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Post by Libby on Oct 27, 2014 23:50:36 GMT
It's official!! I'm going!! Aaaahhhh!!! I'm going to a Hayley concert!!! Concert ticket: booked. Hotel reservation: confirmed. Flight reservations: confirmed But now I have some questions, never having booked flights before. I have my flight reservation itinerary with my confirmation code printed out, but nothing I've received so far says what I have to have when I get to the airport. Is the confirmation of my reservation all I need? Or are they going to mail me plane tickets? Nothing I've received tells me one way or the other. Aren't you supposed to have plane tickets, and if so, why didn't they tell me about when or how I obtain them? Also, I ordered through Alaska Airlines, but my connecting flights on both trips are other airlines (Delta, Minneapolis to Madison, and American Airlines, Madison to Chicago, respectively). I used my confirmation codes for those ones to select my seats (well, not Delta, they didn't let me select one), but I don't know if I need to print out a separate itinerary from their websites or not. I haven't received anything from them in my e-mail, since I didn't actually order through them, so I assume I don't need that. Another question: If I'm using different airlines for my connecting flights, does that mean I need to go through the check points again, or do my initial boarding passes cover both flights? Thanks! I'm excited!! 
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Post by comet on Oct 28, 2014 0:03:41 GMT
I am pleased for you Libby.
May things go smoothly for you.
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Post by grant on Oct 28, 2014 0:31:07 GMT
It's official!! I'm going!! Aaaahhhh!!! I'm going to a Hayley concert!!! Concert ticket: booked. Hotel reservation: confirmed. Flight reservations: confirmed But now I have some questions, never having booked flights before. I have my flight reservation itinerary with my confirmation code printed out, but nothing I've received so far says what I have to have when I get to the airport. Is the confirmation of my reservation all I need? Or are they going to mail me plane tickets? Nothing I've received tells me one way or the other. Aren't you supposed to have plane tickets, and if so, why didn't they tell me about when or how I obtain them? Also, I ordered through Alaska Airlines, but my connecting flights on both trips are other airlines (Delta, Minneapolis to Madison, and American Airlines, Madison to Chicago, respectively). I used my confirmation codes for those ones to select my seats (well, not Delta, they didn't let me select one), but I don't know if I need to print out a separate itinerary from their websites or not. I haven't received anything from them in my e-mail, since I didn't actually order through them, so I assume I don't need that. Another question: If I'm using different airlines for my connecting flights, does that mean I need to go through the check points again, or do my initial boarding passes cover both flights? Thanks! I'm excited!! Libby, I'm thrilled for you! No one here deserves to see Hayley perform live more than you do. So just relax and prepare yourself for a magical experience. Most of all, DO NOT be in awe of Hayley she is a lovely normal girl so be the same with her. I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that you get a big hug from her. As for your flights and stuff, I'm sure other US members here will guide you, but if you already have seats booked, it sounds to me like you're sorted. Is there anything on your paperwork that says you have to obtain a boarding card? There should be some instructions to guide you. I've just booked flights for Cork. My "flight ticket" is a piece of A4 paper with a unique code number on it, although I still have to "check in" for my flight from 30 days before hand. If you still have concerns, don't be afraid to ring the airline and ask their advice - you won't be the first person they've had call them who's taking their first flight. I remember my first concert as though it were yesterday - you WILL have a great time! Best wishes Grant |
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Post by Bamafan on Oct 28, 2014 2:06:16 GMT
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Post by Libby on Oct 28, 2014 2:51:06 GMT
Libby, I'm thrilled for you! No one here deserves to see Hayley perform live more than you do. So just relax and prepare yourself for a magical experience. Most of all, DO NOT be in awe of Hayley she is a lovely normal girl so be the same with her. I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that you get a big hug from her. As for your flights and stuff, I'm sure other US members here will guide you, but if you already have seats booked, it sounds to me like you're sorted. Is there anything on your paperwork that says you have to obtain a boarding card? There should be some instructions to guide you. I've just booked flights for Cork. My "flight ticket" is a piece of A4 paper with a unique code number on it, although I still have to "check in" for my flight from 30 days before hand. If you still have concerns, don't be afraid to ring the airline and ask their advice - you won't be the first person they've had call them who's taking their first flight. I remember my first concert as though it were yesterday - you WILL have a great time! Best wishes Grant Okay, so I have a confirmation code on my paper, and they do have info on when I can check in, that I can even check in on online, but it says 1 to 24 hours before my departure. What do they mean by checking in? If I do it online, does that mean I can go straight to the security checkpoint? Oh, I'm still excited, but still a little scared. This is all so confusing and overwhelming!  |
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Post by Richard on Oct 28, 2014 9:12:29 GMT
Congratulations Libby!  I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time, and I'm looking forward to reading about your experience and seeing some photos.  Happy travels!  Richard  |
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Post by Sing on Oct 28, 2014 10:16:05 GMT
Congratulations Libby! I'm so pleased you are going! I'm sure you will have a wonderful time, aside from seeing Hayley -which is obviously the main thing -you will have a great sense of achievement I expect from travelling on a plane by yourself for the first time, that will be awesome too. |
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Post by kmsmith8 on Oct 28, 2014 13:51:36 GMT
Okay, so I have a confirmation code on my paper, and they do have info on when I can check in, that I can even check in on online, but it says 1 to 24 hours before my departure. What do they mean by checking in? If I do it online, does that mean I can go straight to the security checkpoint? Oh, I'm still excited, but still a little scared. This is all so confusing and overwhelming! Glad you will be there Libby. When you check in online you will be given access to your boarding pass. You will be able to print it out on your computer. If you have your boarding pass printed and you are not checking any luggage, yes you can go straight to the security checkpoint (TSA will need your boarding pass and drivers license.) For your carry on check the size (United has been enforcing this more recently, not sure about Alaska) and make sure you are following the regulations on liquids. I fly often, so if you need any help feel free to PM me (don't want to get too far off topic.) Katie |
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Post by martindn on Oct 28, 2014 19:29:41 GMT
WOW, I'm really glad to hear that you are going to see Hayley live at last Libby. Savour every moment, you first time only comes once. It is something you will always remember. Just relax and enjoy yourself, and have a great time.
Martin D
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Post by Libby on Oct 29, 2014 4:26:26 GMT
Thanks everyone for all your kind comments and wishes. Yes, I'm very excited about finally seeing Hayley! I've always viewed this dream of mine as something almost unattainable and unrealistic, or always something very far into the future. This is because I've always assumed I'd either have to wait for her to come to the West coast, or wait for a location that would suit a potential travel companion. So, right now, despite being excited, just thinking about it gives me a feeling of unreality. The travel adds to that feeling, though right now the whole prospect of travelling is overshadowing the thought of seeing Hayley at the moment. I think once I arrive at my hotel, the hardest parts will be over, and I'll be able to focus more on the whole reason I'm there to begin with!
Now, everytime I think of the travel, I get a pang of nervousness, and it even affected my sleep last night (which caused me to guzzle some water, proof that I do need lots of water. LOL). Partly because there are still things I'm confused about and unsure of. I guess I might have to call the airline(s); the fact that I'm using 3 is what's confusing me the most. I'm still not sure whether I'm supposed to go through security before boarding my connecting flights or not, since they are different airlines.
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Post by grant on Oct 29, 2014 14:37:13 GMT
Now, everytime I think of the travel, I get a pang of nervousness, and it even affected my sleep last night (which caused me to guzzle some water, proof that I do need lots of water. LOL). Partly because there are still things I'm confused about and unsure of. I guess I might have to call the airline(s); the fact that I'm using 3 is what's confusing me the most. I'm still not sure whether I'm supposed to go through security before boarding my connecting flights or not, since they are different airlines. Hi Libby The nerves are a natural reaction to something that is taking you out of your comfort zone. The first time you do something totally new like taking your first flight is bound to be scary. I've flown many times; to America; to Hong Kong, the Middle East. I've even done a round the world trip on my own lasting 4 weeks. Now I'm making a short hour and twenty minute flight to Cork with an airline I'm not familiar with and, like you I'm feeling pangs of nervousness, so you are far from being alone! I think you will feel a lot better if you can arrange to meet up with fellow HWI'ers travelling to the concert. Once you're with people with a common interest, the nerves will be a distant memory. I think it highly unlikely you'll have to go through security more than once. Once you go through security at your departure point, you will stay "airside" i.e. on the departure side of the airport. When you change flights, I would not expect you to back to the public side of the airport but to go through a transfer lounge. There will probably be someone directing passengers who are either arriving at destination or changing flights. You may have to show your boarding card for each portion of your journey in order to get on each aircraft. It may sound complicated but once you've done it once you'll feel like an expert. Just remember the reason why you're putting yourself through this. We're all very happy for you and it WILL be worthwhile! Best wishes Grant |
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Post by martindn on Oct 29, 2014 19:28:18 GMT
That being said, when flying form Sydney to London, via Bankok, I did have to get off the plane, collect my baggage and go landside, then back through security to get back on THE SAME PLANE in the same seat. Just to make it even more fun, it was at about 3am if I remember correctly. I remember thinking how silly that was. Internal flights tend to be a lot more relaxed in most countries though, so I would not expect that for an internal flight.
Martin D
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Post by gillette on Oct 29, 2014 21:38:17 GMT
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Post by Libby on Oct 30, 2014 0:00:44 GMT
Now, everytime I think of the travel, I get a pang of nervousness, and it even affected my sleep last night (which caused me to guzzle some water, proof that I do need lots of water. LOL). Partly because there are still things I'm confused about and unsure of. I guess I might have to call the airline(s); the fact that I'm using 3 is what's confusing me the most. I'm still not sure whether I'm supposed to go through security before boarding my connecting flights or not, since they are different airlines. Hi Libby The nerves are a natural reaction to something that is taking you out of your comfort zone. The first time you do something totally new like taking your first flight is bound to be scary. I've flown many times; to America; to Hong Kong, the Middle East. I've even done a round the world trip on my own lasting 4 weeks. Now I'm making a short hour and twenty minute flight to Cork with an airline I'm not familiar with and, like you I'm feeling pangs of nervousness, so you are far from being alone! I think you will feel a lot better if you can arrange to meet up with fellow HWI'ers travelling to the concert. Once you're with people with a common interest, the nerves will be a distant memory. I think it highly unlikely you'll have to go through security more than once. Once you go through security at your departure point, you will stay "airside" i.e. on the departure side of the airport. When you change flights, I would not expect you to back to the public side of the airport but to go through a transfer lounge. There will probably be someone directing passengers who are either arriving at destination or changing flights. You may have to show your boarding card for each portion of your journey in order to get on each aircraft. It may sound complicated but once you've done it once you'll feel like an expert. Just remember the reason why you're putting yourself through this. We're all very happy for you and it WILL be worthwhile! Best wishes Grant Yes, I know I'll be glad I've done it once I've attended the concert, but I'm still just letting myself focus on the getting there part before I contemplate any exciting, wonderful, happy things. LOL After I get to my hotel and find my room, all I'll have to worry about is finding the dining room, sitting by myself, walking to the venue (not very far away),... LOL So I'll still have stuff to worry about, but I think the "worst" will be over at that point. So, are all departing gates on the same part of the airport? I'm not even sure how airports are set up; imagining all this is a little difficult. Is there only one security check per airport, or is there one for every gate, or what? This is why I'm confused, I think, not being aware of what's going to be where. I'm trying to make myself remember the first time I rode a bus to college, and how strange and scary that was at first, and how easy it was after a while. I'm hoping this will be the same way... though I'm hoping nothing is very hectic and confusing for me. Thanks again, everyone. |
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Post by grant on Oct 30, 2014 0:23:00 GMT
Oh Libby! Don't PLAN on being alone. Over here we arrange to meet up before the concert, eat together, then go wait for Hayley to arrive. I'm sure SOMEONE will able to meet up with you. (Come on you guys over there!) We all need alittle company from time to time.
Airports are divided into two main parts, departures and arrivals. In the larger airports, airlines will have their own departure gates and in some cases specific flights will have their own gate/s BUT if you are flying domestic - i.e. within your own country and have your flight tickets and boarding cards, then I don't think you will need to go to that area and should be able to go straight through security by showing your documents. If you have any doubts, ring your departure airline first. In any event I would strongly advise you to get to the airport early so you have time to find your way around and get help if necessary.
Best wishes
Grant
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