Attention all EXPERIENCED travelers!!!! Advice for a first timer???

Question

My parents, my siblings, and I are going to Florida in June.
It will be my 1st time on an airplane and out of the Deleware valley, (i live in NJ) therefore I am NOT an experienced traveler.
Are there any tips I should know so that I dont lose anything or fall into any scams or traps or just travel ettequite?

Answer 1

A lot of this might sound negative. It isn't intended that way. Air travel is still the safest method of travel by far.
Get to the airport in plenty of time. Things may go smoothly, which means you'll be sitting around longer. But it's better to do that than to arrive late or miss your flight because you were standning in a long line.
You will have to go through a security checkpoint. You will need to take off all metal (jewelery, watches, coins, belts, etc.) and your shoes. Try to minimize how much you have on you and wear shoes that come off easily.
Minimize the size of thebag you carry on the plane. I've never had a problem getting the bags I check, but it's a good idea to bring things you'll need (medicine, contact solutions, etc.) just in case there is a delay in getting your luggage. More on that....the baggage you check at the airport oesn't always go on the plane with you. Sometimes it goes on a different plane and arrives before you or after you. Since you're probably flying direct and it's a fairly short flight, this probably won't happen.
There are lots of rules about what you can and cannot carry on the plane with you. Also, there are rules on how much you can carry and how it has to be packaged. Most of the rules apply to the things you bring onto the plane, not what you put in your checked luggage. Check out the Transportation Security Administration website for details. I list it below.
Put your name on all your bags, even the ones you bring with you. This helps to identify the bag in case there is more than one that look alike. Also, it's a TSA reqjuirement. If you don't have one already, the place where you check-in should have simple luggage tags.
Yours sounds like a short flight. Depending on the airline and the length of the flight, you might not be given and food for free. Most airlines give you a little snack and a soft drink. Some offer food and alcoholic drinks for sale. Bring some cash just in case.
pay attention to the safety briefing. I fly a fair amount and I have friends who have flown millions of miles. none of us has ever experienced any trouble on a plane. But it's good to know what to do and where to go just in case. Theh wrong time to figure that stuff out is when the emergency is actually happening.
The plane will make noise. It will clunk as the landing gear is raised and lowered. It will move around a bit as it goes through the moving air. No need to worry. This is all perfectly normal.
Consider bringing some medicine with you in case of air sickness. I started flying at 8 months in my family's small plane so I never get air sick. My sister and mother were a lot older when they first flew so they sometimes feel it a little. There are lots of over the counter medicines that are available. The one that sticks in my mind is Dramamine. You might not need it but it's nice to have a couple of pills, just in case.
And last but not least, have fun.

Answer 2

Pack lightly, especially if you're going to FL in June. Also, plan on space in your luggage for souveniers.

You can only take on small hand lotions, gels, etc., on an airplane, and those must ALL fit inside of a 1 qt. ziplock bag. See the tsa link for more information. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

Do not pack the following in luggage you check:
eyeglasses, contact lenses, prescription medications, credit cards, passports, car or house keys.

Make sure you bring a book to read, and I always bring along a portable CD player with CD's, ipods work great too.

Call or check with the airline via their website before departure, you want to verify that your flights are operating, and at the times you think they're operating.

Make sure your checked luggage has both a name tag on the outside (attached to a handle) AND your name, address and contact information on the INSIDE as well. Frequently, when luggage is lost, the luggage tag is lost as well. If the information isn't on the inside, then the airline has no way of knowing whose luggage they have.

Also, it is considered rude on an airplane to fully recline your seat back--people still do it though, but it's rude these days. The person behind you doesn't have much room either. Be considerate of their needs as well.

Make sure you check in at the airline ticket counter when the airline says to. Many airlines require a 1 hour minimum, and suggest 90-120 minutes. If you are not at the departure gate 20 minutes prior to departure (for most airlines) you risk losing your seat. Most flights these days leave full--not an empty seat on them.

Hope this all helps you. Have a nice trip!

Answer 3

My top tips are to take something to read in case your flight is delayed. Don't drink alcohol on the plane, and wear comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict you.

Put all your important documents into a bag with a shoulder strap that closes properly and keep it with you at all times.

Enjoy your trip. Travelling can be tedious but it is always exciting to go somewhere new.

Answer 4

Don't overpack. You need fewer changes of clothing than you think. Don't put valuables or breakables in your checked luggage. Don't carry a lot of cash. If you have an irreplaceable piece of jewelry (family heirloom, for instance), don't take it unless you really need to. Carry a purse that closes securely and keep it close. If you do get robbed, and it's unlikely, just remember that it's only "stuff". Bring a good book and good walking shoes. That should do for a start. --- Have fun!

Answer 5

Keep valuable locked in the hotel safe. keep your purse zipped. Do not carry anything on your person that you cannot replace or afford to lose.

Stay in groups of familiar people. Avoid being approached by anyone who wants to sell you something, show you something, ask you something, etc.

As for ettequite, do unto others.... Just be polite.

Answer 6

Not really. Just buy your ticket and get on the plane. You can't take liquids or creams or gels on the planes anymore though (unless they are under 3 oz and sealed in a ziplock bag) So just buy your shampoo and stuff after you get there.

Answer 7

Most everyone has given you good advice. We have lots of tips on our site... we just want to encourage everyone to travel and have a good time. Check it out for tips on money: http://www.mousetourstravels.com/money.html
packing: http://www.mousetourstravels.com/carry-on-packing-tips.html and airport security tips: http://www.mousetourstravels.com/travel-security-alert-packing-guide.html

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! http://www.mousetourstravels.com

Answer 8

its only FL its not like your going to europe or something lol ...just watch out for the same "scams" you do now at home. Be aware of your surrondings and stay with your family, ohhhhhhh yeah and enjoy yourself!!!