any advice?

Question

well im flying for the first time in about 2 weeks.im going from california to texas for my best friends wedding. we couldnt afford 2 tickets so my boyfriend cant go. im so scared to fly.....anyone have any good advice or tips?

Answer 1

As a pilot, I fly planes for my living and I can honestly tell you that there's nothing to be afraid of, safety wise. :-) Flying is truly the world's safest form of travel and the kind of training we go through to become pilots is intense - you don't pass unless you really know what you're doing - it's a firm, high standard and if you don't reach it as a commercial pilot - you don't get your licence - so the pilots flying you do know their job and plane incredibly well :-)

The biggest worries you'll find you'll have will be with things that feel unusual - especially the kinds of feelings you'll feel in a plane.

Acceleration during the take-off roll is a good example - you'll find yourself pushed back gently but firmly into your seat - and as the plane lifts it's quite an unusual feeling to find yourself tilted upwards with the cabin. But really, that's just like going up a really steep hill in a car!

Some people get worried about the functions of the wings - after all, parts move and flex and there are components of steering equipment on the wing that move in flight. If you see the wing move - don't be alarmed. There are segments known as "flaps" that slow the plane - they are lowered behind & in front of the wing and "ailerons" that steer - they're on the further section of the wing - and move up and down.

You will probably hear a bit of a rumble and rattle and feel a distinct shake coming close to landing - that'll just be the landing gear being lowered - nothing bad happening!

A good idea for your own comfort during the climb and descent is to take some chewing gum - as the plane climbs, it's cabin altitude will climb too - not nearly as far of course (so the air is "dense" enough to breathe) but it will - sometimes that'll make your ears hurt - but chewing will generally prevent that and help them pop and clear.

The flight can sometimes be a bit bumpy - often the pilots can predict this from weather radar reports but not always so it's always a good idea to keep your seat-belt done up - doesn't have to be rigid against you but belted up across your lap is good.

If you start to feel a bit sick - don't be tempted to look down or close by. Naturally people will tend to say, gaze at the ceiling or the seat in front - however you'll honestly find that if you're sick, the best thing to do is to look out the window and focus on something in the distance - say, the land or sea below or a distant cloud bank. A window seat is a good idea - it'll make the trip more interesting and let you do this! You can ask for a window seat at check-in. Plus, a window seat helps you deal with some of the stranger sensations such as acceleration, climbing, descending - as it lets you see whats happening outside.

Noise isn't generally too much of a problem in jet transport aircraft - though a small pair of earplugs are always a good idea to take onboard - it might not be the engine noise bugging you but infants have a habit of screaming for hours at a time! If you're on a light plane - I'd say earplugs are vital.

The pressurised, airconditioned air onboard a jet aircraft is quite dry and tends to be below normal comfortable humidity - it mightn't feel dry but it does dry you out so it's always a good idea to take a small water bottle onboard and sip at it. A facecloth is nice too on a longer trip if you want to freshen up before landing.

It's always wise to watch the safety briefing before the plane departs. A lot of people don't - but it's a good idea and although the chance of it being needed is really small...it'll help you feel more confident that you really do know what to do.

Exercise - always handy! While theres a limit to what you can do - it's always a good idea to get up for a walk every hour or two just to stretch - you'll feel better and it'll make your arrival more pleasant - not so nice if you sit for 6 hours straight then get up and walk a long way through a baggage hall! Even just a walk to the toilet is a good idea - though you can always go for a walk through the cabin and have a look at the other classes - see the luxury of first for example!

So basically, the best things to do for yourself are to get a good nights sleep beforehand (a lot of people find sleeping on a plane hard), drink a bit of water frequently (not all in one go), take some reliable entertainment like a book, and remember a few personal care items like earplugs!

Also remember flying is the safest form of travel in the world!

Enjoy your trip. :-) feel free to email or IM me if you have any other questions about the plane, the trip, safety or anything - I'm more than happy to help! Email is [e-mail]

Answer 2

there is really nothing to be scared of. I am a pilot, so I know all about planes, and I know that they are very safe. All the systems are redundant, so that if something doesn't work there is always a back-up system. All the crew members are well trained and experienced. Most importantly, the airplane itself is safe.....it wants to stay in the air, and it is gonna do just that. Planes can go through a lot and still make it to the airport on time. If you're still scared, then I find that music (through headphones) really makes me calm down. Also, you can bring crossword puzzles and stuff like that. Or, you could just drive there, and bring your boyfriend with you. (although that would be more dangerous than flying)

Answer 3

go to your local airport and buy an "Intro Flight" . It is a good way to see what actually happens in an airplane and it could be a lot of fun. The intro flights are usually inexpensive and it is designed to get you "hooked" on flying. (it's an intro to learning to fly) If you have a phobia, perhaps medication would help, but you shouldn't fly alone while on any drugs.
Keep in mind, flying is safer than driving. Flying can be fun.

I'd rather go by airplane than any other vehicle. Take a good book, games, etc. to distract you. Be prepared to be delayed, you may not be, but you may be. As we say "Time to spare, go by air" Bring bottled water, loose fitting clothes and comfy shoes that slip on and off easily. You will need to take them off for theTSA. Relax, look around, there are millions of folks that do this everyday. Have fun and good luck.

Answer 4

It is really loud landing and taking off, but while you are in the air you will start to relax when you realize that nothing bad is going to happen. It is actually several times safer to fly than drive. Also, there will often be bumpy turbulence, but the pilots are used to it and it should not be a big deal. I don't like flying alone, but sometimes you have to. Try to get a seat by the wing, it will be a smoother ride.

Answer 5

Bring something to keep your mind busy. Perhaps a book, or magazine. Make sure to check with the airline if you are going to use any electronic device like an MP3 player. Also, airlines are cutting back on frills, so perhaps a snack and drink. Wear comfortable clothes. Also, I find that the air on flights is very dry and you might want to bring some chapstick. Remember, more people die in automobile accidents, than on airplanes.

Answer 6

You have no reason to be scared. The last time a commercial jetliner has crashed in America was september 11th, 2001. Flying is the safest form of travel and there really is nothing to be scared of.
If the plane shakes a bit, that's called turbulence, it's completely normal.

Answer 7

I hate flying, but have to for work. Just look out the window and think about the sceanery on the ground and in the air look at how beautiful the clouds are. This usually keeps me calm.

Answer 8

Collect your fav things that you enjoy, books, music, maybe a journal. Find things to keep you busy. Bring water. Rescue Remedy is also good. Relax, it's safer to fly than drive

Answer 9

make friends with the person next to you. they will help you and ca to tx is a 3-4 hour flight, it will be much more fun if you have a companion and since ur bf cant go, find a buddy

Answer 10

if you're sitting in the back of a larger plane, i.e. 767, 747, A330/340, you can look up the aisle and see the whole plane bend up and down in the middle in turbulence. COOL!!!