I, along with my cousin(we are all 15) are flying for the 1st time,we are nervous,should we expect anything?

Question

next week we are flying to see our grandparents for 5 days. We are all excited, except its our first time flying. Me and my twin sister also get motion sickness, do you think that will effect us on the plane?, also i have bad ears, do your ears really hurt that bad?,,,help please!
thanks=]

Answer 1

Honestly, to sit on one feels a bit like sitting on a bus. Until it starts moving. And then it still feels a bit like a bus, except faster. You'll know when you get off the ground because all of a sudden you can tell there isn't any friction under the wheels; it's really smooth. You gain altitude fairly quickly and you'll be able to tell you're leaning back a little. If you're brave enough/lucky enough to have a window seat, look out! It's so amazing to see the ground dropping away. Cars and trees go from looking normal sized to little dots so quickly. It might be a little rough as you gain altitude, but to me it's exciting. You might pass through clouds-- they look just like fog. And then all of a sudden, you're above the clouds looking down on them. It's so awesome!

As far as the flight attendants and such go, they'll go through the emergency procedures before you take off. Point to the exits, show the oxygen masks, etc. Just like in movies. They make sure all the carry-on luggage is packed away in the overhead compartments, all purses and such underneath the seat in front of you, your seatbelts on properly, your seats locked in upright positions (seriously, just like the movies!). And then, depending on the airline, you usually get pretzels or peanuts and a drink during the flight.

The landings are what typically make people nervous, atleast the people I've talked to. It's one of my favorite parts though. The pilot will announce they're about to descend, so you know to expect it. If you look out the window, you'll see the ground get closer. They might tip the plane one way or the other in order to turn to the runway. The ground gets closer... but unlike the warning on mirrors "Objects Closer Than They Appear".... really the ground is still further away than you think! You might feel like you're about to run into a tree or something, but I promise, you aren't. The wheels will touch ground, and it may feel like you bounce into the air again. Once the wheels are on the ground, they put on the breaks, and you'll really feel yourself slowing down suddenly. Then they'll taxi around and let you off back into the terminal.

A few tips for your first time flying:

Take gum! Chew it during takeoff and landing. It'll help your ears from popping so badly. I've never had too much problem, but some people do.

Don't carry much with you. You probably won't use half of it, and it makes it easier to get on and off. (And come through security, for that matter.) I usually take a book and a jacket and an I-pod, although some planes have Sirius radio built into the armrests and supply you with headphones. Some people like to carry a change of clothes with them incase their luggage gets lost, but unless you have a lot of layovers I wouldn't worry about it. I've never had them lose my luggage, and lots of times when they DO lose luggage, they end up sending it to you by taxi.

Wear slip on shoes. Really, that's more for security reasons. Lots of airports require you to take your shoes off anyways, so the easier you can make it on yourself, the better.

And lastly.... this is really important.... ENJOY YOURSELF! Some people don't like flying, or do it so much it's nothing special, but it's really one of my favorite things in the world. It never gets old. Like I said, seeing the world drop away like that... it's just amazing. I have a photograph I took over the wing... you can see to the end of the world, really! The horizon line is way off in the distance, you can actually see the curve of Earth. And the sky is such a clear dark blue. Absolutely Stunning.

Dont worrry, youll love it!! You are going sooooo fast, but, it feels like your just floating in the air, looking at the clouds slowly pass by.

Answer 2

First, when you get out of your car at the airport, the most dangerous part of your journey is over, that is, until you get into a car again.

Modern airliners seldom have enough weird motion to make you airsick, or even dizzy. Take some Bonine or Dramamine 30 minutes before the trip, not so much for motion sickness but for the antihistimine effect which will make you more comfortable. Some gum might help if your ears hurt. If you have a choice, get a seat on or near the wing of the aircraft for the smoothest ride. If the takeoff makes you dizzy, keep your head straight and look toward the front of the cabin until the plane levels off. Once flying level, enjoy the view, and relish in the fact you are going to granny's at 500 miles per hour instead of sitting in a car forever.

Keep your seatbelt on anytime you are sitting down. The reason for that is if the plane drops a few feet, you want to drop with it instead of hitting the ceiling. (Rarely happens, but possible)

Answer 3

Modern planes are pressurized so your ears should be fine, but you might want to talk to your physician before flying. He/she might have some suggestions for you. Years ago, before cabins were pressurized, the stewardess would distribute chewing gum to everyone to help equalize the pressure in your ears to avoid the pain!

Motion sickness? You might want to take an over-the-counter motion sickness pill before the flight. You should be fine as long as the air is calm. It will be rough if you fly over mountains or near a storm.

Flying is very safe. There are literally thousands of flights daily and very few crashes. I'm sure you've read that flying is safer than driving a car or crossing the street.

Don't think about the flight. Think about how wonderful it will be to see your grandparents!

Good luck!

Answer 4

i'm not a fan of flying but once i'm going i don't mind. Yawn or chew gum to pop your ears while the plane goes up and it doesn't hurt at all. Only uncomfortable if you don't equalize the pressure in your ear but it doesn't hurt. You don't feel much motion except in take off. I t doesn't rock or anything. You can bring motion sickness pills if you're worried.

Even though i hate flying there's nothing to worry about.

Answer 5

The body is sensitive to accelerations, not to speed.

When the plane flies in good conditions, it just keeps its direction and there is no acceleration. You'll actually feel more comfortable than in a car (where there are numerous accelerations/decelerations and turnings).

However if the weather is bad, you can feel when the plane's portance changes, it is like in a lift going down, which usually makes people feel sick. Usually, this is more sensitive at low altitudes, as getting higher in the sky reduces turbulences.

As for the ears, you might feel pain the landing when the pressure is increased, when the pressure increases. You can reduce the ache simply by yawning. Also you can to hold your nostrils and very gently blow out while keeping your mouth shut. Don't blow to hard, as you could damage your ears.

You can also feel pain during take off (actually just before, when the captain changes reduces the pressure in the cabin). yawning also helps the ears to pop. Of course, don't usual the blowing technique, as it has then the opposite effect (ie increasing internal ear pressure when you actually want to decrease it).

That being said, enjoy your flight

Answer 6

Don't be nervous! First of all, there are many ways to deal with motion sickness on a plane. Chew mint gum, sleep, wear an eye mask. The only ear pain I can think of that happens while you're in a plane is the change in air pressure when taking off or landing. To remedy this, chew gum and close your eyes.

Answer 7

I remember my first flight, I was 12 years old. I live in Ohio and my grandmother took me to Germany and Austria to visit family. It was a very very long flight. I don't think that you have anything to worry about. Your motion sickness should not effect you at all, yours ears, well I would talk to your doctor before you leave and see if he/she can give you anything. I can recommend chewing gum on take off and landing, it helps to keep the ear drums from feeling pressure. I don't know anyone that has had severe pain in their ears. It is usually just a little pressure that you can relieve by holding your nose with your fingers and blowing out keep your mouth closed, this will pop the pressure right out. All in all, don't worry, have fun and enjoy the great experience!

Answer 8

I really have never personally heard of anyone getting air sickness- I'm sure it happens but you probably won't get it, even if you get motion sickness.

On ascent and descent, your ears might hurt because of the pressure change. Bring gum and chew a lot- also you can yawn and that helps relieve the pressure. If it doesn't help, just know it won't hurt for long. Flight take-offs and landings hurt my ears, and it depends on just what city I'm taking off or landing in on how bad they hurt. Some cities have ordinances that make planes take off and land at steeper inclines than others, and that will determine how much your ears hurt.

You'll be fine- bring stuff to occupy yourselves, especially if it's a long flight.

Answer 9

I have bad motion sickness and ears. Just relax and breathe. Take a dremamine or bonine (motion sickness pills) before you get on the plane that way you may just sleep thru most of it. Also, I have never tried it but I have heard that chewing gum hurts your ears. The take off and the landing are the worst parts for the motion sickness. It only lasts a few minutes so you will be fine. Good luck!!

Answer 10

I know that it's scary, but it really is safer than driving. That's not just made up. Your flight attendant will explain everything you need to know on the plane (safety procedures, etc.). All you need to do is try to relax. If your plane has satellite radio (many do now), listen to a soothing station or one with tunes that relax or comfort you. Try to sleep. You just need to remember to keep your seatbelt on when told and follow instructions.

You might get nauseous, but it's unlikely. I would bring a book or magazine you like. As far as you ear popping goes, it generally isn't that bad. However, I don't know what your specific problem is with your ears, so you may want to ask your doctor. I suggest chewing gum. It helps. Overall, just relax and enjoy your trip. Once you're onboard, you will be in the capable hands of experienced professionals. Try to have fun!

Answer 11

Take some "Less Drowsy" Dramamine to prevent motion sickness. Your ears might take some time to 'pop' when the plane lands, but you will be fine. Yawning helps with that.

True, flying is fun! Have a great time!