First time on a plane? I'm flying to Bermuda tomorrow. What should I do to prepare?

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Lori K

If you aren't a youngster, wear compression socks to avoid deep vein thrombosis. Wear comfortable clothing. Walk occasionally. Drink water and go light on the alcohol. Bring earphones and music to listen to...also an eye mask and earplugs if you want to sleep and aren't in first class.

island3girl

bring gum and snacks

David H

Read the airline and airport policies about carry-on luggage, arrival times, going through security, etc.. If possible check in the night before and print out your ticket at home so that you don't have to wait in line at the airline's check-in.Shower before your flight and wear comfortable clothing, especially shoes. Bring a book or crossword puzzle. If you are planning on sleeping during the flight, you might want to bring a neck pillow as some people find it difficult to sleep sitting up.

Also, wear socks since some security check points now ask you to remove your shoes and drink plenty of water during the flight as airplane air is very dehydrating.

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the best way you can prepare is to sleep well, so you can enjoy watching the heavens above in the plane, it feels like gliding on snow. also take reading material cuz usually wat the airplane provide is boring. also wear socks, cuz for some
reason, your feet are always cold in the plane. oh and lastly take some hard-boiled sweets cuz your ears are likely to 'pop' due to the change in altitude (i think it is!) and this is supposed to help with that.
enjoy your holiday.
xxx

Crazygirl â™¥ aka GT

Get a good night's sleep? IDK, I've never flown farther than I could get a ride to in 2hrs.

NOLA guy

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.

Call the airline tonight 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.

Call the airline 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 and anything that might even LOOK like a weapon (nail file, scissors, etc.) should go in your checked bag.

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. If it is a long flight (over 6 hours), 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 ID, 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. 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). Long distance flights also usually offer entertainment, like movies.

There are restrooms on airplanes.

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.

Once off the pale follow the siggns to "Immigration" or "Passport Control". Show your passport to the immigration officer and be prepared to answer question like "How long do you plan to visit Bermuda" and "Where will you stay in Bermuda?".

Follow the signs to Baggage Claim once you are off the plane. 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 exit the terminal (usually by going out the doors marked "Ground Transportation").

Hope you have a good trip!

ronny k

Arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure, have a valid passport, and be thoughtful of your fellow passengers and flight crew.

legermarianne

Wear loose fitting clothes. Something to keep you entertained. Patients. With security and any other issues. You should take in stride. Double check what you can carry on. Keep check on your important documents. Do not have your money on you all in one place. Divide it up. Shoes, pockets etc.. Best to travellers cheques and some cash including coins.

You should bring a music player or a DVD player for some sort of entertainment.

Sean N

you might have to undergo a "cavity" search due to the terror level being elevated.

David L

What I do is eat fish or steak two days before the flight. And then eat light meals the day before the flight and the day of the flight; that way your body will have plenty of energy from before but you wont have a heavy stomach so you wont get sick to your stomach the day you fly.

You should also be restful the day of your flight, so maybe be active the day before, or meditate before the flight.

junipero locke

Consume several energy drinks during the day and stay up late rockin-out tonite. Then, hopefully, you'll be able to snooze through your flight.

HisWife

Take Dramamine (sp?). It works wonders. I took it for a couple of long flights. It knocks you right out.

Miss

take me??

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