What's it like to fly on a plane?

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NOLA guy

It's 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.

Pack some some things to do or read in your carryon. 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. Note that you do not need an ID if you are 14 and traveling with a parent/guardian or you are flying as an offical "unaccompanied minor".

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(s) 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 only served on long distance flights (more than 5 hours).

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!

Ca$hViLLe 615

mad fun if u have a friend and if the fligt length isnt very long....bring an ipod

Tevra J

Its not scary at all. It feels like riding in a bus. there is ntohing to be scared of. If you have a window seat, look out at the view above the clouds, its breathtaking. Enjoy your first flight!

nick

it is ... weird because it seems like u dont mpove i mean... its like a movin' chair with turbulences and great stuff..

Sunny

Not at all. You are safer in a plane than in a car. It's fun. Just sit back and relax and enjoy. They usually give you snacks too.

Kelly W

yes!!! don't get on that plane!!!

bala k

Dear Toria,
It is fun to fly ,not scary at all. You will enjoy the flight.
It is a great experience during takeoff and landing.
Enjoy your flight.

When flying was fun......I wish I was in your shoes .....
I don't remember my first flight.....was a baby.....But its not scary at all....and for you....it will be exciting....

I've flown soo much that I lost the thrill of it all......(longest flight in one plane for me was 14 hours....)

Have fun and safe flight!

panthera

itsnot much of a huge event....i particularly enjoy the takeoff--the acceleration is thrilling not to mention the moment the wheels leave the runway...;the plane like goes down a bit but still takes off
get a window seat towards the back but clear from the toilets

fyi---its not scary...just dnt watch a flight movie the week prior towards ur flight

Gram

No, its not scary at all. Im a gramma and my first flight was 4 years ago, Yes, I was scared, I missed so many vacations because I was scared to fly, Now, I love it. I fly to Florida every year ALONE!!! Please dont be scared. Youll love it, Trust me. Taking off is ok, but landing is great. Good Luck.

JESSICA

it is a magical experience, you will want to do it again and again. Don't be scared, be excited!

Whats my name?

only the first time you ride is it scary, but don't freak out

taking off and landing is the most rough part but its fine

Andrew

feels like heaven

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