Flight Questions

We're flying down to Phoenix tomorrow and just had a few questions for those of you who have a lot of experience flying:

We are flying American Airlines with Economy/Coach Class tickets that we got a package deal through Expedia. Will there be baggage charges? Trying to decide if we should try to pack everything in 1 big suitcase or 2 smaller suitcases (1 per person)?

Also we are flying into Dallas first and then Dallas to Phoenix departing at 9:45 pm from dallas. I saw the weather in dallas is forecasted to be cold and rainy all afternoon with temps dropping to 32 at 9 pm. Should we expect to get delayed or can they keep everything de-iced at around freezing???

Expect deicing for an extra 20 minutes. Cold weather in texas this week.

Yeah, you'll get charged for baggage with AA. If you do decide to combine, make sure its under the weight limit, otherwise they'll just tag it with an overweight bag fee. Depending on how small the suitcases are,you could try carrying them on and putting them in the overhead rack.

I know less about airport operations and deicing, but id guess there probably wont be that much icing problems with it just barely hitting freezing

I'm pretty sure American is $20 for the first bag, $30 for the second. Yep, just confirmed:

Baggage fees for major airlines

As alarson said, one bag is great as long as it's under the weight limit. It's probably cheaper to have two under-limit bags than one over-limit (depending on how overweight it is).

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Originally Posted by Angie

I'm pretty sure American is $20 for the first bag, $30 for the second. Yep, just confirmed:

Baggage fees for major airlines

As alarson said, one bag is great as long as it's under the weight limit. It's probably cheaper to have two under-limit bags than one over-limit (depending on how overweight it is).

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And the weight limit for most airlines is 50 lbs per bag. Remember to leave a little space and weight out of the bag if you plan to bring home souvenirs!

I'll just carry-on a small bag and then wear all of my clothes in layers on to the plane. Anything to save a buck.

I have flown through Dallas many times, and I can't remember a time when I haven't been delayed. As far as airports go, however, it's not a bad place to be delayed, if there is such a thing, plenty of stuff there to occupy yourself. If you've got an hour-15 plus between flights, you should be OK.

Taking an MD-80 to DFW and an ERJ to PHX, I'd guess? If so, be prepared to have your carry-on stowed on the way to Phoenix, those regional jets are tight for space.

FYI - My aunt was flying in from Phoenix for Christmas and since she was not through security 2 hours before hand they ripped up her ticket and told her she had to purchase another one if she wanted to fly. She was even there on time, but security took a little longer than expected. I am not saying this is going to happen, but just wanted to forewarn you.

As far as Dallas goes, you can expect to be delayed regardless of the weather.

I always carry on since it's more convenient, but you can carry on a smallish suitcase/garment bag, plus one personal item (think laptop bag or backpack). Some people take that to an extreme, and make their personal item almost as big as their suitcase.

And if I had to guess, I'd guess an ERJ to DFW, and then an MD-80 to PHX. So no matter what you pack, you're going to have to gate check it when you get on the ERJ.

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Originally Posted by yler4cy

FYI - My aunt was flying in from Phoenix for Christmas and since she was not through security 2 hours before hand they ripped up her ticket and told her she had to purchase another one if she wanted to fly. She was even there on time, but security took a little longer than expected. I am not saying this is going to happen, but just wanted to forewarn you.

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I have NEVER heard of anything remotely close to this happening.

My guess is there is more to this story than your aunt is telling you.

If you're late/miss a flight, in my experience they will generally do their best to accommodate you on a later flight or on a different airline, though there might be a smallish fee involved depending on the fare difference.

For domestic flights, you are supposed to be in the gate area 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure, though as long as you're checked in before then, and in the gate area 10-15 minutes before departure you're generally fine.

For international ones I think it's checked in 60 minutes prior and in the gate area 30 minutes prior.

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Originally Posted by yler4cy

FYI - My aunt was flying in from Phoenix for Christmas and since she was not through security 2 hours before hand they ripped up her ticket and told her she had to purchase another one if she wanted to fly. She was even there on time, but security took a little longer than expected. I am not saying this is going to happen, but just wanted to forewarn you.

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Not calling you out, but there is more to the story than that. I have never ever been through security more than 2 hrs early, heck in DSM, I usually try and get through 30 min early. Never an issue.

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Originally Posted by yler4cy

FYI - My aunt was flying in from Phoenix for Christmas and since she was not through security 2 hours before hand they ripped up her ticket and told her she had to purchase another one if she wanted to fly. She was even there on time, but security took a little longer than expected. I am not saying this is going to happen, but just wanted to forewarn you.

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Doesn't sound right..or believable.

Yeah, I've checked in 25 minutes before a flight once and made the flight. They were closing the doors as I got the gate, but I made it on. There is more going on.

My mom flew in to DSM from Dallas Thursday. She was at the ticket counter about an hour before her flight and they said she was too late and would have to get on stand-by.

I know that's usually not an issue in Iowa but with all the new regulations coming out this week how early should I be at the airport in Cedar Rapids?

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Originally Posted by jumbopackage

I have NEVER heard of anything remotely close to this happening.

My guess is there is more to this story than your aunt is telling you.

If you're late/miss a flight, in my experience they will generally do their best to accommodate you on a later flight or on a different airline, though there might be a smallish fee involved depending on the fare difference.

For domestic flights, you are supposed to be in the gate area 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure, though as long as you're checked in before then, and in the gate area 10-15 minutes before departure you're generally fine.

For international ones I think it's checked in 60 minutes prior and in the gate area 30 minutes prior.

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Originally Posted by brianhos

Not calling you out, but there is more to the story than that. I have never ever been through security more than 2 hrs early, heck in DSM, I usually try and get through 30 min early. Never an issue.

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Originally Posted by 4429 mcc

Doesn't sound right..or believable.

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Gotta agree with these guys. I've shown up 20 minutes before boarding time in Cedar Rapids and been fine. They can't tear up your ticket for not being there 2 hours early. As long as you are there before the doors close on the plane, which is about 10 minutes before departure, then you are fine.