Hey! I Need Some Serious Help!!! HAVE YOU EVER...???

Question

have you guys flown in an airplane? My boyfriend and I are going to visit some of my family for Christmas and I'm sooo nervous. I've never flown before and I have absolutely NO idea what to expect. Can anyone give me their personal experiences and some heads-up advice on what to expect for takeoff, when to arrive before checking in bags, and other things that are good to know before flying? Thank you sooo much!!!

Answer 1

Here you go ... everything you ever wanted to know about air travel!
1. Check your airline's website for information on baggage allowance, and how far ahead you will need to check in.
2. Pack your checked bags. Generally, you are allowed 2 pieces of checked baggage (those that travel in the belly of the plane).
3. Pack your carry on: Generally, you are allowed 1-2 Carry-On Items (those that you bring with you into the cabin) like a backpack and a purse. For your carry on, you can only carry liquids or gels if they are in 3 oz (or smaller) containers and they all must fit in a 1 quart Ziploc bag (the airline website will explain this further). You can't carry any small, sharp objects (tweezers, scissors), or anything combustible (aerosol cans, lighters, matches). I recommend packing a change of clothes and a small bag of toiletry items just in case your checked bags get lost (don't worry -- this RARELY happens, but it's best to be prepared, just in case). Don't forget your tickets, ID, money, and something to occupy your time (books, playing cards, music)
3. Arrive at the airport by the designated time. Since it's your first time, give yourself an extra half hour or so.
4. On the Departures Level, proceed to the counter for your airline. A big airport might be confusing, but there are usually plenty of workers wandering around to help.
5. There will be check-in kiosks, but just tell the attendant it's your 1st time flying and they will walk you through it.
6. Once checked in, you will be given Boarding Passes for each leg of your flight. Don't lose them!!!
7. Proceed to the proper gate for your flight (it will be listed on your first boarding pass). You will have to go through security. At security, take everything out of your pockets. You might also have to take off your shoes. Some people are chosen for random searches ... just let the guard pat you down and you'll be on your way.
8. Proceed to the gate and wait for boarding to commence. Sit in the seats RIGHT in front of your gate, as the announcments they make for your flight will only be made in that local area.
9. Once you are allowed to board, give your boarding pass to the Gate Agent and walk on the plane. Find your seat. Put on your seatbelt. There will be a mandatory safety presentation before the plane takes off.
10. Once you land, you will either:
a. be connecting to another flight, so then proceed to that gate. Repeat steps 8-9. The flights will be listed on a big screen once you get into your new airport.
b. If you are at your final destination, proceed to the baggage claim area to get your luggage. There are usually signs to tell you which luggage is on which conveyor belt. in some cases when crossing a border, you have to physically carry your baggage at the connecting airport and put it on a new conveyor belt. Ask about this when you're are checking in.
11. If you are crossing a border, you will have to go through the Customs & Immigration area. No matter how tired, hungry, or generally pissed off you are, or how rude the guard is to you, ALWAYS treat the guards with respect!!! They have the right to NOT let you in the country. 99.9% of guards are pleasant and lovely. The remainder are sometimes on a power trip and could make you go through hell. In their defense, most travellers treat them like crap all day, so don't give them any reason to take their frustrations out on you.

Don't be afraid of flying ... statistically speaking, you are much more likely to be killed in a car crash.

Answer 2

Well, I find flying to be a huge hassle. Long lines, tons of waiting, and also the actual flying bit.

Being in the plane can be semi-enjoyable(Unless you fly all the time, then I can see it being annoying). I remember taxing down the runaway for what seemed to be FOREVER. Taking off is the most fun part(for me). There is a sudden jerk forward(its not bad, its like a rollar coaster pushing forward. I've made it seem scary, but it isn't) Then you tilt back and fly upwards into the sky. Sometimes you'll hit some turbulence and if you haven't been on a plane before, it can be pretty scary but you'll get used to it.

Also, I would look at the window if I were you. If you don't you'll just imagine horrible things and have an even worse time. Taking off and landing have incredible views. Airplanes are a different experience.

Have fun!

Answer 3

ive been flying since i was very little. it really isnt a big deal. you should at least go 2 hours before your flight to check in. that should give you enough time just in case there is an problems. the plane smells like a lot of coffee lol so be prepared for that. they board you usually a half an hour before you take off but it really doesnt seem that long. the pilot will tell you eventually to buckle up, turn off your cell phone and any electronic device before taking off. then the plane "runs" a little bit down the lane, takes speed, and gets off ground. the pressure might get your ears a little "popped" so bring gum. don't look out the window, because you will get paranoid. when you reach enough altitude they will give you lunch and when you are arriving it feels a little bit like free fall. (i mean A LITTLE BIT) because the plane is descending. other than that, enjoy your flight and relax.

Answer 4

I feel for you. A while back, my husband and I drove with our 6 month old son to Florida. We live in Michigan....so it was a trip to say the least. We had major car trouble when we got there and I didn't want to stay and wait. So, we flew back. It was just after 9/11, so I was horrified to have my new son on a large plane. I sobbed when the plane took off. About 45 minutes into it, I started to relax. It was pouring rain, foggy, etc. Turbulence was really bad, too. I was scared, but I had faith. Most likely, you will not see this scenario. Your flight will be routine. You can expect to be gently pushed back into your seat as you take off. You will climb steeply and feel yourself being pushed into your seat a bit. Just breathe....this is normal. Once you guys get up there and the seat belt signs go off, leave yours on. I have found this to be a kind of safety net for some people, myself included. You may feel turbulence to some degree. It just feels like going on a lightly bumpy road....nothing major. No spilled drinks, screaming, lights flickering....that stuff is in the movies. : ) When you come down, you will feel a good bump as you touch down. Again, nothing to make you bite your tongue or anything....then, just like that, it is over. The main thing is: find something to occupy your time. The window actually can be helpful. I found it better, even when I was afraid. We flew over Disney World....kind cool. But, it also helps with motion sickness. Good luck, honey. You will be just fine and may even learn to love it!!!!! (oh and a big thing Chew gum....your ears won't get plugged)

Answer 5

connecting domestic flights are always risky - better to make sure you get a direct flight. there is always a chance that the flight may be delayed or cancelled (due to weather conditions) so always get to the airport early and check the status of the flight. 2 hrs ahead should be enough. be prepared to take a train or bus if the flights are out of action.

if you can travel light (no check-in luggage), that would be best, but if you have to spend some days out, you will probably have to bring luggage that needs to be checked in. so make sure you dont exceed baggage weight limits. weigh it before you go to the airport. and dont bring the usual stuff planes dont permit. if you are not sure what's banned, call the airline or airport for the details or surf internet website for the info.

finally, in case you are afraid you will throw up, take anti-nausea pill as per directions before the flight. the worst case of air turbulence i ever experienced was when my moderately hot coffee spilled on my pants. no major damage, fortunately. just pants that smelled of coffee. other people have had flying objects hit them. so no point worrying about it until it happens.

Answer 6

Arrive to the air port about two hours early, given the time it will be crowded and you never now how jammed security will be. Make sure you have all liquids over 3 oz backed in checked luggage and all under in a small sandwich bag. Take off and landing aren't that bad. The g-forces are kinda cool actually. Just relax. If you get motion sickness make sure to take your meds before you get on. Drink water if you can, you don't get as blowdid. oh and don't have any fingernail clippers, pocket knives, ligthers, or arisal stuff on you when you board. they will be thrown away.

Answer 7

I ride a plane once a year. Remember you have more of a chance crashing a car, then going down in a plane. you do need to bring gum cuz ur ears will pop. bring a camera to get some neat pictures of the clouds.. It feels so weird as ur going up, and sometimes might take ur stomach. U have to be there 2 hours early. They are getting real strict with the bags, so make sure u know what to bring and not to bring by checking with ur airport, like some airports you cant bring hairspray cuz of the can its in. HOpe this helps!!

Answer 8

take a breath! i've flown a million times. my family always got to the airport around 3 hours early because things could go wrong (for instance, we went to the wrong airport once... or weather conditions...) with extra time you'll feel much less stressed! always carry your passport/boarding pass with you - everything should stay organized in your bags cause sometimes it could get hectic and messy at airports. during the takeoff, you should just relax - the takeoff could get a little bumpy but it's safe! don't worry, they know what they're doing. most flight attendants and airport workers are really nice so don't hesitate to ask for help. the only people i suggest you don't bother are the people at the carry on luggage area. have fun on your trip!

Answer 9

Don't stress about this. Once you get up in the air, it feels a lot like you are in a car driving on a street. It's not scary at all. I'm even afraid of heights and take the window seat in a plane as much as I can because I like looking down at the land. Seriously, it's no big deal. Just take some gum with you incase your ears pop!

Answer 10

The bag checkin parts are all easy, you just have to wait in a queue for ages. I HATE flying, take some gum with you for take off and landing because people say that it helps to pop your ears so that the pressure doesn't hurt. However this doesnt work for me, nothing does, I spend my whole time in the air in pain feeling like my head will explode. You will probably be normal like most of the rest of the population lol have fun!