I have never been on a plane,what should i expect!?

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loryntoo

The hard part is packing, getting through security, and finding your seat. Once you are in your seat, you kick back.

DO pay attention to the flight attendant's instructions. READ the card in the pocket of the seat in front of you and DO locate the nearest emergency exit from your seat before the plane takes off. I always count the seat rows between me and the emergency exit so I can find it in the dark.

Once you've done all this, relax. Murphy doesn't mess with those that are prepared. The best way to ensure that your flight will be totally uneventful is be prepared.

By the way, once you are airborne, you'll be able to see circular fields that look like pock marks. They are just farm fields, but those things can be seen from space. Looks like the planet is diseased.

Keep an eye out for swimming pools, too. They look like blue jewels. If you are flying at night, some of the Christmas lights should be spectacular.

Overtaxed

Pack lightly and take everything in a carry-on bag. No more than 3 oz liquids. Get to the airport early. Follow the crowd and do what they do. Read the signs to find your gate early. Ask a lot of questions to make sure you are at the right place and right time. Once you are on the plane relax. There is absolutely nothing you can do. It's all in the pilot's hands.

Scott

Think of it as just getting on a Grey Hound Bus but that it fly's. You could get some pills from the Doctor you know but. How about having a few Cocktails after boarding the Plane...

Think of it as an adventure once you get over that intial fear look out the window and if you figure out the distance and time between you can pick out the different cities along the way...

Relax... Have fun...

averagebear

Don't worry. It's like riding a bus, except you can't get off until you get there. Whatever you do, don't pull on any handles on the emergency door at any time. (Oh, and don't say "bomb")

BlkJac

If possible visit the airport in advance. Just walk around and see how things are organized, how the signs direct you to the airplanes. Sit and watch people and how the pack, carry their luggage etc. Get comfortable with the airport before your flight date. Good Luck

babyboy3609

well, first let me be the one to let you know that is going to be a great flight if you have some really good flight attendants. I am a flight attendant and a few months ago I had a passenger that had never flown in 52 yrs. it was her very first flight. I talked and calmed her down ask her to look out the window. As long as she saw that everything was ok she was fine. Later that week i received a letter from my company saying that the passenger would ride us again due to the fact I made her first flight interesting. Make should you get a window seat. And what you are allow to bring on the aircraft. If you purchase any type of drinks it has to come from somewhere beyond the security checkpoint. If you are not should what you can bring check the airport website. I hope I can be a great hepl.

Hiroko

Just don't freak out at the little noises you hear on the plane. If you have a window seat, don't be frightened when the wing moves up and down while in the air, it's normal :)

it's really not that bad, actually.. Kind of fun, and it really doesn't seem like you're up in the air.. like being on a bus.

coco

Best to relax and have lots of rest so you are calm, not edgy. There's a long way from you check-in at the counter to boarding time (2-3 hours).

Arrive at the airport early, check in early and take your time. Don't rush. if there's money to spare, you can do some free-duty shopping too.

When you are on the plane, be seated and if you need anything, as the air stewardess. They can be very helpful so if you are unsure, just ask them. (there's a button on the left OR right side of your seat - you can press that to call for assistance)

And most importantly, enjoy the ride. Some people hates the air plane food BUT I loved them :)

Ronnie Reign

expect your ears to pop, be ready to breath re-circulated air and small bathrooms. pack light, bring a few snacks... for added comfort, bring a neck pillow and an mp3 player or walkman. flying is not bad, it's just like riding a bus, hence the term "air bus."

Joshua Z

I answered a very similar question for someone else a couple of weeks ago. But here's what I wrote (I know it's a lot, but it is very informative):

Congratulations! You're finally entering the world of air travel!

On most flights, a snack is offered to economy-class passengers, as well as a beverage service. Some food may be available for purchase on some airlines.

Depending on the airline and/or aircraft, you'll hear many different noises. Don't worry, these noises are supposed to be happening. Some sounds you will hear may include:
-dings and chimes (fasten seatbelts, no smoking; ding-dong = door is closed)
-engine startup and shutdown
-flaps (sounds like a car when it's revved up the whole way, but without a change in tone) (before takeoff, and on approach and landing)
-takeoff (sounds like a very loud roar)
-gear (sounds like thumping noises)
-landing (includes thumps, roar from engines' reverse-thrusters (helps to slow the plane))
-babies crying (you won't hear this if you're lucky :)

I haven't been on a Boeing plane recently (unfortunately), but on the Airbus A320 family (318,319,320,321), you will hear a somewhat high-pitched hum while you're on the ground and at least one of the engines is off. Also, after startup and after shutdown, you will hear multiple "squeaks". They're fun to hear!

When pushing back from the gate, the airplane will rock back and forth gently, while you back up. When taxiing to the runway, you don't feel that much. However, when the airplane begins takeoff, you will feel like you are being pushed back into your seat. This is because of g-forces. When you rotate and leave the ground, you may feel like you're being pulled down. When the airplane banks to turn, you won't feel to much. During turbulence, the aircraft bumps a lot, and the wings may look like they are shaking. This is normal; they do that so that the rough air passes over/under the wing more smoothly. When descending (approaching/landing), you may feel like you're weightless time to time; this is because the aircraft is losing altitude (this is supposed to happen).

When you land, the aircraft will thump and shake when the wheels touch down. The flaps should be extended, and then, usually airbrakes/spoilers (rectangular panels on the wing that fold up) will deploy. If you're seated by the engine, you may see it deploying reverse-thrusters; this could look like the back of it is sliding off, or the sides are folding out. Once you slow down enough, everything will return to its original place.

Enjoy your flight!

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