check your primary luggage, be sure to carry-on enough clothing and toiletries to get you through the first 24 hours; by that time, almost all mislaid luggage shows up. There's nothing more miserable than spending the first day of your vacation shopping for undies and a hairbrush rather than seeing the sights! Your carryon should include valuables, medicines, camera, etc. anyway.

Please encourage them to check their bags. I'm a flight attendant and it's really out of control what people think will fit into overhead bins. It's better to check them than to get to the aircraft and find out it doesn't fit...this causes delays. We really don't have any secret stowage areas onboard, honest!

I prefer the e-tickets & the kiosks, but since this is their first flight, they'll appreciate the human contact and having it confirmed ("Walk that way and take a right at...").

I would check the luggage, making sure to carryon any non-replaceable/emergency supplies. They're probably going to be "rubber-necking" as they look around in some bewilderment, so why should they worry about dragging luggage with them.

Make sure they know that if the bags do NOT arrive, to just politely tell the clerk they wish the bags delivered to their hotel. There's no sense waiting at the airport when they could be enjoying their holiday.

How are they going to get around? I rented a car when I went there, and it stayed parked at the hotel my entire stay. Between using the free Univ.St. shuttle, and the $1/day I-drive trolley, I didn't need it. I would have used Mears shuttle, or even the local bus had I done more homework.

Per Delta's rules, carry-on bags must be no larger than 22" x 14" x 9" and must weigh less than 40 lbs.

I dont get the objections to e-tickets.I saw a lady the other day who said she insisted on having a paper ticket.She admitted she was "old fashioned"(her words not mine!!).Her maid inadvertently thru her ticket in the trash!! She thoght she could just show up at the airport,and the airline would replace it for nothing....wrong!!!!! She had to pay $100 for a lost ticket application.Then buy another ticket...She would get the refund in 4 months....You cannot lose an e-ticket!!!

re: SkyMiles
Signed her up for Delta's SkyMiles and got the member number. I haven't checked into getting the already purchased etickets assigned to her new SkyMiles account yet.


re: carry-on luggage
She has two of those small wheel-around luggage thingies that were designed to be able to fit as carry on (like the crew uses). Can't remember what size they are, but the one I have like it never gave me any trouble getting into the overhead bin (but I haven't flown in 2 years). It's just the two of them, and they're staying on-site and enjoying Universal, which is a relaxed atmosphere anyhow. I mentioned to just pack light, afterall they'll probably buy some souvenir tshirts etc that they can wear around while there.


re: getting around
I've arranged for limo to/from the airport. They're staying on-site at Universal. I don't see any need to leave until time to catch the flight back home.

If he is like most 13 year old boys, he could pack for a week in a grocery bag. I would definately carry on the bags. They should be able to get by with one or two wheeled carryons, a samll bag for her and a back pack for him.

I like to use a small backpack for a carryon whether or not I check or carry on the rest. A smallish backpack can hold reading material, a small purse, and anything I think I might want on the flight, plus you have your hands free when you need them. If you get one about the size that students use for books, it should fit under the seat.

The hints here are great. One question, is another man like you in the famiy? You sound so considerate and thorough! Congrats! Happy 4th! :-)

of course, I meant to say,
IS THERE ANOTHER MAN LIKE YOU in the family. LOL Never mind me, I got flustered. LOL :-)

Thanks everybody.

They made it to Orlando and are having a great time at Universal Studios. She said that although she was a bit tired and got little queezy on the plane that so far it has gone pretty well.

Glad to see the trip is going well.

We fly in 8 weeks time - from Scotland. 5 adults and 2 children. The kids loved the experience on the two previous trips - and my father-in-law, who is blind, finds the Tower of Terror and Kraken more scary than the flights!!

We go via Chicago for the first time this year - an 8 hour trip from Glasgow. This is coupled with a 2.5 hour 'internal' trip to MCO.

We hate the long wait and endless baggage reclaim/pick up/put down routine that ensues at MCO. We hope, also, that by going via Chicago, there will be fewer of us 'tourists going through Immigration and that it will maybe 'speed' things up at MCO.

Maybe I'm hoping for too much.

Let's hope your party has a good return trip also.

Brian