first flight tips
 

So I'm travelling on a plane for the first time and I'm pretty nervous. I would appreciate any tips that you could give :)

Welcome to Flyertalk sykotykz.

As this is a general travel question, we'll move this to TravelBuzz.

~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk

arrive early to get through security since you will be unfamiliar with the process, review the procedure online so you are prepared

Enjoy the airport atmosphere after security, the shops, restaurants etc relax and people watch, have a drink but limit alcohol (a relaxing glass or two will benefit you but no more) and caffeine to 1 cup, otherwise it will make nerves worse.

A good app is flightradar24 to see your flight path and see how your route travels in the days before your flight, great for us geeks.

Check seatguru for your aircraft features like toilets, entertainment and good/bad seats.

Your carry on should be packed from bottom to top with the following: a warm item of clothing eg hoodie and warm socks, Charger, small snacks in case inflight food isn't to your liking, alternative entertainment like a kindle or iPad, your liquids bag with lip balm, eye drops, face wipes, moisturiser on top for easy access. Keep passport and boarding pass in a small pocket if possible to avoid the dreaded search under pressure �� and they have migrated to the bottom of the bag.
Whatever you pack you have to carry.

Once onboard relax in your seat and if boarded early enough get to know the controls and features like recline, tray table, window sash. If possible stow your carry on under the seat in front to avoid disturbing other passengers and for easy access. If not possible put your entertainment in the seat pocket just in case.

When taking off there will be an initial burst of speed which will feel like you are being pushed into your seat, this is scary for first timers but is exhilarating for frequent flyers, expect this and marvel at the feat of engineering of flight ���� don't hold your breath as your ears won't pop, if you suffer from any ear ailment then suck a hard sweet or mint and you will be fine. The plane will climb fast before levelling off, savour the experience as it will never feel the same again.

As a general rule how something affects you on the ground will double/triple in the air, this includes alcohol and prescription mess like Xanax so be careful and start low.

Flying is a marvel and enjoy your first flight.

Get to the airport 2 hours before for a domestic flight or 3 hours before for an international. That way you have plenty of time to get through security and checkin without rushing, and you can just sit at a cafe and enjoy a coffee or light meal. Get to the gate 45 minutes before your flight.

Flying is awesome!! I wouldn't trade the chances I've had to see new places for anything.

One thing I hate not to have when I travel are my noise canceling headphones. Invaluable since there's no guarantees how neighbors might be on a flight.

Have a great trip!! :)

first flight tips
 

Get a window seat, but away from the wing section so you can enjoy the view without obstruction.

sykotykz, welcome to FlyerTalk. To help our community to help you, please share the concerns you have about your upcoming flight. Thanks, Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator.

Hi sykotykz,
I'm glad you joined us here at FT.

As Ocn VW 1K asked, it would be good to know if anything in particular is on your mind. Otherwise, here are my tips:

1) As others said, get to the airport very early. It can be intimidating to find the counters, gates, get through security, etc. Heck, sometimes even finding the parking lot can be tough.
2) Find your airline and check in. Use the kiosks if you can, it will save time.
3) Don't lose your boarding pass or ID, you'll need both. Keep them handy.
4) Pack light, then lighter yet. Seriously, this is my best tip. (And, a reminder to self!)
5) Know the TSA rules for getting through security- laptops, liquids, nothing sharp, etc.
6) The departure LED boards are organized alphabetically (destination city) or by departure time.
7) Airports can be huge, especially international airports in large cities. Be prepared for shuttles, escalators, long hikes, etc.
The knowledge base here on FT is incredible. If you told us your airline/flight, departure city and destination, people might have some very specific tips for your itinerary.
8) Enjoy your trip!

I'll add - don't be afraid to ask any airport or airline employee for directions or if you just have a question. They are there to help, and the vast majority are very nice, especially to first time flyers.

Enjoy your trip!

Dress comfortably, don't load up on jewelry etc...keep it simple.
Relax, it isn't as stressful as you are worried it will be.
Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to get on and take off.
Keep your travel documents handy (I.D and boarding pass etc).
Bring a sweater/sweatshirt/cardigan or a lap blanket. It can be a little chilly on flights.
The vast majority of people will happily help you so don't be afraid to ask where to go or what to do next.
Check out the airport map so you have an idea where you are and where you are going.
Last, RELAX! Flying can be fun, and a good time to unwind and enjoy the simple things away from chaos on the ground.

(yes I said relax twice...but it's important...you only get one first flight!)

Others have said get a window seat...I agree! My first flight ever was one month after 9/11, I would have been slightly scared to fly normally but with all the extra fear at that time I was pretty scared. I had one drink at the bar and then got on the plane, and my luck kept going, my seat mate was a 5 year old! Most might think that was bad, for me it was great! We kept looking out the window "Look, they all look like tiny ants down there!" and we joked around the whole flight (with her mom's permission of course). Best flight I have ever had.

Post back after your flight and let us know how it goes! Where are you going to and when?

One thing I do when I fly, is as I am going to where my seat is, I find the nearest emergency exit, and upon seating myself, and buckle up; I read the emergency information card. Also, play attention to the safety demo. I chew gum to pop my ears during takeoff and landing. Other than that, enjoy the flight.

Great advice above.

I would just emphasize one thing that others have said: Head out to the airport early enough. This will greatly reduce stress from potential traffic delays to the airport and from potential long lines at check-in and at security.

Agree with most of the recommendations (arrive early, arrive earlier than that because it's your first time, don't sweat the small stuff, flying is actually quite easy).

One point of disagreement. Window Seat. What on Earth for? Want to see the view? After the first 2 1/2 minutes you discover that the view never changes. Want to see what it's like? Go to Google Earth and set the view level at about 35,000 feet then tilt your head at an angle (because you can't look straight down from a plane) and then stare at it for 5 minutes.

Downside to a window? You're pinned there. If you need to get up for the restroom, you have to get others out of your way. If people are asleep you have to wake them. If it's meal time and their trays are down, you have to "hold it". Want to get at your bag in the overhead? Tough. Time to get off the plane you have to wait for them to decide to move.

Don't order the fish.

I think that Ask the Pilot by Patrick Smith is a great resource. As an aside, he posts on FT with the handle Gatehold. One piece of valuable information was not to think of turbulence as an aircraft problem but a service issue. Makes so much sense.