I am going to be on airplane for the first time ever. Any tips? I am 13.?

Question

I am going to attend a summer program at the Taft School in Connecticut. The thing is - it will be my first time on an airplane, and I will be going without my parents. I am leaving from Chicago. Any tips?

Answer 1

take like some medicine because you don't know how you're goin to react like i get a little sick i never throw up but i always feel like i will if youre making connecting flights don't be afraid to ask everyone there is usually really nice and very knowledgeable and look at the signs they're usually really self explanatory and bring some food like chips or something and money cuz ull get hungry and everything is expensive and bring something to do a magazine or book ur gameboy laptop w/ games in it and bring headphones incase you like the movie they're playing

Answer 2

That's exciting!

Tips... Try to secure a window seat and look at the clouds from inside out. Soft drinks and little snacks (like peanuts and pretzels) are free. If things get a little bumpy, don't worry.. it's just like being in a car and traveling on a dirt road (only the bumps are caused by air).  

I assume you'll be traveling alone, so ask your parents to arrange, before hand, to accompany you to the gate. At 13, you don't require "assistence" but if you have to change planes, your Mom and Dad might feel more comfortable paying extra to have you 'accompanied.' That just means that someone will walk you to the gate, make sure you've boarded the right flight. meet you at your destination making certain that you connect with the person meeting you.

But, let's go through it, step by step. You have your ticket and, unless you're flying Southwest, a seat assignment. As you walk down the aisle of the plane, seats ABC will be on your right and DEF, on your left and each row will be numbered. So, if you're in 21B, you'll walk toward the back of the plane to row 21, and sit in the middle seat; A and F are window seats, B and E are middle seats, and C and D are on the aisle. Of course there are some different configurations on larger or smaller planes but most of the commercial aircraft have the above seat placements.

Once in your seat, fasten your seat belt. The belt fastens pretty much like a car seat belt except that it just goes across your lap. Turn off your cell phone, Ipod or any other electrical devices until you're in the air.

The plane will taxi, very slowly, to the runway, pause and then go very, very fast until, suddenly you can see that you're off the ground.

Once you're in the air and the plane has leveled, the 'fasten seat belt' sign will flash off. You can undo your seat belt (although, it's a pretty good idea to keep it fastened...), go to the rest room, (located in the front and back of the coach section), adjust your seat back to a more comfortable position, read a book, listen to your MP3 or just look out the window at the world.

The flight attendants will walk down the aisle passing out little snacks and, soon after, they'll return with a cart. You can request juice, water, or a soft drink. If you're really thirsty, ask if you can "have the can" and you'll get a full can of a drink instead of a teeny little plastic cup.

If you're flying cross-country, some airlines have movies onboard. If they do, you'll have to 'rent' an earpiece (or you can bring one from home). Different airlines charge $2.00-$5.00 to rent/use an earphone. Ask your parents to check and see if your flight offers an onboard movie.

When you're close to your destination, you'll hear a 'grinding' sound... don't worry, it's just the wheels coming down as the pilot prepares to land. The attendants will announce that it's time to return your seat to an upright position, fasten your seat belt, turn off any electronics. And then, before you know it, you're there.

If you need anything or have any questions, ask the flight attendant - most of them will be more than happy to help you.

Have a great flight and... have fun.

Answer 3

I remember my first flight!  

I'll be honest... my first flight was the scariest, and while it isn't that scary anymore I still don't like it.  I'm flying next week from Hawaii to Alabama for a visit and then back to Hawaii.  That's a 12 hour flight one way!!!  

The best thing to remember is that flight's are safe!  I think to myself every time I get on a plane that the pilots don't want to crash any more than I do and it makes me feel better.  Pilots are professionally trained and on commercial airlines they have tons and tons of experience... so don't worry... you're in good hands.

Take some chewing gum with you... start chewing about 10 minutes before take off and landing to help open up your ears.  Also, it helps me to listen to my MP3 player... I don't know why but it seems to keep me from even noticing my ears pop normally!

Other than that... take stuff to keep your mind occupied... portable dvd player, book, or if you have some sort of portable game system take that...

Good luck in school!

Answer 4

If you are nervous of your first time flying its nothing to be ashamed of cos i were. Just remember when the pilot says we are preparing to land then chew a sweet or something so ur ears dont pop.

Answer 5

ok yes. i remember the first time i got on a plane. all you have to do is stay calm and listen to music and bring stuff to do. before you know it the plane ride will be over before you know it :)