This June we will be flying to Kauai...first time I have been on a plane in six years. I am not afraid of getting on the plane just all the stuff that can happen before then. I need advice from all the savvy flyers out there. What would be your top three tips to avoid airport frustration? FYI- we fly from Tulsa-Dallas-Honolulu-Kauai. We are so excited about this trip that we are almost worthless! Your advice would be much apprecitated! Thanks Okie in Kauai

Tip #1. Relax
Tip #2. Roll with the flow
Tip #3. Remember, what can go wrong..will..

You will be fine, pack sensibly and don't put anything in your purse or carry-on that is a no no.

Thanks for the reassuring words. Just a little nervous about the whole airport thing...we are a little out of the loop. Anyone else?

What exactly about the airport makes you nervous? It's hard to offer advice without knowing what makes you nervous.

I agree with the previous poster, just take it all in stride and don't get worked up about it. Remember you're on vacation, go get a beer at the bar or something.

Its really very easy. If you are worried, get there a little over two hours before departure, check luggage, get through security and then relax at your gate with a coffee and a book.

Do you already have your seat assignments? Some airlines allow you to do so when you buy the tickets. Others require that you wait until 24 hours-90 minutes before departure and you can pick your own seats online. Remember that exit rows offer more room.

Wear comfortable clothes and as little jewelry as possible for your flight. Wear slip on shoes which are easy to remove and put back on at security. If possible go without a belt which you'll have to remove at security. My son argued with me for 15 minutes that his belt buckle wouldn't make the security alarm go off. Wrong. Little pain in the butt! He hasn't made that mistake twice.

I always put my watch in my purse to go through security. Don't argue about removing your shoes at security. I've seen people refuse to remove tennis shoes insisting there is no metal in them only to have to go through the whole search procedure because their shoes tripped the alarm.

The weight limit for baggage is 50 pounds which is tough for me because I have a ridiuclously large suitcase that I often stuff full of things I don't need. Then at baggage check in we are scrambling to shift heavy stuff like hairdryers from my bag to someone else's bag to get my suitcase under 50 pounds. The overweight charge is usually $25 per bag so it is worth making sure you don't go over the limit. Pack and weigh your bags at home for peace of mind.

Thanks! I suppose one of the things I am most uncomfortable about is our luggage. We are flying American from Tulsa to Dallas to Honolulu and then Hawaiian to Lihue. Can we check our bags all the way thru beginning in Tulsa and then (prayerfully) mark that off our list of things to think about?

You will probably have to pick up your luggage in Honolulu and then recheck it with the second airline.

I agree relax, and don't worry, and most of all have a great time.

We just went to Kauai from Houston in October. They checked our bags all the way thru and we went Continental to Hawaiian Air in Lihue. No problems. The Honolulu airport is big and open aired in parts.You will have a lovely time. Relax. Leave your worries at home. They will be there when you get back.

Hi, Okie. When are you going to Kauai? We'll be arriving on June 4th.

We're flying Delta from Atlanta to Honolulu, then Aloha Airlines from Honolulu to Lihue. I am also a little concerned that our bags won't make it to Lihue when we do, so here's what we're going to do: We'll pack our bathing suits, underwear and a t-shirt in our carry-ons, so even if our checked bags don't make it immediately, the next day we'll be able to go out to the pool, which is our plan anyway for the first day. Maybe if you do that it will help with some of the anxiety about your bags.

When you check your bags in Tulsa, make sure they're tagged "Lihue" as your final destination.

Don't pack too much stuff. And have one suitcase only per person (plus a carry-on). My suitcase for Hawaii/Oahu last month weighed 24 lbs. (I checked using my bathroom scale).

Then ask if the luggage can be checked all the way thru top Kauai (you can possibly do this by telephone before you go to the airport). They will tell you yes or no. At the airport watch them tag the bags and see which airport is on the tag.

Actually, that's my best tip, when you aren't sure about something at the airport *ASK*, and have them explain it. When they wave you off to "concourse D gate 14" downstairs down the hall" if you don't understand, ask how exactly do you get there. Stay calm, read the signs.

Don't get intimidated about the various security checks. Keep your ID and ticket or boarding pass at hand to show, you will most likely be asked a number of times.

Lastly, pack in your carry-on bag a few things just in case your suitcase is unfortunately delayed. For Hawaii, I roll up a bathing suit and flip flops and a t-shirt in the bottom of my tote (just in case).

All great advice...thanks. Samsaf..we we will be in Kauai in 66 days, or for those not involved in our countdown-June 11-19. Are you an Okie too?
Okie in Kauai

Okie, we will be leaving the day you're arriving! So it's 59 days for us.

No, I'm not an Okie. I'm a "Georgia Peach" transplanted from Tennessee.

Good Old Rocky Top, samsaf!!

Hey, iceeu2, in the other thread I was wondering if you're from Chattanooga? That's where I'm from (a little north of there -- graduated from Hixson HS).

hi samsaf...and I won't hijack okie's thread, but to say...I lived in Chattanooga from 1979-1987. Now I live in Dalton area (Chatsworth actually)...that's why we fly out of Chattanooga when we use FF miles. Actually, I am a Tennessean..grew up in West Tennessee...little town near Dyersburg..

Ok, now okieinkauai...long long time ago, I had a wonderful time in Jay, Oklahoma and Stillwater, Oklahoma. Had a love interest during the college days who went to OSU...

Okie, don't worry about the flying..once you get to Kauai, it's a rule you have to put all of the worrying to rest anyway! Fun is in your future...

Everyone gets hyped up at the airport with all the planning and excitement about the trip. Since you haven't flown since before 9/11, you will have to wait on line and go through security. It really isn't a big deal at all. I would arrive early. Take a favorite snack for the plane in case there isn't a lot of time to eat in between. I am not sure... but are they still serving food on flights to Hawaii? I would check before. Definitely pack a few things on a carry on..swimsuit with coverup..a nice shorts outfit.. and some flip flops..just in case the luggage is delayed. Like the above posters said, this way you will at least be able to enjoy the beginning of your trip! And don't worry. It really is easy..bring a good book it will be a long day.

good point girl on the go! I'm not sure anyone mentioned food yet... bring a sandwich and/or some snacks in that carry-on bag, or allow time to buy some food at the airport. Many flights aren't serving food any more (you can call your airlines to check this).

My other contribution is about the security checkpoints, just assume you will take off your shoes, belt, etc. and put them in the plastic tub, that then gets slid thru the x-ray. Don't freak out if you happen to get picked for a special checking over. This is all routine and part of the new security measures in place.

My number one tip for reducing airport stress is ARRIVE EARLY. If you give yourself plenty of time any unexpected snafus can be taken in stride.

Aloha Okie,
I understand your concerns. Everyone has given great advice and I'll echo theirs....arrive early at the airport, smile, wear comfortable clothes, smile, bring some food.
Any time we have gone to Kauai or the Big Island via Honolulu our luggage has been checked through to our final destination island. Only once did one of our suitcases fail to arrive when we did. We're from the East coast and we're usually quite tired when we arrive, so dealing with a missing piece of luggage seemed like quite an ordeal at the time. This was on Aloha Airlines. They assured us that they would deliver the suitcase to our hotel and that's exactly what they did.
We always put a change of clothes in our carry on luggage along with prescription medication. If a suitcase should be delayed en route you can get a few things to tide you over in the sundries shops at the hotels or stop at a Whaler's or ABC store to pick up what you need until your bag arrives.
Relax, Kauai is gorgeous, you'll have a wonderful time.
CT Lady

Many have already stated it but IMHO getting to the airport early is the best way to reduce or avoid stress.
Once at or near the gate there will be a cafe etc. where you can relax because your baggage has been checked in, you have your seat assignment and you have gone through security. So you can relax, while keeping an eye on the board to make sure that the gate for your flight has not changed, or the departure time has not changed.

Have a beautiful trip!