Traveling alone

[SilverBug]

Hey I'm flying to Texas by myself to visit my boyfriend. This is my first time flying. I was wondering, what are the major things I'll need and what should I keep with me on the plane, not in cargo?

Also, there's gonna be a couple hours layover, what should I do to keep myself safe? Sorry, I'm extremely nervous. I hope this doesn't sound too stupid.

[Billy Optimist]

You will a boarding pass. Also a very stupid book. NOT a good one. Because there is two or three hours layover, you'll get bored, so something that you can tollerate and say "yeah i read that" but nothing too engrossing you miss your flight. Hope that helped. Airports are generally safe places.

[equeen]

SilverBug, if you have medications that you need regularly or in case of emergency (inhalers, prescription medications, tylenol), keep those with you in the cabin. Also any identification, valuables (like jewellry), and money. I always take a couple changes of clothes and some snacks with me, just in case there's a plane late or my suitcases get lost en route.

In terms of airport safety, the main thing is to stay in well-lit, crowded areas, and to keep an eye on your posessions (esp. your purse) at all times. I assume you're traveling solo - make it look like you're with a group (like a family that's obviously travelling together) by sticking close to them, as opposed to sitting off to a side by yourself, making it obvious you're alone.

I hope you enjoy your first experience flying - I certainly enjoy it! I've been flying around the world since I was about 3 months old, and I've logged about two and half weeks of flying time to date.

Have fun!

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@-->---
Pure as Silver, and True Blue!
Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies

[CutiePie2000]

Originally posted by SilverBug:
Hey I'm flying to Texas by myself to visit my boyfriend. This is my first time flying. I was wondering, what are the major things I'll need and what should I keep with me on the plane, not in cargo?

Also, there's gonna be a couple hours layover, what should I do to keep myself safe? Sorry, I'm extremely nervous. I hope this doesn't sound too stupid.

Things to keep with you in your carry on:
- Medications that you may require or be on (insulin, contraceptives, etc.) If it is in your packed luggage and your luggage goes missing, your health could be in serious jeopardy, or a missed pill could get you pregnant.
- Contact lens kit (your eyes can get mighty dry flying....take your glasses along with you as well, so you can take out your lenses if need be)
- a good book to while away the hours
- if the plane trip is long, a little travel pillow for your head and eye shade so you can catch a little sleep on board

IMPORTANT: Never ever leave your luggage unattended....when you check in your luggage, the check in person will ask you if you've ever left your luggage unattended? This is because the airline wants to make sure that no one has slipped in drugs, explosives, etc. into your unattended luggage.

Since you have never flown before, never ever joke about bombings, hijacking or anything, and avoid any passenger who is "joking" about this. The airlines have a zero-tolerance rate and passengers have been arrested for this type of "joking"....this type of joking is not funny in the least.

As you want to be alert, don't drink alcohol on the plane...you want to have your wits about you when you get off the plane (also, don't leave your purse on your seat, if you go to the bathroom while onboard the plane).

When you get off the plane, feel free to use the washroom, then proceed to the carousel where the bags will be unloaded...it takes them usually a good while to off load the bags anyway...there's no point in running to the carousel to be "the first one there".
But when you do, watch carefully that you take your own bag, not someone else's that looks similar (and vice versa..try to get near the chute where the bags come out of, so that some dunce doesn't take your bag by mistake).

If you're nervous or unsure as to what to expect, by all means, confide to the flight attendants that you've never flown before and don't know what to do when you get off the plane. They are professionals and should be willing and helpful. GOOD LUCK!
Also, by all means, email me if you have more questions!

[lifesaver]

where in Texas? Does he go to sholl here or work here? You'll have a GREAT time I am sure.


Both my dad and grandfatehr were career pilots, so I have it in my blood. I grew up in the industy. Heres an insider tip. ALWAYS leave your seatbelt on. ALWAYS. Clear -air turbulance is a major threat to passanger safety. itis completely undetectable and can happen anywhere, and the plane can drop 2000 feet or more in about 5 seconds, trhowing you out of your seat if you arent buckeld in, or even worse, slamming you into the top of the plane. You always see people on flights over the pacific that havebroken arms and stuff because the palne suddenly lost altitude and they took off their seatbelts.

Also, feel free to bring any electronic devices on board, however the FAA mandates that they be off and stowed during taske off and landing, (you cant listen to your headphones, in case there is an emergency and you need to listento the emergency instructions given by the flight attendants.)

You also cant use a cellphone while in flight or listento a radio. it messes with the transponder, which is the thing that tells the controll tower where the plane is in the sky. Kinda an important thing. Anyway, my 2 cents. If I think of anything else, I'll let youknow.

[Theta-cutie]

Lifesaver, do you mean that we cannot use our headphones at all? What happens if we bring our own CD player for example...would we use the airline's headphones?

Thanks for clarifying!!

[newbie]

Hi Silverbug!

I myself love to ride on planes, just because I love the feeling that I am going somepleace new, and I also love looking out the window, seeing the city beneath

The advice givenhere is excellent! If you follow these tips, you will have no problem at all!

One tip I do have though, for you, is that BEWARE of psychos. You know, those people that you think might be a bit "crazy." b/c my mom just had an experience with one (just yesterday on her plane flight!) and he DROPPED his luggage on her head

So I just would like to warn you, if you feel there is a psycho sitting next to you or near you, feel free to ask the Flight Attendant quietly to switch seats. Don't be afraid to ask!!

[lifesaver]

Originally posted by Theta-cutie:
Lifesaver, do you mean that we cannot use our headphones at all? What happens if we bring our own CD player for example...would we use the airline's headphones?

Thanks for clarifying!!

Sorry, I should have clarified. Yes you may being them on board, and yes you may use them during flight, just not take offs and landings. The flight attendants will tell you when you must put them away (They however usually wont tell you when you can begin listening to them.so you can assume about 15 minutes into the flight or so.) But you cant use radios while in flight. note I said radios, not CD players or tape players. I coulnt fly without my discman. Enjoy your flight.

[Eclipse]

Have a wonderful trip!

The tips you have received are good...here are a few more:
Don't expect food on your flight. Most likely you will get peanuts and a 1/2 can of some beverage. Most airlines won't give you the entire can (cheapskates!!), but if you want it you can ask for it and they will give it to you. I always try to make sure that I eat something before a long flight and try to bring some fruit and bottled water with me. Food is also very expensive in airports and usually not very healthy,so I wouldn't plan to eat during the layover.

Bring gum for take-offs and landings. My ears pop something awful if I don't chew gum. I know this may sound obnoxious, but it helps me if I chew with my mouth open (to get extra air in) If you forget the gum, hold your nose and blow (with your mouth closed) to release the pressure in your ears.

It terms of things to take with you on the plane, I always travel with my toothbrush and toothpaste. You can buy cute little travel ones at the drug store that will fit in your purse. Time your self and about 30 - 45 minues before landing go to the bathroom and freshen up. Wait too much longer and you'll have to stand in a long line. I know you want to be cute and relaxed when you walk off the plan for the b/f!!

Speaking of cute and relaxed...Make sure all of your carry on stuff fits on one nice bag that can be stowed under the seat in front of you (with wheels is best!) As a friend that's flown before to help you with size. This is one of my personal issues, because I hate putting my stuff in the overhead bin! Usually it's too heavy and I have to ask someone to help me get it up there and I hate talking to strangers on planes 'cause then they think you want to be their best friend for the next 3 hours! In addition, when you stop on your layover you don't want to have lug a couple of heavy bags around.

Hopefully you have a window seat. I love looking out at a city--especially at night-- when we are circling to land.

[Eclipse]

One more thing...in terms of the layover....make sure you find out where (in the terminal) your 1st plane is landing and where your 2nd plane will be taking off from. Most airlines will give you this information as they are giving you the instructions just before or just as you land. If not, head to the nearest ticket agent/airlines person when you get off the plane. Once you do this, start heading towards your new gate. You will be suprised how far some terminals can be from each other! Once when flying from Minneapolis to Atlanta with a layover in Chicago (O'Hare), a 2 hour layover turned into a 45 minutes layover because of a flight delay and it took me almost that long to get to my new gate!

[CutiePie2000]

I just thought of something else,
if you have a meal preference, you can specify that too.

Airlines will offer you:
Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher, Hindu, Asian Vegetarian, Low-Fat, Fruit Plate, Bland (for people with ulcers) etc. - you name it!
But you MUST give them at least 24 hours' notice (best to even give them 48-72 hours), so if you want a "special meal", you must call the airline and get that booked in for you!

What's nice is you'll often get your meal first (before everyone else...YAY!), and it is kind of nice to get a low fat meal...that airplane food is LOADED with calories.



[This message has been edited by CutiePie2000 (edited April 03, 2001).]

[newbie]

Cool, Cutiepie, I never knew that!! Thanks

[BCNUQT]

Okay. Here are my rules of plane travel:

1. Try to pack so you don't have to check a bag. I always just pack one small luggage bag that I don't have to check, plus you can have one one other bag to slide under the seat ahead of you....and a purse.

2. Pack a snack.

3. Gum doesn't work for everyone. I take a Sudafed or Benedryl before I leave for the airport, then pack one dose for the plane ride home, because it's your sinuses that really make the flight intollerable, not the ear popping...because let's face it, your ears ARE going to pop, no matter what.

4. Don't let your luggage/bag/purse out of your sight. Even when you're putting it through the metal detectors/security at the airport.

5. Look like you know where you're going. Be brisk. Look around.

6. Wear comforable pants and shoes . You will want to look nice for your BF, but you'll wish you were also comfortable on the cramped plane. Plus you'll do a lot of walking.

7. LUGGAGE - Tie something to your luggage if you're checking it so that you'll know it's yours - like a bright pink shoelace, or a ribbon, or a big tag on it that say's THAT'S MINE. People have no clue what they're grabbing at, and everyone has a BLACK BAG.

8. Cross word puzzles are fun to travel with.

9. Many planes already have magazines on them, so just ask. They may have a COSMO or something.

Oh, and you can go to the bathroom right when you get on the plane. YOu don't have to wait until the plane takes off. They'll also give you water or soda if you need it right away, say...if you forgot to take your Benedryl.

10. When you land the first time and are waiting for your next plane, go to that gate right away becausen you never know how far it is - it might be clear across the airport!!! It could take you 3 minutes, or it could take you 20 to get there. Then go to the bathroom, or buy food or whatever.

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Sigma Sigma Sigma
Zeta Eta

[This message has been edited by BCNUQT (edited April 03, 2001).]

[lifesaver]

Also, airport food is either nasty or overpriced or both. I swear I had the nastiest meal OF MY LIFE at Lambert Field in St. Louis one time. A tuna Fish sandwich that taksted like my underwear probably does after a workout. (What the hell was I thinking I was going to get anyway? Tuna at an airport?) Eat before. You can also go to McDonals or something and take it onthe plane with you and eat on the plane if there is no meal service provided. Cold Pizza is the best. Wrap it in foil, freeze it the night before and by the time you get to your layover, its thawed.

[dc1]

Everyone has posted the best suggestions...

I fly ALOT for both work and pleasure. One thing that I NEVER thought that I would need:
A light moisturizer for your face.
Airplane air is recycled and VERY VERY dry... you don't want to hop off the plane with your boyfriend standing there and you have dry itchy blotchy skin.

I know it sounds weird (especially from a guy) but trust me!

[This message has been edited by dc1 (edited April 03, 2001).]