Tips for nervous first time flyer
Jun 4, 2014 | 4:28 pm
#31
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,377
You only hinted at what the source of your anxiety about traveling is. The way I figure it, there are three main sources: 1) Anxiety about an accident occurring on the plane. 2) Worry about getting lost, delayed, or misdirected while navigating airports, train stations, etc. 3) Worry about what'll happen with the events or people or work that's awaiting you at the other end. #2 is the main one for me, so I'll share some tips on that.
1) Make a list of your travel arrangements, along with contact numbers for each company or person who's helping you along the way. Keep this information on an electronic device where it's handy, but also print a hardcopy as a backup in case your electronics get separated from you or the battery dies.
2) Research in advance how you'll make connections at airports and major train stations. Pay special attention to immigrations and customs processes. Yes, you can generally figure this stuff out on the fly, especially if the station has signs in your language, but it's more much comforting to build reasonable knowledge in advance. I see above that there are already some good pointers to this kind of info in this thread. ^
3) Will you be taking a train, bus, or taxi to get to your final address? Look up in advance what's involved in hiring these forms of transportation.
4) Your flights are long ones, so be prepared. Be sure to pack: A) plenty of things to etnertain yourself with, such as book, e-books, and computer games; B) some food, such as fruit or nuts or energy bars, in case there's no food you like available for sale; and C) an empty water bottle you can fill up after clearing US security checkpoints.
1) Make a list of your travel arrangements, along with contact numbers for each company or person who's helping you along the way. Keep this information on an electronic device where it's handy, but also print a hardcopy as a backup in case your electronics get separated from you or the battery dies.
2) Research in advance how you'll make connections at airports and major train stations. Pay special attention to immigrations and customs processes. Yes, you can generally figure this stuff out on the fly, especially if the station has signs in your language, but it's more much comforting to build reasonable knowledge in advance. I see above that there are already some good pointers to this kind of info in this thread. ^
3) Will you be taking a train, bus, or taxi to get to your final address? Look up in advance what's involved in hiring these forms of transportation.
4) Your flights are long ones, so be prepared. Be sure to pack: A) plenty of things to etnertain yourself with, such as book, e-books, and computer games; B) some food, such as fruit or nuts or energy bars, in case there's no food you like available for sale; and C) an empty water bottle you can fill up after clearing US security checkpoints.
Jun 4, 2014 | 6:18 pm
#32
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: STL...for now
Programs: HH Gold, CC Gold, Accor Plat, BW Diamond
Posts: 224
Just wanted to add that I am also a nervous flyer and it has helped me to tell the FAs. Many times the FA will check on me and offer reassurance, and sometimes the pilot will come chat as well. It makes me feel better to have their understanding, and keeps me from feeling embarrassed if I look panic-stricken. Lots of great advice here.
Jun 5, 2014 | 12:52 am
#34
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 8
When I was young (18-25), I was very terrified to fly. Now, it's nothing and even in turbulence don't feel a bit nervous. Two things help... one, turbulence won't bring down a plane even if it is 'scary', the other is just flying a lot. You'll get used to it and taking a short domestic round-trip would really help you a lot to get comfortable with flying so you know what to expect.
Flying is fun!
Flying is fun!
Jun 5, 2014 | 5:05 am
#35
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 404
Some really good advice here.
Just a couple of bits to add:
As others have said, be prepared! Make sure that you've got all the technology you need for the journey (tablet/phone/headphones/chargers etc), along with anything else you might need. I'd also suggest that you have some basic medicine with you (paracetamol or similar) just in case, the dry air on planes can do funny things, I often end up with a headache on longer flights.
I think this was mentioned elsewhere, but I'll say it again. It's highly unlikely that the airline will lose/delay your bag(s), but it does happen. I always pack a change of underwear and t-shirt in my carryon, just in case.
I know this is easier said than done, but try not to worry too much. Millions of people fly every single day and absolutely nothing happens to them, air travel is after all, the safest way to travel. Be prepared, know where you are going and how to get there and you'll be fine.
Also, I wouldn't advise you to take any kind of sleep aid (ambien etc). I tend to avoid it, but that's just a personal choice, thousands swear by it. If you do want to take something like that, perhaps try it at home first and see what effect it has on you; not a good idea to try something for the first time on a plane.
Relax, you'll be fine. Hope you have a memorable, enjoyable trip!
Ps. Please report back and let us know how you get on!
Just a couple of bits to add:
As others have said, be prepared! Make sure that you've got all the technology you need for the journey (tablet/phone/headphones/chargers etc), along with anything else you might need. I'd also suggest that you have some basic medicine with you (paracetamol or similar) just in case, the dry air on planes can do funny things, I often end up with a headache on longer flights.
I think this was mentioned elsewhere, but I'll say it again. It's highly unlikely that the airline will lose/delay your bag(s), but it does happen. I always pack a change of underwear and t-shirt in my carryon, just in case.
I know this is easier said than done, but try not to worry too much. Millions of people fly every single day and absolutely nothing happens to them, air travel is after all, the safest way to travel. Be prepared, know where you are going and how to get there and you'll be fine.
Also, I wouldn't advise you to take any kind of sleep aid (ambien etc). I tend to avoid it, but that's just a personal choice, thousands swear by it. If you do want to take something like that, perhaps try it at home first and see what effect it has on you; not a good idea to try something for the first time on a plane.
Relax, you'll be fine. Hope you have a memorable, enjoyable trip!
Ps. Please report back and let us know how you get on!
Jun 5, 2014 | 8:35 am
#36
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: PDX (wish I was in HNL)
Programs: 1K
Posts: 1,692
You only hinted at what the source of your anxiety about traveling is. The way I figure it, there are three main sources:
1) Anxiety about an accident occurring on the plane.
2) Worry about getting lost, delayed, or misdirected while navigating airports, train stations, etc.
3) Worry about what'll happen with the events or people or work that's awaiting you at the other end.
...
1) Anxiety about an accident occurring on the plane.
2) Worry about getting lost, delayed, or misdirected while navigating airports, train stations, etc.
3) Worry about what'll happen with the events or people or work that's awaiting you at the other end.
...
Some small things OP might want to remember.
Review the TSA guidelines for screening, ie, don't have water bottles, slip on shoes if you can.
Always carry important medications and valuables with you (not in checked bags!).
If you have a smartphone, download the airline apps, they will have valuable phone numbers if thing s go wrong.
Australians are very sensitive about bringing in foods, agricultural products. Don't bring fruits, veggies through Australian Customs. Check out the Australia forum on Flyertalk.
Jun 5, 2014 | 9:06 am
#37
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,443
Hello travelsawait101!
My response to your question would include:
I hope the flights (and the visit to Australia) go well.
My response to your question would include:
- Arrive at the airport in plenty of time and as far as possible give yourself plenty of time at connecting airports. (There are some frequent travellers who seem to regard it as a badge of honour to arrive as late as possible at the airport, but check-in and security can be frenetic enough without having to rush and worry unduly. So what if you have to wait around at the airport for a while - you'd just be waiting around at home otherwise.)
- Think about what you might want to do during the flight. Most long-haul flights now generally have at least reasonable in-flight entertainment, but I like to have my iPod (with noise-cancelling headphones!) with me, and a Kindle (multiple books in a very light container, so I can choose what book I want to read as the fancy takes me).
- Aim to eat properly but not too heavily both before and during the flight, drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) and go easy on both alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks. Eating well and limiting alcohol will make you feel better, and tea and (especially) coffee tend to promote anxiety anyway if you're already in a situation where you're prone to be anxious.
- I try to have the things I know I'm going to want during the flight packed in a small bag inside my carry-on bag that I can take out before I sit down. (I'm thinking of things like book/Kindle, iPod etc, spectacles case, any medicaments you think you might need - not much, but it saves you having to get up and down and hunt for the things in your carry-on bag.)
- I know it's a truism and not really the focus of any anxiety about flying, but remember that the most dangerous parts of the journey are getting from home to the departure airport and from the arrival airport to wherever you're going!
- Have a pen handy - you'll need one to fill in the landing form before arrival into Australia.
- And, perversely perhaps, try to think of the flight as a chance to sit and relax for several hours, something that we probably don't do enough of in our everyday lives. You will almost certainly have been busy in the lead-up to the trip, so the chance to relax might be doubly welcome. Admittedly this mind-set might go only so far on a trip as long as the one to Australia, but it is a good state of mind to start with and can set the tenor for the whole flight.
I hope the flights (and the visit to Australia) go well.
Jun 5, 2014 | 12:19 pm
#38
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
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Since someone mentioned the TSA and liquids... I saw a passenger once at a U.S. checkpoint, coming home from an international journey into ORD T5 and connecting to a domestic flight at ORD T1, forced to abandon a duty-free purchase at the checkpoint. He had bought a bottle of whiskey in a duty-free shop abroad, but when he exited security at T5 he couldn't get back through security at T1 with it. He didn't have another bag to check it in with his airline there, so he had to basically hand it over to the TSA. Hopefully they had a nice afterwork party with it. 
In other words, before you buy duty-free abroad, make sure you really can get it all the way home per whatever security requirements lie in front of you from the purchase to your home. In the case of the aforementioned Chicago passenger, he had access to his checked bag at customs in T5 and should have buried the bottle in his luggage right before putting it onto the belt to be sent to his domestic flight.
In other words, before you buy duty-free abroad, make sure you really can get it all the way home per whatever security requirements lie in front of you from the purchase to your home. In the case of the aforementioned Chicago passenger, he had access to his checked bag at customs in T5 and should have buried the bottle in his luggage right before putting it onto the belt to be sent to his domestic flight.
Jun 5, 2014 | 11:46 pm
#39
Formerly known as tireman77
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,817
A lot of really good advice here.
Then only thing I would think of possibly adding is with regards to seat selection. I would suggest to get an aisle seat, and that as close to the middle of the plane. An aisle seat is a little less claustrophobic than a window. Its easy to get up and walk around if needed, and chances are you'll want to get up and walk around on the LAX-SYD portion. The middle of the plane is because since pitch and roll are felt more at the extreme ends of the plane, the middle (over the wings) has the least. Try to avoid the rear of the plane if you can. Its noisier and sometimes has a 'tail wagging' shimmy to it.
Then only thing I would think of possibly adding is with regards to seat selection. I would suggest to get an aisle seat, and that as close to the middle of the plane. An aisle seat is a little less claustrophobic than a window. Its easy to get up and walk around if needed, and chances are you'll want to get up and walk around on the LAX-SYD portion. The middle of the plane is because since pitch and roll are felt more at the extreme ends of the plane, the middle (over the wings) has the least. Try to avoid the rear of the plane if you can. Its noisier and sometimes has a 'tail wagging' shimmy to it.
Jun 6, 2014 | 2:39 am
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,393
Two things used to scare me when flying: changes in sound and turbulence. So when the sounds change or you hit turbulence (which you will) remember that this is normal and nothing to be afraid of. One trick for dealing with nerves is to look around at your fellow passengers and the flight attendants. See how calm and unconcerned they are. It's your clue that there is no reason to worry.
Jun 6, 2014 | 8:37 am
#41
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: HEL
Programs: SAS Gold, LH Senator, AY Silver
Posts: 896
I would watch YouTube videos on principles of flight and fear of flying videos. I find having science to support the unknown is a lot better than assuming you are sitting in some magic flying machine. Cockpit videos also help as you will see how structured and calm pilots are at all stages of flight.
Regarding noises, here are some of the ones of note:
1) Engine start: The air conditioning system will shut off and a few seconds later you will start to hear the engine begin to rotate. What is happening is a little turbine engine in the tail (APU) had been pumping air into the cabin and is now pumping air into the engine (simplified explanation). This spool up will get progrssively louder and then the engine will be rotating fast enough to be pulling enough air to introduce fuel. You will hear the light off as the fuel comes on and the engine comes alive.
After start: Depending on the aircraft you may hear some grinding noises. This is the hydraulics being pressurized. The air conditioning will come back on and the flaps will be extended which you will notice if sitting on the wing.
Takeoff: the engines will rev up slightly for a few seconds. The pilot is making sure they spun up properly. Then takeoff thrust is applied and you will be pressed into your seat. This is great fun!
Climb out: as soon as the plane has a positive climb the landing gear will come up. You will hear the retraction and might feel the doors closing. At about 1000 feet you might hear the engines spool down to climb power (not always). The plane will also climb at less of an angle. Depending on the plane'a weight and some the factors, the flaps will also be begin to be retracted.
Cruise: once at cruise the engines will spool down some more and the plane will level off. The engine sound will be less pronounced and you will hear more air flow and air conditioning noise. Expect on your long haul flights to periodically hear the engines spool up to that climb power and you will begin to climb. The aircraft will likely be to heavy to climb to its final cruise altitude in one shot and must burn off weight (as in fuel).
Decent: on decent the engines are brought back to idle and the plane pitches down. Periodically the plane will level off and the engines will spool up. The pilot might also raise the speed breaks to help slow down. These will raise from the wing and you will hear rough air and it might make minor bumpy turbulence. As you approach the airport the flaps will come back out (they will be more flap exposed on landing than takeoff) and landing gear will lower.
Landing: when the main gear touches the ground the spoilers (panels on top of wings used as air breaks) will raise again automatically. This removes the lift from the wings and puts the weight of the plane on the wheels to improve breaking and creates drag. You also might hear the engines spool way up. This is reverse thrust. A panel on the engine basically redirects the thirst forward to help slow the plane.
Welcome to the wonderful world of flying. I wonder how the Wright Brothers felt on their first flight?!
Regarding noises, here are some of the ones of note:
1) Engine start: The air conditioning system will shut off and a few seconds later you will start to hear the engine begin to rotate. What is happening is a little turbine engine in the tail (APU) had been pumping air into the cabin and is now pumping air into the engine (simplified explanation). This spool up will get progrssively louder and then the engine will be rotating fast enough to be pulling enough air to introduce fuel. You will hear the light off as the fuel comes on and the engine comes alive.
After start: Depending on the aircraft you may hear some grinding noises. This is the hydraulics being pressurized. The air conditioning will come back on and the flaps will be extended which you will notice if sitting on the wing.
Takeoff: the engines will rev up slightly for a few seconds. The pilot is making sure they spun up properly. Then takeoff thrust is applied and you will be pressed into your seat. This is great fun!
Climb out: as soon as the plane has a positive climb the landing gear will come up. You will hear the retraction and might feel the doors closing. At about 1000 feet you might hear the engines spool down to climb power (not always). The plane will also climb at less of an angle. Depending on the plane'a weight and some the factors, the flaps will also be begin to be retracted.
Cruise: once at cruise the engines will spool down some more and the plane will level off. The engine sound will be less pronounced and you will hear more air flow and air conditioning noise. Expect on your long haul flights to periodically hear the engines spool up to that climb power and you will begin to climb. The aircraft will likely be to heavy to climb to its final cruise altitude in one shot and must burn off weight (as in fuel).
Decent: on decent the engines are brought back to idle and the plane pitches down. Periodically the plane will level off and the engines will spool up. The pilot might also raise the speed breaks to help slow down. These will raise from the wing and you will hear rough air and it might make minor bumpy turbulence. As you approach the airport the flaps will come back out (they will be more flap exposed on landing than takeoff) and landing gear will lower.
Landing: when the main gear touches the ground the spoilers (panels on top of wings used as air breaks) will raise again automatically. This removes the lift from the wings and puts the weight of the plane on the wheels to improve breaking and creates drag. You also might hear the engines spool way up. This is reverse thrust. A panel on the engine basically redirects the thirst forward to help slow the plane.
Welcome to the wonderful world of flying. I wonder how the Wright Brothers felt on their first flight?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1L4GUA8arY
Jun 6, 2014 | 6:14 pm
#42
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: KSUX
Posts: 919
I can't add much to that advice that's already been given other than try to enjoy yourself. I was a bit nervous too on my first flight but was fortunate that I was with other family members who had flown many times before. First solo trip a year later was a bit nerve racking but I survived and after a few more trips the nerves went away and not much phases me anymore.
If you're interested in YT videos I stumbled on this channel last year.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKI...6SrJChnKPVUgWg
He's a pilot for a private company and has some really nice videos of what goes on in the cockpit before during, and after a flight. While his videos focus mainly on the Citation V business jet and a couple smaller turboprop planes the same thing happens in the cockpit of the largest birds. Several videos show less than perfect flying conditions and how those conditions are handled by the flight crew.
That problem has thankfully pretty much been solved.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/pract...-back-usa.html
If you're interested in YT videos I stumbled on this channel last year.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKI...6SrJChnKPVUgWg
He's a pilot for a private company and has some really nice videos of what goes on in the cockpit before during, and after a flight. While his videos focus mainly on the Citation V business jet and a couple smaller turboprop planes the same thing happens in the cockpit of the largest birds. Several videos show less than perfect flying conditions and how those conditions are handled by the flight crew.
Since someone mentioned the TSA and liquids... I saw a passenger once at a U.S. checkpoint, coming home from an international journey into ORD T5 and connecting to a domestic flight at ORD T1, forced to abandon a duty-free purchase at the checkpoint. He had bought a bottle of whiskey in a duty-free shop abroad, but when he exited security at T5 he couldn't get back through security at T1 with it. He didn't have another bag to check it in with his airline there, so he had to basically hand it over to the TSA. Hopefully they had a nice afterwork party with it.
In other words, before you buy duty-free abroad, make sure you really can get it all the way home per whatever security requirements lie in front of you from the purchase to your home. In the case of the aforementioned Chicago passenger, he had access to his checked bag at customs in T5 and should have buried the bottle in his luggage right before putting it onto the belt to be sent to his domestic flight.
In other words, before you buy duty-free abroad, make sure you really can get it all the way home per whatever security requirements lie in front of you from the purchase to your home. In the case of the aforementioned Chicago passenger, he had access to his checked bag at customs in T5 and should have buried the bottle in his luggage right before putting it onto the belt to be sent to his domestic flight.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/pract...-back-usa.html
Jun 7, 2014 | 6:41 pm
#43
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Australia
Posts: 31
If you are transiting UAE (Dubai or Abu Dhabi) then make sure you research what medications are illegal there. Some common pain medications and decongestants can get you in trouble, even if you're only there to change planes.