Tips for nervous first time flyer
 

I'm a first time flyer I will flying for the first time in July and I will be alone. I'm flying from Toronto to Australia. Anyone have any tips. I use to be terrified of flying when I was younger, the idea of getting on a plane scared the crap out of me but as I've gotten older I'm growing more fond of the idea but now that it's happening next month I'm getting really nervous. Any tips on ideas of how to calm my nerves, and how to handle layovers and any other advice you can think of giving a newbie like me

Thanks :)

Tips for nervous first time flyer
 

Xanax + a window seat + bring your own pillow

I have window seat for all 3 flights I'm taking off from a small airport close to home then getting on a plane in Toronto landing in L.A and taking off from there to Australia. I'm bringing my own pillow and I don't trust Xanax as I have reactions in the past to certain pills like that so I'm brining melatonin

Tips for nervous first time flyer
 

Well, long flights are always easier with little to no turbulence which you won't find out until you're in the plane obviously. But my last flight was Dubai to Washington 14 hours and the first 5-7 hours was turbulence non stop! Terrible! I think Cali to Australia is about 14 hours also.

I always bring my own pillow. Maybe it looks goofy sometimes, but if I find a nice spot against the window it works out great. Also check the seat map up until day of departure, try to get the seat with no middle passenger!

You'll be fine. Don't worry :)

Tips for nervous first time flyer
 

Take a short round trip flight before your long haul.

Tips for nervous first time flyer
 

pretty impressive that someone who's never flown before is on flyertalk! just enjoy the journey, op. have a safe flight!

Well I was googling tips for first time flyers and nervous flyers and this fourm came up so I thought I would post and see what advice u all have

Tips for nervous first time flyer
 

Remember the pilots, in addition to being highly trained professionals, are people with friends and family too. They want to get to the destination as safely and smoothly as you do!

Bring a book and an iPad / laptop if you have one so you can have plenty of entertainment (the flight down to Australia should hopefully have IFE too) which will help keep your mind off of it.

You'll be fine and it'll be well worth the flight to see what is on the other end!

You don't get to panic unless you see the flight attendants panicking.

They've flown many more hours and would know the difference between routine but uncomfotable turbulence and anything that was truly out of the ordinary, of which there's maybe a 0.00001% chance of that happening.

Tips for nervous first time flyer
 

If in coach I like to sit by the wing, because any strange sounds or movements by the plane (i.e. Slight drop in altitude, speed changes) can be witnessed by flaps moving. So you know it's normal and simply the plane leveling off or beginning descent. Other than that if you don't like Xanax, take some melatonin and a glass of wine with dinner.... Sit back, relax, have a snooze, and enjoy your flight!

Welcome to FT!

Here's my two cents:

Lots of people like Xanax etc, but personally I'd say skip it if you are already feeling nervous - feeling groggy when you want to be alert won't help. YMMV though.

Familiarise yourself in advance with your transit airports. If you need to change terminals to make your connection, know where you'll need to go and how to do it so you feel confident when you get off the plane (especially if delays make things a little tighter than you'd planned).

3-1-1 - if you are not familiar with the rules, take a look at them and make sure any liquids you take through security comply with the restrictions. Big water bottles are a trap for first timers. If you want water, get it airside.

IPad +1 - load it up with movies and books you love and the time will fly. Noise cancelling/isolating earbuds or ear phones are also a must.

Neck pillow - can really help with comfort if in Y. Also pashmina/shawl - better than a scratchy blanket and can be used for additional neck or lumbar support if you need t.

Turbulence - not sure if is is a concern but if it is, I find it can help to imagine I am in a car driving along a gravel/unsealed road. Most turbulence basically feels like this to me. And the tips about watching the FAs is right. If they are not looking nervous, you don't need to be either.

Luggage - keep it simple - especially your carry-on. Don't be the person lugging three heavy bags on board - it's too hard to manage and keep track of, you'll inconvenience other passengers and you might be forced to gate check. Streamlining your luggage takes a lot of stress out of the equation.

Allow plenty of time for check-in and to get through security. Worrying you might miss the flight will just add to stress levels.

You'll find we're a friendly bunch here in Australia - have a wonderful trip!

On long haul flights I always like to have some hard candy (like lifesavers) with me. You can get terribly dry on the plane and sucking on a hard candy helps me. I also carry tissues and lip balm - all because of the dryness of the airplane air. Do drink plenty of water.

There are varying strengths of tranquilisers - you might consider a small dose to take the edge off things and escalate your dose if you're struggling to manage the stress. Also betablockers have been an option for me in the past. Talk to your Dr about best available options and stress management while travelling.

Personally, I like the aisle so I can access the toilet. I also like the idea of seeing what the FAs are up to, as said upthread, there is no need to panic unless you see them panic. Seriously.

Have lots of peaceful entertainment - I would suggest a slasher flick on an iPad won't do much for your stress levels.

Don't hesitate to ask questions of the FAs, the ground crew, check in desk, basically any airline personnel. They are used to helping nervous flyers.

Wear comfortable clothes, you will find the trip more stressful if you're uncomfortable. Bring whatever travel aids you might want to improve your comfort levels, I like noise cancelling earphones as the noise of the engines can be draining for me. I've never taken a pillow purely cos I can't be bothered to carry one but I can understand those who do.

Stay hydrated. Eat before your travel and/or on long layovers. The food on the ground will be better than that in the air.

Otherwise, just try to relax and enjoy yourself.

THIS. I used to be a very nervous flyer (basically refused to fly). Easing into it helped me a lot.

Since then I've traveled the world and am close to earning my private pilot license. I know your fear is probably emotional rather than logic based, or at least mine was, but know that your airliner can handle way more than anything that will be thrown at it in terms of turbulence.

Also the Ipad with your favorite movies / TV shows is a great idea, if nothing else because it's a long flight and you will get bored.

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.

There will be lots of different sounds noises, especially during taxi, takeoff, and landing. These are normal even though they sound strange. During flight you will probably hear almost a roar through the cabin - this is from the engines and is normal. I carry some foam rubber earplugs and use those when I'm trying to sleep.

You may feel occasional small shifts, shudders, bumps, etc while you are in flight. Again these are normal, think of these like hitting a small bump in the road while driving - same thing except the pilots are even more experienced at flying than you are at driving your car. You don't have problems with the small bumps/cracks in the road, right?

The airport transit can feel really strange especially for a new flyer. Flying from Canada, when you get to Toronto, you will have to go through US immigration/customs before you are allowed to go to your gate for your flight to LA. What airlines are you flying to/from Australia? At LAX, you may have to change terminals, depending on your airline. If you aren't certain where to go, ask an airline agent and they should be willing to direct you.

Tips for nervous first time flyer
 

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?!

I'm flying Air Canada from Sudbury to Toronto and American Airline from Toronto to L.A and Quantas from L.A to Australia

Thanks everyone for the tips, I'm feeling a little less nervous right now :). I think takeoff is what I'm more nervous about once I'm in the air i should be fine

Tips for nervous first time flyer
 

I'm not a nervous flyer but found all the tips offered to the OP very interesting. Threads such as these make me glad to be part of FlyerTalk.

Wishing the OP safe travels.

You'll need to change terminals in Toronto (from 1 to 3). You'll also need to rescreen through security and submit to US Immigration and Customs, all at terminal 3.

Go here to see the connections guide. You may also want to ask the Air Canada baggage agents at arrivals in Toronto if your baggage will be sent directly to Terminal 3 for you. Make sure to ask in Toronto, as agents at your initial airport may not have precise information.

Thank you so much for the link :D.

Does anyone know if there a connecting guide like the one for Pearson for lax. I know that lax is a massive airport and I want to get from point A to point B with as little trouble as possible

Wish I could

When you land at LAX, you will arrive at Term 4 (AA's terminal). Qantas uses TBIT. You should not have to pick up your baggage at LAX and recheck it - so you will only need to worry about getting yourself over to TBIT.

In the evenings, there is a shuttle bus from Term 4 for passengers connecting to Qantas, leaves ever 30 minutes. It leaves from one of the Gates in Term 4. If you are able to use this shuttle, you won't have to reclear security at TBIT.

If for some reason you arrive and the shuttle is not running, then what you will need to do is exit the terminal, and then when you get outside, walk to the left on the sidewalk - takes 5 minutes at most - and you will be at TBIT. You will then need to reclear security.

Thank You so much

On long-hauls, I like to bring traditional books or magazines along with tablet/phone. At some point, I like to take a break from electronics.

Drink lots of water.

For the electronics, bring plenty of juice. If your device doesn't have a swappable battery, then bring one or two of those portable external battery packs. I have a 12000 mAh one that can juice a tablet and a phone at the same time. Cost $25 at Amazon.

I have a Samsung Galaxy S3, so I also have a few extra batteries in my backpack. ($3 knockoffs, not as good as the OEM battery but good enough.)

Your seat may or may not have a power source. If it does, it may or may not work. (About a 50-50 shot IME.)

Drink lots of water.

I'm an aisle guy because I like to be able to get up whenever I want. But some people are window people and that's okay too. When I am at the window, I tend to get up whenever Mr. Aisle gets up whether I think I need it or not. Figure it's good to move around on occasion, even if I don't use the toilet.

I don't bother with drugs. Well, other than wine... ;)

Turbulence has never really bothered me. People talk about it on FT, it happens once in a while, but I've thankfully never had to endure truly horrific turbulence. Most people haven't, and you probably won't.

Drink lots of water.

Pack light.

Be nice to the FA's. They'll be nice to you. (Most of them, anyway.)

Did I mention the water?

Xanax

Personally, I never use medications on flights.

In the unlikely event that something does happen I want my wits about me.

I may have 1 alcoholic drink... but that is the limit.

If you are going to be alone there will be no one else looking out for you so
all the more reason to keep your wits.

Pack light as possible and start assembling your items / packing list now.
Review each item critically considering "do I really need this?".

If you will be checking a bag keep in mind there is a chance it may end up
lost along the way... and you may only be reunited later or never. Bring a
carry-on with some basics to get you by for a day or two until you are
reunited or secure replacement items. Place information about your itinerary
and how to contact you in checked luggage.

No electronics or high-value items in checked luggage. Leave at home or
keep with you in carry-on.

Review each airline site for what is acceptable as carry-on / checked so
you don't end up fumbling somewhere along the way.

Review TSA site for what is acceptable in carry-on / checked luggage and
the procedures at the checkpoints. Consider going through with empty
pockets and only your ID (Passport) and boarding passes in hand.

Above all... enjoy the experience! It will be an adventure! :)

People have provided a lot of good practical advice, but sometimes when things get a little bumpy and I start feeling nervous, I will console myself with cold, hard facts.

Facts that might be helpful to the OP, like:

* QANTAS is one of the safest airlines in the world. They have been flying jet aircraft pretty much since they were invented, and they have never, ever, ever had so much as one accident-caused fatality on any of them. Just think about that...dozens if not hundreds of QANTAS jet flights a day for year after year, decade after decade and not a single, solitary crash victim. You have to like those odds.

* Air Canada is similarly safe. They fly in some of the harshest conditions anywhere, every single day... winter storms, ice, extreme heat, over the ocean, over mountains, you name it. And even still, it has literally been decades since they have had a fatality.

* From Time Magazine: "Statistical expert and MIT Professor Arnold Barnett told ABC News in 2011 the chance of being killed in an airplane disaster in the U.S. is 1 in 14 million — which means you could fly everyday for 38,000 years before dying in a fatal accident. Flying is also 23 times safer than driving, ABC News reports — about as dangerous as riding an elevator. "

The reality is that the hamburgers at the airport concession stands likely pose a far greater threat to your health and well-being than any amount of commercial flying.

And if this fails to provide comfort, I find some Crown Royal does the trick for me. :)

Bon voyage!

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.

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.

wrong thread....

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!

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! :D

Excellent summary! #2 keeps me excited before a trip.

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.

Hello travelsawait101!

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.

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.

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.

I second that trip. I've do that myself. Makes me feel better.