First Time to Fly?

Question

This spring break my dad and I are going to the east and we're taking a plain. But it will be my first time fly EVER! what do I have to expect? I've never been really into flying could you give me some good preflit ideas to relax? What can I and can't I take on the plain? Ex: could I take my Mp3 players?

Please Help! Thank you for your help
♥ Becky

Answer 1

First off, try not to worry or be nervous. I know that seems hard not to, but the more you worry and the more nervous you are, the scarier it'll be. I believe that knowledge is key, and once you know the procedure it'll be a lot less scarier for you.


Make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time to check in, go through security, and fine your concourse and gate. Rule of thumb is to allow yourself 2-5 hours before your flight. Call the airport ahead of schedule to see what their wait time is for that specific day.

Make sure you have all your documents with you (picture ID or passport, visa if needed, and ticket). Also make sure that you are not taking any forbidden items with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm


Now you are ready for your flight!

When you taxi, you barely feel the plane move at all. At this point the cabin crew will tell you all you need to know about what to do in case of emergencies and such.

When the plane prepares for liftoff, it starts to go really fast down the runway, and then within 45 seconds you are up in the air. Things may seem a little wobbly at first, but that's just because of moving through the different altitudes. Your ears will pop as you climb through the altitudes also. (chewing gum, drinking something, swallowing, or yawning will alleviate the pressure.)

Once you are in the air, things will feel smooth. You will hear the humm of the engines, but that's normal, nothing to worry about. I actually find it relaxing. If there is turbulence, you might feel the plane wobble a little bit, but remember, planes are designed to withstand this, so take a deep breath and try not to think about it.

When you are approaching landing, your ears will pop as you descend through the altitudes (remember: chewing gum, drinking something, swallowing, or yawning will alleviate the pressure). You will feel the plane slow down and the cabin crew will prepare you for landing. When the plane touches down it kind of feels like a short jolt, and then you hear them cut the engines off and the plane slows down pretty fast.

From there, the plane will taxi to either the gate or the designation where a bus will pick you up. You wait for the plane to decompressurize a few moments before they start letting the passengers out. That was your flight.


To entertain yourself:
- Bring along a few book, magazines, puzzles (such as crosswords or Sodoku if you like those).
- Bring along an iPod, MP3 player, or CD player to listen to music.
- A laptop is good to have as you can play games on it, connect to the internet, and get any work done that you may have.
- Try talking to the people next to you. Sometime you will meet some really interesting people, and forge friendships

Answer 2

Your dad will probably be on top of the arrangements--- where to go, where to check in, how much time you need--- so you should focus on getting yourself ready for the flight. It's not that bad and usually very fun to fly but many people do not like takeoff and landing. If that's scary to you, close your eyes if you need to, or talk to your dad while the plane is taking off/landing, so you will be distracted.

MP3 players are just fine; you can't listen to them during takeoff or landing but once you're in the air, no problem (some flights are so short that you can't take them out but that's not all that common). Crossword puzzles are one of my favorite diversions on a plane because it's enough of a distraction that the time passes quickly but not so intense that I have to pay attention a lot.

Turbulence is scary sometimes--- that's when the plane bounces around a bit because the air is rough, and it is a strange feeling. But it's nothing to worry about--- there are "waves" in the air, almost like in the water, caused by pockets of air at different temperatures. Just like a boat, you might have a choppy ride but the air must be very, very unsettled before the plane can't travel in it--- and airlines will stop flying in that kind of weather.

Ask your dad if you can ask the gate agent to let you board wihth the passengers who need assistance--- you can then see if the flight attendants have a few minutes to tell you what to expect on the flight. I used to be very afraid of flying and I found that talking to the flight attendants really helped calm me down!

Answer 3

All I know, if you get motion sickness easily, then try to sit in the middle of the plain, you tend not to feel turbulence that badly

Answer 4

yes - you can take your MP3 player - you can't use it during takeoff and landing but tey anounce when you can turn it on. Take dramamine to help relax - also helps with motion sickness if you are prone to that.