Checked Bag Questions - Ohare

[marathon55]

We are planning a short notice Disney get-away to Disney in a a little over a week (leaving on Friday, 14th).  Our flight leaves at two and we are checking three bags and taking Frontier Airlines.  

We are going to be cutting this close as DH is still planning on going into work for a few hours.  

Question:  How late can you still check bags?  Can someone else check another person's bags?  If DH is going to go park the car, can I check his bag and take the kids with me..then he will catch up to us in the terminal?  

Another question:  Anyone use offsite parking at O'Hare?  Flight departure time is 2:10 and DH is planning on leaving about 11:00 from work (but I could see him running 10-15 mins late) and it will take us about 15-20 minutes to get to OhAre.  Just wondering what our best option is.  We are thinking of taking a cab, but we have a 21 month old and I think they would need a car seat and we don't want to haul one around on vacation.  

thanks in advance.  

[y4m]

You cannot check bags in anyone's name who isn't present. You could check multiple bags under your name but there will presumably be a fee for that.

I believe you can check bags until 45 minutes before a domestic flight.

[y4m]

Does Chicago have Uber with car seats? Many cities do... that might be a way to get to the airport with a carseat but not have to lug it. I believe in many states there is an exemption for kids being legally required to use carseats in cabs if that's something you're comfortable with otherwise.

[marathon55]

Yeah..I'll check the car seat laws. We are rogue parents so no carseat for the 15 min ride is a risk we'll take..

[gt7301b]

Last time I flew Frontier it took them forever to check my bag, they actually had to pull my flight out of the check-in line to get us through in time.

It looks like it is only $5 more for the 2nd checked bag, so you could just check two bags under your name or just share a larger bag (that is under the oversize requirement).  Honestly, if he drops you off I imagine you'll still be in line by the time he parks the car and makes it back to the airport.

content.flyfrontier.com/travel-information/baggage#Checked Bagged

[steph96]

Just be sure to split everyone's belonging between the suitcases. That way if one bag doesn't make it, everyone will still have clothes.

[just]

Unless I have my math wrong, I don't think you'll be cutting it all that close. If he leaves work at 11:15 and it takes you 30 minutes to get to O'Hare you'll get there at 11:45. I think that's a reasonable (for me early!) time to get to the airport, even O'Hare.

The off-site parking have different options based on how far away they are. I think if money isn't a huge deal I'd pick one of the mid-distance ones and even with your DH dropping you off, parking the car and getting the shuttle, I think you should be ok.

[marathon55]

yeah I think time should be fine, just mix in a couple of kiddos and checking bags..I wasn't sure

[scorpio72]

Aug 4, 2015 10:50:41 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

Last time I flew Frontier it took them forever to check my bag, they actually had to pull my flight out of the check-in line to get us through in time.

It looks like it is only $5 more for the 2nd checked bag, so you could just check two bags under your name or just share a larger bag (that is under the oversize requirement).  Honestly, if he drops you off I imagine you'll still be in line by the time he parks the car and makes it back to the airport.

content.flyfrontier.com/travel-information/baggage#Checked Bagged

Frontier has horrible customer service.  Based on how many and how competent the people are that they have working it may take a long time to get bags checked through no fault of your own.  Definitely get there as soon as you can.  I would also check to see if your flight is on time before you even leave home.  Frontier NEVER catches up after a delay so if you see delay, you don't have to rush.  I would also check the actual incoming flight to see where it is b/c their flight info is not always truthful.  Can you tell I don't like Frontier at all?  

 I'm also a rogue parent that occasionally would travel car seat less in taxis and shuttles.  So I'd vote for cab.  Quicker and more direct.  

[darkling_glory]

www.prideparking.com/

I use them every time I fly. Great service.

Two hours before takeoff should be plenty of time to check your bags.