It's like anything else. You learn by doing.

Yes, in general, they offer water and soft drinks on the plane, but here's a good tip.

You cannot bring your own drinks past TSA, as they limit liquids to 3 oz or less in a zip-top baggie.

What you CAN do is bring your own empty bottle through TSA, then fill it up with water at a drinking fountain after you pass TSA. I have one of those nifty reusable aluminum water bottles and use that. You could also use a plastic bottle left over from prior use.

That way, you are carrying your own drinking water supply on the plane and can drink as much or as little as you like while in flight. The airplane air is really dry, so it's good to stay hydrated. If they offer water from the beverage cart, just let them fill up your personal water bottle.

I suggest you go to www.tsa.gov and read up on the security procedures. They have a lot of information for first-timers and you want to be prepared for the TSA security process.

Finally, while you are in the airport and have a question, just ask someone in an airline or airport uniform. They are used to people asking for restroom locations, directions to gates, etc. If you have a question while you are in the airplane itself, ask a flight attendant.