First Time FLYING...

[Davis2010]

So we've never flown before. What are some tips and tricks to making this as easy & quick (on our end) as possible?

TA booked our flights with American Airlines.

We are flying out of Jacksonville, FL to Texas to Seattle and returning in the same manner.

[AKStafford]

Be at the airport at least two hours early. Nothing sucks more than rushing to catch your flight.

 

When going through TSA:

• Have your ID & ticket ready and out.
• In your carry on: Liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces, and have to be in a quart zip-top bag. You'll have to pull it out of your carry-on and put it in the bin. Laptops or electric devices larger than a phone come out too. Shoes come off.
• Be kind to the TSA agents. They deal with a lot of crap in the course of a day.

In the boarding area:

• Pay attention to the announcements and board with your group listed on your ticket.

 

You have a long flight. Bring snacks and stuff to keep you busy. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at a water fountain on the other side of security.

Be nice to your flight attendants. 

Your carry on needs to fit in the overhead bin. Don't be that passenger that has a carry on, a duffel bag, a purse, a grocery sack with stuff, a coffee, and a bag from McDonalds. Everyone will be judging you as you take forever to get your stuff stowed and body in the seat. If you have the aisle or middle, you'll have to move back out if the window passenger isn't seated yet.

 

When you land, listen for the announcement of what baggage claim to get your stuff from. Have your stuff gathered up when it comes your turn to get off. If you need more time, get out of the way and let others behind you get off.

[Cruise_More_Often]

At the boarding area, make sure your flight is still leaving from the gate assigned, as sometimes they will change gates.

[Davis2010]

What about DSLR cameras? I don't really want to put that in my luggage.

[mskaufman]

25 minutes ago, Davis2010 said:

What about DSLR cameras? I don't really want to put that in my luggage.

 

I always carry my camera with me.  I don't trust the baggage handlers with my camera.

[Ferry_Watcher]

SeaTac is very busy during the summer.  It your flight home qualifies for the free luggage transfer (Port Valet), take advantage of it.  You will still have to pay whatever airlines baggage fees, but the Port of Seattle will transfer your to-be-checked luggage directly from the port, and you will pick it up when you get off the plane in Jacksonville.  Watch for info early on during your cruise, and don't miss the deadline.  If you sign up for this I believe that you will receive your boarding pass, so you can proceed directly to TSA and your gate on departure day.

 

https://www.portseattle.org/page/port-valet-enjoy-seattle-luggage-free

 

Also, when you arrive at SeaTac after your cruise, check the monitors which will tell you which TSA lines are the shortest.  Be aware that some of the lines are 'Pre-Check' and unless your boarding pass indicates 'Pre-Check' you will have to stand in the general lines.

Do give yourself enough time to get through security.

 

[VermeulT]

Carry anything you value/ breakable (camera, jewelry, computer/tablet...) and any medication you need with you.
It is suggested that you bring any prescription meds in their original bottles.