Women Travelers - Advice for a First Time International Flight

Ok, first, for full disclosure, I'm not a girl, but I'm married to one :-)

I travel a lot for work, and for me, I know pretty well how to get around international airports and through the flight system in general. My wife, however, has never flown on her own, even domestically.

This spring, I've got a work trip to Budapest and I am following that up with a week in Switzerland to see an old friend of mine who lives near Zurich.

Since it's our 10th anniversary this spring, I thought it would be awesome to fly my wife out to Zurich as well for the week, BUT she'll be flying alone at least in one direction, and possibly in both directions if I can't work out the return flights correctly.

So, I thought I'd open a thread and ask you ladies out there for tips and tricks I could pass on to my wife to help ease her fears... she's worried about a lot of things, like missing the flights, getting lost in an airport where English may not be even a secondary language (not likely as she'll only be in Philly and the Zurich), keeping occupied on a long flight, where to sit, etc.

Basically, I'd love to be able to just get a bunch of advice from women who travel alone to pass on to her. I can give her all the advice I have in the world for travelling internationally, but honestly, I'm a guy, and I'm far more of an adventurer than my wife is, so my advice would have that slant to it.

So, can any of you help me out?

You might want to have your wife spend time reading the flying advice given here in the Women's Forum initially. These threads are loaded with helpful tips by those who fly alone on a regular basis.

There will be plenty of English in the Zurich airport. When she arrives in Zurich, she'll follow signs like everyone else for immigration and to the baggage claim area. I assume you'll meet her at the airport? While I've never been to Zurich, I have flown into Geneva and it was all very easy for English speakers.

Go over the liquid restrictions for carry-ons with her. Prep her for the new security of either radiation or groping: her choice. If she has a carryon, let her know that she is restricted to one quart sized bag of liquids (no more than 100 mls). If she insists on having her big bottle of shampoo, she'll have to check in her bag. I think that's an extra step so I don't do that. But that's just me.

You fly in and out of Philly internationally. Tell her how much time she will need to be at the airport in advance of the flight. You know the speed of security there; use your expertise to advise her. Can she check in online in advance? Will she have to check in a bag or will she just have a carryon. Advise her on what size bag that the airline will allow to be carried on. You're the best to advise her....better than we are.

As for being alone, tell her she is to be as alert as she is when she is in Philly alone. Have her purse with her at all times. Her purse should have a strap that she can wear across her body for extra security.

Where to sit on a flight....that's a matter of preference. I like sitting on the aisle so I can get up whenever I want. Make sure she's not in a middle seat; that's the worst. I like sitting as close to the front of the cabin as possible so I can get out of the plane sooner when we arrive. I bring books I've wanted to read that I've been saving for the trip (now I have a kindle). Maybe she'll want magazines. She might want to sleep. If her flight leaves later in the evening, she might be able to go to sleep for a few hours. Have her wear her purse across her body and tuck it in the seatbelt if she is planning on sleeping with the clasp of the purse against her body. The plane will have movies so maybe she'll want to watch them. Does she have a netbook? Maybe she'll want to watch movies she can download in advance. Have her bring her MP3 player/ipod. Having her own music is a nice thing. I'm just throwing ideas out here.

I like having water with me so after security at the airport, I buy a couple of bottles of water. That's just me though. After she goes through security, within an hour of the flight, tell her to wait at the gate.

Don't undersell your own ability to give advice. ;)

I remember my first flight to Europe and the trepidation as well. A lot depends on what type of person she is.

Long flight: I am so busy with work, house, etc that I look forward to long flights as my down time to read, sleep, have a few drinks without feeling guilty, reading gossip magazines, etc. That is my "ME" time to relax and not do anything.

Strange Airports: Use the google image search - I have looked at so many photos from trip reports and read actual trip reports that I feel as if I've already been there. I have printed maps of the airport layout as well. I was worried about taking the train from Civitavecchia to Rome and found several trip reports where others had photographed almost every step of the journey.

Where to sit: again personal preference, but when traveling alone I always opt for a Window seat so I have one little bit of privacy on the plane. A few drinks, my LL bean travel pillow and a good IPOD selection and I'm out like a light.

Good luck and I think it sounds like a great adventure... I'm going through the same thing with my mom. I'm taking her on her first trip to Europe and she is stressing over the same things; from what carry-on to take to will she like the food and is it ok to drink the water!

Threads that might be helpful:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/women-travelers/1086465-solo-traveling-safety.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/women-travelers/973750-single-young-traveling-alone-barcelona.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/women-travelers/881537-24-year-old-female-traveling-alone.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/women-travelers/770574-male-female-travel-differences.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/women-travelers/641151-better-treatment-female-traveller.html

What a thoughtful guy!



Make sure she has a smartphone and international roaming enabled on her mobile plan.
Install a trip-management app (I like TripCase) and make sure her itinerary is entered correctly. Show her how it works and how to use it on the go. If she's on an airline with a mobile app, install that as well.
The latest version of Google Maps for mobile devices will now cache, so navigate to the cities you'll be located in and download the map tiles with as much detail as possible. Add points of interest (hotels, train stations, restaurants, etc.) as starred locations.
Phone up the airline(s) to let them know that your wife will be flying solo and may require assistance. Otherwise, encourage her to let the gate agents and cabin crew know that she may have questions for them.
Ensure that any gadgets she takes will work overseas. It's pretty easy to charge up a Kindle or iPhone, but hair dryers or flat irons are a whole 'nother ball game.

It would be a very smart idea to have another gal, familiar with International Travel, to go with her. She can read books, articles, and diaries until her eyes give out, but it would never give her the true "experience" of the first take-off, first rough bump, managing the lock on the john, etc. Yes, I would be willing to accompany her, and she will feel like an old pro when she travels back with you! Just PM me.

Nah, don't stress. I disagree with alerting the airline and nagging about purse precautions, I think that corresponds to treating your wife like a little kid or someone retarded. She is a grown woman who probably can navigate your local mall better than you can.

Switzerland is like the most organized country on earth, and everyone will speak English.

Explain to her what to expect w r t "security" screening nowadays, since that circus really is not intuitive nor logical.

Emphasize that a TATL trip is rather long, and boring and uncomfortable in coach, and that's why it's always a great idea to have a good paperback book or some nice magazines. Earplugs and some paper tissues are useful to have in a pocket. Use layered clothes to maintain a comfortable temperature in varying a/c situations.

Don't cut the transfer time in PHL to short. Print an airport map for PHL. And maybe one for ZRH as well just for fun.

Happy anniversary!

Is it possible for both of you to take a short domestic hop somewhere, if only so she does have that first flight under her belt? That would go a long ways towards fears of the unknown.

I believe the wife has been on an airplane before, just not without her husband or other company.

Make sure she keeps her bp stubs if she needs to retro-claim her miles! ;)

It would be a very smart idea to have another gal, familiar with International Travel, to go with her. She can read books, articles, and diaries until her eyes give out, but it would never give her the true "experience" of the first take-off, first rough bump, managing the lock on the john, etc. Yes, I would be willing to accompany her, and she will feel like an old pro when she travels back with you! Just PM me.

That just seems like overkill to me. We're talking about the man's wife travelling alone, not his granny.

My few bits of advice:

- Plan the plane outfit carefully: a) something with a bit of stretch on the bottom (e.g., leggings, or trousers with a bit of lycra) will make sleeping on the plane more comfortable; b) minimize heavy jewelry, which can set off metal detectors, or uncomfortable bits (e.g. dangly or large hoop earrings are a no-no if you're trying to sleep); c) bring a pashmina for warmth (use it as a blanket for her top half so she doesn't have to have an icky airplane blanket near her face); and d) remember a case for eyeglasses, if she wears them.

- Encourage her to pack lightly so she can travel with just a carry-on and a shoulder bag or daypack. Check out the packing light thread. She doesn't need 5 pairs of shoes, a hairdryer or gobs of makeup.

Ok, first, for full disclosure, I'm not a girl, but I'm married to one :-)


Yes, but is her name Buttercup?

Welcome to the Women's Travel forum.

My preferences for when I fly internationally.

Aisle seat - So I can go to the bathroom or get up and move around without disturbing others. The seats in the rows by the bathroom see a lot of foot traffic (probably because of people like me who go every hour or two), I don't sit within 3 rows either way of the bathrooms.
Slim crossbody purse - For ease of use, safety and security.
Bottles of water or favorite beverage
Snacks
Books & magazines - Now I take my Kindle and a book and/or magazines for take off and landing. With my Kindle I won't be running out of reading material.
Pillow - My own, I have little squishy one that has plastic beads or some other kind of filling in it so that it mashes up to what ever shape I need.
Blanket - My own, I use a Pashmina that becomes my scarf when exiting the plane.
Special meal - I have special dietary needs when traveling. I have found American's diabetic meal comes the closest to filling those needs. I call ahead a few days before the flight and they bring me my meals separate from the food cart and usually ahead of the food cart.
Ear plugs and sleep mask

As for how I pass the time I do a variety of things. I read the first hour or two, get up go to the ladies room, walk a little bit. Then I watch a movie, repeat the bathroom/walk routine. Listen to music, maybe go back to reading a book for another hour or two, repeat the bathroom/walk trip. Watch a short TV show or two. Then about an hour to hour a half before we land I go to freshen up, brush teeth, check hair, makeup etc. I find the time doesn't drag too much if I break it up doing a variety of things.

What a good husband :) Okay, assuming she has been on a plane before just not alone, here's what I'd recommend:

-- Buy her a full carry-on sized rollerboard and encourage her to pack for the trip in that. Not having to check-in luggage and retrieve it to go through customs takes a lot of complication out of traveling internationally. Just make sure she's well versed in 3-1-1

-- if possible, make sure she has a cell phone and service that covers Switzerland if for no other reason than she can text you when she lands and let you know if there's anything wrong

-- Phone numbers for the airline in both the US and Switzerland and guidance on what to do if she encounters irregular ops

-- Explain what to expect from immigration and customs on both sides

-- make sure she has her passport!

-- pashmina (very important!), socks, toothbrush, stretchy clothes, sleeping pill, earplugs, eye mask and water

-- for entertainment, an iPad will cover books and movies (though clearly pricy!) but for me just an iPod helps me check out and make the flight pass quickly

Phone up the airline(s) to let them know that your wife will be flying solo and may require assistance.Unless the OP's wife is handicapped or sick in some way, why would anyone suggest the OP treat his wife like a little child?

In addition, since this trip is for the the couple to spend their 10th anniversary together (I love that idea!), why would a friend spend the money to tag along on the plane unless the OP wants to pay for that friend's roundtrip ticket since she would be doing him a favor. That too makes it seem like the wife is a little child.

Inexperience with flying does not mean that the woman is a little girl in need of a nanny. Just my two cents.

I don't get the pashmina talk all over this forum. :confused: For travel, I see it as an absolutely must to dress in things that will be machine washed on reasonably high temperature preferably after the flight, but definitely at home after the trip!

I don't get the pashmina talk all over this forum. :confused: For travel, I see it as an absolutely must to dress in things that will be machine washed on reasonably high temperature preferably after the flight, but definitely at home after the trip!

I like pashminas because they have multiple uses: 1) warm scarf (useful if I'm travelling with a light coat); 2) a wrap to keep me warm (e.g., in a cold restaurant) or to cover up for modesty's sake (e.g., to cover my shoulders and/or head when I enter a mosque while sightseeing); and 3) a lightweight blanket for use on a plane or at my hotel. They're super lightweight and take up very little space when rolled or folded. I keep at least one at the office, too. A pashmina allows me to travel with fewer clothes.

The fact that I have to dry clean or hand wash a pashmina isn't a significant enough negative to stop me from using them. I'd rather handwash one item than pack (and machine wash) multiple items.

My international flight travel kit:
1. empty water bottle--fill after security in US airport. Check regulations in return airport to see whether (1) I can buy bottled water and (2) do I need to buy it in a duty free so it can be sealed. I get very dehydrated on long flights and want my water when I want it.
2. vaseline for my nose (yeah, it's nasty, but it keeps my nasal passages from cracking and bleeding)
3. snacks (fruit, nuts because heaven forbid I should be hungry for a couple of hours)
4. hand wipes
5. toothbrush/paste, facial soap, wash cloth so I can wash up before breakfast
6. sometimes pjs, change of clothes in case my clothes don't make it (if taking only carry on not an issue, obviously)
7. drink coupons if flying in coach
8. eReader, book
9. pillow
10. benedryl for sleeping, eyemask
11. Bose noise cancelling earphones

I second the recommendation of a cell phone with ability to roam in Europe or a SIM that works in Europe.

I wear loose comfortable clothes. Elastic waist. Shoes that slip off easily with socks (I might pack smart wool heavy socks for the plane). Sweater cause it can get cold or hot on the plane.

Make sure she chooses a seat when you book the flight so she's not in a middle seat. Preferences vary. I prefer an aisle seat so I can get up when I want to. Is the plane an all cash cabin for purchases or a credit card?

Does she have an ATM card? Make sure she has one so she can get cash if she needs it when she lands. If for some reason you can't meet her, she will be able to get a taxi to the hotel.

Phone numbers for the airline in case something goes wrong with the flight.
Lounge pass might be a nice touch, too.

I'm with the 'don't treat her like a child' crowd. I travel on my own frequently, and have done since I was a teenager, to less than desirable places, and even then I don't do half of what is suggested! I have never worn my purse while on board a flight, tho it is sensible to choose a purse that is secure (inner pockets or similar) and wear it in a way that is is less easy to snatch, but that applies far more IMO on the street than in an airport. I have never worn a cross body bag in my life!

I would tell her to bring a good book, or pick up magazines at the airport. If there is seat back in flight entertainment, I would suggest she takes her own headphones (I find some airline ones very uncomfy). I always buy some water before I board, and have some snacks around in case my (veggie) meal doesn't show up or is disgusting! I wear light, loose clothing, and I have a 'fake' pashmina (looks like pashmina wool, is actually a cotton blend, and can be washed on high heat - even tho the instructions say dry clean!)

Seating is a personal preference, I like to be in an aisle seat near the front (get off quite quickly, access to the aisle when I want to get up). If she can select a bulkhead she might like that. Seat Guru is good for seeing exactly which are the good and bad seats on any aircraft.

I would remind her that flights are not normally announced, and she should check the screens in the airport for gate changes, boarding times etc. She might like a map of the airport so she can see at a glance where her gate is etc in relation to where she is. I don't know either Philly or Zurich well, but I am guessing the airport has a web page with such things. You can even print out a copy and designate a meeting point for you to meet her after the flight. Tell her to be at the gate an hour before. If there is more than one terminal, make sure she knows which one her flight goes from.

I'd ensure her cell phone works and that she knows how to reach you or the friend (include the dialling codes she will need). I would have some Swiss Francs in cash so she can get a coffee while she waits for you if you are delayed, or get a cab to your friends house (a google map might help if the address is not a well known location).

Then tell her to forget it all, if she can take a bus she can take a plane - a passport, a credit card (and any essential medication), and she will survive anywhere :)

I'm with the 'don't treat her like a child' crowd. I travel on my own frequently,...
Then tell her to forget it all, if she can take a bus she can take a plane - a passport, a credit card (and any essential medication), and she will survive anywhere :)

I think the key is to treat it as if it would be perfectly natural for her to travel on her own. Prep the info for her but don't make her nervous. Perhaps she has an idea that she'd never travel by herself because "it just isn't done" in which case you can assure her that really, it is quite common.

If you are worried about her missing flight connections, crankyconcierge.com offers a flight monitoring and delay/cancellation service and I think the price is reasonable, if she'd like someone to help with any travel issues that might come up.

One thing to mind when you're a solo female traveler is to go a bit "conservative". Leave expensive jewelry at home, dress to blend in, and be sure to keep an eye on your own bags especially when going through the metal detector, at the gate, or in the restroom. Big city rules apply like sitting near other women/families and avoid getting isolated.

Another vote for "don't treat her like a child", but if you can possibly swing it with cash or miles, get her into B/E or 1st for the outbound TATL. She'll be much more comfortable and rested when she gets to Switzerland.

If she's going to try to sleep, be sure she has an mp3 player with some relaxing music on it and good quality earbuds or noise-cancelling headphones. I have a playlist on my iPod that I call "airplane lullabies" for just that purpose, and even if I don't sleep, I find that having my own music to mask the background engine drone keeps me more relaxed and rested.

I think she'll be fine. Just map out the airport gates, tell her where to go, where to meet her. And make sure she bring moisturizer, light jacket, books...etc on the flight. If you can, see if you can get her a day pass at the airport lounge. That would be a special treat.

Of course don't treat her like a child--but like a nervous person who dosn't like doing new stuff--my husband is like that and on our first trip to Europe, I made sure that all the planning was done and we both had a written copy of the itinerary with flight numbers seat numbers hotels and addresses etc.
She may not want to travel with just a carry on--it is your anniversary:)--so make sure she knows to put a change of clothes in the carry on portion of her luggae just in case. Buy her a Kindle. Load it with some of her favorite type of books and magazines as a surprise. make sure her cell will work well overseas and that she has the airline's number, hotel numbers, your number plus an emergency number in case she can't get you. Maybe the hotel concierge if it's a good one. But don't dwell on the possible bad parts of the trip. Make sure she knows about all the great things she will be able to do when she gets there.

First, I want to thank all of you for the advice. I'm still trying to get her to actually read this thread. Heh, it took her almost a year to finally get around to getting a passport, despite my nagging over the previous 12 months.

I hope I didn't give the wrong impression, I'm not, in any way, treating her like a child. She's just very nervous about new situations.

I'm the kind of person who is always looking for the next adventure. I love exploring, and am never, ever lost, even in new places. I have an unerring sense of direction and can generally figure out how to navigate strange cities with a short amount of time. I'm no stranger to airports, public transport systems, and walking strange streets.

My wife, however, is the exact opposite, which just adds to her anxiety. So I'm already mapping out the airports she'll need to go through. We've been talking about what to expect on her flight over, from checking bags at the airport, security changes since 9/11, how to spend time in the airport, who to ask for help when she gets to the connection airport, etc. Even how to handle border control and customs in Switzerland.

I think I'm slowly easing her fears... but she's never flown anywhere before on her own, and has only flown twice in the last 20 years, both times with me, and both times relatively simple domestic flights with no connections.

So yeah, shes more of the nervous sort :-) BUT, I think she'll be fine, she just doesn't realize she'll be fine yet.

So again, thank you all for the advice and discussion, it's most informative. And it's something that I appreciate... because I am completely different from my wife, it's hard for me to relate and understand her concerns, because I simply don't share them. I guess what I'm getting at is that I usually sort of just "know" where to head when I get there. It's not something that I think about, it's just something I know.

It would be sweet of you to slip in a little note to her carry on for her to find after you've departed. If she's the nervous type, she might also be the pack far in advance type.

It is nice that you're being solicitous.

I know what you mean by "knowing" what to do/where to go. I was miffed with my boyfriend for not knowing the right way to queue for Southwest... They use the grid like letter and number system to queue prior to boarding. He usually flies long hauls to Asia. Poor guy. I never figured people wouldn't see the waiting area signs and figure it out.

One of the lessons I seem to learn over and over again is not to wait until boarding to take a "bio break". Somehow I always feel like our flight is slated for the longest taxi with huge outgoing/incoming line that keeps the plane on the ground, seat belts fastened, and my bladder notifying me that I really should have learned the lesson last time. Again.

I've discovered I'm a much smarter traveller than I thought I was! And I enjoy it more than I would have guessed. I really see it as an adventure, she might too, once the nervousness eases.

I have found that being almost overly prepared helps a lot. I read a ton, and start printing all of the things I think I might need. Maps, directions, hints and tricks, confirmations, advice from other boards etc.. I put them in a folder in the order I will need them. First comes the departure flight paperwork, and so on... You can google images of all sorts of things. What the arrival signs look like, train stations etc.

I think the more you read, the more comfortable you feel. I learned about validating your train ticket in the yellow box before you board in Italy on the cruisecritic.com boards. They have fantastic advice on all types of subjects.

As a female flyer, who frequently travels solo, my advice to your wife is as follows: travel light, take a good book and make sure the handbag has separate sections for an e-ticket print out/boarding pass, passport, mobile phone, foreign currency, a couple of pens and credit/debit cards. This way, she won't be fumbling for things which can end up at the bottom.

Is she going United through Dulles? If so, she may want you to prep her on that transfer.

I have a purse with pockets and one zippered one outside. That is where I keep my documents for travel: copy of ticket, passport, etc. Easy for me to get to at check in.

Have her wear walking shoes, like sneakers. Traveling internationally usually means long walks in the terminals. I can't imagine taking pj's but she should wear layers of comfortable clothing as the temperatures in the plane vary during the flight.

I think the liquid requirements are something to go over with her.

I see no problem with checking a bag. Carry-on space is really limited, esp since she has no status with an airline so cannot board early. And not having a lot to carry makes it much easier for her getting from terminal to terminal. I don't like to lug a bunch of stuff all over airports. I have a bag that is just one above that allowed on board. I can take a month long trip and still not go over the weight limit. I really recommend it over some huge thing.

I carry a purse but, alone, I take it with me to the ladies room in the plane. I also prefer an aisle. She may want to look at the scenery but I feel locked in when at a window seat with a bunch of strangers. I would not take a Kindle or any other electronic device other than a cell. No one is going to steal her paper back but could take the Kindle. That would be just one more thing for her to have to take to the ladies room! When she is finished a paperback, she can leave it in the old magazine slot on the plane for someone else.

Find her an upgrade so she has a lot of movie choices. Use Coupon Connection if you are able. If she is not upgraded, see if the airline will still give her a blanket. I would leave the pashmina at home. I just don't like a lot of stuff with me on the plane. On United, the blankets are cleaned and in sealed plastic bags. I take an old fashioned train case and a cloth bag with my books and snacks. I would only take a blow up pillow if I had to have my own. Just saw two women on my Hawaii flight this week with stuffed animals, etc burdened down with tons of junk that, of course, had to go through security besides the nuisance of carrying it. Some international flights give you the sleep mask even in coach.

While she may not "need" a companion, she might enjoy the trip more with one. Look at Community and see if anyone from flyertalk will be going to Zurich from the US. I traveled years ago with another corporate wife to Munich and it was a blast. Even though neither of us had done an international trip alone before, we felt very confident together transferring in Frankfurt. Assure her that every major airport in the world uses two languages in the terminals: theirs and English. Lots of people in Zurich will speak English and be able to help her if she needs direction.

It is a good idea to walk around every hour in the plane for circulation in the legs. United has leg exercises in Hemispheres she can do in her seat.

She must have a credit card as she will need it to buy anything on the plane. Don't make her take a cab. Be sure to meet her plane if you ever want her to do this again.

Also, tell her about what to expect after she arrives and has to go through customs and immigration. She should make sure there is no reason to declare anything so she can go through the Nothing to Declare green doors. Tell her not to buy any of the Duty Free stuff offered in the airports or the plane.

Myself, I would go in a shot if my husband wanted to meet me in Zurich! Nice anniversary present.

My husband is like your wife so I can completely appreciate your anxieties. Make sure she has plenty of local currency, that the credit card company has been notified that she'll be in Switzerland (so the card isn't declined as a security risk... it's happened to us before). If she wears contacts, remove them & wear her glasses during the flight as her eyes will dry out. Bring some sachets of moisturiser & plenty of lip balm... her skin will dry out.

Loads of reading material always helps. I would always bring checked-in baggage for a trip longer than 3 days (but I like my comforts :D) & have a fantastic mini duck down duvet that folds down to the size of a magazine... the most comfortable travel blanket in the universe.

No matter what baggage she brings, make sure it has the spinning wheels so she can drag it in any direction - makes her life a little bit easier.

On United, the blankets are cleaned and in sealed plastic bags.

Tell her not to buy any of the Duty Free stuff offered in the airports or the plane.



The blankets being in plastic are absolutely not a guarentee that they are clean! I took a flight a couple of months ago, and opened the sealed plastic bag, pulled out the blanket, and discovered dried on food all over the blanket, clearly from a previous flight. Not only had the blanket not been cleaned, someone had sealed it up as tho it had. Who knows what else blankets might have on them (I consider myself lucky it was 'just' spilled food!)

And I would be furious if someone told me not to buy Duty Free perfume, alcohol etc - it is one of the perks of international travel! Just be sure to let her know the limits she is allowed, and not to go over them, for an easy life. I always buy my perfume in duty free, so much cheaper than in regular stores!

I would not take a Kindle or any other electronic device other than a cell. No one is going to steal her paper back but could take the Kindle. That would be just one more thing for her to have to take to the ladies room! When she is finished a paperback, she can leave it in the old magazine slot on the plane for someone else.
"snip"

If she is not upgraded, see if the airline will still give her a blanket. I would leave the pashmina at home. I just don't like a lot of stuff with me on the plane.
"snip"

Tell her not to buy any of the Duty Free stuff offered in the airports or the plane.



My Kindle fits in my purse and I find it is lighter than taking paperbacks or several magazines. I love it and wouldn't travel on a long flight without it given the choice.

The main purpose of a Pashmina for me is to not use the airline blanket, plastic bag or not I don't want to use their blankets. Plus I like wearing a scarf.

I love Duty Free perfume, I found a fragrance in Heathrow last year that didn't make it over to the states for nearly a year. It was fun wearing something not easily available at home.

The main purpose of a Pashmina for me is to not use the airline blanket, plastic bag or not I don't want to use their blankets. Plus I like wearing a scarf.


I don't think it's been discussed here yet, but when packing for the trip, she will want to know that european women tend to dress better than their north american counterparts. They just seem a lot more "put together" and a really nice scarf will finish off an outfit and give it that kind of polish. Leave the white runners at home and bring a beautiful scarf or two.

I don't think it's been discussed here yet, but when packing for the trip, she will want to know that european women tend to dress better than their north american counterparts. They just seem a lot more "put together" and a really nice scarf will finish off an outfit and give it that kind of polish. Leave the white runners at home and bring a beautiful scarf or two.Maybe where you live but American women nationwide don't all dress in the same cookie-cutter manner especially here in New York, thank God. Here's a shock....neither do all of the European women. ;)

What is it about Flyertalk that brings out wild generalizations about millions of people? (That could be an OMNI question)

Maybe where you live but American women nationwide don't all dress in the same cookie-cutter manner especially here in New York, thank God. Here's a shock....neither do all of the European women. ;)


You make a very good point -- I have no idea how OP's wife dresses in her normal life -- I was actually trying to be helpful, but I must have missed the mark. It was certainly not my intention to offend anyone.

No offense taken. :) The OP's wife could be quite the fashion plate. :)

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this, but if there's any way you can put your wife in a premium cabin (business or first), everything will go a lot more smoothly for her.

Although my daughter already had some travel experience under her belt, we faced similar concerns when she was 15 and needed to make her first solo flight LHR-ORD. I ponied up the miles and a co-pay (wasn't elite at the time) to put her in business class. That gave her lounge access (where flights are usually announced), priority security and boarding, quicker off the plane to get through customs/immigration, access to lounge personnel and FAs who paid more attention and were more available to answer last-minute questions/provide assistance, and an in-flight experience that was much more comfortable and less nerve-wracking than a back-of-the-bus ride. Knowing ahead of time that she would be sitting in a premium cabin also made her feel special and more excited about the trip, which went a long way toward alleviating her nervousness. Since this is all about making your anniversary an extra-special occasion, treating your wife to a premium cabin experience (if that's an option for you) seems like a perfect way to start off your week together in Zurich.

As a strong advocate of the pashmina crowd, I would also suggest looking into the Cloudz line of pashminas/blankets. They cost about $10 and are sold in most U.S. airports. They're very durable, come in many attractive colors, and can be worn as a scarf or folded up into a little roll that will easily fit in a medium-sized purse. The company also makes heavier travel blankets and several kinds of pillows that you might want to check out.

Since you're an experienced traveler, go back through your own experiences and think of the worst things that have ever happened to you. Tell you wife about those things and what was required on your part to fix the situation. Going over possible worst-case scenarios and having a plan already in place can go a long way toward helping her be less worried.

With a husband as caring and thoughtful as you, I'm sure your wife is going to have a wonderful trip!

Just as a note, I guess it depends on the airline, but several lounges are noticable for their lack of flight announements in there. I think it annoys frequent fliers, which is why they don't do it.

Tell her that airplanes have bathrooms. Yes, I know, it's crazy right? And make sure you tell her that there are usually more than 1 bathrooms on a plane.

Tell her that she is leaving the country. So she will most likely meet people who speak a foreign language. Tell he not to be frightened, it's perfectly normal.

Tell her that planes make loud noises. So if she hears some loud humming sounds, it's just the engines. Nothing to be afraid of.

Tell her about these people we call "Flight Attendants". They wear uniforms and hand you drinks and food. It's quite OK to accept these items, even though they are from strangers.

Tell her about time zones. It's crazy but in different parts of the world, it's a different time. Like now, in Seattle it's 1:15pm but in some parts of Europe it's 9:15pm :eek:. Make sure she understand this PhD level science so she isn't frightened when she arrives and her watch says 2:30am but it's bright sunshine outside.

Tell her that airplanes have bathrooms. Yes, I know, it's crazy right? And make sure you tell her that there are usually more than 1 bathrooms on a plane.

Tell her that she is leaving the country. So she will most likely meet people who speak a foreign language. Tell he not to be frightened, it's perfectly normal.

Tell her that planes make loud noises. So if she hears some loud humming sounds, it's just the engines. Nothing to be afraid of.

Tell her about these people we call "Flight Attendants". They wear uniforms and hand you drinks and food. It's quite OK to accept these items, even though they are from strangers.

Tell her about time zones. It's crazy but in different parts of the world, it's a different time. Like now, in Seattle it's 1:15pm but in some parts of Europe it's 9:15pm :eek:. Make sure she understand this PhD level science so she isn't frightened when she arrives and her watch says 2:30am but it's bright sunshine outside.

Patronising much? :rolleyes:

Patronising much? :rolleyes:

Well since he's treating his wife like a 6 year old, I figure go all the way with it.

Well since he's treating his wife like a 6 year old, I figure go all the way with it.

I'm not sure he's the one treating his wife like a 6 year old -- I do agree, however, that some of the responses on this thread have leaned heavily toward stating the obvious, even for a relatively new traveler.

I think if it's supposed to be a 10th anniversary treat, rather than a "self-improvement, stop being a baby" nag-type gift, then you choose something else for the 10th anniversary treat. Such as, a time and a place where you can both fly together. I'm not a guy, but I'm married to one, and he does almost all of his business travel in a car or a truck. When he got his transatlantic business trip, rather than just talking at him and telling him "do this and do that," I actually made arrangements to go along with him. Then he could enjoy the advantages of my status, such as some lounge visits, some jumping ahead of lines, even an unexpected upgrade AMS-MAN, and have me there with him, on the scene, to kind of guide him. It was a fun thing to do TOGETHER. But he freely admits it's something he wouldn't have done on his own, other than as a business chore. Think about it. If it's been 10 or 20 years, and your wife has never taken a solo trip, it's a pretty large clue train that she doesn't WANT to take a solo trip. You are not giving her a treat. You are giving her a chore.

That is my opinion, and you are welcome to sneer...but that's my gut reaction. An adult hasn't gone her whole life without flying because she really loves the idea of flying. For a 10th anniversary, give her what she wants, not what YOU want her to want.

I apologize in advance if I'm way out of line here, just trying to avoid a possible disaster. Once a guy thought the way to my heart was a new puppy. Hello, puppies are cheap, and I LOVE puppies, so if I don't have one...probably there's a health issue there. (Allergies) Same with flying...flights have been cheap for almost two decades now. If she never flies, probably she has different priorities. For an anniversary, don't give a "improve yourself, baby, please change into someone better" gift. Give an "love you, you're fabulous the way you are" gift.




Ok, first, for full disclosure, I'm not a girl, but I'm married to one :-)

My wife, however, has never flown on her own, even domestically.


So, can any of you help me out?

My advice stems from when I first started flying about 4 years ago:


Encourage her to double check departure gates. I underestimated the value of checking the tv's to confirm gates and almost missed my flight while sitting at a gate that was changed.
If possible, carry local currency for times when you can't use a credit card, ex: tipping
Remind her about liquid size and all that jazz. I always feel sorry for the ladies who bring their most fanciest stuff, or who buy stuff prior to security (even a bottle of water), and find out they can't take it with them!
Make sure she can lift her own carry-on, do not over pack it.
Pack a travel guide, I always find them handy and a good read while travelling to new destinations.
Dress in layers for the flight. And I'm on team pashmina!
Have fun?!?! Happy anniversary!


BTW I'm taking my first flight internationally from YVR to AKL next week, and I'm so excited! Not sure how I'm going to handle the 15 hour flight, but I'm looking forward to it!

I don't think it necessarily follows that because she hasn't flown alone, she doesn't want to. I have a good friend, who has never flown on her own, not because she doesn't want to, but because when she does fly, it is with friends, her husband, or her family. She doesn't travel for business, and probably wouldn't want to spend a week on her own somewhere overseas, she travels to go on holiday, which she does with others, but I know she doesn't have any issues with e.g. flying over to see me on her own (we just have to work dates!)

Long flight: I am so busy with work, house, etc that I look forward to long flights as my down time to read, sleep, have a few drinks without feeling guilty, reading gossip magazines, etc. That is my "ME" time to relax and not do anything.



It is my "ME" time too. My trouble is I don't travel enough!

If she's going to try to sleep, be sure she has an mp3 player with some relaxing music on it and good quality earbuds or noise-cancelling headphones. I have a playlist on my iPod that I call "airplane lullabies" for just that purpose, and even if I don't sleep, I find that having my own music to mask the background engine drone keeps me more relaxed and rested.

I downloaded a "white noise" app for my iphone/ipod. find it wonderful to relax and drift off to sleep with.

I actually like flying alone, only have to worry about me. My husband called me out of the blue once from Germany and said hey why don't you come over for a week, he was on business and I thought about it for 10 seconds, pleaded with the boss for the week off and booked the flight. It was great, I was in the back of the plane and all these kids on a chorus trip to Austria kept asking me to change seats do they could be with a friend, I would ask where is was and would check out my seat mate and kept moving till I got an excellent seat front of the plane. I had never been through immigration by myself so would explain what line to get in and be there to meet her. I use to just follow the husband. I love my nc headphones and try to zone out soon after dinner. Pack light. Philly, love that stopover, best cheese steaks at the airport. Their international terminal is very easy to navigate if she has to come home alone. She will do great. Pack light.

Yeah, it does, assuming she's a grown-up who can decide what to do with her own time and money. If you never do something, and you're not in prison or in grade school or somehow otherwise under the total control of others...if you don't EVER do something, it's because it just isn't that important to you.

I don't think it necessarily follows that because she hasn't flown alone, she doesn't want to.

Yeah, it does, assuming she's a grown-up who can decide what to do with her own time and money. If you never do something, and you're not in prison or in grade school or somehow otherwise under the total control of others...if you don't EVER do something, it's because it just isn't that important to you.

There is a whole world of difference between something not being that important to you, and not wanting to do something. I would quite like to see some of the smaller US cities (Savannah is one that comes to mind). However, it isn't that important to me, and my vacation choices have been larger US cities, overseas cities, and island destinations for the past few years. If a friend rang me up and said 'Hey Emma, I'm in Savannah next week on business why don't you come and join me' that might just be the impetus needed to get my butt on a plane down there.

Unfortunately, I cannot do everything I would quite like to do - whilst not in prison or grade school I do have a job that puts constraints on me, have family who put constraints on me, have my own interests and priorities which, while I wouldn't call them constraints as I am free to change them, do affect my choices.

As I said before a good friend of mine has never flown alone, circumstances mean that it has just never come up. She has flown plenty, travelled plenty, just never on her own. She would be shocked if someone said that, as a grown adult, the fact she has never flown alone means she actively doesn't want to, or that it would be (to quote your earlier post) 'a chore'.

Besdies, 'flying alone' isn't exactly a "must do" activity, it is a means to an end, you fly to get somewhere fantastic, I wouldn't set out to 'fly alone' as an activity, but I often fly alone to get to places I want to go to.

OP didn't indicate which class of service she'll be in and, really, a lot of this (excellent) advice is very specific to economy class...

I'll second (or third?) the suggestion that, if not already doing so, a business class ticket would make a very fine tenth anniversary gift. Not so much because it's far more comfortable (which it certainly is), but more importantly, because it is just SO much calmer, quieter, smaller, less chaotic, with better access to flight crew, etc.. Also, premium line at check-in/baggage check. Also, premium line through the security theater. Also, easier, calmer early boarding. And so on.

If she's as anxious as OP describes, traveling in business class can make the whole experience 100 times better, especially on a long, TATL trip.

Also, a previously mentioned bonus benefit is having lounge access. Again, a (usually) calmer, less chaotic environment with ability to more easily get assistance if she gets confused or starts feeling overwhelmed.

Happy anniversary! Enjoy what will surely prove to be a memorable celebration!


~mrs

I am a solo female traveler with absolutely no sense of direction. I get lost alot, gave up on GPS in rental cars because got tired of her telling me she was recalculating directions. That said, if I knew where I was going all the time I would have missed out on some pretty spectacular sights that I found while lost.

So I always build in "getting lost" time. I make sure I have some local currancy for my destination, study airport maps, destination maps, and alternatives to the airport transportation I have planned/booked in case my choice doesn't work.