I am flying for the very first time in my life and I'm scared..does anyone have any advice for me?

Show all answers

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 about a week before your flight day 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 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 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 ID, 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.

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!

tim

it was scary for me the first time as well. i took the grin and bear it approach. lately i fly alot and always seem to have snacks, my mp3 player and a sudoku book. and remember, flying is the safest way to travel.

Reesie

First of all realize that you are much safer in the air then you are on a road. The media just emphasizes every airplane crash because they are so rare. You don't see all the car crashes on the news, do you!

Then, think of it as an adventure! Every time a jet takes off and lands, it is an amazing thing we've figured out how to do! Just imagine flying peacefully like a bird.

If you're petrified - take an eye mask and ear plugs and try to take a nap before you take off. Then you'll wake up and already be there!

You'll be fine!

Seasoned Traveler
www.first-class-dirt-cheap-vacation.co...

sknot-38

dont worrie it will be just fine just put yourself in a differnt place while you are on the plane

jijo

take couple of Chewing gums with you and chew it while taking off and landing
If you r really scared dont look outside while take foo or landing
good luck and happy journey

daughter

I wouldn't recommend taking a sleeping pill or any other sort of sedative unless you have taken them before and are sure they won't affect you in the wrong way. Have an upset stomach or being dizzy because of meds won't make your flight any more enjoyable. I like to bring a few magazines or an interesting book along with me on flights, it really helps the time go by. The chewing gum advice is good because it helps get rid of that ear "popping" sensation you get when the plane takes off. You can listen to music too when you are allowed to use electronics. Don't stress : ) Flying is easy and sooo much better then sitting in a hot car for hours!

petunia1

I am greatly afraid of heights and was also totally freaked out about my first flight, 5yrs ago. I ask the Dr. for something to help, he gave me a couple, Xanex(SP) Worked great, I only had a cat nap and just loved it, looked out the window and everything. It was a really great experience. Can't wait to fly again!

dad of four

i dont recommend sleeping pills, unless you KNOW for sure how they affect you. Air travel makes many people quesy even if they don't normally get motion sickness (I'm one of them!) If you take a sleeping pill too, you may be sickly for a while once you land and start your vacation. I do recommend taking a Dramamine for motion sickness just in case though. Drink a Ginger Ale on the flight to settle your stomach if your a bit quesy.
As for being afraid- thats normal. Just don't stress your self out about it. Air travel is safe, and fast, and fun. I hate heights (yet I look out the windows) I hate not being in control (yet I trust the pilots completely). Let a stewardess know your nervous when you get on, they will do what the can to reassure you and watch you a bit extra. Just take a magazine or book, try to limit your sleep to a min. before you go so you can sleep on the plane (thats very easy to do).
have fun!

Ursus

Geesh people, why are so many telling this person to take a bunch of pills?!?!!!! For Christ's sake, people rely too much on drugs enough as it is, we don't need another addict out there. Give her/him some real advice.

Just relax, realize that flying is incredibly safe, take a book or magazine, music (ipod), look out the window, enjoy the view, and have a fun trip!

Mary

Ask your doctor for a few valium, this works for me.

Relax. What will be will be.

635

the last plane crash was a year ago, car accidents happen every 10 seconds

more people die in car crashes a day than people that die in plane crashes in ten years

Natalie N

I've been flying a lot, all my life!
It's not bad! Where are you flying to and from?
It really depends on how long the flight is.
My best advice is, relax, calm down, double check and make sure you have everything. Bring books, magazines, iPods and other things to keep you busy.
You might want to take some motion sickness pills such as; Dramamine or Boninne, you can find them in the drugstores. They will help to not feel sick and they will make you tired. Sometimes the best thing to do on a flight is to sleep!
Good luck!

Big J

Stay up really late prior to the flight, so that once you are on the plane, you can fall asleep.

jaimie

Take an anxiety pill maybe have a drink or two. Do not take sleeping pills that will knock you out for hours.

angie

take sleeping pills

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: