Help for a first timer!

Hi! I have never traveled by plane before, and in November I'm on my way
to the UK. I will have 2 connecting flights on my way there, one in
Chicago and one in Brussles. All of the flights are American Airlines. I
know nothing about flying, and I have a lot of questions. I plan on
taking a carryon and one suitcase to be checked. Will I have to get my
checked bag at both of the connections or is it moved for me? I have an
hour and a half at each connection place ( I got the tickets all together)
is that enough time? Any general info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

kat_d wrote:
Hi! I have never traveled by plane before, and in November I'm on my way
to the UK. I will have 2 connecting flights on my way there, one in
Chicago and one in Brussles. All of the flights are American Airlines. I
know nothing about flying, and I have a lot of questions. I plan on
taking a carryon and one suitcase to be checked. Will I have to get my
checked bag at both of the connections or is it moved for me? I have an
hour and a half at each connection place ( I got the tickets all together)
is that enough time? Any general info would be greatly appreciated!

The only situation where 90 minutes might possibly not be enough time is
also the only situation where you'll have to deal with your checked bag
while changing planes: on the return flight. When you fly from Brussels back
to Chicago, you'll have to collect your bag, shepherd it through ispection,
and then give it back to the airline people.

Everywhere else it will be dealt with for you. On the way out you don't have
to deal with your bag until you arrive in the UK.

miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos from 32 countries on 5 continents: http://travel.u.nu

kat_d wrote:
Hi! I have never traveled by plane before, and in November I'm on my way
to the UK. I will have 2 connecting flights on my way there, one in
Chicago and one in Brussles. All of the flights are American Airlines. I
know nothing about flying, and I have a lot of questions. I plan on
taking a carryon and one suitcase to be checked. Will I have to get my
checked bag at both of the connections or is it moved for me? I have an
hour and a half at each connection place ( I got the tickets all together)
is that enough time? Any general info would be greatly appreciated!

The only situation where 90 minutes might possibly not be enough time is
also the only situation where you'll have to deal with your checked bag
while changing planes: on the return flight. When you fly from Brussels back
to Chicago, you'll have to collect your bag, shepherd it through ispection,
and then give it back to the airline people.

Everywhere else it will be dealt with for you. On the way out you don't have
to deal with your bag until you arrive in the UK.

miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos from 32 countries on 5 continents: http://travel.u.nu

"kat_d" wrote in message
lkabouttravelling.com...
Hi! I have never traveled by plane before, and in November I'm on my way
to the UK. I will have 2 connecting flights on my way there, one in
Chicago and one in Brussles. All of the flights are American Airlines.

So your bags should be checked through. You shouldn't have to deal with the
checked bag until you get to the UK. Don't use a baggage lock unless it's
one of those approved lock, or they'll cut it anyway. Just tie the zipper
together with one of those plastic bag tags you get in the grocery store.

Get to the airport 3 hours ahead of flight time. Make sure you have your
passport with you (you'd be surprised how many people put the passport in
the checked luggage) and it's valid for at least 6 months. Carry any
prescription medicine with you, and a change of clothing. You never know
when someone may spill something on you on the flight.



I
know nothing about flying, and I have a lot of questions. I plan on
taking a carryon and one suitcase to be checked. Will I have to get my
checked bag at both of the connections or is it moved for me? I have an
hour and a half at each connection place ( I got the tickets all together)
is that enough time?

Should be. Chicago is a huge airport so you may be in a bit of a hurry,
depending on which terminal you arrive at.

Any general info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

"kat_d" wrote in message
lkabouttravelling.com...
Hi! I have never traveled by plane before, and in November I'm on my way
to the UK. I will have 2 connecting flights on my way there, one in
Chicago and one in Brussles. All of the flights are American Airlines.

So your bags should be checked through. You shouldn't have to deal with the
checked bag until you get to the UK. Don't use a baggage lock unless it's
one of those approved lock, or they'll cut it anyway. Just tie the zipper
together with one of those plastic bag tags you get in the grocery store.

Get to the airport 3 hours ahead of flight time. Make sure you have your
passport with you (you'd be surprised how many people put the passport in
the checked luggage) and it's valid for at least 6 months. Carry any
prescription medicine with you, and a change of clothing. You never know
when someone may spill something on you on the flight.



I
know nothing about flying, and I have a lot of questions. I plan on
taking a carryon and one suitcase to be checked. Will I have to get my
checked bag at both of the connections or is it moved for me? I have an
hour and a half at each connection place ( I got the tickets all together)
is that enough time?

Should be. Chicago is a huge airport so you may be in a bit of a hurry,
depending on which terminal you arrive at.

Any general info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

kat_d wrote:

Hi! I have never traveled by plane before, and in November I'm on my way
to the UK. I will have 2 connecting flights on my way there, one in
Chicago and one in Brussles. All of the flights are American Airlines. I
know nothing about flying, and I have a lot of questions. I plan on
taking a carryon and one suitcase to be checked. Will I have to get my
checked bag at both of the connections or is it moved for me? I have an
hour and a half at each connection place ( I got the tickets all together)
is that enough time? Any general info would be greatly appreciated!

It's most likely that your package will be forwarded by the airline. Make sure
that your carry one is within the dimensions allowed by the airline. It's a
good idea to pack some underwear and toiletries in the carry because you may
want to freshen up, but don't take any sharp objects in it. Make sure to
arrive in time to check in and go through security, usually 1 1/2 to 2 hours
early. Bring something to read. An hour and a half should be enough time to
make your connections.

kat_d wrote:

Hi! I have never traveled by plane before, and in November I'm on my way
to the UK. I will have 2 connecting flights on my way there, one in
Chicago and one in Brussles. All of the flights are American Airlines. I
know nothing about flying, and I have a lot of questions. I plan on
taking a carryon and one suitcase to be checked. Will I have to get my
checked bag at both of the connections or is it moved for me? I have an
hour and a half at each connection place ( I got the tickets all together)
is that enough time? Any general info would be greatly appreciated!

It's most likely that your package will be forwarded by the airline. Make sure
that your carry one is within the dimensions allowed by the airline. It's a
good idea to pack some underwear and toiletries in the carry because you may
want to freshen up, but don't take any sharp objects in it. Make sure to
arrive in time to check in and go through security, usually 1 1/2 to 2 hours
early. Bring something to read. An hour and a half should be enough time to
make your connections.

"Dave Smith" wrote in message
...
kat_d wrote:

Hi! I have never traveled by plane before, and in November I'm on my
way
to the UK. I will have 2 connecting flights on my way there, one in
Chicago and one in Brussles. All of the flights are American Airlines.
I
know nothing about flying, and I have a lot of questions. I plan on
taking a carryon and one suitcase to be checked. Will I have to get my
checked bag at both of the connections or is it moved for me? I have an
hour and a half at each connection place ( I got the tickets all
together)
is that enough time? Any general info would be greatly appreciated!

It's most likely that your package will be forwarded by the airline. Make
sure
that your carry one is within the dimensions allowed by the airline. It's
a
good idea to pack some underwear and toiletries in the carry because you
may
want to freshen up, but don't take any sharp objects in it. Make sure to
arrive in time to check in and go through security, usually 1 1/2 to 2
hours
early. Bring something to read. An hour and a half should be enough time
to
make your connections.


For an international flight, esp. a first timer, arriving 3 hours ahead of
time would be my suggestion.

"Dave Smith" wrote in message
...
kat_d wrote:

Hi! I have never traveled by plane before, and in November I'm on my
way
to the UK. I will have 2 connecting flights on my way there, one in
Chicago and one in Brussles. All of the flights are American Airlines.
I
know nothing about flying, and I have a lot of questions. I plan on
taking a carryon and one suitcase to be checked. Will I have to get my
checked bag at both of the connections or is it moved for me? I have an
hour and a half at each connection place ( I got the tickets all
together)
is that enough time? Any general info would be greatly appreciated!

It's most likely that your package will be forwarded by the airline. Make
sure
that your carry one is within the dimensions allowed by the airline. It's
a
good idea to pack some underwear and toiletries in the carry because you
may
want to freshen up, but don't take any sharp objects in it. Make sure to
arrive in time to check in and go through security, usually 1 1/2 to 2
hours
early. Bring something to read. An hour and a half should be enough time
to
make your connections.


For an international flight, esp. a first timer, arriving 3 hours ahead of
time would be my suggestion.

PeterL wrote:



It's most likely that your package will be forwarded by the airline. Make
sure
that your carry one is within the dimensions allowed by the airline. It's
a
good idea to pack some underwear and toiletries in the carry because you
may
want to freshen up, but don't take any sharp objects in it. Make sure to
arrive in time to check in and go through security, usually 1 1/2 to 2
hours
early. Bring something to read. An hour and a half should be enough time
to
make your connections.


For an international flight, esp. a first timer, arriving 3 hours ahead of
time would be my suggestion.

I think three hours is pushing it. Airports are not that hard to find your way
around in. The airlines usually recommend being there 1 1/2 to 3 hours early.
Showing up an hour earlier than that is just going to be more boring and
frustrating.