my first airplane trip

[AlphaSigOU]

First one I can remember well was a flight on Pan Am Flight 442 from CCS (Caracas, Venezuela) to MIA (Miami) on a Boeing 707 back about 30 years ago.

Flown on most of the more commonly seen planes plying the skies today:

Boeing 707 (all retired from passenger service)
Boeing 717
Boeing 727-100 and -200
Boeing 737-100 through the -800 series (except the -600 and the -900 series)
Boeing 747 (only once, on a -100 or -200. Never flown on the -300 or the -400)
Boeing 757-200 (never flown on the -300)
Boeing 767-300 (never flown the -200 or the -400)
Never flown the Boeing 777-200 or -300.

Douglas DC-8 (short and stretch versions)
McDonnell Douglas DC-9
McDonnell Douglas DC-10
McDonnell Douglas MD-80
McDonnell Douglas MD-11
(Boeing may have bought 'em out, but they are NOT 'Boeing MD-80s' etc.!)

Lockheed L1011 (both the regular and -500) (all retired from mainline passenger service)

JAX airport is pretty nice; depending on which side of the plane you're sitting in you get a good view of the St. Johns River and downtown Jax.

The approach into Atlanta is interesting; if I remember correctly (it's been over 25 years since I lived there, but connected through the airport plenty of times) you'll fly over Southlake Mall as you make the turn to final approach. Look for the fading Georgia flag (the one with the Confederate Stars and Bars) painted on the roof of a warehouse as the plane approaches Runway 27L (all flights from the south land on the south runway complex - most flights land and take off to the west at ATL). If the day is clear and not hazy you can see downtown Atlanta clearly on the right side of the aircraft.

[Munchkin03]

Eh, it's no biggie. I've flown to my hometown (not far from JAX) from Atlanta--by the time you get to cruising altitude, you're only up there for about 20 minutes before you start your approach into ATL.

I didn't fly much before starting college--a few trips annually to see friends and relatives. But, since Mom and Daddy are in FL, and I went to school in RI, I got used to flying a lot.

[damasa]

Just be glad you aren't sitting next to me.

I'm that guy that comes up with the crazy scenarios. Yea, the "damn, what if the engines all failed at once," or "what if we just started dropping right now."

Ha! It's great...

[honeychile]

Tom, love you to pieces, but drinking on a plane is really, really bad advice!! Not only does the alcohol work stronger while in flight, but it's really bad for the complexion.

[James]

If the plane starts shaking or virbating . . you know you are done for . .. so otherwise just relax

Originally posted by smiley21
next friday (the 16th), i am flying for the first time. i used to be terrified of planes. but my family has talked me into it. we are going to Atlanta for a few days. it is only a 45 min. trip, but my dad wants to start me off slow. i wasnt crazy about this trip, but my dad has bribed me with a large amount of shopping money, so how could i refuse? i will just have to get over my fear

how was your first plane trip?

[Munchkin03]

Originally posted by honeychile
Tom, love you to pieces, but drinking on a plane is really, really bad advice!! Not only does the alcohol work stronger while in flight, but it's really bad for the complexion.

Also, your body dries out when you're on a plane--the only thing you should be drinking is water. It's a great way to get dehydrated.

[DeltAlum]

Sorry. I like drinking on airplanes.

I used to fly so much, that these days I'm generally asleep by the time we reach the threshold of the runway.

AlphaSigOU...You need to catch a 777 flight. What a great airplane. Have flown on a lot of them domestically, but also internationally. I really like that aircraft.

My only other useless comment is that Airbus had more comfortable seats than Boeing.

[bluefish81]

I was 12 the first time that I flew and it was a Des Moines to Chicago to Austin, TX flight and back. The flight itself wasn't scary, but I flew alone, so that was a bit intimidating.

I think flying's a pretty great time, driving can get so stressful sometimes, especially when you hit rush hours and things like that. Not that I have to worry about that, I currently live about 5 minutes from work.

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by bluefish81
I was 12 the first time that I flew and it was a Des Moines to Chicago to Austin, TX flight and back. The flight itself wasn't scary, but I flew alone, so that was a bit intimidating.

Your quote reminded me of when we sent our son from Denver to London with a young girl friend for a Theatre Course at the Tasis American School the summer between their Freshman and Sophomore years in high school by themselves -- changing planes in Dulles on the way and Newark on the way back.

Talk about a leap of faith in two, what, 14 year olds?

They did great!

[CatStarESP4]

I was almost a year old when I went with my mom on my first plane trip from NY to Buenos Aires. I have flown on mostly 747s since it was overseas. I was 23 when I flew on my first purely domestic flight (no connections to international destinations). That was somewhat scary for me at first (smaller jet than a 747 and I wasn't used to), but I became a pro at it. In fact, I am flying from Phoenix to Long Island on the 23rd of April!

I had flown on 727s, Super80s (MD-80), 737 once, Airbus 320 (3 times), 757 once, 767s and 747s. I have also flown on those turboprops and a Canadair jet once. The small planes still frighten me though. I can handle the larger ones!

My mom flew with a 777 going between JFK and Buenos Aires three years ago. I am sooooo jealous of her! We were originally supposed to fly in a 777 between JFK and Buenos Aires in December 2001 to January 2002. I believe the reservations were made before 9/11. We ended up flying with a 767 both ways (bummer)! Oh well, I hope to get that chance soon!

Smiley21, good luck with your first flight! You are going to be fine! My advice is to take something to read during the flight. Also, buy a travel size bottle of Lavender Vanilla lotion from Bath and Body Works to calm you down during the flight. I hope that helps.

[lifesaver]

Originally posted by CatStarESP4
I have also flown on those turboprops and a Canadair jet once. The small planes still frighten me though. I can handle the larger ones!

I usually am only going to tennessee lately....

Seriously, tho, are you kidding, the Canadaair Regional JEt is a DREAM! Its the only jet service that goes in to East Tennessee, but you have to be going Delta and it only goes from Cinci. If you connect through ATL its turboprop all the way. If I fly Northworst, its that Damnned SAAB 340 more prop, less turbo. I am deaf by the time we land. And forget American. It was that Corporate Air knock off company (yes Virginia, there is a step BELOW American Eagle, and it isnt pretty). I think the plane held 14 people. I felt like I was on that old NBC show 'Wings." If I am not mistaken, I swear I saw Lowel getting my bags off the plane and Joe was my pilot. Of course, the airport was about liek that one. Shoullda stoped by Helen's lunch counter for a bite....

[smiley21]

thanks for support, although some of you are doing little to set my mind at ease

[Xylochick216]

Relax Flying is a lot of fun. I wish I could do it more often! Your 45 minute flight will feel like nothing... you'll get in the air, cruise for about 5 min., then descend.

The first time I ever went on a plane, I was on my way to Australia my junior year of high school. 24 solid hours on a plane will make you love them, hahaha. I loved it so much I just had to do it all again in 2002

If you're extremely afriad of flying, ask them to sit you away from the wheel wells or the wings.... those tend to make noises that make people jump, but they're supposed to make those noises

[Lady Pi Phi]

My very first plan ride was to London, England! I was 9 months, so I don't remember it. My parents took me to visit my mothers family.

You'll enjoy it. 45 minutes. It'll be over before you know it!
Bring a book or magazine to read if you get nervous.

[smiley21]

my trip is tomorrow. i am a little freaked as you can imagine. in a way, i am not worried...but i am cause i dont know what to expect!