I have a confession to make...

krdonaldson · August 2010

I haven't been on a plant since the 3rd grade...

FH and I are trying to book flights and such for a trip from TX to UT. We know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about anything plane related. We have always just taken a few more days to drive to where ever we were going.

I feel a bit odd that I don't have more plane ticket booking knowledge but I figured you all may be able to give me some insight (seings how we'll have to do it again for our honeymoon)

Is $300 a good price per ticket for a trip from TX to UT in December for a non-stop flight on Delta?

Also, any other general plane advice would be appreciated... what to take in a carry on, checking bags, hidden fees that could get us, like I said, we pretty much know nothing of the whole flying experience.

Thank you in advance

tamires90 · August 2010

Most plane tickets are going to be around that price, specially in December because so many people are traveling. On Tuesdays or Wednesdays (I can't remember), Delta has specials on their websites. Check it out before you buy it. The sooner you buy your tickets the better.

NcsuPsych · August 2010

I believe its Tuesdays. Also, check Faretracker.com (or something along those lines).

300 sounds about right though in Decemeber. I was looking at flights to fly to CT for christmas and it was going to cost around 700 total for DH and I to go.

Just keep your eyes open and constantly checking. Booking early is a good key as rates will typically be lower now. Also, luggage is going to cost an arm and a leg to if you can help it, only take carry-on (unless your airlines doesn't charge a lot for checked luggage)

quotequeen · August 2010

Also, any other general plane advice would be appreciated... what to take in a carry on, checking bags, hidden fees that could get us, like I said, we pretty much know nothing of the whole flying experience.

Most airlines have started charging for checked baggage, usually ~$25/bag. Some airlines are also charging for snacks and even non-alcoholic drinks on the plane. TSA regulations make it more difficult to do just carry-on luggage by limiting you to one carry-on and one personal item (small purse/laptop bag/whatever that fits under your seat), and limiting your liquids/gels/aerosols to whatever can fit in a quart sized ziplock bag of 3 oz or less containers.

Also when you are looking at the prices on say, travelocity, make sure you look at the total price, and not the price they show in bold above the total price - the total price will show you the fees and taxes included.

vsgal · August 2010

You will encounter many hidden fees when you buy. They will charge you for taxes, 9-11 fees, state fees, and checked baggage. The checked baggage fee varies on the airline. They charge you for the one-way segment. Spirit airlines also charges you for carry-on luggage. Don't fly with them. If you do a carry-on only, make sure you don't have any liquids over 3 oz. or they will get confiscated. Wear shoes that you can take off easily. They have to go through the x-ray machine.

You should probably spend a day and go to each airlines' main website. Look for the FAQ's. They will be able to answer most of your questions about charges, baggage, what can go into baggage for their specific airline.

Book you ticket in the name that will appear on your driver's license. That is probably your maiden name seeing as you can't change it at the DMV before the wedding. If you book the ticket in any name other than what is on your license, you won't get on the plane. They are sticklers about that.

As far as things to bring, this is my standard fly bag, which I put under the seat in front of me: a couple of peppermints, throat lozenges or gum, an apple(or other fruit to snack on), a book, a puzzle magazine, eye-mask, ipod and earphones, 3 oz spray bottle of rose water, water bottle (empty as I go through security and then I fill it at at water fountain at the gate. If it is full at security, it will be confiscated), extra outfit in case they lose my luggage if I check, 3 extra pairs of panties, phone charger, pencils and expensive jewelry.

I generally don't check bags anymore, on principle. You can each bring a personal item, like a purse or laptop bag, and one other bag. Check the websites for dimensions and weight restrictions. I have a large backpack that I stuff full and the laptop bag that doubles as a carry-all for the listed items above.

Look at the websites FAQ and you will get a lot of information there as well. Have fun!

krdonaldson · August 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_confession?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f18154c5-182d-4024-956f-f8210792ac45Post:5f471bd9-49b2-4de5-9e7f-037714da0add">Re: I have a confession to make...</a>:
[QUOTE]Book you ticket in the name that will appear on your driver's license. That is probably your maiden name seeing as you can't change it at the DMV before the wedding. If you book the ticket in any name other than what is on your license, you won't get on the plane. They are sticklers about that.
Posted by vsgal[/QUOTE]

Sorry if I sound dumb but, I will be booking on behalf of both of us and you're right it will be my maiden name (this isn't a wedding trip just a go visit family trip) so do you book in both names, separately, I really have no idea how this works ???

jmkes · August 2010

Check with your airline to view their specific rules, regulations and fees. Beware of sites like expedia and travelocity because they sometimes do not give refunds if you have to cancel, or if they do let you cancel they charge a huge fee. Book early, fly at off-peak hours (if you're really trying to save $) Do not carry anything that may even remotely be looked at as a potential weapon. I went on a flight and didn't realize there was a metal nail file in my carry on. I got pulled to the side by security and it was really embarassing. I think there is still the rule that you can only carry on liquids in a 2 oz (?) clear plastic bottle and all of those bottles have to fit into one quart size ziploc bag.

Get luggage locks for your bags that you are checking. The airlines do charge fees for checking bags, except for Southwest.

All of those things that the pp listed to bring in your carry on and also a sweater (if you get cold easily). I'd also advise to put any prescription medications in your carry on as well. Definitely pack your own earphones if you are on a long flight and they will be showing movies. The ones they sell on the plane are way over priced and half the time they don't work well.

alecat9 · August 2010

Get luggage locks for your bags that you are checking. The airlines do charge fees for checking bags, except for Southwest.
Posted by jmkes[/QUOTE]
This part I wouldn't do. You can use zip ties to lock your bag. The airline randomly picks bags to search and they will open your bag, even if it means cutting off the lock. If you use a ziptie instead, they will use another ziptie to relock it and you won't be out the price of a lock.

BeeBee22 · August 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_confession?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f18154c5-182d-4024-956f-f8210792ac45Post:f0e1711c-d16c-4218-ba0b-1890a9695670">Re: I have a confession to make...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: I have a confession to make... : Sorry if I sound dumb but, I will be booking on behalf of both of us and you're right it will be my maiden name (this isn't a wedding trip just a go visit family trip) so do you book in both names, separately, I really have no idea how this works ???
Posted by krdonaldson[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Book one ticket in your name and one in his. You can put them on the same credit card.</div><div>
</div><div>Vsgal has<strong> lots</strong> of good advice. </div><div>
</div><div>I recommend checking orbitz.com for fares, at least for reference. Be aware that it's very expensive nowadays to change a ticket, so make sure of your plans before you book. Also, fees on most flights are upwards of $100/ticket, so be sure that is figured into the total before you decide whether you can do that price.</div><div>
</div><div>Re luggage locks for checked luggage: I use them and recommend them, BUT get ones that say they are TSA locks (Transportation Safety Administration). That means that if the TSA people decide to search your bag, they can open it with a special key.</div><div>
</div><div>

</div>

[Deleted User] · August 2010

All of the girls have good advice. Another place I always check for plane tickets is kayak.com. It searches all the airlines websites to show you all of the prices and then you usually book through orbitz.com or expedia.com

tiffersnc · August 2010

In Response to Re: I have a confession to make...:

Get luggage locks for your bags that you are checking. The airlines do charge fees for checking bags, except for Southwest. Posted by jmkes

This part I wouldn't do. Posted by alecat9

Ditto not locking your bags. A lot of airlines will make you unlock them before checking them.

Flying is fun. Don't get too worked up about it. The main things you need to be aware of with Delta (my airline of choice) are:

-Checked bags must weigh under 50lbs and have fees (unless you have the Gold Delta AmEx or higher). First bag costs $23 (if pd online) or $25 (if done at the airport). Second bag is $32 and $35, charged as above.

-You're allowed one carry-on (e.g., small rollerboard bag to duffel bag) and one "personal item" (e.g., laptop bag, computer bag, purse). The larger item goes in the overhead bin, the smaller one under the seat in front of you.

-You MUST carry-on all liquids, and they MUST fit in a quart-sized ziploc bag. (TSA rules) Check here for for those restrictions.

-Delta boards in zones. The further up in the plane you sit, the higher your zone number is. They do first class (Zone 1), Medallion members (Zone 2), and then general boarding (Zones 3 - 6 or so). If you're close to the front of the plane (and hence board towards the end of the boarding process), they may not have room to accommodate your rollerboard/overhead check item. Don't fight with the flight attendants and just let them check your bag for you. It won't cost you anything at that point.

-Delta does NOT charge for sodas, water, coffee or basic snacks on their flights. They DO charge for alcohol and "meals." They only accept credit cards for these purchases.

-Another TSA note: when you go through security, you MUST pull out your Ziploc bag of liquids, laptop, large cameras and place them in a bin to go through the x-ray machine. Also, take off your shoes (so wear slip-ons), belt, heavy jewelry, etc.

... I think that's it. Enjoy it and have fun. Also, keep a watch on www.farecast.com (now bing travel) which will tell you whether to buy your tickets or to wait based on market trends.

Have fun!

ETA: Fixed quote box - can't get it to work right. Lame.

kpwedkk · August 2010

Ditto, don't get luggage locks, it's not worth it, you end up with busted up suitcases, because TSA does random searches to make sure that you don't have their no-no items in your luggage.

For cheap fares, I always look at www.kayak.com, it doesn't have Southwest flights though, you might want to check with them (Southwest.com)

quotequeen · August 2010

-You MUST carry-on all liquids, and they MUST fit in a quart-sized ziploc bag. (TSA rules) Check here for for those restrictions.

What the what? There is no rule that you have to carry-on liquids. You can bring liquids of any size, as long as they are in your checked baggage.

I have a confession to make...

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