I am going to be flying by myself for the 1st time ever on an airplane any tips?

Question

Im 17 and im really scared to fly by myself. Im not as afraid to be in the airplane but more scared to being in the big airports alone! Im afraid i wont beable to find my next flight and the baggage area and im also afraid to just be alone like if some man kid napped me or took me int o the mens bathroom no 1 would know. I may end up just panicing in the big airports all by myself with all those people i dont know!..Please help!!! any tips!?? Thanks!

Answer 1

Everything will be OK. Just tell the flight attendants that this is your first time and you're a little worried. They will make sure to get you the help you need. You can also ask airport security once you are in the airport. They will help you too. Good luck and most off all, have fun!!

Answer 2

Being scared the first time of anything is perfectly normal. Most airports are incredibly well signposted - better than roads lol. But a few tips -
Keep all documents like boarding passes safe in your cabin bag and not in a jean pocket where it/they can easily fall out.

Memorise your flight numbers or list it on note paper - those screens with gate numbers are quite large.

Take your MP3 player etc but don't keep yourself plugged in all the time or have it so loud you miss messages once at the airport or at your departure gate.

Don't be afraid to ask. I've travelled around US 2 times on my own and found everyone incredibly helpful. Problems can occur when you don't ask and get all anxious.

Check out beforehand what you can take with you on the plane. Also pack an extra set of clothing in your cabin bag so you have a spare if your baggage gets mislaid.

I think airports are incredibly secure these days and are safer than ever before. Tell cabin staff and checkin it's your first unaccompanied flight. Please, enjoy the excitement. Hope this helps.

Happy travels:)

Answer 3

I am glad that you have fears at 17, most that I have come across including my own children think they knew everthing @ 17.

Pay attention to you surroundings and do not stray off by yourself. For the next flight, once you deboard go directly to the departure monitors that will tell youthe flight number, time of departure, gate of departure and departure status. Once you start heading to the gate think about what you may want to take onthe plane with you and get it before you get to the gate. Keep ALL of your $$ in your front pocket and pay attention to your carry-on luggage so it does not get seperated from you.

Most people really are good and kind if given the chance to be so do not be afraid to answer questions. I get the feeling that you are a female so stick to asking women questions, espeically women in uniforms that work in the airport. DO not go with the asking my peers thing they are just starting to figur things out too. I would even suggest going to the ticketing agent at the gate to advise that you are traveling alone for the first time and are somewhat anxious. You should be able to pre-board - if it is not offered, ask if you can.

Most of all, once you get to your departure gate --- STAY THERE. Listen to the PA system for any announcements to gate changes or departure delays. Airports can be big and scary but try to remember that most of the people there have somewhere to go and have tunnel vision.

Lastly, Have a great trip! A healthy sense of fear is commendable but do not let it cpontrol you or stop you from doing the things that you want to. Life is too short and yours for the taking. At 17 you are on your way to a great time!

Be safe and enjoy - Mwaaah!

Answer 4

Don't worry! It's a user-friendly process! For the plane ride, itself, just sit back and enjoy. Get a window seat. And keep in mind that that 60 year old guy that's flying the plane learned to fly in his F105 Thunderchief off of aircraft carriers and over Haiphong (Vietnam) dodging MIGs. He knows how to fly, believe me, and the run he's flying that big old bus that you're on, you can bet he could do in his sleep. You're safe.

To find your connecting flight, note the gate you are at, just find the TV monitors, which are placed about every 20 feet, and find the flight number of your connecting flight, then follow the signs to the gate. The key to airports are to pay attention to signs. The same signs will lead you to the baggage claim area, too. On the baggage carrousel, the flight number of the flight you jut got off of will be lit up over the one where your bags will be coming out of.

If you have any questions or get lost or anything, ask a cop, which airports are full of these days or ask a gate agent. You'll be fine.

Answer 5

It's a little scary but you should handle it fine. Finding your next flight is not that hard and the attendants can help you with this. Tell the one of the flight attendants it is your first time and they will help you out as much as possible or direct you to someone who can. You won't get kidnapped. Just be aware of your surroundings, act confident, and stay in well populated areas. If you see someone suspicious act like you know where you are going and what you are doing. Try to stay near people that work in the airport. Make sure you bring a book, your i-pod, or whatever to keep yourself occupied and not thinking about being alone.

Answer 6

Couple of things to reconfirm: 1. Make sure you've let the airline know you are bringing an infant on board, and make sure you have the appropriate paperwork for international travel with your infant (passport) 2. Many airlines have bassinettes in the bulkhead seats - the bassinette attaches to the wall, and lets you lay the baby down while in flight. I highly recommend looking into this and reserving a bassinette if you can. It might cost a little, but it's worth it. 3. Yes you can bring a car seat on board. But you will only be allowed to use it if the seat next to you is empty. Some airlines will do an "infant hold" on the seat next to yours so it will be the last one filled, but there's no guarantee that you'll have a free seat to put the car seat on. 4. BUT, I do recommend using the car seat/infant carrier and stroller to get through the airport, then gate check them right before you get on the airplane. It makes it much easier to get through the airport with baby and all the stuff. 5. Don't forget to plan for delays and messes. Bring lots of plastic ziplock bags to put dirty diapers in, several changes of clothes for your baby and at least one full change of clothes for you (since babies that spit up manage to hit an adult about half the time). Bring about twice as many diapers, formula etc. than you think you would normally need for the transit time. Most airports do NOT have baby food, formula, diapers etc., and if your flight is delayed or re-routed you'll be stuck without the supplies you need. 6. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you and your baby are comfortable with being covered up while breastfeeding. Mothers have been removed from airplanes for discreetly nursing, but not covering up. Even if you don't normally use a bottle, I'd bring a bottle and some formula with you just in case. Have a good trip!

Answer 7

Show up early.

If ever unsure of where to go. Look up. There are always a lot of signs in both symbols and words and arrows pointing the way. If ever unsure of where to go for 60 seconds or more, ask. Ask whoever. Even if it is kind of a stupid question, who cares, you get where you are going early.

Check out your airports that you will be in on the web. They all seem to be on the web. Look into maps, and services they have. Look for good places to eat, interesting shops or things to do. You never know when your plans may change a bit and some extra time makes the information handy.

IF anything bad happens to you scream. Just scream, don't yell any words, and especially don't make it up. Airports are busy places, there is always people a scream away, and lots of security.

Pack light reading material and music.

Enjoy your flight.

Answer 8

I so know what you mean. I've traveled alone a lot and every time I have the same fears but you just go with the crowd. Trust me. It may sound like cold comfort to just follow the majority but it will lead you in the right direction and if it's wrong you will know quickly. I had to fly form NZ to China in recent times and not only was I alone without a clue what the airport would be like, I didn't speak any of the language. Just stay calm. There's usually only one way to go when you get off a plane and the majority head in that direction. You'll be fine. Have a good trip =)

Answer 9

I flew by myself for the very first time last summer from Hong Kong to France. I was so scared and worried about what you are now worrying about. BUT trust me, if you do your search well enough, such as printing the floor plan or the structure of the airport you are landing, finding the locations of different gates, etc..

BUT most importnaly, you have to ask whenever you have difficulties...

If you cannot find the place for a tranfer flight or you dont know where you can pick up your luggage, you can always go to the customer service counter and ASK!

They are helpful usually....

This is what I did, I did my research and asked the flight attendant when i got problems,.....

Answer 10

Hello, I used to traval alone when I was younger as well, I understand your fear, once you are in the airport what you can do is go to the ticket counter where you recieved your ticket explain to the person that you need someone to escort you to your gate, watch where you are going if possible so if you go to a eatery or shop you will know the location of your gate. Best thing to once the person drops you at your gate for boarding stay there, bring a book to read, and a small bag as a carry on for your favorate music to listen to on the plane. Oh NO Radios. CD players, tapes ok. IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF MONEY/// PUT LIKE $25.00 IN YOUR POCKET FRONT NOT BACK POCKETS, AND THE REST PUT INTO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SHOES.... I know that sounds odd but trust me I used that method. No one wants money from your shoes and noone thinks to look there.
If you also have more than one conecting flight meaning you must get off one plane to go to another tell a flight attendent where you are going and he or she will help you off the plane till you reach your family ....HAVE FUN, OH If by chance you do not understand your flight ticket have them explain it to you and highlight the areas of the flight number, the plane numbers and gates so you can find them asap.
Have a Safe Trip and my God keep ypu safe always. Since you said you were affraid please be sure you have someone walk you to each gate, and best thing to just tell someone NO if they try to hurt you and tell security so they can detain the person but there really should not be any problems in that area....