Questions about flying on airplanes

[gogo]

Since you're changing not just planes, but airlines, in Phoenix I would stick to carry on bags. Otherwise you'll have to go to the Delta baggage claim, get your bags and re-check them with US Airways. That's a pain and can be very time consuming.

I may be wrong on this, but I don't think that's true. I'm pretty sure I've done trips where I switched airlines, and they transferred my luggage. You can probably call Delta and verify one way or the other.

 

Sarah, here's a map of the Phoenix airport. Delta and US Air are in different terminals, so you'll need to take the airport shuttle bus. It's kind of up to you to make this decision, and you should probably take into account how much time you have between flights, but your first choice is to check a bag, bring the minimum with you as carry-on, and hope that your bags make the connections. I've only had my bags not make it to my destination a few times (and I travel quite a bit), and I'm pretty sure all of those times were when I had insanely tight connections, or my flight was cancelled and I ended up making an unplanned connection.

 

The other option is carrying everything, and not having to worry about losing anything, but then having to schlep it through all the different airports. Again, if your bag is going to be a pain to get on and off something like that shuttle bus, you're probably better to check it.

 

And definitely take advantage of any help that's offered to you, whether it's someone offering to put your bag in the overhead compartment for you, or getting a cart to take you to the next gate. And if the timing is close and you're worried about making the connection, ask someone for help.

[caliber66]

While I have not checked bags and changed airlines mid-trip in the past, I overheard a ticket counter person explaining the process to another passenger on my most recent trip. When you check in, let the ticket counter know:

1. You will be changing airlines
   
2. What airline you will be switching to
   
3. The flight number of the flight(s) on the second airline
   

Airlines & airports deal with this kind of thing all the time, so everything should go smoothly. As long as the information is coded onto the luggage tags they print out at the counter (everything is computerized these days), it shouldn't be any different from changing planes on the same airline.

[jenbobblehead]

everyone PM sarah your telephone numbers in case she gets into a jam.

[gogo]

Yeah, when you check in, they usually ask what is your final destination, and then they'll code the bags appropriately to get them there. Just show them all of your tickets, and they'll be able to do that.

[SarahC]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

 

Is an hour and a half long enough to get from one terminal to the other in Phoenix?

[viatroy]

get a window seat, some dramamine, and a rubber band for your wrist. that's how I roll, I mean fly.

[gogo]

Is an hour and a half long enough to get from one terminal to the other in Phoenix?

Yeah, definitely. It's also plenty of time to allow for the airlines to do the bag switch, if you do decide you want to check a bag.

 

It'll probably only take you 10 minutes or so to get from one terminal to the other, but leave yourself half an hour, just in case. Then with being at the gate 30 minutes before take-off, that gives you an extra half-hour for getting something to eat, going to the bathroom, whatever. Find the gate FIRST, though, just to be safe; don't spend half an hour eating in the first terminal and then head over.

[SarahC]

Ok very cool. Yeah, I ALWAYS find where i am supposed to be first.

[kidsmoke]

Sarah, it must all seem so complicated right now, but you'll see, it's much easier than it sounds. Airports aren't so hard to navigate, and if you'll just mutter to yourself "I'll never see these people again in my life!" it will help with whatever shyness you feel about asking directions or asking any questions you have. If in doubt, ask a counter person or security guy whatever you're unsure about. They see lots of travelers who aren't sure how it all works, so no need to be shy.

 

One thing....I always find, flying into & out of Phoenix, that the air is bumpy....don't be disconcerted by the turbulence, which will mostly be that weird-elevator-sensation. It's just due to the hot air of the Phoenix desert rising up to the cooler air above, and that creates turbulence. The pilots are well used to it and beautifully trained, so if it gets a bit bumpy, just relax and remember it's normal.

 

I hope you have a blast flying. It's an adventure! Trust yourself, don't worry too much, and above all have fun!