flying all by myself

[sairose]

I'm going to SAI's national convention July 31-August 4. I'm the chapter delegate, and going all by myself...and I am SOOOOO scared!! I'm flying from Memphis. Just the thought of a big, confusing airport gives me a panic attack (I have a fear of getting lost, and I have generalized anxiety disorder so I worry a lot). Are airports that hard to navigate? What do you do once you get to the airport? I've been told to get there 2 hours before your flight. Is this enough time? Also, Is it easy to have your luggage get lost/stolen? How easy?

The last time I was on a plane was when I was like 4, so I don't remember it at all. Airports just seem like they would be so confusing and hard to figure out where to go and what to do.

Please, someone calm my fears, tell me what to expect, just anything. I'm so excited about the convention and about flying...it's not the flying part I'm afraid of, but the airport (isn't that silly?). Heeelp!

[CutiePie2000]

I have flown a LOT in my time, so just think of it as 3 easy steps:

1) Check in at your airline's counter (they will give you the gate # at that time)
2) Go through Security
3) Proceed to the Gate (be sure to look up and read the signs as to where you are supposed to go...signage is normally pretty good in airports)

Now a few more details...

a) You might want to research a bit to make sure that there is no "airport improvement fee" that you have to pay (i.e. in Vancouver, we've had construction on the airport for years, and so travellers pay an Airport Improvement Fee and this helps to bankroll the improvements). Make sure that you have extra cash on hand for taxis, etc.

b) If you want a special meal on the flight (I go for the fruit plate myself), book this NOW! The airlines will need at least 24 hours lead time to accomodate this request (48 hours for kosher meals, I believe). What's nice is when you have a "special meal", you get served first!

c) Make sure that you have plenty of time to spare, so that you are not frazzed and stressed. 1 hour to 1 hour and a half is probably good for flights within USA.

d) Bring reading material because of delays (Notice that I did not write "In case of delays"...because, be assured, unless you are flying FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, you will have some sort of delay)

e) When you get to the gate, look out of the window to see if there is actually a plane outside the window at the end of your gate. Sometimes planes are coming from elsewhere first [and the delays could be originating here] and then they have to unload everyone first , so your plane might not even be there yet.
If you have something to read, delays are more bearable, because at least you aren't bored.

f) If you are a hungry person, bring along snacks, as airport food can be expensive and not even that great.....

GOOD LUCK! All will be well.

http://www.mscaa.com/
is the Memphis Airport Website... you can get to "know" the airport ahead of time (You might look at your ticket to see what terminal you leaving from and what not and "plan your route" already)

[DeltAlum]

Hey Rose,

I fly all the time. Actually, I think it's a lot of fun.

Two hours at the airport should be more than enough time -- however I wouldn't plan on any less. Memphis is not that big of an airport, and you will probably end up with extra time at the gate after passing security. Take a book along to read.

Be absolutely sure to take a picture ID -- a drivers license or passport. You will need it a couple of times probably. At check in, and at the security checkpoint. Some airports still require them as you board the airplane.

While it is possible to lose your luggage, the airlines are remarkably good at getting you and it to the same place at the same time -- as long as you check in on time. I never used to check my luggage because of not wanting to wait for it at the other end -- but with new security restrictions, it's just a pain to carry-on, so I check it reasonably often these days. If you check it at the curb, be sure to tip the skycap. I usually do about $2 per checked bag. If you check it at the counter, no tip is necessary. Be sure to have your bags identified with luggage tags with your name and address so that you don't slow down the line when you check in.

Some thoughts about security. Try to be cognizant and not wear anything metal. This can include watches, beltbuckles, pocket change -- even the studs in your bluejeans can set off the metal detectors. I have shoes with steel shanks in them, so I take them off, along with my belt before I walk through. I also put just about everything in my pockets -- including glasses into the little trays they send through the x-ray machine. It's a pain to get wand searched -- but remember, they're doing it for your own protection.

Most airports have pretty good signage to point out the directions to the gates, baggage claim, surface transportation, etc.. If you get lost -- there are a lot of people in uniform with airline badges walking around who will be happy to help you. Also, take a moment to ask the ticket agent at check-in how to get to the gate if you are concerned. They are generally very helpful.

I guess my best advice as a frequent flyer is to THINK about your trip, and allow enough time for check-in and security. It's also nice if you can fly off-peak hours. In Denver, anytime between 11:00 AM and about 3:00 PM is fairly slow. Morning and evening, when all of the business travelers are flying can be frustrating.

At the end of your flight, get to luggage claim in time to get your bag as it comes off the carousel -- and remember that what they say is absolutely true -- a lot of bags look alike. It's amazing how many black roll around suitcases there are. Be sure you get the right one. My mother-in-law ties a yarn ball to the handle of her bag, or wraps a multi-color elastic type belt around it to make it easier to see. That also helps others know that it's not their little black roll around.

You might want to take a snack. Airport food is expensive, and generally not very good -- with the exception of national chains which are at more and more airports these days. Liquor is outrageous at airports. If you are over 21 and plan to drink on the plane, try to have the correct change. Flight attendants don't have it generally. And, by the way, very few domestic US flights have meals these days -- unless they're long (3-4 hours) and cross a major meal time like lunch or dinner.

Finally, here's one silly little thing to remember: As you board the aircraft and walk toward the rear, the seats A, B and C will be on your right, D, E and F on your left. If you're on a jumbo, the letters still go from right to left, but there will be two aisles and some will be in the center. Oh, and if you sit at an exit row or a bulkhead seat, you'll get extra legroom!

So, give yourself time, be organized and ask questions. You'll do fine.

[CutiePie2000]

I also have to chime in again:

1) Have photo ID at the ready (You will have to show this upon check in, possibly at security and possibly again just as your board). A driver's licence or passport will do nicely

2) Don't wear lots of jewellery. It just makes it easier to not make the metal detector "beep". Remove coins, and keys from your pockets and put in the little dish thing that they have at security and it will be passed on to you again.

[DeltAlum]

Rose,

Another thought. What airport are you flying into? Maybe someone on GC has flown there or lives there and can give you some advice on the airport.

[Munchkin03]

Hi!

That's so great that you're going to Convention! I've always wanted to go, maybe next year. I fly through Memphis ALL the time, NW is the only airline that flies into my hometown. So, whenever we want to get out of town, we have to connect through Memphis. It's one of the easily navigable large airports I've been to. There are lots of on-screen flight information monitors, the concourses are labeled alphabetically, and there are lots of helpful people there.

I've not had to show my ID at Memphis (last time I was there was last month, so I doubt things have changed too much), but it's nice to keep with your tickets just in case. The security checkpoints aren't too intense...wearing pants w/o rivets or zippers, and a bra w/o metal would probably save you some time.

Bring a book! Memphis has a Cinnabon counter in the middle of a concourse...yum!

[RedRoseSAI]

Hon, you'll do just fine. I've been to Memphis airport once, and found it easy to navigate. If you do get confused, there are lots of people to help you. Also, WEAR YOUR LETTERS! I'm sure you won't be the only SAI there!

As for your questions:

Are airports that hard to navigate? In my opinion, no.

What do you do once you get to the airport? I assume you'll be checking some luggage (I normally carry-on, but SAI convention is the ONE event where I bring tons of clothing, thus tons of luggage). Go to the ticket counter for your airline. They will need to see your ticket plus a government-issued form of ID (your driver's license is fine). They will then take any luggage you'll be checking and give you your boarding pass. Look for your departing gate number on your boarding pass. If you're not sure where it is, ask the employee at the ticket counter.

Next, go to security. Keep the ID and boarding pass out. At this point, you'll probably just have your shoulder bag with you. I recommend something that zips up, so nothing falls out of it when you place it on the security conveyer belt.

At most airports, they now have a security checkpoint where you must show your ID and boarding pass. After they check your ID and boarding pass, you can put those away (for now) and proceed to the next security checkpoint, where you and your carry-on luggage will be scanned. Put your luggage and jacket (if you have one) on the belt, and walk through the security gate. Your jewelry, bra clasp, belt, or heeled shoes may set the alarm off. Don't panic if this happens - it's pretty common these days, as the alarms are set to be very sensative. The security employee might scan you with a little wand, which takes only a minute or so. After that, pick up your luggage (they may or may not ask to look through it, but you'll be present if they do) and head to your gate!

You should already have your boarding pass, so there's typically no need to check in at the gate. If you're not sure, go ahead and ask the employee behind the counter. There might be an LCD screen behind the counter telling you what time boarding for your flight will begin. If there isn't, don't hesitate to ask.

Once they're ready to board, an employee will make an announcement over the loudspeaker to the effect of "Attention passengers, we are now ready to begin pre-boarding United Airlines flight 1903 to Detroit, Michigan." (Don't ask me what pre-boarding is. In my opinion, you're either boarding or your not.) At this time, get your boarding pass out, and wait until your group number (printed on your ticket) or row number (also on your ticket) is called. When it is, head up to the gate, give the employee your boarding pass, and get on the plane!

I've been told to get there 2 hours before your flight. Is this enough time? Even post September 11th, I think it's too much time. I hate waiting around airports, but if you've never been, it's probably not a bad idea.

Also, Is it easy to have your luggage get lost/stolen? You should always be aware of your surroundings. Do not leave your luggage unattended, and make sure everything is zippered. I will never forget the time I was walking through O'Hare and the woman in front of me had her bag slung over her shoulder, behind her (BAD, BAD IDEA) and it was OPEN! I could easily see her wallet. When I eventually caught up to her and told her that, she looked quite alarmed and quickly zipped her purse. If you go to the bathroom, take your carry-on luggage with you into the stall.

In short, use common sense, and streamline your possesions so you don't have things spilling out of every pocket and pouch. Since it's forbidden to lock your checked luggage, carry anything of value in your carry-on. I would also bring anything you need to get through one day (toothbrush, makeup, change of clothes, etc.) in your carry-on luggage, should your bags get lost. This happens to at least one convention attendee every year. Last time it happened, Leslie Odom made an announcement about the poor girl's plight, and the girl was quickly mobbed by girls her size who had clothes to loan her. It was so cute!

I hope this was of some help. PM me if you have more questions!

[PiKA2001]

Good luck when you get into Detroit. I havent been the the airport since they've expanded and opened a new terminal but I heard it is a little confusing.

[mu_agd]

Originally posted by PiKA2001
Good luck when you get into Detroit. I havent been the the airport since they've expanded and opened a new terminal but I heard it is a little confusing.

i flew through detroit a few weeks ago and the new terminal is confusing. but, there are tons of people that will answer questions you have plus an information desk right in the middle of it. don't be afraid to stop security to ask them how to get to where you need to go!

[DeltAlum]

I used to fly into and out of Detroit Metro a lot when we lived there, but we've been gone for over twenty years, so I can't help much.

It does have a number of terminals, but if you are on the same airline for your flights in and out, you will only have to deal with one.

Be sure you know which one so you can tell the cabby or shuttle driver where to drop you off.

Actually, as I think of it, the drivers generally know which airlines serve which terminals, so if you forget which terminal, it shouldn't really be a problem.

[mu_agd]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
It does have a number of terminals, but if you are on the same airline for your flights in and out, you will only have to deal with one.

Sorry DeltAlum, but I'm going to have to disagree with you. I flew threw there on Northwest a few weeks ago and both ways i arrived in one terminal and flew out of another terminal. and unfortunately i had to run since i had a close connection and probably took a few people out in the process! but of course, after running i found out my flight had been delayed so it hadn't mattered!

[AchtungBaby80]

I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) as well, and I have also flown by myself. I won't lie, I don't like it one bit, but you can get through it. The only airports I ever had any trouble in were JFK and the one in Paris, but that's because they're about 10 times bigger than they have any right to be, and many of the employees don't speak English very well. Just make sure you know exactly what gate is yours and what time your flight leaves!

Also, I've only had my luggage lost once out of five overseas trips, and it was found within a couple of days (I love the Germans! ). However, for peace of mind and just on the in-case, bring clothes and definitely some clean underwear and your essentials (medicine, toothbrush, etc.) in your carry-on. Good luck!

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by AchtungBaby80
However, for peace of mind and just on the in-case, bring...your essentials (medicine, toothbrush, etc.) in your carry-on. Good luck!

Good point! You should always carry medicines in particular instead of checking them -- just in case your luggage is misplaced.

Hmmm...Bad planning on Northwest's part to be in two terminals -- although it might not be their fault. Maybe they have more flights than the airport can handle. It's bad enough being on more than one concourse, let along different terminals.

You'll do OK, though, Rose. Our son and a young lady friend his age went Denver/London with plane changes at Newark on the way and Dulles on the way back and did just fine. They were between freshman and sophomore years in high school at the time.

Again, if you have a problem, just ask someone.

[DeltaSigStan]

I had the easiest time at Chicago O'Hare, which apparently is the busiest airport in the Country. Just arrive there two hours early and you'll be fine.

As far as the plane goes, just know the odds of anything bad happened are slimmer than your chanes to win the lottery.

Good God, Stan, what is up with that signature?