Flying first time:questions

[mmasc]

I'm coming to the experts, Hive. :) My mom is flying for the first time in her life next week. She will be flying alone to see me and my family and I'm trying to make this as easy as possible on her. She's 65 with a bum knee, no smart phone, email, etc. I booked her flight online with American Airlines. In the past, I'd get an email with an e-ticket. I didn't this time, so I called to see if she needed one. They assured me that all she needs is the 'record locator' and her picture ID. That's all, they said.

I guess I just need verification from you all that YES, if I send my mom with her ID and this 6-letter record locator to the AA desk that she will be allowed to fly with no problems.

 

Can anyone verify this is true? Thank you!

[fraidycat]

Yes, she should be fine with the 6 letter reservation number and ID.

[justasque]

I always print out a copy of my itinerary - flight numbers, departure and arrival times, etc. - in case I want to refer to it during my travel.  It's useful for connecting fights, and if there are any changes or delays I have all my info at my fingertips if needed.  That might help to reassure your mom that if she has a problem, she has all the info she needs to handle it easily.

Make sure her luggage is under the weight limit and fits the size rules, so she doesn't run into any trouble with that.  And make sure she understands the 3-1-1 liquids rules and how the screening process works (taking off shoes, etc.).  

Ask her to text you when she's about to board, so you know where she is in the process.

Encourage her to pack a snack - granola bar, fruit - in case of delay.

And if she is unsure about anything, she can always ask the person at the boarding desk.

I'm sure she'll do fine!

Good luck!!!

[TechWife]

Yes. Tell her to go to ticketing. They will print a boarding pass for her at that desk.

[matrips]

You may want to ask them to provide her with a wheelchair or a ride. It'll help her bum knee and also it'll help make sure she gets to the right place.

[mmasc]

Ok, you guys are making me feel so much better! :) Thank you for the great tips, and for the reassurance and encouragement. Great advice here!

[regentrude]

Yes. She just needs to show up and show ID, and they can look up everything for her.

If she has limited mobility (knee), I strongly recommend that she request a wheelchair. They will transport her through the airport and to the gate, and take her on the plane first to seat her before the other passengers board. They will also help her through security .

Edited January 8, 2017 by regentrude

[TechWife]

If the wheelchair would be helpful, request it for her in advance. I think 48 hours should be enough time, but check with the airline.

[Daria]

If she has someone taking her to the airport, she can ask that the person be given a gate pass to walk her to the gate.

[mmasc]

If she has someone taking her to the airport, she can ask that the person be given a gate pass to walk her to the gate.

I didn't know about the gate pass! It would be really helpful for her because she has a good friend taking her to the airport.

I love the wheelchair idea, and it would definitely help her, but I doubt she'd agree. :/

[Daria]

Two things to warn her about:

 

1) They will ask her to take off her shoes at security.  I know that when my knee is bothering me, bending over to tie shoes while standing is hard.  So, she might want to think about that while choosing what shoes to wear.

 

2) She should not bring any liquids in her carry on, unless they are in those little travel bottles.  If she bring travel bottles she should put them in a big ziploc bag, and plan to hand it to the TSA agent.

[TechWife]

Two things to warn her about:

 

1) They will ask her to take off her shoes at security. I know that when my knee is bothering me, bending over to tie shoes while standing is hard. So, she might want to think about that while choosing what shoes to wear.

 

2) She should not bring any liquids in her carry on, unless they are in those little travel bottles. If she bring travel bottles she should put them in a big ziploc bag, and plan to hand it to the TSA agent.

The ziplock bag must be one quart, no larger. All liquids and gels must be 3 oz or smaller and must fit in that one bag. She will put it into a bin to go through the X-ray machine. The only thing she hands to TSA is her photo is and her boarding pass. This will be at the start of the security screening area. She will need to remove her shoes, belt and any outerwear (coat, jacket, blazer, sweatshirt). The zip lock bag goes into the bin with her shoes and other belongings. If she is bringing a laptop, it comes out of its bag and goes into a bin by itself. Phones and small tablets can generally stay in her purse or other bag. Some airports are pickier than others but as long as she follows directions she will be fine.

 

I hope she enjoys her flight - I flew yesterday and was reminded of how much I like that "almost weightless" feeling!

[Guest]

And if she has trouble getting through the airport, you can call the airlines and ask for a wheelchair delivery.  Tip about $10.  

 

 

[Spryte]

Ask for the chair or an escort. My mom flies to see us - veteran flyer - and the walk through the airport is much longer than you'd expect. Of course it depends on the airport, but it can be long. The wheelchair helps get her to the right place, and helps get her there on time and not out of breath.

 

Remind her that she can't take a water bottle through security, my mom always forgets. :)

[Alessandra]

I didn't know about the gate pass! It would be really helpful for her because she has a good friend taking her to the airport.

I love the wheelchair idea, and it would definitely help her, but I doubt she'd agree. :/

I see other posters have said this, but emphasize to your mother that the distances in airports can be long, that it's easy to get lost, that gate assignments change, that boarding can be a contact sport, that there may not be enough seating in the waiting area and so on. You don't need to be officially disabled to request help.

 

I persuaded by rather active mother that help was appropriate. She was doubtful at first, then loved being driven through the airport on a speedy little vehicle, lol.

[diplomum]

To respond to an answer above, she does not need to go to ticketing. She can go straight to the regular check-in desk(s) and her code and government id will be all she needs to check in and get her boarding pass(es). She might encounter check in machines, as more and more airlines attempt to automate more of the process. In this case there is usually personnel available to help with the process, so tell her not to be afraid to wave someone over and ask for assistance.

[Ottakee]

My hint is to make sure to use the restroom just before boarding time. That way you are comfortable if you can't get up right away during the flight to use it on the plane.

[J-rap]

I wanted to suggest that you go to the AA website and plug in her booking number and last name and get an actual print-out of some sort with her booking details.  I think it's good to have something in hand, both so she can actually have something to show people at the airport if she runs into problems, and also to make sure everything is confirmed and correct ahead of time.  I'd be nervous about not having anything at all.  (Now, I'm sure it's all okay and it really is alright to not have anything in hand, but in order to be super proactive, I'd rather have something.)

 

Also, I believe she can request one of those airport electric carts (with a driver) to get her to her gate more easily.  I'm not sure exactly how that works, but she could ask at check-in.

 

My parents are 89 and still travel and refuse any help.  I know it would be sooo much easier for them if they would just take advantage of services for the elderly. (I think they still don't really see themselves as elderly!   :))

 

Edited January 8, 2017 by J-rap

[Lanny]

This should apply to travel on any airline:   We always print out two (2) copies of each "Boarding Pass".  One I assume we will give to the Gate Agent, before boarding (they don't always take that) and one to have in the cabin, in case there is someone else who claims to have been assigned the same seat (as happened to my wife on one of our flights during 2016, the other passenger was in the wrong row).  We print those out at home, before going to the airport, or, if we are returning, we go somewhere where we can get onto the Internet and print them from the airline web site.  Or, we print them immediately after arrival in the airport.

 

Does your mother have a Seat assignment for her first flight? Depending upon the fare basis, the airline may permit that when making the reservations, or, they may permit it 24 or 48 hours before departure.

 

The Record Locator Number you have is the "PNR" number or Passenger Name Record.  

 

IF your mother is not going to check any luggage, then if she can get her Boarding Pass from one of the little "Kiosk" machines, that will save her time and she will not need to  stand in line, so the AA Ticket Counter Agent can print out her boarding pass for her.

 

She needs to have ID thati s acceptable to AA and to TSA.

 

Your mother should tell the AA personnel who help her "this is my first flight".  

 

Your mother will be fine! 

[displace]

I'd verbally walk her through the whole process. There's short and long term parking, you go to a counter for your airline (where you check in luggage), you follow signs to security, now carrying everything with you, you then find a gate, marked by signs and as instructed on the ticket, wait at the gait until boarding, boarding is X procedure but usually disabled and extra pay first, then by rows or sections, etc. When disembarking it takes a while, follow signs to luggage.

 

It's easy enough, but the first time going through may be confusing. If she really has a bad knee, standing and walking may be very difficult. If she has connections, walking through a second airport may be impossible if the time is short. If it's direct flight and she insists on no help, warn her that security lines are X time of standing (depends highly on your airport), so she has that info.

Edited January 8, 2017 by displace

[Lanny]

Follow on after reading most of the other replies.  I also like the idea of requesting a Wheelchair for her. There is usually a lot of walking inside airports. 

 

I would be nervous/apprehensive/concerned/worried,  whatever the correct word might be, about arriving in an airport without any papers having information about my flights. Depending upon the security situation, I think someone in that position might be denied entry into the airport.

 

I would suggest that you print out whatever documentation you have (Electronic Ticket, etc.) and send that to your mother, so she has some documentation with her, from the airline.

 

My first reply assumed this was a "direct" (hopefully a Nonstop) flight, from her airport of origin to her destination airport. If there is a connection involved, then she should ask for help, in the connecting airport ,to get to her next flight.

 

She (AND EVERYONE WHO FLIES) should pay absolute attention to the Safety announcements and to the Video they play, before the aircraft "Push Back" from the Gate, or just after the "Push Back" as they taxi out to the runway.  

 

I second the idea of suggesting to her that she use the Restroom, before going to the Boarding Gate. She might be confused, going into a restroom on a civil turbojet aircraft the first time.

 

I would try to get an Aisle seat for her if possible. If she should need to get up and use the restroom, it will be easier for her to get up out of her seat. However, the   people in the Window and Middle seats will be needing to get past her, if they need to use the restroom... 

[mmasc]

Great tips! I think I will print out (and mail) her booking information just for her to have in-hand, as many of you have suggested. And yes, it's a direct flight definitely!

I'll talk to her about the wheelchair, but I don't think she will agree. She would probably use one of those little airport taxis though! Do I call ahead of time to request one of those? Or does she ask when she checks luggage/gets boarding pass?

I had forgotten about the shoes, too, so I'll give her a heads-up about that. She has already said she's not bringing shampoo, etc and will buy it here. I think the stories she has heard about that have made her nervous. That reminds me though to tell her to remove her 'normal' stuff from her purse, like hand lotion, hand sanitizer, water bottle, etc.

Thanks everyone!

[Laura Corin]

Great tips! I think I will print out (and mail) her booking information just for her to have in-hand, as many of you have suggested. And yes, it's a direct flight definitely!

I'll talk to her about the wheelchair, but I don't think she will agree. She would probably use one of those little airport taxis though! Do I call ahead of time to request one of those? Or does she ask when she checks luggage/gets boarding pass?

I had forgotten about the shoes, too, so I'll give her a heads-up about that. She has already said she's not bringing shampoo, etc and will buy it here. I think the stories she has heard about that have made her nervous. That reminds me though to tell her to remove her 'normal' stuff from her purse, like hand lotion, hand sanitizer, water bottle, etc.

Thanks everyone!

Book the airport taxi in advance. She also needs to see if she has scissors, a pointed nail file etc in her normal handbag.

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

Veteran traveler here.  :-)  

 

She'll be fine.  

 

I agree with all the other suggestions.  If her friend wants to accompany her to the gate, the friend will also need her official ID with her.  

 

We also print out a copy of the reservation just in case there is a snag at the airport.  

 

Many airports are switching to computer terminals for printing out boarding passes and such.  There is always an attendant there monitoring groups of 3-4 machines and he/she will help your mom.  

 

As stated by a previous poster, tell her to dump out her purse and go through it at home, as it's easy to forget about a pocket knife, nail file, etc, and digging around for it when it's caught at security can cause the line to back up and it's stressful.  

 

Ideally, bring a compact change of clothes in the carry-on.  You never know when the flight attendant is going to spill orange juice all over you.  Not that I have experience with this or anything...  Of course, a nice 2-3 hour domestic flight drenched in orange juice isn't as terrible as a 12 hour flight drenched in orange juice...  :-)  

 

 

 

 

[mmasc]

Veteran traveler here. :-)

 

She'll be fine.

 

I agree with all the other suggestions. If her friend wants to accompany her to the gate, the friend will also need her official ID with her.

 

We also print out a copy of the reservation just in case there is a snag at the airport.

 

Many airports are switching to computer terminals for printing out boarding passes and such. There is always an attendant there monitoring groups of 3-4 machines and he/she will help your mom.

 

As stated by a previous poster, tell her to dump out her purse and go through it at home, as it's easy to forget about a pocket knife, nail file, etc, and digging around for it when it's caught at security can cause the line to back up and it's stressful.

 

Ideally, bring a compact change of clothes in the carry-on. You never know when the flight attendant is going to spill orange juice all over you. Not that I have experience with this or anything... Of course, a nice 2-3 hour domestic flight drenched in orange juice isn't as terrible as a 12 hour flight drenched in orange juice... :-)

I'd think either of those flights would be miserable drenched in OJ!

 

I'll definitely tell her to dump her purse at home. That's a really good idea because her purse is full, all the time.

[mmasc]

Book the airport taxi in advance. She also needs to see if she has scissors, a pointed nail file etc in her normal handbag.

Do I call the airport or the airline to book a taxi?

Thanks!

[Laura Corin]

Do I call the airport or the airline to book a taxi?

Thanks!

 

Have a look on their websites - there is sure to be information for people with extra needs.

[Lanny]

Ideally, bring a compact change of clothes in the carry-on.  You never know when the flight attendant is going to spill orange juice all over you.  Not that I have experience with this or anything...  Of course, a nice 2-3 hour domestic flight drenched in orange juice isn't as terrible as a 12 hour flight drenched in orange juice...  :-)  

 

LOL.   Years ago, I had a girlfriend who was an airline flight attendant.  There are probably (incredibly rare) instances when a flight attendant had an (intentional) accident and dumps something on a passenger who is incredibly obnoxious.

 

HOWEVER, this brings up something that I do not believe was previously mentioned in this thread. If your mother has luggage that she is going to check (it will be in the belly of the aircraft) SHE MUST NOT put anything important into the bag that will be checked.  That means no medicines, no eyeglasses, nothing critical to her, if her checked bag should go astray. Anything important to your mother (eyeglasses, medicines, etc.) must be in her Purse or her Carry On bag.

[gardenmom5]

how bad is her  knee?  does she walk ok?

 

my mother had a bad knee and got help through the airport.  all you have to do is ask.  no additional fee.  I used it when I was recovering from a kidney infection, and walking was utterly exhausting.  the other really nice perk is preboarding.

[PeterPan]

My dh just flew AA, and I can tell you that you won't get the opportunity to print a boarding pass or receiving your mobile boarding pass until you do online check-in, 24 hours before. So that's why you can't find it to print. 

 

You can find the information for the airport's disability services on their website. I was looking into it for my father. As the others said, it's a free, provided service. Airports are generally large, so I would err toward more help, not less, especially if she'll be flying alone. 

[justasque]

...

Ideally, bring a compact change of clothes in the carry-on.  You never know when the flight attendant is going to spill orange juice all over you.  Not that I have experience with this or anything...  Of course, a nice 2-3 hour domestic flight drenched in orange juice isn't as terrible as a 12 hour flight drenched in orange juice...  :-)  

 

It was the lady next to me, and it was lemonaid.  Sticky, sweet lemonaid.  On a 9-hour international flight.  

I was travelling with two small children, who I had limited to having only water in case of spills, as is our usual routine while travelling.

[RioSamba]

If there is anyone who can show her YouTube videos, that might be helpful. We travel frequently and I see people that are clearly infrequent or first time travelers absolutely stunned by the cattle yard atmosphere that prevails in some airports, with rude TSA agents barking at passengers.

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

It was the lady next to me, and it was lemonaid.  Sticky, sweet lemonaid.  On a 9-hour international flight.  

I was travelling with two small children, who I had limited to having only water in case of spills, as is our usual routine while travelling.

 

 

LOL.  Yep.  You think you've checked off all the boxes to be spill-free...  I also only let my kids have water just because of the spill factor.  Planes are so dry that water dries out pretty quickly.  But juice.  THE HORROR!  In my incident the poor woman was carrying a small tray filled with orange juices and waters about mid-way through the flight.  We hit a little bump and I caught the orange juice.  haha.