Flight and Cruise Process

[winddawn]

That sounds like and excellent idea. Thanks so much, we have family that fly all the time, so they should be on the ball with it!

How old are your kids? Southwest's policy:

 

An adult traveling with a child four years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding. However, those Customers holding an "A" boarding pass should still board with the "A" boarding group.

[Almost Packed]

Early Bird check in is the way to go. We used the internet just to check us in on our return flight a couple of weeks ago, and by the time the page loaded etc, we spent $10 on internet fees. It wasn't worth the hassle. Just purchase the EB check in.

 

Just know that it is not a guarantee letter. If you are traveling with small children, you can board with family boarding regardless of your position. Most of the planes will hold 143 passengers or on the newer 800 planes, will hold 175 I believe. That's a lot of empty seats even if you don't get an A.

 

Good luck...oh, and luggage express is great too.

[Ehpride]

In April will be the first time my Family and I will fly to the embarkation port in Tampa aboard the Carnival Legend. We're flying with Southwest airlines. As I'm sure many of you are aware they have no assigned seats, it depends on how early you check in and I would like to sit with my family. We don't have a problem when going to Tampa but coming back we do so...

 

 

-Our flight comes in at 8:45 in the morning, so we should be at the terminal by 9:30. What is the best way to get from TPA to the port? Taxi for sure.

 

-Considering we are going to be at the port a little early what is there to do? Anything? Channelside is right there but I don't think anything would be open yet.

 

-We are most likely going to purchase FTTF can anyone put insight on that program for me? I bought it for my next cruise but haven't used it yet.

 

-Departing from our cruise is there anyway we can check in for our flight before we disembark on the ship? You can pay for internet.

 

-Has anyone ever done Carnival's luggage express is that worth it? Can some provide insight for this also? Never used it.

 

-Our flight doesn't leave till 2:25PM so anyone recommend anything in Tampa to do before leaving? We have had a late flight and went over to Channelside for a nice non airport lunch.

 

- What is the best way to get to TPA from the terminal? Either a taxi or the shuttle service offered at the port. There's a small office at the terminal that will hold luggage for a small fee. They also offer a shuttle service that cost less than a taxi for two people. For three or more, the flat rate taxi fee would be less.

 

If anyone can provide any or all of the information for me that would great thanks for your help!

 

I added answers above. Hope that helps!

[Ehpride]

As far as a good lunch at Channelside, try Precinct Pizza and get the garlic knots.

[carnival03]

As far as a good lunch at Channelside, try Precinct Pizza and get the garlic knots.

 

Thanks!

[luvmysox1]

I have always paid the $10 early check in with SW for the return portion of my trip and have had no problems getting an "A" boarding assignment. This way you don't have to worry about a late boarding and you can print your boarding pass at the kiosk at the airport.

 

Me either. We buy EB and always get A position. I want to sit with my hubby. Last time we didn't buy EB, out Orlando, I almost didn't get a seat. That stressed me out. Vacation should not be stressful.

[carnival03]

Okay I plan on purchasing early bird check in. I also plan on participating in Carnival's Luggage Express. Southwest early bird check in reserves the boarding position 36hrs. prior to the flight and the boarding passes are available to print 24hrs. prior to the flight. Does anyone know how early carnival prepares the documents for you when participating in Luggage Express? Will they know we're apart of early bird check in and know just to print the documents.. I'm confused can anyone help?!?!

[cruisinfanatic]

Okay I plan on purchasing early bird check in. I also plan on participating in Carnival's Luggage Express. Southwest early bird check in reserves the boarding position 36hrs. prior to the flight and the boarding passes are available to print 24hrs. prior to the flight. Does anyone know how early carnival prepares the documents for you when participating in Luggage Express? Will they know we're apart of early bird check in and know just to print the documents.. I'm confused can anyone help?!?!

When Carnival goes to check you in, the EB seat assignment group and number you pd for will not change

[cruisinfanatic]

Early Bird check in is the way to go. We used the internet just to check us in on our return flight a couple of weeks ago, and by the time the page loaded etc, we spent $10 on internet fees. It wasn't worth the hassle. Just purchase the EB check in.

 

Just know that it is not a guarantee letter. If you are traveling with small children, you can board with family boarding regardless of your position. Most of the planes will hold 143 passengers or on the newer 800 planes, will hold 175 I believe. That's a lot of empty seats even if you don't get an A.

 

Good luck...oh, and luggage express is great too.

EB check in for 5 will cost a heck of a lot more than $10

[1forcruisin]

We are flying Southwest as well and having someone at home check us in for the flight home. My question with luggage express is when Carnival goes to print our boarding passes will that mess anything up? Also do both people in the same room have to pay for the program if 1 person can check both bags?

[FlaGrl4Evr]

I fly SW several times per year and always fork-out the now, $12.50 per person for the Early Bird. I'm one that always forgets to do the exactly-to -the minute-24 hr check-in. When we did a family cruise last April, we paid for EB for the 4 of us and thank goodness we did. It was a totally full flight. We were in the last of the A group but were able to find 4 seats together. SW will not let you save seats so buying for one or two in your party may work if the flight is not full, but on a full flight, you will be out of luck. Also, I'm not 100% sure of this, but I do believe that if one on the same resv has EB then the entire party under the same resv must also purchase it.

 

I would say, pay the $62.50 for the five of you and know that you will be able to sit together as a family. Anything else is just a gamble.

 

:)

 

 

.

[bobmal99]

Just to ad a bit more confusion to your decision!!

:o :) :cool: ;)

 

 

Just a suggestion, any way you can fly in a day early.

Than you can relax spend a nice day in Tampa.

 

 

Head to the terminal the next day around 10:30 am,

and be on the ship by noon!! This way you will all

be well rested, and ready to go.

 

 

In April will be the first time my Family and I will fly to the embarkation port in Tampa aboard the Carnival Legend. We're flying with Southwest airlines. As I'm sure many of you are aware they have no assigned seats, it depends on how early you check in and I would like to sit with my family. We don't have a problem when going to Tampa but coming back we do so...

 

 

-Our flight comes in at 8:45 in the morning, so we should be at the terminal by 9:30. What is the best way to get from TPA to the port?

 

-Considering we are going to be at the port a little early what is there to do? Anything?

 

-We are most likely going to purchase FTTF can anyone put insight on that program for me?

 

-Departing from our cruise is there anyway we can check in for our flight before we disembark on the ship?

 

-Has anyone ever done Carnival's luggage express is that worth it? Can some provide insight for this also?

 

-Our flight doesn't leave till 2:25PM so anyone recommend anything in Tampa to do before leaving?

 

- What is the best way to get to TPA from the terminal?

 

If anyone can provide any or all of the information for me that would great thanks for your help!