Flying from Charlotte, NC to Washington, DC and first time on airplane. Suggestions and help needed?!?

Question

This will be my first time on an airplane and I'm flying US Airways from Charlotte, NC to Washington,DC (Reagan Airport). I have no idea of what to expect from parking at CLT to finding the Metro in DC. I'm traveling with 2 pieces of luggage (planning on checking one in [however I do that]) and bringing my laptop. I'm buying tickets online this weekend. No advice is too simplistic or minor. Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

When you arrive at CLT, there should be signs there for where to park and how to get from there to where you check in for your flight. Go to the check-in counters for US Airways (most of CLT is US Airways so it should be easy) and they have self check-in kiosks to check in for your flight. (These are computer screens that you can use to check in - they're VERY easy to use, pretty much self-explanatory but someone will be there to help you as well). Tell them you want to check one bag and they will take care of it for you. You will get a ticket/boarding pass with your seat assignment and gate number on it. They will also give you a slip when you check your bag - make sure you hang onto it in the unlikely event your bags get damaged or lost. (I've flown hundreds of times in my life and this has only happened a couple times so it's very rare). Then you go through security to your gate. There will be tons of signs telling you where to go through security. Your gate number will be on your ticket and they can point you in the right direction when you check in as well. They have TV monitors at the airport all over the place as well, with all the departing flights, what their gate number is, and if they're on time or delayed. So go through security - they will ask for your photo ID and boarding pass. Take off your shoes and jacket if you have one and put them through the x-ray machine. Also put your carry-on bag through, and if you have a laptop you will have to take it out of your bag and put it through separately. Also anything metal in your pockets should go through the x-ray machine. It's a HUGE hassle, haha. But the security people will tell you what to do as well if you're unsure. Once you're through security, then there will be signs directing you to your gate. Charlotte is a well-organized airport and easy to figure out compared to most. There will be newsstands to buy a newspaper or magazine and other stuff if you want. Just wait by your assigned gate and they will announce when your flight is boarding - just go up to the gate, hand them your ticket, they will give you back the boarding pass, and continue onto the plane to your assigned seat. (Everyone else will obviously be boarding at the same time so just follow everyone else, haha). They'll make announcements and flight attendants will also be there to tell you what to do.

Once you arrive in Washington, there will be signs directing you to baggage claim. They may tell you which baggage claim "carousel" is yours (that's just what they call the conveyor belts where your bags will come off) or if not then just go to baggage claim and there will be more TV monitors telling you which baggage claim carousel is for your flight. Like, for example if it says carousel number 7, just go to the one marked 7 (they should also have a sign with your flight and maybe other flights) Just wait for your bag to come and you're all set to go. (Make sure you have the right bag, haha... there also could be bags from a couple other flights on the same carousel). To get to the Metro from there: Again, there will be signs pointing you to the Metro but it's just a short walk from baggage claim - go up the escalator and there will be signs telling you where to go. It's very easy. I fly into Reagan Airport all the time (probably 2-3 times a month at least and always take the metro from there). Again, it's VERY convenient. And there will be machines for you to buy your subway ticket. Again, both airports are far easier than most airports so hopefully you'll have an easy flight.

Answer 2

Check in....easy. Go up to the counter of your airline - make sure you have id, and they will handle the rest. A lot of people use the automated check in these days, but get there early and just stand in line for the 'real live person' check in. Allow yourself at least two hours. Oh, and make sure you hang onto the little baggage tag they give you in case they lose your bag, they'll need it in order to track it. And make sure you request a window seat - flying into Reagan gives you a spectacular view of DC.

Check the gate, slip through security and off you go. The US Airways terminal is split into A, B, C, D and E. The letter before your gate number will tell you which section to find your gate.

When flying to Reagan you are not allowed to stand up or otherwise get out of your seat 30 minutes before landing (and the reverse when you're departing from Reagan). This rule is left over from 9/11, just don't let it alarm you, and the flight attendants will notify you once you hit the 30 minute mark.

When you land, follow the signs to baggage claim, grab your bags and then head back upstairs. To get to the metro station (which is the National Airport stop on the blue and yellows lines), you'll go to the level with the check-in counters, walk outside and across the street. You can't miss it, it will be the huge platform above your head, and if you have trouble ask anyone, people are always glad to help.

A ticket will cost you about $1.50, and as someone else suggested have some $1 bills ready, unless you want $10 in quarters as change. I'm attaching a link to a map of the metro so you can see the route you need to take once on it.

http://www.reenhead.com/map/map.gif

Enjoy your trip!!

Answer 3

No problem on find Metro from Reagan Airport. The way to Metro is very well marked. It is a covered walkway from the airport to the metro station (about 1 block). There are also taxicabs right outside the airport doors that will take you directly to a hotel. A taxi is a lot easier to use than going on Metro for the first time - especially with luggage.

I would advise not to arrive before 10 a.m. nor later than 3 p.m. due to rush hour on the Metro. It will be full of commuters at rush hour.

Answer 4

No worries! First of all, the long term parking at Charlotte was rather simple to use. I lived there from '96 - '99 (so if it has changed, I apologize). Just follow the signs to long term parking and remember where you parked (I have seen people get on the wrong shuttle when they arrive back home). There are several lots, and in each lot you will see bus shelters....just to to one and a shuttle will come around in 10 min or less.

They will drop you off near "departures". Simply go in and either go to a kiosk where you can scan a credit card and still check your luggage...or perhaps they may even have a line where a person checks you in still. Here in MSP where I live, it is the former.

At security, they will check your ID and your boarding pass...then you will need to take your laptop out of its case and put in one of those trays to go through the x-ray equipment. Also, you'll have to remove your shoes. Don't forget NOT to pack any liquids in your carry-on. Including toothpaste, shampoo, etc. They now allow 1 oz of each in one small clear ziploc bag (check the TSA website for exact info), but I recommend skipping the hassle and not making yourself a target to begin with.

Then go to your gate and wait for the plane to board.

Once you arrive at Reagan, there are SURE to be signs to the metro. First, follow the signs to the baggage claim. There should be a monitor there somewhere listing your flight and telling you which claim it will come down. Get your bag and follow signs to the metro.

I believe most of the metro stations in DC (now that has been about 13 years for me) have money takes just like a candy machine, so be sure to have dollar bills with you so you don't have to wait to get your ticket for the metro.

Hopefully this all is still accurate. I don't travel for a living, but get in planes for business and pleasure 3-4 x per year.

Answer 5

I hope you enjoy your trip. Information is key to making the experience enjoyable, so asking questions is important. I would purchase your ticket directly off the airline website. Purchasing through expedia or travelocity means that you pay the same fare, a $5.00 service fee, and if you need to make changes in advance, you have to talk to the travel agent company (not the best option) not the airline. Use travelocity for research to select which airline you want, then go directly to the airline.

When you make your reservation, be sure to also make your seat assignment request in advance.

When you get a ticket online, it is an e-ticket. You will receive an itinerary, but your actual ticket is in the airline computer system. Bring a photo id to the counter, and they will pull up your ticket. Bring the itinerary along for reference. I would also reccomend bringing the credit card you use to by the ticket as well in case there was a problem charing the card online.

For your first time, I would check in at the counter in the terminal. They will check your bags and give you your boardin pass. You will take that and your photo id with you through security.

With your laptop, make sure it is easy to take in and out of your carry on bag, because they will ask you to send it through the x-ray machine by itself. I always take an extra pair of clothes in my carry on just in case my checked lugguage is delayed.

I hope someone has parking and metro information for you. Once again, have a good trip.

Answer 6

Arrive one hour before your flight to check any baggage. Then, familiarize yourself with the airport. After you go through security, find your gate number and wait there. Then, just follow the crowd, to the plane and to your seat. Simple, really. Flying is the best way to travel! Have a good flight!

Answer 7

Take chewing gum! For a first time flyer, your going to find ear discomfort due to the high altitude! Chewing gum helps this situation out a little.

Answer 8

YOU'LL DO FINE AND LOVE THE FLIGHT. I ALWAYS DO.

Answer 9

of you see your friend jack at the airport, do not, i reapeat do not, yell HIJACK