1st time flying

[Lilacs chosen]

Leaving for WDW in Dec to spend Christmas there. Never flew before. Not sure what we are allowed on the plane and what not? And not sure what to expect? I am afraid of heights and claustrophobic. Hoping to get something from the doctor to help me relax.Anyone that has any information or advice would help. Thanks.

 

[ncc1701]

As for what's allowed, check the TSA website & your airlines site. I don't like heights either but they don't bother me when I'm on a plane. I fly out of Philadelphia and spend the trip looking out the window trying to figure out where we are over the coast. You 'll be fine imo it is much less streesful than driving I-95.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

As for what's allowed, check the TSA website & your airlines site. I don't like heights either but they don't bother me when I'm on a plane. I fly out of Philadelphia and spend the trip looking out the window trying to figure out where we are over the coast. You 'll be fine imo it is much less streesful than driving I-95.

OK Thanks we will be flying out of Pittsburgh my daughter is a make a wish child this is our 1st trip to wdw.

 

[RVinMomma]

OK Thanks we will be flying out of Pittsburgh my daughter is a make a wish child this is our 1st trip to wdw.

Awww, I hope your princess has a wonderful time!

 

[dis_guy]

I am afraid of heights and claustrophobic. .

I wouldn't worry about the height thing. A surprising number of pilots (including myself) are afraid of heights. It's just not the same strapped into a plane than say, standing on a highrise balcony.

The claustrophobia may be a bigger issue. I've been told that sitting nearer the front of the cabin helps because you don't get that "looking into a tube" visual effect that you get near the back.

Good luck, relax, and enjoy your trip!

 

[Lilacs chosen]

Thanks everyone and I will keep in mind to try to get a seat toward the front of the cabin. Since it will be the holiday season not sure if that will be available but will try.

 

[NJtoATL]

You will be fine. I think you should know that planes make noises. These sounds are normal. Just like your car, the a/c or heater in your house. They can be scary if you are not familiar with them. When I fly, I always hear children ask what is that? refering to a new sound. Since this is your first time you may find yourself asking some of the same questions. Just remember it is the everday, run of the mill "noise/sound" of an airplane. Have a great trip. Get to the airport early. Larger airports can be confusing to people who do not fly regularly.

 

[Fortune1211]

I hope you have a wonderful time!! We fly out of PIT too and it's a busy airport, but really cool! I'm claustorphobic and afraid of heights as well, but flying has never bothered me. We had some turbulence coming home last trip and I was a little white knuckled but we made it just fine

Ask your doctor for something to keep you calm but not knock you out because before you know it you'll be there!

 

[disnut1149]

Hi
I've flown many times and hate it everytime. I got a prescription for Xanax from the doctor and it has really helped me. I won't fly without it. My family loves to fly, so since you haven't flown before, maybe you'll love it too. Have a great trip!!

 

[Lilacs chosen]

You will be fine. I think you should know that planes make noises. These sounds are normal. Just like your car, the a/c or heater in your house. They can be scary if you are not familiar with them. When I fly, I always hear children ask what is that? refering to a new sound. Since this is your first time you may find yourself asking some of the same questions. Just remember it is the everday, run of the mill "noise/sound" of an airplane. Have a great trip. Get to the airport early. Larger airports can be confusing to people who do not fly regularly.

Thanks I did go into Pittsburgh airport website that said to arrive 90 minutes before the flight.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

I hope you have a wonderful time!! We fly out of PIT too and it's a busy airport, but really cool! I'm claustorphobic and afraid of heights as well, but flying has never bothered me. We had some turbulence coming home last trip and I was a little white knuckled but we made it just fine

Ask your doctor for something to keep you calm but not knock you out because before you know it you'll be there!

OK thanks I did plan on talking to the doctor. We are leaving on Dec 23rd. and returning Dec 29th

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

OK thanks I did plan on talking to the doctor. We are leaving on Dec 23rd. and returning Dec 29th

You will be at the airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year. I would arrive at least 2 hours before the flight, not 90 minutes. Be prepared for massive crowds and possible weather delays.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

Hi
I've flown many times and hate it everytime. I got a prescription for Xanax from the doctor and it has really helped me. I won't fly without it. My family loves to fly, so since you haven't flown before, maybe you'll love it too. Have a great trip!!

Thanks I have an appointment next week with my doctor so I will ask her about it then.

 

[Lilacs chosen]

You will be at the airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year. I would arrive at least 2 hours before the flight, not 90 minutes. Be prepared for massive crowds and possible weather delays.

Thanks for that information I never thought about that. I will make sure I am there 2 hrs early.

 

[chartle]

I would give yourself plenty of time.

I see that you have a 3 hour drive to the airport. Are you planning on staying over the night before or just driving right before your flight.

The reason I ask is that you will be coming in the Parkway East, driving right through Downtown and then going out the Parkway West ( all I 376).

Also you are going by two of the largest shopping areas and its always crazy at this time.

In the morning there will be a ton of traffic coming into the city and in the afternoon a ton leaving towards the airport.

The good news is once in the Airport I think it impossible to get lost.

Depending on where you park, its a straight shot to go from the lot to the Land Side terminal, to security, to the tram that takes you to the Air side and then up the escalator or elevator to the gates where you then branch off to one of 4 legs.

 

[sam_gordon]

You may know this, but just in case...

From the time they close the door until the plane is above 10,000ft(?), all electronic devices need to be OFF. This includes laptops, ipods, cellphones, noise cancelling headsets, DVD players, etc... basically if it has an on/off switch, it needs to be off.

Depending on how long a wait you have on the taxiway, this can be anywhere between 15minutes and an hour. These devices will also need to be turned off during the final part of the descent.

I only mention this so you can plan accordingly to have activities for your family... book, crossword, etc. Tray tables will also need to be up during this time, so playing cards (or anything that requires a flat surface will be difficult to use.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Lilacs chosen]

I would give yourself plenty of time.

I see that you have a 3 hour drive to the airport. Are you planning on staying over the night before or just driving right before your flight.

The reason I ask is that you will be coming in the Parkway East, driving right through Downtown and then going out the Parkway West ( all I 376).

Also you are going by two of the largest shopping areas and its always crazy at this time.

In the morning there will be a ton of traffic coming into the city and in the afternoon a ton leaving towards the airport.

The good news is once in the Airport I think it impossible to get lost.

Depending on where you park, its a straight shot to go from the lot to the Land Side terminal, to security, to the tram that takes you to the Air side and then up the escalator or elevator to the gates where you then branch off to one of 4 legs.

I will probably come in the night before. I wonder if there is any motels near there to make it easier?

 

[Lilacs chosen]

You may know this, but just in case...

From the time they close the door until the plane is above 10,000ft(?), all electronic devices need to be OFF. This includes laptops, ipods, cellphones, noise cancelling headsets, DVD players, etc... basically if it has an on/off switch, it needs to be off.

Depending on how long a wait you have on the taxiway, this can be anywhere between 15minutes and an hour. These devices will also need to be turned off during the final part of the descent.

I only mention this so you can plan accordingly to have activities for your family... book, crossword, etc. Tray tables will also need to be up during this time, so playing cards (or anything that requires a flat surface will be difficult to use.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks I did not know that being my first time flying I pretty much don't know anything just learning here on the boards.

 

[chartle]

I will probably come in the night before. I wonder if there is any motels near there to make it easier?

There are quite a few, one is at the airport so you would just walk to the terminal. Here is a map of others.

http://g.co/maps/dmtkh

Some have a park, sleep and fly package, where for a one night's stay, you can park there for the length of your trip and they will shuttle you back and forth to the airport.

I found this.

http://pittsburgh.parksleepfly.com/

ETA: The above website lists a ton of hotels that in way would be considered "airport" hotels. Ignore any that don't airport in the name.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Thanks I did not know that being my first time flying I pretty much don't know anything just learning here on the boards.

Go to your airline's website. Read the information about luggage, checking-in, seat selection, etc. Go to tsa.gov and read the rules for what is prohibited in carry-on and tips for going through security:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Other useful sites:

http://www.ifly.com/airport-tips

http://www.first-time-flyers.com/

Have fun!