Tips for new flyer

[sharbear]

Okay, I'll admit it, my dirty little secret! I have flown only once in my life and that was over 10 years ago. I am taking my daughter to WDW (she has never flown). I would like some tips on how I should act so I don't look like the country bumpkin that I am. I know nothing about flying and how to find my way around the airport and around the plane. Also what should I wear, do people dress up to fly or do most people wear jeans and T-shirts. Any tips you have will be very appreciated.

 

[Chuck S]

The days of 'Dressing Up' to fly are over. Most passengers wear nice casual clothes, but jeans and T-shirt are also acceptable...believe me someone will be dressed worse than that.

If your flight is a non-stop just follow the crowd when you deplane, everyone will be heading to the luggage carousel. If you change planes in an unfamiliar airport most of the airline mags in the back of the seats will have a chart of the terminal layout. Many flights will announce your arrival gate and connecting gate while on final approach, depending on how that particular plane is equiped (some flights don't have that info available).

Orlando has shuttle trams, similar to automated monorails from the arrival gates to the main airport lobby/baggage claim...again, follow the crowd.

 

[ducklite]

Don't carry on everything you own. Pack a change of clothing and a bathing suit plus essential toiletries in your carry on and check the rest. I've flown over 150,000 air miles and have never had a bag get to me later than the next morning. Clearly label your bags with your name and preferably business telenumber both inside and out, and make a mental note of three unique items inside your bag, as well as the style and brand.

I always carry on a bottle of water, and drink it during the flight. It helps to prevent drying out from the arid cabin air, and IMHO helps with jet lag. Also eat something before you board to prevent motion sickness...I prefer something starchy like a roll or bagel. Bring along snacks for your daughter, airline food is not appealing tomost kids. Some carriers don't even serve meals on board anymore, others you can special order a kids meal by calling customer service a week or so in advance.

Wait until your row is called to board, your seat will still be there. Remember your row and seat so you can find it easily when you go down the aisle.

Plan on getting to the airport 90 minutes early. That way you won't feel rushed or panicked, even if the check-in lines are long, or there is traffic.

Most people no longer dress up to fly. However, for safety's sake you are better off wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts made of natural fibers, and flat bottomed shoes with cotton socks. Definite safety no-no's are dresses, high heels, pantihose, nylon anything. I generally wear chinos and a light weight cotton, wool, or silk sweater, with oxfords.

Another safety item...count the number of rows before you and in back of you to the emergency exits. Make a mental note of them.

When you get to the gate, ask about the possibility of your daughter seeing the cockpit. The answer will depend on a lot of factors, but they are often more than happy to oblige.

If you aren't in a rush to make a connection, let the passengers who are, or those who are just inconsiderate and rush up the aisle ahead of others in more forward seats get off first.

A REAL Biggie-- Check the seat pockets before you get off. I can't tell you how many times I've heard of kids leaving Game Boys and such in them, and not getting them back for a variety of reasons.

Happy flying!

Anne

 

[mummajea]

Well I think Anne covered most of it, but here are some more tips.

If you have a connecting flight there usually is someone at the gate to tell you where your connecting flight is.

For DD Make sure you have some good entertainment. Coloring books and colored pencils, a few small toys maybe, we brought along a few long books on tape and a walkman. Also snacks!!! Kids love to eat on planes and the constantswallowing will help with air pressure changes.

I also swear by EARPLANES...We can't fly without them.

Good luck and you will do fine

 

[Viking]

Instead of snacks you'd better take chewing gum. It has less calories, needs less space in your carry-on and most important: If you or your kid get airsick there's less in your belly. Start chewing the gum before take-off until reaching cruising altitude and start again half an hour before arrival. These are the two phases of flight with the highest pressure differences.

 

[ducklite]

I have to disagree with Viking--the chances of being airsick on an empty belly are significantly higher than on a moederately full one. Also, depending on the length and time of the flight, there might not be a meal served, and kids don't do well missing meal times. Much better to be able to offer snacks than have a craky kid. Gum is OK, depending on the age of the kid. If your kid isn't used to chewing it, trying it for the first time on a plane is not a good idea. You would be better off with something they can suck on, such as safety pops, or regular snacks like Goldfish that they can chew on. Chewing and sucking have the same effect on ear pressure build up.

Anne

 

[Viking]

Duck, I never said "fly with an empty belly". But during taxi and take-off snacking is not advisd. Eat before you fly, have a gum during take-off and climb, eat the food offered by the flight attendants.

 

[ducklite]

Viking--sorry I misread what you wrote. but I still wouldn't advise gum for younger kids or kids who don't chew it often. It can lead to some really gross and sticky problems ;-)

Sucking on safety pops is a good alternate. And lots of flights no longer offer a meal or even anythingmore than a small bag of pretzels or peanuts for a snack.

Anne