Tips on flying alone?

Question

Im 14 years old, and on August the 9th I'll be travelling ALONE from Gatwick, London to Atlanta, Georgia to see my grandmother, and staying there until September 2nd.

Does anyone have any help or tips they could give me for at the airports and on the flights ?

Just stuff like what to do in different situations etc.

Thanks. (:

Answer 1

i was worried when i went on a plane by myself and wait for another to for my connected flight..at first i was worried about getting lost but i read signs and asked people who worked at the airport if i had any problems..it was fine and now im 19 and fly alone every year its no big deal...read the signs and you will be fine

Answer 2

Make sure you go by yourself.

Answer 3

Always read signs. Sometimes gates, boarding desks etc change, so be careful.

Be polite, ask questions to the airport employees, if you are not sure ask again. Just smiling, and saying that it is your first flight alone will make them help you. Don't ask passengers questions but to employees on duty. Don't be shy, ask where that gate is and then ask to another employee again just to be sure. It is better than being lost.

Put a big tag on your suitcase, and don't lose the number tag they give you.

Have a back pack or a big handbag and bring along socks,and  a thin jacket ( sometimes it's cold in the airplane), lots of magazines , extra water ( the stewardesses are not always available), chewinggum ( helps the ears when change of pressure affects them) and I-Pod. Put all your important documents in a file, keep it in the backpack . Always have its zipper closed. Take the window if you want to see the clouds , the corridor if you want easy access to the toilets. Try not to take the one in the middle.Keep your bag with you, don't put it up in the closet.

Don't be too friendly with people you don't know.

Read the signs.

And it will be OK.

Bon voyage.

Answer 4

The first thing to do is hook up with the head flight attendant and let them know that you are a minor traveling alone.  

Do not turn on video games or your music.

Try to stay calm.

wear sneakers with socks. Jeans and  t-shirt.  Be comfy.  Do not bring any knives.  Lighters are ok.  If you have smoked any pot, make sure to wash the clothes before going to the airport.  Pay attention to the boarding gates.

Answer 5

when someone asks who you are with just say "oh, they're getting something" and walk away.

be kind to flight attendents

avoid talking much to the person seated beside you.

keep all personal items close to you and away from others

double check all items often

have a nice tripp.

Answer 6

Im 14 as well, and I have flown alone before. Its not too hard. I dont know how big the airport in London is, but you just gotta get dropped off at the right place, get your boarding pass, and then follow the signs to your gate. Its kind of scary the first time, but make sure you get there at least an hour early and you should be fine. Id try to get there pretty early, because sometimes you have to wait a while to get your boarding pass, and you gotta go through security and all that good stuff.

oh, and dont forget to hope and pray that your flight wont get delayed...or canceled...

make sure to have your cell phone in case anything happens like your flight is delayed.

good luck :)

Answer 7

make sure you check in wit all the airports youll be crossing over and check in wit the military or they could shoot you down

Answer 8

Don't fall for the airport escort scams during international travel. Bring something to keep you occupied. NEVER get a middle seat! Keep your customs form simple. Careful in ATL, that airport is HUGE!

Answer 9

Gatwick isn't as busy nor as stressful as Heathrow so I think you'll do fine there in terms of not getting lost or missing your flight.

Atlanta on the other hand is the busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic in the U.S, comparable to Heathrow. As you are arriving here the commute from the gate to the exit will be smooth. Just follow the signs to "baggage hall" You will pass have to pass through customs. Just give the TSA officer your passport and any other materials he asks for, and answer his questions honestly. Questions like, "How long will your stay be?" are normal. Collect your baggage at the baggage hall and then go through the "nothing to declare" passage or the green one.

Answer 10

Ive been flying alone since I was about 10 and its really not a big deal. When you get to the airport your parents should be with you the whole way up until you board the airplane but your parents are going to need a gate pass when you checkout your bags. After that its nothing just board the plane sit and relax.

Answer 11

I used to always get panicked before flying alone.  Some things I did to make me feel better were jotting down the phone number to the airport and airline I was flying, just in case.  You'll find it's really easy, but I understand your concern.  As soon as you find your airline, ask the attendant when you're checking in: Where do I go next? Am I all taken care of then?  What else do I need to do before boarding?  When I get there?  

You will find you are among a million people to ask these simple questions, because they will rattle off helping answers like it's their hundredth time doing it- it probably is!  Also, if you like, go to the airport and find where you will check in.  I always feel better knowing exactly where I'm going when I get dropped off.  You could also wait until the counter has no line, and ask some of your questions then.  I get nervous, and then find that I find everything just fine, however being prepared always makes you feel better.  You will be just fine, and if something happens and you miss your flight- they will have options at the counter because this happens quite a bit.  Good luck, happy traveling!

Answer 12

I travel alone when i was 15. Well at first i was nervous but later on is i get use to  it. I am frequent traveler btw. I going to explain step by step in the airport:

1) Ur mom and ur dad say bye to you at the entrace where you will be departing( International flight)

2) when you walk to the immigration officer he will assk for ur passport and u enter the main lobby of the airport.

3) So make sure you know what ur FLIGHT NUMBER IS and the gate number. Dont just look at ur boarding pass because sometimes they might change the GATE NUMBER. So look at the Flight board. if u are confunsed ask someone. Dont be shy. In short:

= make sure u know ur FLIGHT NUMBERand ur GATE NUMBER and of course be at the gate at least 30 minutes earlier.

4) Don't panic.... anything goes  wrong ask someone. I am sure they will help.

5) When the gate SAYS" boarding now" means u can enter the plane. very easy.

Happy flying

Answer 13

Stay calm in case of turbulence (it's normal,) don't be a nuisance to others on the flight (speaking too loudly, etc.,) and stay comfortable. Take something to do, like a good book, or bring headphones for the in flight movie/music. Have fun here in the States!