For those who are juggling flights. Keep in mind that a minor issue at any airport anywhere in the country can cause a ripple effect everywhere. Picture an airport as a pebble you throw into the water-it can have ripple after ripple all from that one pebble.
I fly in and out of Atlanta and a lot of that is to/from Florida. I can almost promise there are going to be delays coming, going, passing through the airspace/airport.
As far as MCO. Keep in mind that for everyone who is anxious to get in, there are just as many-if not more-wanting to get out.
My suggestions:
Schedule for the earliest flight of the day (again use the ripple effect theory)
Get to the airport EARLY. Get to the airport EARLY.
Do online checkin and print your boarding passes.
Try to avoid having to check luggage. The goal is to minimize the number of lines you need to wait in.
This is NOT the time to be the free wheeling, carry light person. Carry a bag with you that includes at least a change of unmentionables, your travel sized personal care items such as deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste and items listed below.
To everyone: Carry any medications with you. DO NOT put them in checked bags. Common sense to me but yesterday CNN was interviewing someone at one of the airports who was almost hysterical because their chemo meds were in their bags.
I would prepare for any journey to include delays. Buy water after you get through security, bring snacks and other food, bring things to help pass the time. If you have an extension cord, power strip, etc. bring it. The charging stations at the airport will be a zoo.
If you can afford it WAIT. I know that thought is appalling to many of you but bear in mind that air travel won't magically be 100% once flights resume. There have been times when after snow storms it takes airlines a few days to be back to normal. Try to stretch your flying date as far out as possible.
However, if you do arrive at an airport and want to make a few bucks and don't mind waiting, get on the volunteer bump list if they are using one.
The normal rules/passenger rights do not include weather related delays. These will all be considered weather related. So don't get bent out of shape and start spouting off about your "rights". Be kind to all employees.
Contact your airline (the ones that have loyalty clubs) and see if you can purchase a one day club pass.
Download your airlines app, know their website and phone numbers. If your flight is cancelled use these to rebook. If you have more than one adult each of you should simultaneously be on one of these three and whoever gets through first "wins".
Pack your patience. Be prepared for crowds as large as the MK on a summer day. And waits as long as Pandora's.
Great tips! As a frequent business traveler and someone who had to spend the night in Terminal B in the Atlanta airport, due to fairly minor weather in Atlanta, (with TV's blaring the Republican National Convention every few feet all night long -- I would have rather been waterboarded), ATL and other airports north of MCO are going to affect flights SIGNIFICANTLY the next few days. MCO reopening is not going to be a magical solution for many, unfortunately.
To add to Bella above, if you need to check luggage, go ahead and do it but be willing to forego anything in that bag for several days. Mentally tell yourself you just shipped your bag home separate from your flight.
Check your luggage like normal and then go through security. I have found gate agents (past TSA and security checkpoints) have more knowledge about flight operations and flexibility than those at the "ticketing counter" outside security.
Pack a large carry on for anything you really need. Stay as well fed as you can -- buy water and snacks inside security. You never know how delayed you may be on board.
Accept any flight that gets you home (or headed in the right direction) with no regard for your checked bag. When the gate agent asks if you checked a bag, (or notices on their own), tell them yes, but you don't need it and you are happy to pick it up later. You will eventually be reunited.
When I travel on business, I always check a bag. Frequently on the way home, I find once I get to the gate I can often jump on an earlier flight -- usually a flight I previously thought I could not make, but was delayed at the gate. I will always take a "bird in the hand" and get on that plane. You never know if your original flight could be delayed or cancelled. I take the earlier flight and pick up my checked luggage the next day (or whenever). Just go to the baggage office for that airline, located near baggage claim.
Don't let a checked bag keep you from getting on an available flight! Get YOU home first -- the bag will get to you later.
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But dang it, I needed to know!
I'd probably take the hurricane behind door number 2.
And honestly, as long as you have water and a few snacks, and no health issues, you are not going to die. People can live without as much food as they normally eat. Plus, if you have been at Disney for a bit before the storm, your family has probably been eating enough food for hibernation
I know we usually do
Stay away from the windows and glass. If you have power and the wind gets bad, turn on the TV or music to help keep the wind sounds out for any children. Charge up your electronics. Listen to any instructions from the hotel or local authorities. I suspect things will be fine. Hope the rest of your trip improves. Stay safe
