Any advice for my first time on a plane?

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dumnut_biscit

i fly a lot. i've been to all parts of europe and i make frequent flights to australia which is nearly 28 hour voyage. first off: weigh all luggage BEFORE getting to the airport. Most cases you get 2 suitcases. (not including carry-ons)

** Airlines limit you to one carry-on and one personal item i.e. purse (personal item goes under your seat) to bring with you on the plane.

THis is important! security will hassle you a lot about these things in your carry-ons (which you yourself bring through security and onto the plane):
gels, liquids, laptops, electrical devices, large metal objects, glass, pocket knives, etc..

***All liquids/gels must be in a 3 oz or less container and EACH of you must put them in your OWN 1 quart ziploc at security so have that ready ahead of time. These things include shampoos, soaps, deodorants, etc..

***Make sure that all electrical devices are at easy access such as laptops, dvd players, etc. because you will have to take them out of your carry on to go through x-ray and then put them back in.

***Your passport is your life when traveling!!! NEVER set it down! (also you will need to remove passports from your pocket if it's in there cuz the metal in the electric chips will sound the alarm). Make sure you can present it whenever needed if you are approached my an official.

***Make sure you bring things to entertain yourself. Laptop, gameboy, ipod, etc... or a book ;D

***People who travel...well... the truth is when you've been sitting down for 8+ hours you stink. Bring essentials in your carry on especially deodorant and tooth brush!

***FOOD & WATER: you CANNOT bring any food/water past security, so make sure you do not have any in your carry on or in your hands. However, once you have passed security you can buy food at the stores in the airport.

***BEFORE sitting and resting make sure you know where your departure gate is.

***EVERY PASSENGER MUST DO THIS: When entering a new country, you will have to RECLAIM your luggage. NO EXCEPTIONS. Remember to pick up your luggage and then recheck it in when entering a new country before you proceed to your gate.

***Make sure you have cash! you will find yourself starving between flights and you may want to purchase a snack. Also if you have time at a layover, get currency for the country you're going to before you get there. It will make things a lot easier.

***The last thing i can think of is: for international flights you must arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. Trust me that's how long it takes.

I wish you the best of luck and you can print this guideline out if you like.

-David Tomlinson

(Remember if you're lost, just look for someone who works at the airport and ask. It's they're job so don't be shy. Its pretty obvious to point them out.

Dayna R

when packing remember to keep your liquid items (shampoo, lotion, etc) in your checked baggage not your carry on that will help speed up your time through security.

Get there early, get checked in and get through security and then hang out at the gate. i always am more relaxed if i don't feel like i am racing the clock. The airport should have signs all over the place telling you how to get where you need to go.

on the plane - just get as comfortable as possible, some airlines offer pillows and blankets so for long flights you may want to snag a set as you find your seat. also, i suggest bringing an MP3 player or game player anything to pass the time.

also, remember that the most nerve racking parts of the flight are take off and landing. it may be a little rocky as the pilots try to find a smooth altitude and then when they start the dissent - just remember to breathe and relax.

and most importantly - enjoy the experience and take in the views - look out the window!

Pri.

chew gum when the airplane is taking off and landing.
also. only drink canned drinks.
the water on airplanes is yuck.
go to a drugstore and they have motion sickness medication.
buy some just incase somebody feels queezy. it's a weird experience.
also. sit in your bed. and just think about what a typical day would be like in europe for you. think about all that you would need. and you might realize that you forgot something.
look at the stuff you have packed. and remember to bring things associated with it. ex) you're bringing your cell phone. you need to also bring your charger and battery so you can buy a converter in europe for it.
and if you forget something. it's like only a month. you can buy it or have somebody ship it to you. somebody should have your house key too.

NOLA guy

Advice for flying:

Flying is not scary and not like a roller coaster. Flying is much safer than riding in a car on the highway.

Join the frequent flier program for the airline you will use. Joining is free and you can do it online via the airline website.

Call the airline before your flight date if you want to request a seat. You should request a window seat since it is your first-ever flight. It is OK to tell the reservations agent it is your first-ever flight. Some airlines donâ€™t do advance seat selection and others charge a fee. The reservations agent will tell you if there are restrictions. Go to www.seatguru.com for info on seating arrangements in airlines.

Call the airline the day before your flight and the morning before your flight to make sure there are no schedule changes. You can also check flight status online.

Pack almost everything in a suitcase that you will give to the airline to "check". The suitcase has to weigh 50 pounds or less.

All liquids & gels in containers over 3 ounces and anything that might even LOOK like a weapon (nail file, scissors, etc.) should go in your checked bag. Go to www.tsa.gov for more info on prohibited items.

Mark or tag all checked luggage with something that makes them more distinct. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag ALL bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK.

You are allowed two carryon bags, but they have to be not larger than a small backpack. One carryon is better.

Take some things to do or read. Also pack basic toiletries and one change of clothing in the carryon bag. You are allowed to pack "travel size" liquids & gels in your carryon bag, but the items have to go in their own clear plastic bag and scanned separately when you get to security.

Dress in shoes & clothing that are comfortable and not tight, but also not overly casual. Avoid clothing with metal attached (ex. jeans with studs).

Make sure you have your passport, frequent flier number, and ticket (or flight information if it's an e-ticket) on you before leaving home.

Get to the airport >> two hours << before your flight is scheduled to depart. Really. It is MUCH better to have an hour to wait than to arrive later and have a problem.

Go to the airline counter and give the agent your passport, FF number, and flight info or ticket. Tell them how many bags you want to "check". You can request a window seat at check-in if you didn't already do so. The agent will put destination tags on your checked luggage and give you a Boarding Pass. They will then either take your checked bag(s) or tell you to carry it/them to the big x-ray machine.

The "Gate" for your flight will be on the boarding pass (example E-17). Follow the signs toward your gate. Ask an airline or airport employee for directions if you are not sure.

At some point you will have to go through security. There will be a stack of plastic bins - place your shoes, carryon bag, the clear plastic bag containing any liquids or gels, sweater/jacket, and anything metal (including cellphone) in the bin. Keep your ID and boarding pass in your hand. Follow the instructions of the security personnel - they will have you place the bin on the X-ray conveyer belt and you will walk through the metal detector. Once through you collect the bin and put everything back where it belongs.

Then go to the gate. Check to make sure there has not been a gate change - most airports have TV-type monitors with the info. If not sure, ask an airline or airport employee.

Try to wait near your gate. If you want to wander off, be back 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. Follow the instructions of the ground staff when boarding starts. Your seat number will be on your boarding pass; The numbers increase toward the back of the airplane and the letters go from left to right >> as you face the front of the plane << (Seat 1A is at the front on the left and seat 22 F would be towards the rear + probably on the right). .

Once you find your seat, take out whatever you want for entertainment (book, etc.) and put your carryon bag either in the overhead storage compartment or under the seat in front of you.

Follow the instructions of the flight crew.

The aircraft is a machine and has a lot of moving parts that make noise. There will be sounds like "Thunk" when taking off and landing as the landing gear is retracted (after take-off) and lowered (for landing). The pilots also adjust parts of the wings during the flight and that sometimes causes noise.

The flight attendants will serve drinks and snacks once the plane is at "cruising altitude". Meals are served on long distance flights (more than 5 hours), and long distance flights also usually offer entertainment, like movies.

There are restrooms on airplanes. Be sure to latch the door to let others know itâ€™s occupied, and latching the door also turns on the light.

When the flight is almost over, the crew will instruct the passengers to put everything away and fasten seatbelts. Follow their instructions.

Once the plane has landed it will taxi to the airport terminal. Stay in your seat with the seatbelt fastened until the crew tells you it is OK to exit the aircraft. It will be obvious when you can do so.

Make sure you collect everything you brought with you. CHECK the pocket in back of the seat in front of you to make sure you aren't leaving something you put there.

You may have to change planes somewhere. If so, you will get a boarding pass for the connecting flight when you check-in at your home airport. Once off the plane just follow the signs to the gate for the next flight. You may have to go through security again. Your checked bags will be automatically transferred to the connecting flight by the airline.

At your final destination in Europe, exit the aircraft and follow the signs to Arrivals/Passport Control once you are off the plane. Show your passport to the offiecr at passport control, and be preared to answer questions such as "What is the purpose of your trip" and "How long will you be in this country?". Then go to Baggage Claim. Most airports have multiple baggage carousels (conveyer belts) and there is usually a sign or TV-type monitor that indicates which carousel your flight's bags will go on. Ask an airline or airport employee if you are not sure.

Collect your bag(s) and go through the "Green" (Nothing to Declare) line for Customs. Then exit the terminal (usually by going out the doors marked "Ground Transportation").

Advice for long flights:

Consider getting a sleep mask (ex. www.mindfold.com) and some earplugs, which may help you sleep (they work for me). Luggage stores and airport shops also sell sleep masks.

I-Pods and portable game devices are great on planes, but the batteries won't last the whole trip. Do try to recharge any devices in between flights in Newark (look for electric outlets in the waiting area near the gate). Pack one or more books that you have started, or that are from an author you know. It's really annoying to realize - too late - the book you brought for the flight isn't a good read. Other options are crossword puzzles and similar. A laptop is practical IF the aircraft is equipped with powerports.

I try to shower just before leaving to go to the airport. It reduces the grungy feeling you get by the end of a long flight. Use conditioner to reduce hair frizziness.

Make sure you have your passport and other documents on you before leaving home.

Get to the airport 2 full hours before departure so you don't have to stress.

You can take something to help you sleep, but try it first. Many meds can leave you groggy long after you need to be awake. I just use aspirin.

Chewing gum can help with relieving the pressure in your ears.

Drink lots of water and juice: The air in the cabin is very dry and causes dehydration. Avoid too many drinks with caffeine (including colas) as they can increase the dehydration.

Get up and stretch every few hours.

Try to awaken just before breakfast is served and use the bathroom to wash up. You will feel a lot better. There will also be a long line for the bathrooms after breakfast.

The time change can be a problem, and a flight from the USA to Europe will produce a lot of "jet-lag". At your destination, try very hard to eat meals at local times and stay awake until local bedtime. If you MUST take a nap then sleep for no more than 3 hours. Falling asleep at 3:00pm may result in you waking up at Midnight - wide awake and unable to go back to sleep.

About packing:

Pack clothes for a week. Take things you can mix & match and that can be washed (don't need dry cleaning). You will be able to wash clotes, even if it is in the sink using shampoo (+ conditioner to reduce wrinkles).

Take at least one set of dressy clothes & shoes for going to nice restaurants, etc.

Much of northern Europe is cool & rainy during the summer. Take a jacket (preferably one with a hood) that is at least semi-waterproof and a floding umbrella. It can be cold in the mountains and in Scandanavia, so pack warm clotes if you are going somewhere like that.

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and is great as a day-pack for sightseeing.

Use an under-the-trousers security belt to carry your passport and most of your cash & other ID. The belts are basically a rectangular pouch that goes around your waist (under your clothes) via an elastic stra

thatartistwin

I SOOOO ENVY YOU!!! I live in New Jersey and have flown out of Newark many times.

1. Your bags will have to be unlocked or you will have to have the special locks on them that can be opened by airport personnel....these can be purchased in the airport shops. I would advise buying them because leaving bags open alows anyone to put in or take out anything.
2. Your flight to Europe will be about seven hours. Take things in a carry on bag that you will need in that seven hours and also what you may need incase your bags are temporarily lost at your destination.
3. Wear no jewelry, wear easily removable shoes, wear no belts etc......you will have to take all this off going through the gate so make it easy on yourself.
4. In your carry on, take chewing gum incase your ears get clogged in flight, take a book or distractions, a sweater, since the flight may get chilly and the blankets are useless and thin.
5. See this as an adventure. Take off is a BLAST!!!!! Don't be afraid, the pilots have skills.
6. Request a window seat when you get your boarding pass. You may see some cool things en route.
7. Most places in europe have adaptors since their electricity is different than ours.....just incase go to RADIO SHACK and get an adaptor for your hairdryer or iron or whatever.
8. Exchange your money at the destination exchange window at the airport so you will have it on hand right away.
9. NEVER let your passport or money out of your eyesight. Keep it on you at all times.
10. Pack light....airports are huge and you will be lugging a lot around.....get rolling luggage with a carryon that sits on top.
11. Pack me in your bags because I am so damn jealous I can't even speak anymore. LOL

Mike

Walk around your house, and make a list of everything you use day to day. And only pack whats absolutely necessary of those things. Ipod is for sure one of them. If your old enough to drink, then buy some booze. If not, take something to knock you out most of the trip. Bring some magazines for the trip or a puzzle book, also, did i mention MUSIC. It really passes the time.

And if your worried about getting lost in the airport or anything, just show up to your terminal early (you can find out where your heading by just asking one of those information desk things, theyre always nice) and just wait for the flight to board.

Athyrnox

The only thing I always forget on flights is my cell phone charger. =/ Otherwise, make sure to bring your ticket/passport and all that other stuff, and keep it handy because you'll be asked for it constantly.

*iZzY*

just breath and enjoy it

jossu_candelario

Well first off . Congratz on the trip :).
First timers are the ones that makes the flight actually enjoyable to the regular ones. The constant questions, the curiosity. Not making fun of you, every one went through this. Its an unforgettable experience.

Make sure your passport,ID's , flight ticket, any card with your info and with an emergency contact that can be reach (just in case, you never know)
Overall it will be a smooth flight. Enjoy the service and the scenery. You going to love it if you get a window seat.(ask for it at the counter )

Make sure to take some pics . and send them to me lol j/k =p

mc96826

bring something to entertain yourself and chew gum so your ears dont pop as much :)

Blake Summers

Bring gum.

Jake M

pack small, and make sure to keep al valuables in you one carryone bag, which i may add must be pretty small, everything else goes under, and it seems on international flights its about 15% they get lost, so make sure nothing valuable or unreplacable on undercargo, also, i would chew gum while taking off and landing, helps you ears pop, and get the layout of the airports and gates your going to be one, whihc should be on your ticket, before you go

oh and enjoy, i myself LOVE flying, its fun

LabRat

The ride itself is pretty mellow, the hardest part being security feeling you up while you're half undressed.

Just kidding... kinda. Checking is a hassle.

Actually, taking off was slightly freaky and found the best thing was not to look out the window until it was high enough it looked unreal.

JL3

Get to the airport early. Two hours or so. Bring snacks and gum (for the pressure on your ears). Wear comfortable clothes. Bring a book, music and video games if that's your thing. Make sure you to bring water. The air on a plane is very dry and it will make you thirsty. Tissues are a plus. Try to sleep as much as possible on the plane because you want to try to stay awake for your first day in order to adjust to the time change.

Daisy May

Just relax!
Its no big deal, studies show that flying is the safest way to travel, just sit back and enjoy...
But I do suggest taking your own snacks...Airplane food sucks :]
GOOD LUCK and have fun...i love Europe!

adubka

You have disconnecting flights, guess you're not making it to Europe!! lol

Orion

Take about 4mg of Xanex so that you can sleep the whole time.

the host and twilight

bring something to entertain yourself and you cant bring that much liquid so forget about shampoo and stuff like that

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