I have to fly to another state for a work related conference. I have never flown and have some questions?

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Paul McDonald

Q: Will the flight make me sick?
A: Probably not. Some people suffer from something called "motion sickness" but if you have that you would probably know already if you had it. Yes, there's something called a "barf bag" or "air sickness bag" with every seat. I've been flying regularly since 1987 and I've never seen it used except to put chewing gum or garbage in.

Q: What can and should I take with me on the plane?
A: My experience has taught me that the less I carry, the better. However, I also find that carrying nothing is a mistake. I personally do best with a book, a spiral notebook, and a pen. MP3 player is a big help, too. Longer flight? Laptop computer and/or DVD player.

Q: Would it be ok if I drank a couple of alcoholic drinks before I board the plane?
A: I suppose but I wouldn't advise it. If you want a drink, go ahead. Two? Sounds like you're trying to use alcohol to muster up courage and that's never a good idea. Instead, I recommend having a big glass of good old H2O (water). It will prepare your body for air pressure changes and stress of being in a confined place. Alcohol will only make that worse.

Q: What can I take on my carry on bag...cell phone? Camera? Purse?
A: Most women carry a purse on the plane (I've found that women can't live without a purse). Cell phone is okay, but you cannot use it during flight except during taxi after landing. Camera? Yeah, I see people bring cameras but using a camera in the confines of the airplane will most definitely make other passengers uncomfortable.

Q: How long does it take to get my luggage back?
A: Anywhere from 5 minutes to 8 hours, depending on the airport, the flight, the ground crew, amount of traffic at the time, and your luggage. Average travelers should have luggage within 15-20 minutes of landing.

Q: Give me some suggestions please. I am nervous and heard the take off and the landing are the worst part of the whole trip.
A: Who says that? Takeoff and landing are just a part of the trip. The worst part is finding a parking spot at the airport!

kittenpie

You'll be fine! Don't worry. :) Here are some answers for you:

- The only way to know whether you'll get airsick or not is to try flying. If you're worried, try taking a Dramamine an hour before boarding. I get airsick, and that works well for me.

- What to take with you on the plane: something to do. Maybe a book/magazine, MP3 player, Sudoku, whatever you like to do to entertain yourself. Camera, cell phone, and purse are all fine to carry on.

- What NOT to take in your carry-on luggage: any liquids in containers bigger than 3 oz. There's a good rundown of what you can/can't bring here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

- You can drink before flying, but be aware that it can make you dehydrated, and airplane air is already dry. I wouldn't recommend drinking alcohol before your first flight.

- You should have your luggage within a half hour of landing.

Flying can be fun! Enjoy your first trip. Just relax, it will be fine. :)

Mike R

Most people don't get sick on planes but unfortunately you won't know until you've been on a plane. You're more likely if you're prone to other types of motion sickness, so if you are, maybe taking dramamine or whatever other remedy you use is a good idea. But I fly constantly and have never gotten sick or seen anyone else get sick so I guess it's not that common.

Go to www.tsa.gov (that's the government agency in charge of making "security regulations" and they'll tell you what you can't bring on board). Especially important is the liquids regulation - you can't bring liquids through security, really. You can only bring liquids, including gels and toothpaste and stuff, through security IF they're in 3-ounce or smaller containers, and only as many as will fit in a 1-quart Ziploc bag. You can bring as much as you want in your checked baggage.

Might not be a bad idea to have a drink or two if it will make you less nervous, haha. Just don't get so drunk that you can't walk. But enough to make you fall asleep on the plane might not be a bad idea.

You can bring camera, cell phone, and purse on the plane - you can't use your cell phone during the flight (it could interfere with the flight's navigational system so it has to be off) but you actually should bring those in your carry-on.

Once you land, the luggage will come off within a few minutes. By the time you get off the plane and go to the baggage claim area at your destination, it usually doesn't take more than ten minutes or so.

Basically I love flying, although I've been doing it my whole life and I fly a lot for work now. I think take-off and landing is fun. And statistically, flying is safer than driving (and I'm actually nervous to drive but I love flying) .

silentnonrev

probably not.
something to read, maybe something to snack on.
sure, don't get schnockered, though, or they won't let you on.
yes, yes, yes.
If you check a bag...depends; if you arrive at peak time when many flights are being unloaded at same time, maybe 1/2 hour

worst part? nah! Just hum to yourself as you take off "off we go into the wild blue yonder", and say hello to the ground as you get closer...you'll be fine. Millions of people are, every day!

wyld_fyre65

You won't know if you'll get sick until you try it.
I've never even witnessed someone getting sick on a plane.

Get a pamphlet from the airport on the items you can and cannot take on the plane.

A couple drinks might calm you down. But if you don't normally drink, I wouldn't.

You get your luggage back when you get to the baggage claim area in the airport that you land at. No more than a half hour after you land.

Takeoffs and landings are the "exciting" part of flying. The rest of the flight is boring. Unless there is something to see out the window. If you like roller coasters, you'll like the takeoffs and landings. And since they only last a couple minutes each, you can just close your eyes and hang on. Think "Happy" thoughts.

nanako1

It depend on individual... For me i don't feel sick but my ears will started to feel a bit of pain due to the different in air atomosphere.. It helps if u move ur jaws as if u chewing something v hard.... Cell phone can be taken but it must be switch off duirng flight... Normally by the time u alight and finish checkout, u can collect the luggage already....

Questions

I've been on a plane enough. In all of my trips, I've never heard anyone get sick on the plane. But if you do, they provide bags for you ;-)

Many people say chewing gum helps relive pressure changes during take-off and landing, so I'd suggest bringing gum. I'd also take-along something to do, read or portable gaming system to play... You might want to pack some snacks along as well, the plane food isn't always the best, and that way you know you'll have something you like with you. Sometimes they have in-flight movies - if you bring along a headset, you will have better quality ones and you won't have to pay for theirs. You could bring along a blow-up pillow for the plane, but I'm not usually comfortable enough to sleep. Doesn't hurt to bring a pen and paper either. Maybe catch-up on a to-do list or write cards? If you have anything portable that you've been wanting to work on, great time to bring it!

It is okay to drink before flying, but I would limit it to two, just because you don't want to get sick because you're drinking. They do have alcohol available on the plane also if you like.

You can carry your cell phone on the plane, but it is supposed to be turned off during flight. Camera, purse, no big deal.

Luggage can take awhile, on average 1/2 hour? But I've had as little as 5 minutes...

Flying is no big deal to me, I just took my 9 month old baby on the plane and she did great. She was a little bored, but otherwise did fine. We took along ear-numbing drops for her just in case but didn't need to use them. Great time to relax and enjoy the view :-) Hope this helps! Enjoy your flight!

fr_chuck

most people don't get sick, do you get car sick ?? if not most likely you won't get air sick

the airline web site should list what the current list is for taking on the plane. cell phone, camer, purse is ok, your carry on liquids is limited and has to be in a plastic bag, no lighters, matches and the such.

luggage depends on each flight, give it about 30 min at least.

yes take off and landing is the worst

semdot

People rarely get sick. I have never seen it in a hundred flights including a couple rough ones. If you have inner ear problems or a tendency to motion sickness, see your pharmacist for a pill to take before the flight.

Take something to read or occupy your mind. If you want to try to sleep, ear plugs help block out the kids playing cards across the aisle. Lots of people take a carry-on with a camera and purse and cell phone. You can't carry on larger than 3oz containers of any liquid, and of course any kind of pointy object is forbidden. Take your cuticle scissors out of your purse.

You usually can pick up checked luggage within 15-30 minutes.

If you are afraid of flying, fine have a couple drinks. Don't overdo it because it contributes to motion sickness. There is nothing to be afraid of though. The takeoff and landing are not that bad, but of course they involve acceleration and braking where the rest of the flight drones along. Try to act bored like every else :)

If you are still afraid, tell the stews about it. They will give you exta attention and help you through it. They have seen it all before.

Pat

The first flight I ever took was to another country. I was nervous and swore I was going to die. I even started telling my grown children specific things in my home I wanted them to have if something happened to me. I did have a few drinks which I will say did not hurt but, that was me and everyone is different. I took my purse, snacks, magazines and soduko book with me on the plane. When I went it was before 9/11 so I am not sure what you can take now. As far as take off it was really not bad. The only thing with me was I had to look out the window so as not to get sick which was weird considering I am afraid of heights. As far as landing, I was cool with it because I knew my feet were back on ground. Getting your luggage back can take a little time but as long as it is not lost, thats okay. Just look at it as one of many lifes experiences.

I have never seen anyone get sick on a plane. Even my Dad who gets car sick doesn't get sick on an airplane. Remember the barf bag is in the pocket in front of you JUST in case. But I think you'll be fine. As far as your luggage is concerned it may take about 15-30 minutes before you get your bags. Yes you can carry your cell phone, camera, and purse although you are not allowed to use your cell phone while the plane is taking off. I definitely would stay away from alcohol. Walking to your seat is hard enough without having a few drinks in your system to throw off your balance. Try your best to relax and enjoy!

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