First time travelling alone???

Question

I haven't been on a plane for at least 2 years. The past flights I took were with my parents.In a few weeks, I will be traveling all by myself. I just need a refresher on the steps I need to take to have a smooth experience. Tips and advices would be greatly appreciated as well.

I'm a bit nervous about getting lost.

Thank you!!!

Answer 1

Before you leave home, get information on where you will be staying on your trip - address, phone number - make copies and put this information along with your name in each piece of checked baggage and keep a copy on yourself in case your luggage gets lost. Do the same for the return trip. Also, do not pack anything that you will need (medications, contact lens stuff, etc) in your checked bags. Put this in your carry-on. You are usually allowed to bring 2 suitcases that weigh no more than 50lbs (23kg) each, plus one carry-on per passenger. All airline rules differ on this, so you need to verify this with your specific airline.

When packing your carry-on bag, make sure that you have all your documents with you (picture ID, ticket, passport). The key to packing a carry-on is to pack light; think less is more. When packing, make sure that you are not taking any forbidden items with you and that all liquids are in containers less that 3oz (100ml) and in a one clear zip-top bag no bigger than 1 quart (1 liter).

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/p...

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

Snacks are allowed. Just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml) http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/p...

Make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your concourse and gate. Rule of thumb is to allow yourself 2-5 hours before your flight. It is always a good idea to call the airport ahead of schedule to see what their wait time for security is for that specific day. Be prepared to do a lot of waiting - in line at the ticket counter, in the security line, in the terminal - you will wait. As long as you know you have given yourself plenty of time though, you shouldn’t panic, and can relax (as much as possible).

I found that the easiest way to navigate the airport is to go directly to the ticket counter and check my bags and get my boarding pass. When the ticket agent presents you with your boarding pass, you will also be given you claim ticket for your bags. Keep this is a safe place and do NOT lose it – if anything should happen to your bags, you will need it. All airports are clearly marked with plenty of signs designed to direct you in the right direction. If you are not sure of which way to go, look UP and there will be plenty of signs to guide you. Security isn't that bad. Wear slip on or other easily removable shoes, and have your coat or jacket off when you reach the front of the line. If you are bringing prescription medications, drinks for small children, or anything else that is over the 3oz (100ml) limit, do not forget to inform the security officer. These items must be outside of your bag, and must go on the conveyor belt in a separate bin from your other things. If you have nothing forbidden on or with you, you will speed through the process. Pay attention to the announcements. They may change your departure gate, or need you if there is a question with your ticket. Also, if the plane is overbooked, they will announce a request for volunteers to be bumped. If you volunteer, you will be put on the next flight and you usually get a free round-trip ticket to use in the future, or some other form of compensation. Be sure to find out what the incentives are before agreeing to give up your seat, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want – the worst they can say is no. They also use announcements to board the plane. Most airlines will seat you by row or "zone" - this will be printed on your boarding pass. When they call out your row or zone, you may board the plane. If you are seated in an exit row, make sure that you are able to do the things that would be required of you: being able to lift a certain weight (if you have to open the window exits, they are generally about 65 pounds - 29kg), being able to hear and see commands from the flight crew, etc.

Now for your flight itself!

When you taxi the cabin crew will tell you all you need to know about what to do in case of emergencies and such. They will do a demonstration or show a video of where the exits are, how to fasten your seatbelt, when portable electronics can and can't be used, etc. All the instructions the flight crew will give you are all on the safety card which is in the pouch on the back of the seat in front of you. The captain will come on and give a little speech about the flight and what to expect - something about how long it will take until you take-off, what to expect weather wise in your destination city, and how long the flight should take. Your ears might "pop" as you climb through the altitudes.

For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:

*Chew gum

*Drink something

*Suck on a hard candy or mints

*Yawn

*Pinch the nostrils shut, take a deep breath in through the mouth, then force the air into the back of the nose as if trying to blow your nose

*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears.

*Another trick that used mainly on babies and small children, but can be used on anyone, is to gently but with some pressure, rub your neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.

To entertain yourself:

*Read a book, magazine, the paper, or do a puzzle (such as crosswords or Sodoku if you like those).

*Listen to music using an iPod, MP3 player, or CD player.

*A laptop is good to have as you can play games on it, and get any work done that you may have, or watch DVDs.

*Try talking to the people next to you. Sometime you will meet some really interesting people, and forge friends

When you are approaching landing, your ears again might "pop" as you descend through the altitudes (remember the techniques above to help alleviate the pressure).

When you land at your final destination, simply go to baggage claim and get your bags. If anyone is meeting you at the airport, this is usually where they will pick you up.

For more in-depth information, plus security rules and I wrote a small about flying that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/plane...

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Answer 2

*****First of all, pack light!  Remember 50# is max for your checked baggage and some airlines now charge for your first checked bag and more for the 2nd.

*Keep your "government issued ID handy until you get through security.

*Going through security ~ Take off your shoes, put them in one of the tubs along with your carry-on.  Take your laptop out and put it in a separate tub.  Make sure you have no metal on your person (car keys, coins, etc.)  Make sure your less than 3 oz liquids and gels all fit in a qt size ziploc bag. . . . and have your government issued ID along with your boarding pass out and ready to be presented.

*Once you get through secuity, it's a breeze.  Get dressed again, head towards the proper gate ~ big signs overhead tell you which way to go. Listen to all announcements at the gate and board w/your group!

*Once onboard make sure your carryon is "safely stowed" either in the OH compartment or under the seat in front of you.

*Fasten your seat belt, relax and most of all. . . . . .

Have a wonderful flight!!

If you listen to the announcements and watch the overhead signs, you should have no problem.  In case you are not sure which way to go, ASK!  People, generally are very helpful!  I travel by myself all the time and I ask, ask, ask!!