There are sites which other Flyertalkers can direct you to and find out what type of plane you would be on. You could also call the airline and find out what type of aircraft your flight is.

Jon Toner offers good advice, if you can and don't need much items, you should try to get a good roller bag that would fit in the seat in front of you, or in the overhead bin, so you don't have to check anything. DO NOT REPEAT DO NOT PUT WALLETS, JEWELRY, CASH, VALUABLES IN THE SUITCASE. IF YOU HAVE TO CHECK IT IT CAN GET LOST.

I don't know if this is possible, but you are still a minor under the law (sorry, even though 17 year olds are like adults today!) Could your parents arrange for a Flight attendant or airline employee to walk you off the plane and hang with you a few minutes so the person meeting you shows up and everything's ok. Of course, you can probably handle meeting strangers better than me (I'm 33 and still get uneasy!)

Good luck and one more piece of advice from this ancient Cat lover: USE YOUR OWN COMMON SENSE AND YOU'LL BE FINE.

Please post a followup trip report when you are done!