I just spent the last half hour booking our first flight ever. At ages 31 and 32 respectively, people always balk at the fact that neither my husband nor I has ever been on a plane. “Never?” People repeat it like maybe we just forgot. Nope, never. It’s not that we haven’t been to a lot of places, we just never had to fly, so we’ve always driven.
But the time has come. My best friend, Cindi, has been living in Orlando for many, many years, and she has made countless trips to Pittsburgh to visit me. She has been here for my shower, my wedding, my kid being born, and her husband, Zach, has traveled with her to visit, too. So now that our kiddo is older and loves staying at Grandma’s house, we are ready to take the trip down to the Sunshine State.
Cindi and Zach were married in September and we were all together in New York for the wedding. (Yes, we drove, lol). We were realizing that we didn’t have any future plans to get together after this, and that made us really sad. Cindi and I are two peas, and when you only get to see your best friend every couple of years, it’s depressing. So I knew Justin and I had to plan a trip for this summer. Plus, Justin has never been to Disney World, and I haven’t been there in about 15 years, so we need to go!
This summer, it’s happening. And Justin and I are nothing short of anxious, nervous, excited, pumped, did I mention anxious??
This is where all of you come in. We want your expert advice! Because we are starting with absolutely zero knowledge.
Our flight is very early in the morning on a Saturday. I’m talking before dawn, so how early do we need to get there? What’s the best luggage to bring? Brands? How about for carry-on bags? Any special things we should know before we go through security? Walk us through that process.
We are flying Southwest. Is it worth it to get that early bird check-in? Or just take our chances on when we board? What seat do you think is better? Aisle or window? Can you have your phones on up there? Is this what the elusive airplane mode thing is?? LOL. I know both of our flights say free Wi-Fi.
I’m terrified that my ears are not going to handle the flight well. This is legit my worst fear. I have nightmares of blood running out of my ears or having tunnel hearing for the rest of my life. I have crappy ears. They don’t pop on their own (something about a large ear canal?) and sometimes I get crazy dizzy and off-balance due to these buggers. So my fear of elevating into the abyss is real. Everyone tells me not to worry and the plane is pressurized and all that malarkey, but until I’m up in the air, or down on the ground, and can still hear everything, I’m going to worry. It’s just me. Anyone else have this issue? Ear plugs? Benadryl? What works?
I am also afraid of the claustrophobic factor and I think just the lack of control. Even though I know flying is much safer than driving, you have a false sense of security when driving, because you feel like you are technically in control. It’s a short flight, only about two hours, so I’m hoping we are pretty much there before we even know it. Tips on overcoming this? Music? Movies? What is the best way to relax?
We really welcome any and all tips, suggestions, advice, etc., and we thank you for being a part of this journey with us. I can’t wait to write about the actual trip and give you all the details 🙂
Thank you so much!
Tara Darazio 
Don’t stress! Flying can be exhilarating!
Try to pack as efficiently as possible. I like to pack old bottles of my shower products/make up/etc so that I can just use them up and throw them away. And it leaves room for souvenirs! My luggage is just some DVF suitcases I bought at TJ Maxx some years ago, and I always have a Vera Bradley tote as my carry-on. Speaking of Vera, the hipster purse is PERFECT for Disney. It’s slim, cross body, but big enough for what you need at the park. Mine was put to good use when I went last September.
Security, just remember that anything metal or liquid should be in your checked luggage or needs ditched before you go through. Sometimes you forget about something in your purse or that pesky belt buckle. Wear shoes that you can take on and off easily since you will have to put those and your carry-ons through the x-ray. Keep your boarding pass and ID’s handy.
I love Southwest Airlines, I’ve always had great experiences and great flight attendants. Pay the extra $12 per ticket so that you can board early. With no assigned seating, if you’re caught in group C, you get stuck with the crappy middle seats. I like both aisle and window, but window is my favorite.
Have fun!!!
Thank you, Stacy!!! Awesone advice.
So fun – you guys will have a great time! I love Southwest – they honestly go above and beyond to make flights more fun. I’ve never paid for my seat – but have been sure to check in 24 hours before my flight. The one time I didn’t – I definitely was one of the last to board. The window seat is always my favorite!
We usually try to get to the airport 1 and a half – 2 hours early. Sometimes you zip right through check-in and security, other times lines are crazy long. I’ve had this happen at all times of day/days of the week so I’m not sure that time of flight makes that big of difference. Some people might say that’s too early, but I’d rather be there early then miss my flight. Southwest is one of the few airlines that offers free checked bags – and since I am usually an overpacked, I always check mine. Typically I only carry a larger purse on with me (unless traveling with little ones). I second the Vera Bradley Hipster – I love that bag for traveling!
Ears – chew gum during take off and landing. This usually helps me.
As for luggage – I got my last set on sale at Macy’s for under $200 – love it! I can’t remember the exact name of the brand – TAG… I think?
Hope this helps!
Thank you, Heidi!! We really don’t have any nice luggage, so I def. need to get on that. And thank you for all the other tips 🙂
Yay! We are soo excited for you to come to Orlando! 🙂 Best piece of advice I have is to check all your bags and travel light. It will make security and the flight much more comfortable!
See you soon!
Thanks, Zach!!!! We can’t wait!!!!!!!!
I always get there early so I have time for a mimosa or two lol :-). You will turn into a frequent flyer when you see how quick and easy it is to get to warm weather in three hours. Security is the only annoying part but even so that is getting quicker than it used to be.
Love ya
Michelle
Haha! A mimosa sounds perfect!! Thats what im most excited about…how fast I will be there!!!