Plane travel?

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Indotraveller

Hey mate. Don't worry about air travel. Millions fly on planes everyday and the likelihood of an accident or terrorist attack is very small. I know how it is driving for two days (not fun): believe me, you'll be a lot happier flying there in two hours, and it'll be over in no time. Baggage delivery in US airports is way ahead of any developing country. Again there's a very small chance you'll be held up in Washington waiting for your bags. Flying on a plane for the first time is an awesome experience, and I'm sure you'll love it, so look forward to it! I still do after many years of flying several times a year. One final point to make sure you're comfortable with flying: air travel is the safest mode of transport, so you've better chance of getting yourself killed on the road than you do in the air. Good luck!

dcgirl

I live in DC and I fly about 60 times a year. Don't be afraid! If you are flying into Washington National Airport, it's one of the safest places in the world. I have never had a suspicious incident in all my flights and the worst thing to happen to me on an airplane in the last few years was the flight being cancelled due to ice storms.

It's also very pretty when you approach the airport--- have a look outside the window as you prepare to land and you will have a stunning view of the Potomac River (don't be scared--- it really does look like you're going to fall in but that's just the path you take to the runway) and all of the monuments.

As for the luggage, well, sometimes stuff happens. I hardly ever check bags, but that's mostly because I hate waiting to pick them up when I arrive. If your trip is less than about 4 or 5 days, you can pack everything in your carry-on and no worries about lost bags. I've even got a friend who went to Sydney, Australia for work for 2 weeks--- he managed to take everything he needed right in his carry ons! If you can't travel that light, put one change of clothes in your carry-on and check the rest. Most of the luggage that gets lost will turn back up within a day; this way you have a change of clothes and won't be miserable if the bags get lost.

Mostly just relax and enjoy the trip. 9/11 was horrible but it's really unlikely that will happen again. No point in being crammed into the back of a car for 2 days--- your vacation will seem a lot longer if you're not spending half of it in the car!

jbslass

i used to hate flying. i still don't enjoy it but i'm not afraid of it anymore.

airport security is very strict, so you don't really have to worry about terrorism.

wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off since everyone is required to remove them during security screening and you can also be more comfortable on the plane.

pack only what you'll need and take it on the plane as hand luggage (carry on) so you don't have to worry about your bags getting lost or delayed. most people overpack anyway. it's easy enough to find a laundromat if you need to wash your clothes before wearing them again.

flight attendants are usually extremely helpful and will do everything they can to make your flight as easy and enjoyable as possible. don't be afraid to ask them for anything you need. i've never met an uncooperative flight attendant.

make sure you stay hydrated. when they offer beverage service make sure you get something to drink like juice or water. it will help ease most discomforts while you fly.

also be sure to have something to suck on or chew, like candy or gum, during takeoff and landing to help your ears pop to adjust to the change in cabin pressure.

finally, don't stress too much. your flight will be over before you know it and you'll find it's really not so bad at all. you might even think it's fun.

enjoy your vacation :)

nena

Yes luggage gets delayed or lost sometimes but not often. So here is a tip. Pack a small carry on bag with all your most important stuff (but No liquids or they get tossed) & then check the rest of your luggage. This way if anything gets lost atleast you have what you need the most. Also when your checking your luggage make sure you check the little sticker reciept they give you to make sure they have your destination correct.

& the plane is ok. It kind of feels like a rollercoaster when taking off & landing. Just chew gum for your ears & you will be ok.

Dotr

Flying is very very easy!!!!! There are people that fly 4-5 days a week on business. its all in your mind mindset

soccerknocker199

there is nothing to be scared of i love to fly. you are not going to be killed by a teerorist that is so 6 years ago. the likly hood of you losignyou luggage is low and weven if so you normally get it back the same day or the next. flying is fun and it will take you more than two ghours to get there if you include the time you have to go through the airport and security and stuff like that.

petunia1354

AIR TRAVEL IS THE SAFEST TRAVEL THERE IS!!! Take whatever you need in your acarry-on bags. You are allowed two bags each. Call your airline (you can do this you're a big girl) and ask them whatsize carry-ons you are allowed. Carry-ons now count your purse, so make sure you can get your purse in one of your bags and be able to put your camera in one of your carry-ons too. Flying is fun and easy. Try to get a window seat so you can look down and see america!!! it is also 3 times cheaper than driving -- which means mom and dad will have more money for excursions once you get there! make sure you see all the memorials and the wonderful museums. i assume by "vets" you mean war veterans and not veternarians, yes? Have fun & dont worry! There is more chance of you getting in a wreck on your bike or in a car than on a plane!!! You're a kid, so relax and let adults do the worrying if there's any to be done! You'll have the next 60 yrs to worry and pay bills!!! Right now, spend your time picking out a few favorite outfits, packing your tooth brush and paste and razor, plus camera . Then spend the rest of your time on the net looking up stuff to do in Dc it's a MARVELOUS PLACE!!! Learn how the streets are laid out and who designed the city, which museaums to see and monuments to go to. See if there are any other special events going on while you are there! Best of all, and mom may have forgotten, call your Congressman (he's listed in the blue pages or gov. pages of your phonebook) and ask his secretary for passes for you family to visit the whitehouse !!! tHEY ARE FREE, BUT HARD TO GET IF YOU DONT CALL AHEAD -- HIS OFFICE WILL BE DELIGHTED TO HELP YOU i'M SURE. Also ask them what to do while there, maybe you can tour congress or other neat stuff!!! Dont waste anymore time chatting and do all this reaseach and call these people who knows you might love it and end up with a marvelous career there one day in the not too distant future!!! HAVE FUN and RESEARCH so you dont miss anything!! Also ask your librarian about some good movies about Dc you can watch b4 you go!!! By learning all about a place b4 you go your trip will be interesting, fun and you'll really impress your parents! they'll look at you in a new light -- they'll think, " Wow, what a smart , grown up girl she's become!!!" HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!!!
P.S. -- Most ALL hotels have hair dryers and shampoo and conditioner, so leave those at home. They also have irons and ironing boards and if there's anything else you might need call the hotel and see if they can supply it so you dont have to lug it along with you in your luggage! They supply this stuff free, they often even have cameras to loan you if you dont have one or rather not bring it. YOUR HOTEL CONCERGIER can get you almost anything and help you with tickets, reservations to shows, museums, etc, etc. Dont be afraid to ask -- that's what they're there for -- to help the guests -- even 14yr old guests!!! aND THEY know ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING ABOUT THE TOWN, YOU CAN EVEN CALL THE HOTEL FROM HOME B4 YOU GO AND TALK TO HIM OR HER B4 YOU GO AND TELL THEM YOUVE NEVER BEEN THERE HOW OLD AND HOW MATURE YOU ARE AND WHAT THINGS YOU LIKE AND ASK THEM TO RECOMMEND THINGS AND NEW STUFF YOU HAVENT EVER DONE B4 AND ASK HIM/HER TO HAVE THE TICKET OR RESERVATIONS READY FOR YOU WHEN YOU GET THERE!!! yOUR PARENTS WILL THINK YOU'RE A GENIOUS!!!

Mike R

I fly about 100 times a year and I love it. Flying is far safer than driving - you're far more likely to get in a car accident. I certainly wouldn't let 9/11 scare you - with all due respect, there are far more people killed by drunk drivers or by freak accidents and lots of other things than by terrorist attacks. (Even plane crashes due to weather or pilot error). But in total, flying is probably the safest way to travel so that shouldn't be your concern. Losing your luggage maybe - but even that's very rare. I fly almost 100 times a year and my luggage has been "lost" only a couple times (3 actually... and all 3 times on the same airline).

EHFAR

You are, quite honestly, being ridiculous!!!! I am a flight attendant based in DC. Terrorist paradise? Do your homework! There are more terrorist cells in small cities in the US than big cities. If you need more reassurance, you can e-mail me.

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