About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

[Jewelz0376]

I'm almost 25 and I've never flown in a plane before, but I will be flying for the first time tomorrow... It's not that I'm afraid to fly or anything like that, I've just never needed to fly anywhere before...It's only going to be about a 2 1/2 flight to LA and I'm flying back the next day, so I wont have much luggage... Does anyone have any advice or tips that I should know that I probably wouldn't think of?

I've heard that you shouldn't check your bags if possible just so you dont have to worry about them being lost... All I will have is a backpack and your typical nike gym bag... is there enough room for me to just bring that on the plane or should I just put my stuff in a suitcase and check it?

Thats really the only question can think of now, but any advice I can get from the frequent flyers here will be appreciated.


BTW: I'm flying alaska airlines if that is relevant for any of ur posts...

[SPTO]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

The gym bag might be just a little big to take with you on the plane but there should be no problems with bringing in a backpack. If it's a smaller gym bag (not those huge ones that I see at times) then you could probably get away with taking it with you, then again things may have changed since 9/11 and they'll insist you check the gym bag in.

Also if you have sensitive ears like I do I suggest chewing gum or sucking on a candy during takeoff and landing.

Good luck!

[ThreeKing]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

I may be wrong here, but it sounds like you are nervous.

If I'm right, have a couple cocktails at the bar before the flight. AND I ONLY MEAN A COUPLE. Just don't have Jack D. You'll be wanting to f*** the flight attendants and fight the pilots. Or vice versa. LOL.

[davin]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

If you can avoid checking bags do it. I hated having to wait an hour for my luggage after my last flight (from Cinci to Detroit...). Chew gum or have some candy or something to eat while you take off and land. If you are able to read in cars you should be able to on a plane. Reading helps the flight go by faster. Number one tip I can give is to just relax.

[McLite]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

Take a Dramamine about a half hour before you leave if you get motion sick at all. I wouldn't go the alcohol route unless you are sure you won't get motion sick. Nothing is worse than feeling drunk and seasick at the same time!

[BigD]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

Wear a parachute.

[Brian Gee]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

Bring magazines, a sandwich and an ipod. You're set after that.

[Blzer]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

Just remember... it's not the flying that should scare you, it's the crashing.

[p_rushing]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

You will have no problem taking 2 bags. I take a backpack and a rolling suit bag with me that won't fit in the carry-on size requirements and I've never had a problem, I fly every week.

- Have all your liquids in a clear plastic bag, quart size, not gallon. They have to be less than 3 fl oz.
- When going through secruity, have all your crap ready. I take my ID out of my wallet and put my wallet and cell phone in my bag, along with any other metal items you need to take off.
- Print your boarding pass out at home, the budget airlines usually have long lines at the counter because people flying them have no clue about anything.

[mgoblue]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

You will have no problem taking 2 bags. I take a backpack and a rolling suit bag with me that won't fit in the carry-on size requirements and I've never had a problem, I fly every week.

- Have all your liquids in a clear plastic bag, quart size, not gallon. They have to be less than 3 fl oz.
- When going through secruity, have all your crap ready. I take my ID out of my wallet and put my wallet and cell phone in my bag, along with any other metal items you need to take off.
- Print your boarding pass out at home, the budget airlines usually have long lines at the counter because people flying them have no clue about anything.

p_rushing FTW!

Perfect advice. I also have my shoes off and in the basket immediately, and even take off my belt and put it in there too.

I'm going on a trip Friday and Target had a whole aisle with "Travel/sample" sized items under 3 oz that was great for me to load up on stuff.

[av7]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

Show up with plenty of time before your flight incase check in and security has a wait.

[Jistic]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

Wear a parachute.

For the win!

[themush]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

I fly anywhere from 15 to 20 times a year. Great advice from p_rushing.

-They will make you throw any liquid over 3 oz. away.

-I never check my bag unless it's absolutely necessary.

-Careful with the drinking before the flight because the increase in altitude will cause the alcohol affect to be greater.

-On long flight Tampa to Denver etc Xanax is my friend. Relaxes you and once you land you will be just fine.

-buy a magazine or book and a pack of gum.

- like someone else said get there with plenty of time to spare. If you are cutting it close time wise make sure you tell someone in the security line, with ticket and i.d. in hand you are going to miss your flight. Normally they will escort you to the front of the line.

[RAZRr1275]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

Flying is awesome. Hope you enjoy it!!

[Jewelz0376]

Re: About to fly for first time...any tips or advice??

Thanks everyone for the advice...I didn't even think about the gum thing, but I've heard about that before...and I'll def make sure I'm at the airport early, because the last thing I want to deal with is having to rush through everything...I already bought me a couple magazines today and i might buy one more at the airport, and I have my ipod ready to go