Help! First time flying

[aimee11621]

I haven't been flying in more than 15 years. I did'nt like it the first time. Its like space mountain. Except you can't get off until five ours later. (going to vegas from miami)

What are the new rules for flying checking in is now two hours prior.

OMG any tips on making this journey easier?

I know I can't take aerosol hairspray. What else?

 

[DIZNYFAN]

My first ever flight was from Detroit to Orlando and I had a big fear of flying so I sat in the airport bar directly across from our boading lane thing and had 3 double rhye and cokes it helped some but I was still nervous. I have flown many times since then and it is really easy now. Just try to relax and don't sit next to the window that is how I started off.

 

[Chicago526]

Check out www.tsa.com , they have tons of info on airport security wait times, what you can bring, not bring, and anything else you may want to know.

Really, you don't need 2 hours normally, but since you've not flown in so long, get there early to make sure you can find your way around.

And while a good stiff drink is nice, remember that if you are drunk, the airline will deny you boarding as a saftey risk.

If you have enough time, maybe speak to your doctor, they have anti-anxiety pills now that may help. If your problem is motion sickness, try taking Dhramamine (sp?). It will help with the sickness, and make you sleepy-maybe you can sleep through the whoel thing!

 

[mommytotwo]

You will be able to have one carry on. If you have a book that you are reading, bring that or a puzzle book to keep yourself occupied. Remember that if you need anything, a flight attendant will be able to help you.

 

[petula]

I've been flying since I was three weeks old, so I can't remember what the first time was like, but in the past few years I've started feeling uneasy about it. And I've begun to use a very important strategy for myself that my brilliant mother always used: AIRPLANE SURPRISES!!!

Back then they were for combating boredom. When we started getting antsy, she'd just pull out another coloring book, game, or little toy we'd never seen before. Now the purpose is to distract myself from takeoff. After that's done, it's all smooth sailing and you'll wonder what the big deal was, but for those first few minutes you'll want to have something new that you haven't peeked at or opened--cd, book, magazine, etc.--and that you're just DYING to get into (my original thing was the Johnny Depp Entertainment Weekly ). Make sure you've got it ahead of time (don't wait till you're at the airport), and make sure it's something you're more excited about than anything else in the world!

Aside from your trip, of course.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

www.fearofflying.com has a lot of great info to help if you feel yourself getting nervous at all.

I agree about taking books, portable cd player etc. It helps the time fly by!

 

[dianeschlicht]

That TSA site you got the link for above is great. You CAN take hairspray, even in your carry on. Most toiletries are fine, even manacure items. My DD had a great fear of flying, and she did a course to help with it. She learned distraction techniques like wearing a rubber band around your wrist. Whenever you feel anxious, snap it to remind yourself to do and think of something else. Keeping your mind on other things is best. If you have a travel partner, take a travel game like Boggle or travel Scrabble. Those kind of games keep your mind busy, so they help. Reading is fine too, if you are not prone to sickness. Remember that little bumps and noises are common on flights, and not to consentrate on them.

 

[totalia]

You'll be just fine. Though I suggest that you be there 3 hours prior just in case.

It's very easy. Bring everything with you that you need to the desk and have your ticket and ID out already. Hand it to them and they will probably ask you some questions and tag your largest bags (your only allowed one carry on) thent hey will point you through metal detectors and point you the rest of the way.

If you have any questions, just ask an attendant. Everyones usually very nice and happy to help you (sometimes you will both get a good laugh when there is something you didn't know. I did once. Was embarassed, but it was funny).