I've never been on an airplane!!! Who here has???

[Britt_HeartsDisney]

Hello everyone!!
Okay so I have never been on an airplane in my life! My last trip to Disney we drove and it took 2 days to get there. My DH doesn't want to do that again so we are planning on booking a flight to Orlando. Can anyone tell me what to expect with flying?? Is it scarey, and is it as big of a hassel as they make it out to be on the news? Also when you arrive at the airport my dreammaker package says it includes a service where Disney comes and picks us up and then takes us to our resort from the airport. It also says they will bring our bags later and we will have them delivered to our rooms?? Has anyone ever done this option before? How long does it take them to deliver the luggage and if we wanted to, could we just bring our own luggage with us when they pick us up? Is that an option? Thank you for any help at all I am clueless about all of this. Sorry for all the questions, PLEASE HELP if you can at all...
ThAnKs!!!!!

 

[Maridw]

Okay, First off, flying is not scary at all. I have been flying since I was a kid, so I guess that makes me a seasoned pro as has my DD (been flying since she was 8 months old).

And no it is not the hassle that the tv makes it out to be. We have flown to Orlando a few times and we were just going from Panama City, so it was only like an hour flight. Once you land in Orlando, you will get the tram/shuttle to the main terminal, there are signs all over directing you where to go to catch this. Follow the signs to Baggage claim area A. Once you get down the escalator to this area, you will not have any problem finding where Disney's Magical Express is. If you do, just ask any one that works at the airport and they can direct you where to go. We have always let them get our luggage and deliver it, but I will forewarn you that it could take a couple hours for them to deliver it. I have read where people have picked up their own luggage and taken it on the bus so that they don't have to wait for it with no problem at all. You will just have to find out which baggage claim area your luggage is coming in at and then go to the Magical Express area.

Once you check in with Magical Express they will direct you to the line to load on the bus. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes (or up to 60 min) to get to the resort. Some times they take people to a couple different resorts so you might not be the first stop. But the ride is not bad at all.

I think you will be okay. Don't worry too much about flying, it really isn't that bad at all. Some times it can seem like it takes forever. Just make sure you get to your departure airport early enough to check in and you should have no problem. Check with them to see what they require for check in. Some require up to an hour & a half prior to departure time for check in. If it is a big airport, you might consider this, because it can get busy and take a bit to check in. We are a small airport so we rarely have a long line.

Getting back to the airport for the return trip is not hard at all. Everything should be explained in your Magical Express documents, but if you have any questions once you are at the resort as to when you should get your bags down for the trip back, check with the people at the Magical Express desk at your resort. They should be able to answer any questions you have.

Have a great trip, and I hope I was able to answer your questions.

 

[skier_pete]

OK, I'll bite.

I've flown hundreds of times, and I have no fear at all of it, and I don't think it is at all scary. (I find it less scary than Soarin'!) I believe all the stats about how safe it is, and whenever anyone claims they won't fly because it's not safe here's what I say.

How many people do you of that have been hurt or killed in a car accident?
Now, how many people do you know that have been hurt or killed in a commercial airline plane crash?
Now, which one seems safer to you.

I have only met 1 person that answered the second question with something besides "No-one". The first question, for me, I personally know 5 people that have been killed in car crashes, never mind injuries.

That being said, fear of flying is a rational fear that many people have, but you really shouldn't.

The crowds/hassle at airports depend on the airport and the time of day. If you are flying out of a major city, just be sure to get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. It is generally a little annoying and the reason I wouldn't fly anywhere i can drive in under 6 hours, but beats two days in a car. You also got to remember the liquid restrictions, we had some sun-screen confiscated the last trip.

Finally, the service you are talking about is Disney's Magical Express. You can use it only if you are staying on property and they will take you directly to your resort. They will pick up your bags and bring them to the resort for you as well. We used this in October, and it was pretty great, sure beat renting a car. You are allowed to pick up your own bags and bring them along if you don't trust the service to do it for you. The bags are supposed to show within 3 hours, but when we went one of the bags took about 6 hours for some reason. A couple of options if you don't completely trust the service, pack a carry-on with some stuff you will need that day. OR, if you want to include toiletries that you can't take on the plane, I've heard of people packing one checked bag that they pick up from the luggage, and let Disney take your other bags. However, I think if you're going to bother to pick up one bag, you might as well pick them all up. Note when doing Magical Express, there will be two waits...one for the ME check-in and one for the actuall bus loading. Picking up your bags makes THREE waits before leaving the airport. (There will also be a wait at your hotel when you check-in...it's Disney, get used to it.)

Hope that helps you out Britt_HeartsDisney

SkierPete

 

[civileng68]

Well I may be able to relate well to the OP. I didn't fly for my first time until I was an adult (and I'm only 27).

I was TERRIFIED. I honestly remember sitting in the seat and just keeping my eyes closed and praying the entire time.

Now? Well I love it! It's great!

What to expect? Well you'll be sitting in the plane, at the gate getting ready to leave and you'll hear the pilot wind the engines up, which is cool.

Then you'll taxi down to the runway, which is no big whoop. Then when you take off, it's great! You never realize how safe you are in a plane until you are in it and feel the power it has. I have now become a plane guru. Those planes only use a percentage of their overall ability of power in the takeoff, and that is impressive. You will feel yourself being pushed back in your seat due to the power but, it's great. It's VERY comforting to me. I'd be nervous if the plane felt like it was struggling to get off. Not these days! Those bad boys are in control and have MORE than enough power to do what they want to do and need to do.

When you get up int he air, it's nothing at all. It's like you're not even moving most of the time. Landing is nothing either. I'ts so simple that I really regret being fearful of it most of my life.

 

[matt&jakesmom]

Just put your mind in another place. While you are sitting there think of Disney and what parks you are going to do etc.

Listen to music that will help as well.

I, too, did not get on a plane until I was 25 and that was my honeymoon to WDW. I was scared, hung on to my DH's hand during takeoff and then I was okay. I could not even think of driving 2 days to get there. From Detroit to Orlando it's 2 1/2 hours. Once we depart and head to magic express and take bus over to our resort. It is the best service they have.

I am sure you will do fine. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[trypnotic]

I've probably only flown a handful of times... maybe 10 times or less? The first time was solo in 2002, and it was a short flight - just over one hour. I think the only thing that freaked me out were the sudden drops in altitude when my stomach reached my upper throat. Whenever something happened that seemed strange to me, I'd just look at the other passengers to see if it was time to freak out or not. Fortunately I haven't had to freak out yet

Taxing (the plane "driving" to get into position for take-off) can be a pain when the runways are busy. The shortest taxi on a flight I've been on took 5 minutes; the longest, maybe 30 minutes. Just prior to take off, the plane usually pauses for 15-30 seconds then accelerates rapidly. Like civileng68, I enjoy the pushed back feeling at take off. If you're in the back of the plane, you'll really get a sense of the angle the plane is pointing at! Once you're up in the air, to me, it feels like riding a bus (with very small windows). My experience with turbulence hasn't been too bad... no worse than driving over a rough road. I also enjoy landing, especially if I have a window seat and get to watch objects get closer and closer. Once the plane lands, the engine will reverse thrust and you'll hear a loud roar from the engines which assist in slowing the plane down. After that, you'll head to the gate and be on your way to see Mickey!

I'd actually really enjoy flying if it weren't for all the (security) hassle before the flight, but these days, that's just the way things are.

 

[Poohbear123]

1980 and last year, I flew from Ft. Lauderdale to Orlando and have been doing it ever since! I have 10 flights under my belt, and have no fear at all....sometimes I'm a Little Anxious, but its only a 33 min flight IN THE AIR, so its not too much to worry about! I also fly Southwest airlines, as they are NO frills all the way, but are very nice! I even have a free flight from them till next November. Best of luck, flying gets you there faster, I know, I used to take the bus and train and that took forever!

 

[momto3girls]

How many people do you of that have been hurt or killed in a car accident?
Now, how many people do you know that have been hurt or killed in a commercial airline plane crash?
Now, which one seems safer to you.

That is EXACTLY what I just told my daughters before we flew! I told them that they would probably live their entire life without ever knowing anyone who was in an airplane crash. I then pointed out to them how many people they really do know, parents of kids at school, kids at school, kids and parents at dance, sports, church, people DH and I work with, etc, etc.

That really gave them a different perspective and they were ok. Once we were onboard, my oldest DD (almost 10) held onto the armrests for dear life. Her little sisters (almost 8) followed suit. By the time we were ascending, they were so busy looking outside that they forgot their fear completely. They loved the entire experience and can't wait to fly again someday!

As a former travel agent, I'm thrilled to have kids who are not afraid to fly! I love to travel and want them to love it, too!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I was TERRIFIED. I honestly remember sitting in the seat and just keeping my eyes closed and praying the entire time.

I, too, did not get on a plane until I was 25 and that was my honeymoon to WDW. I was scared, hung on to my DH's hand during takeoff and then I was okay.

I dunno about you people - didn't you know first-time adult airline passengers are supposed to grip the armrests with as much strength as possible, to keep the plane in the air? That's what I did the first time I flew - and it worked!

Once you land in Orlando, you will get the tram/shuttle to the main terminal, there are signs all over directing you where to go to catch this. Follow the signs to Baggage claim area A. Once you get down the escalator to this area, you will not have any problem finding where Disney's Magical Express is.

The Magical Express counter moved to Side B in October (just so the OP doesn't get lost )
Magical Express users will get a packet in the mail, ten days to several weeks before the trip. This will include instructions, transportation vouchers, and two bright yellow luggage tags for each person on the reservation. Follow the instructions for attaching the tags to your luggage, found on the removable paper on the back of each tag (but: before removing backing, slip tag through luggage handle; remove backing on JUST each end of the tag; press ends together firmly and evenly).

 

[mepperson]

How many people do you of that have been hurt or killed in a car accident?
Now, how many people do you know that have been hurt or killed in a commercial airline plane crash?
Now, which one seems safer to you.

LOL - Actually, I personally know more people who were hurt/killed in planes than cars, but I won't get into all of that! I have more than 1000 airplane rides - almost all were "up only" - I didn't land with the plane. So, my perspective on that is a little skewed! Don't tell your kids about that response.

I have many commercial flights that were "standard" take off, fly, and land. None of the commercial flights were in the least bit scarey or much hassle at all. I only had problems with my stomach - I get motion sickness a lot. If you or your kids get car sick, then take that into account. Let them look out the windows and tell them as much before you go as you can. And, keeping them occupied with toys/books in the plane is a must!

Have a great, safe, worry-free trip!

P.S. Actually, the only hassle was the Orlando airport - when we were leaving last May. It took about an hour to get through the screening line. Before you go, find out if it is taking a long time so you can factor that into your departure.

 

[disneyfanfamily]

I have only flown 3 times in 35 years. I still get nervous, but it is fun. But i also can't wait until we land....

The take off is fast. Everytime I fly, I forget how quickly the plane accelerates. So don't let that scare you. I just bring a book, a yahtzee or scrabble hand held game to keep my mind off of it. I even try to sleep at times.

I do like the window seat. It is neat looking down at everthing. I am a bit scared of heights, but looking down from the plane does not bother me.

Plus, knowing you will get there in 2 hours rather than 2 days makes it well worth it.

The first time I flew (age 24) I was so sick to my stomach all morning. Almost got sick. It was a combo of nerves and excitement. It took almost 5 hours after we landed for me to feel better. You will do fine. It is safer than driving!!!

Have a great trip!

 

[bytheblood]

I used to be terrified to fly, but now I enjoy it. I did not fly the first time until I was 21...I went to Vegas from Texas. On the way there and back, I was nervous, but now I can relax and read or sleep.

When I am walking onto the aircraft, I touch it and say a quick prayer. That always makes me feel secure and I don't worry about it.

Do not be afraid. Flying is safer than driving.

As far as the hassel, I think it depends on the time of the day you are flying. For me, I have never had any trouble and I find checking in is pretty simple.

If you are worried about nausea, take a dramamine 30 minutes before your take-off time. Also, to keep your mind elsewhere while flying, take a portable DVD player, MP3 player or a real good magazine or book with you. It really does help.

 

[ClaraBug]

I am going to by honest....I get sooo anxious it pathetic. We flew last year to WDW from Dulles (outside DC). It was only a hour and a half flight but I had butterflies so bad, I had to pee numerous times. This was DH first time flying ever!!! He went through a pack of cigerettes at the airport waiting for the flight. Once we got onto the plane and buckled in....the excitement replaced SOME of the anxiety. Take-off is the coolest feeling in the world. When our plane reached "cruising altitude" the little TV monitor came down and the attedants served drinks (sode, coffee, water) I sat back and watched TV. We flew TED by United and on the headset you can listen to the pilots communicate with the towers. DH gotta kick out of that because they (pilots and tower radio personnel) were cracking jokes back and forth.
I will agree with it feeling like traveling in a bus. Landing is the best and worst thing for me. It is great b/c you are alomst there but I do not handle the feeling really well. We went from 32,000 ft to 12,000 ft in seconds and my stomach was in my throat, I don't like that feeling at all. (I dont ride roller coasters either b/c of it) But the Greatest feeling in the world, (second to having children), is feeling the wheels touch the ground...this is a bump.
At that point, I start breathing again.

 

[loriandmatt]

i am totally relating to the OP. i didn't fly until i was 30 and have only flown a few times since. is it scary? - well, yea, kind of. i do get a little freaked and don't enjoy it at all. however, also like the OP, driving to Fla is a 2 day trip for us (16 hours of driving time to be exact) and that was not so bad with the boy when he was 5. however, since the girl arrived two years ago, driving with an infant/toddler for that amount of time is just hell. (even with pretty princess movies on the in car DVD system and plenty of breaks to get out of the car and stretch) i will suck it up for the 2 hours we have to be in the air to get there just so i don't have to listen to my 2 year old freak and be unsufferable for two days strapped in that car seat.

as far as the OP's question about hassel - unless you are flying over the easter, thanksgiving or christmas holidays, it isn't like the horror stories you hear on the news. you should do some online investigating before you leave though, so you know what to expect.(time to allow, what you can/cant bring on a plain, what types of and how many bags you can have and what you can/can't pack in them, id and any other paperwork you will need, the security check points to expect and to not freak out over them)....that kind of stuff. just inform your self ahead of time and organinzed you items/paperwork and you will be fine. ask questions here if you don't find the info you are looking for online. we love to help.

Also - mepperson, i had to laugh out loud at this line:

I have more than 1000 airplane rides - almost all were "up only" - I didn't land with the plane.

My DH had plenty of those "up only" flights as well and when we first started talking about flying to Fla as opposed to driving i told him about my flying anxiety and asked if he had any. his reply:"as long as they don't want me to jump out of it with someone shooting at me, i am cool with it."

- lori

 

[epfootballcutie04]

to the OP-

You will be fine! I have been on a little over 20 flights (and im 20 years old) and each and everyone of them were flawless. When i went to Hawaii, we hit really bad turbulance, but that was flying over the ocean... but nothing terrible happened, i just felt my stomach in my throat like another poster said.

also, how well do you handle heights? depending on how you answer that, you may or may not want a window seat! I flew from minneapolis to detroit, then detroit to orlando in october. It was the 1st time i recall seeing the horizon moving, lol. this only happens during take off and landing when you can see the ground. it was an odd sensation looking out the window and then the plane deciding to take a sharp left turn and seeing the straight horizon now at a slant. it was exciting though---- if you like that kind of stuff. If not, im sure it could make someone rather dizzy.

another thing, if you're worried about flying... try to fall asleep. I was SOOOO tired on the way HOME from disney world in OCT that i fell asleep on the flight and it made it go by SO much faster.... and i was nice and refreshed for the hour layover in detroit.

also, magical express service is the best thing that disney ever created (in my opinion)... and that's saying something for me! i found check in to be a breeze, the wait for the bus was only like 10 minutes and then they show a cute movie on the bus. the busses are huge with bathrooms in them if you feel the need to make a quick change or what-not. altho- dont say i didnt warn you that the bathrooms aren't 5 star master baths, lol... im talkin hole-in-the-wall... airplane style bathrooms.

hmmm what else can i tell you??? If you have ANY worries about flying you should feel free to talk to the flight attendants. im sure the information they are allowed to give you is limited these days, but they can try to put you more at ease before takeoff! taxing is a pain, especailly when you are super excited to get there, haha... but once your up, it's pretty much smooth sailing.

above all else, have a great time on your first flight, and i wish you safe travels!

 

[3daughters]

I too didn't fly until I was around 18, but my kids have been flying since birth. It's really not bad. If you get motion sickness just don't look out the window when the plane is banking. If you can try looking out a window. The clouds are awesome. I get a little air sick, but I have some inner ear troubles, so I'm the exception. I just don't look out when I feel icky or if I do look out and start to feel icky I stop looking! Simple enough! Listen to music or watch the movie if they have one.

Taking off and landing are the most difficult for some, but think about how cool it is and it won't bother you. I'm not afraid at all to fly, like someone else mentioned, it's the safest form of transportation.

One thing, be sure to check for the new packing instructions. They do have restrictions on what you may carry on. Follow the instructions or you will get tied up in security and may possibly have your items thrown away. You can find all instructions at the TSA website or the airline you are flying.

Now take a deep breath and say to yourself, this is going to be a blast! Ready for take off!!!!

 

[ricktib]

We flew TED by United and on the headset you can listen to the pilots communicate with the towers. DH gotta kick out of that because they (pilots and tower radio personnel) were cracking jokes back and forth.

Shameless plug: United/TED is the only airline that offers tower communications to the passengers - it's on channel 9 of the audio system.

 

[Kies99]

I've been flying since I was about 1yo (now 35). I've flown all over the world and actually circumnavigated the globe 4 times (flown in one direction completely around the planet to the same take off destination 4 times).

I've done flights that were 30-35 minutes and I've done flights that were closer to 12 hours or more.

I've flown from the East to the West and the West to the East.

I've had very rough flights where people clapped when we landed.

I've had very smooth flights where I forgot we were flying and next thing I know we are landing.

It's really a toss-up, however the point is this:

1) It's almost NEVER as bad as the news people make you think. I RARELY have had any issues with security and stuff at the airports.
2) Flying is by far the safer way to go. I've never had an accident in a plane and only once did we loose cabin pressure, but the backup kicked in and the only affect was that everyone's ears popped at the same time (some weird looks passed around on that one!!).
3) You're going to experience something on just about any flight that you don't like (ups and downs, noise, etc...). If you don't see the flight attendants getting worked up or giving strange looks, don't worry about it.

 

[ClaraBug]

Shameless plug: United/TED is the only airline that offers tower communications to the passengers - it's on channel 9 of the audio system.

Hey, it made his first flight easier....which made me happy!
If something is worth it, I would be more than happy to plug it!

Speak of...we are probably flying Southwest or AirTran...any comments??

 

[skier_pete]

Speak of...we are probably flying Southwest or AirTran...any comments??

Southwest is awesome, except for the no assigned seating. If you got little kids (4 yo or less) that doesn't matter, they let you on first. They tend to be very light-hearted with their announcements, if you get the right FA, you'll be laughing the whole flight.

SkierPete