I'm about to fly commercial for the first time...is there anything that I absolutley should know?

Question

Im pretty scared about it....is it safe? This sounds so dumb but im scared of terrorists too!! What are the chances of something like that happening? What should I bring/not bring?

Answer 1

To find out what to take/not take, first use your common sense (don't take a gun or knife, for instance). Check the FAA website, as they are constantly changing things. Call the airport you will fly out of. Call the airlines you will fly on. They will all give you different answers, but any one of them can keep you from flying, so if they say don't, then don't. Right now the big thing is liquids (including, but not limited to, shampoo, lotion, medicine, all the stuff people take for granted) you are limited to 3 ozs of the stuff, placed into a clear 1-quart bag. Check as above for further details.
As to safety, yes, they are reasonably safe. Still safer than driving.
If you are suffering from the fear of flying, take it easy, eat well, sleep well before your flight, don't get excited, remain calm. If the plane hits a downdraft, you can get scared easily, but don't be alarmed. It's all right.
As to what you absolutely need to know, expect long lines and delayed flights. (That is par for the U.S.; ALL public transportation in the U.S. are always behind schedule. Some countries don't have a schedule; in Germany you can set your watch by the buses, trains and planes. When the schedule says they will arrive/depart, thats when it happens. So is it safe? Basically, yes, a person is more likely to be hurt getting out of bed or taking a bath.
Oh! Carry as little metal as you can. You will need to be screened; even buttons and snaps will set off the alarm, even credit cards (a bunch of them). Minimize jewelry, watches, keys, etc.

Answer 2

You have absolutly nothing to worry about. I have traveled extensivly over the past 30 years, and have probably taken over 1000 flights, both domesticly and internationally. The most imortant thing is to make sure you are at the airport early, expect line-ups to clear security.

Once on board you may want to tell the flight attendednt that it is your first flight, and are a little anxious. They will do thier best to make sure you are comfortable. You may want to take a CD player to listen to your favorite tunes.

As far as what to bring is concerned anything in your purse that you would normaly take on a car ride of the same length.

Sit back and enjoy your flight, oh yeas take a pack of gum to chew for the landing, this will help your ears.

Enjoy the ride.

Answer 3

If anyone was scared of flying it was me. My first trip was from Lexington, Ky to Cincinnatti and from there on to SanAntonio. The first plane was mid sized, about 50 passenger. It felt like the wings would fall off. It shook and jittered and flopped like a big fish but believe it or not was amazingly secure feeling. Looking out the windows is almost like watching tv. You don't have a thing to worry about. Something did go wrong with the plane I came home on although and when we exited there was an announcement to the people waiting to board that the flight would have to be diverted to another plane as there was a malfunction to the plane. I'm just glad it happened when I was getting off.

Answer 4

I've been on a lot of planes and always been fine. I suggest maybe wearing warm clothes beacuse it can get cold in the sky. Also some gum if you ears pop like mine do. If you have an ipod or mp3 player that's a good idea. Don't bring bottled water they will just make you throw it out. Hope this helps a little!

Answer 5

It is the safest way to travel, you'll be fine, check tsa.gov for the latest updates on what you can and cannot bring on board, it tells this for both carry-on and stowed luggage.

Answer 6

no need to be scared,you will love it,think positive,once you have done it,you will want to do it again and again,it is great fun,enjoy your first flight i know you will