First time flying... Help!

auntdeedee87
auntdeedee87 Posts: 706 Member
edited October 2024 in Chit-Chat
I will be flying next week to Kentucky to meet my boyfriends family. As if that is not nerve wrecking enough... I have never flown before. I have a lot of anxiety on a good day, but new things set it off like crazy. Best I can do is be prepared.

He and I are each packing a small duffel bag carry-on and are not checking luggage. Am I allowed to bring my purse as well as that?


What should I wear?

Is some stranger gonna feel me up?

I need any advice anyone wants to offer so I can approach this with as much grace and preparation as possible. Thanks in advance, y'all!

Replies

  • Iamfit4life
    Iamfit4life Posts: 3,095 Member
    I usually pack a carry on, and bring a backpack and throw my purse in that. But I'm not all that "girly" so some might turn their noses at that.



    Make sure you look on the TSA website as far as what kind of containers they allow on. I usually just buy travel size.

    I dress in very, very comfortable clothing.
  • dmpizza
    dmpizza Posts: 3,321 Member
    Flying is very easy, don't worry about it.

    Security rules change all the time, so be ready to take off your shoes easily and follow TSA rules for carry on.

    There is actually very little movement that you see or feel when flying. The most pronounced is takeoff and landing.
    If you are the kind of person that gets seasick, you might want to take a dramamine.

    Bring an mp3 player and some books and magazines.

    Have fun.
  • lorac321
    lorac321 Posts: 614 Member
    Xanax... LOL But really, if it is that bad, you may want to talk to your doctors.
    Yes, you can take your purse as well.
    Wear what you are most comfortable in. I typically layer a tee shirt with a sweatshirt, comfortable shoes as you often have to walk a ways in the airport(s). For longer flights I also take a pillow. They no longer offer them on the planes.
    If it is a long flight you might want to consider taking some food too. I always pack my own snacks and I buy a large water once I am through security.

    Good luck!
  • DixiedoesMFP
    DixiedoesMFP Posts: 935 Member
    You can take a purse and a carry one. Dress comfortably. You'll be a rumpled mess when you get there. No liquids over a certain size. That includes bottled water. Most people don't get felt up. You have to take your shoes off and walk through the metal detector.

    Oh yeah... Welcome to Kentucky!
  • DixiedoesMFP
    DixiedoesMFP Posts: 935 Member
    Sorry....carry on.
  • red01angel
    red01angel Posts: 806 Member
    I will be flying next week to Kentucky to meet my boyfriends family. As if that is not nerve wrecking enough... I have never flown before. I have a lot of anxiety on a good day, but new things set it off like crazy. Best I can do is be prepared.

    He and I are each packing a small duffel bag carry-on and are not checking luggage. Am I allowed to bring my purse as well as that?


    What should I wear?

    Is some stranger gonna feel me up?

    I need any advice anyone wants to offer so I can approach this with as much grace and preparation as possible. Thanks in advance, y'all!

    1) Yes. You're allowed 1 carry-on and 1 personal bag such as a purse or briefcase.

    2) Wear whatever you want. I've flown in everything from a sweatsuit to slacks and a blazer. Just remember that you'll have to take off all shoes/belts/jackets/scarves/sweatshirts/cheap metal jewelry at security.

    3) No. You'll be fine. I fly about once a month and I've yet to have been patted down.

    Bottom line: Don't be stupid, follow directions, and you'll be fine.

    Also remember not to take any liquids over 3 oz. As for the liquids you DO take, make sure they're in a 1 qt bag that can be easily pulled out at security. You'll also need to remove all laptops/iPads from their bags at security and run them through in a separate bin. Just watch what the people ahead of you do. You'll do great.

    And for the important stuff: alcoholic drinks cost $5 in flight, and most airlines only take credit/debit.

    Oh, and gum is always nice to help your ears equalize to pressure changes on takeoff and approach.
  • 1) dress comfy
    2) since you're not checking luggage, don't pack toiletries (it's more of a hassle in my opinion)...you can always buy them upon arrival and leave them with his family upon departure
    3) take a book or MP3 player for the flight
    4) relax...and enjoy your flight
    5) security if usually a breeze...just do as they instruct especially if you have to go through a pat-down

    And yes, you can take a purse in addition to your carry-on bag. :)

    Enjoy your trip!!
  • Hoppymom
    Hoppymom Posts: 1,158 Member
    Slip on/off shoes, as you have to remove them at the security checkpoint. No belt, no grommets/chains on pants etc. Dress in layers. I always want a hooded sweatshirt when I fly. Clean out your purse before you go as they scan it and if you have something they are concerned about they wil do a visual check. They will take away scissors etc. Underwire bras can set of fthe scanner sometimes too. No hand lotions etc over 2 ounces. (I think it's two ounces, It could be one) Check with your airline. Most airline will let you have a small carry on. Put your undies in a zip lock bag because they can and often do go through luggage. If you wouldn't share it with the public don't pack it. Lip gloss/balm as it gets dry on planes. Hopefully no one will feel you up. They arepretty discrete no matter waht you hear on the news. Your airline shoueld have written policies online read it well before you pack.
    Relax and Have a ton of fun.
  • boston6
    boston6 Posts: 158 Member
    Save yourself a lot of aggravation by not wearing anything metallic that can set off a metal detector like belts, costume jewelry, etc.
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
    The other posters have covered everything you need to know. I love to fly. I have flown many times and as long as flights are less than 8 hours or so, I always enjoy them.
  • pnieuw
    pnieuw Posts: 473
    I have flown hundreds of times, and I used to work for an airline. My tips for enjoying your flight.

    Do not freak out on the plane for every noise that you hear. The plane is not falling apart. In the normal course of a flight, it makes clunking noises, whining, high pitches squeals, etc. All normal, and usually just things like flaps going into place, landing gear going up and down, etc.

    Wear something comfortable, and I usually wear a zip up sweatshirt or sweater, as it can get cold in the cabin after takeoff. Bring a book, your iPod, whatever, because flying is boring.

    Be nice to your flight crew. They have a tough job and get paid peanuts. Most of all - enjoy the trip!

    One trick that I still use to enjoy the takeoff better is to time how long it takes to get airborne once we start going down the runway. Usually between 30 and 45 seconds. Try it! You'll be in the air before you know it.

    Last - enjoy! Flying is a great experience and I still get a kick out of it.
  • MJHdG
    MJHdG Posts: 23 Member
    If your ears get plugged up with altitude, you can reduce the discomfort by usung regular foam earplugs on the way up and the way down. The flight attendant can give a pair if you need them.

    Bag of almonds, some string cheese and a protein bar will help with non diet friendly vending machines if you get stuck at the airport or a long flight with no food. Also an apple can get though fine. Water bottles have to be purchased once you go through security, or if you are like me and keep a small foottrpint on plastic, you can put your empty!!! water bottle on the carry on and fill it up from a water fountain once you are thought the security check point.

    If you knitt use bamboo needles.

    You can only take 3 oz containers of liquid up to the point that you fill up a ziplock sandwich bag. need more room, consider make up wipes as opposed to a liquid make up remover, another tip take powder mineral make up as opposed to liquid foundation.

    Remember to pull your bag with liquids and place it separetly from the rest of you carry on stuff on the trays that they give you.

    Your laptop or I pad should be placed separatly too.

    Honestly breath smile and follow directions, it will be eassy!!!
  • CashierCantin
    CashierCantin Posts: 206 Member
    How long is your flight?

    I take a 2 hour flight twice a year and there is definitely NOTHING to be anxious about!

    You're allowed to take a 1 quart baggie full of 3 oz containers of liquids like travel size hand lotion, shaving cream, lip balm etc. Fit all you can in the baggie. You don't have to be able to close it, but you will need to pull it out of your carry on so leave it on top.

    When you check in, they will want to see your boarding pass and your ID. Then you proceed to the belts where you put all your stuff in a bin.. This is where you take off your shoes, jacket, and take things out of your pockets.

    Once through you just go to your gate and wait to board. Once boarded you stow your carry on above you or below (if it can fit under your seat) and relax!!!

    I LOVE take off and touch down. It's not scary at all if you have the right pilot.

    Have fun and don't forget some chewing gum so your ears don't pop so bad. They will if you go over a certain mileage in the air. Smaller aircrafts don't go so high so I usually don't worry too bad.
  • DWilbanks
    DWilbanks Posts: 420 Member

    He and I are each packing a small duffel bag carry-on and are not checking luggage. Am I allowed to bring my purse as well as that?

    What should I wear?

    Is some stranger gonna feel me up?

    I need any advice anyone wants to offer so I can approach this with as much grace and preparation as possible. Thanks in advance, y'all!

    Can you carry your purse.... yes
    What should you wear......... something confortable
    Is some stranger gonna feel you up?.............. only if you ask him to...:tongue::laugh:
  • kbonamour
    kbonamour Posts: 49 Member
    My only advice that has not already been stated is make sure to sit by the window if possible!
    It is amazing looking down at the clouds!
  • HeikkiLaukkanen
    HeikkiLaukkanen Posts: 123 Member
    Keep in mind that flying is statistically about the safest thing that you can do. It's probably as safe as sitting on your couch watching TV. The equipement is incredibly reliable and there are back-up systems and procedures for most every type of emergency. The crews practice and train to a very high level of proficiency. The airplanes are monitored in the air by Air Traffic Control from takeoff to touchdown and company dispatchers also are looking after the flights.

    All the above advice was pretty good. I think it's a good idea to bring along an empty water bottle and fill it at a faucet once inside security, the air on the airplanes is very dry and it tends to dehydrate you.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    Don't stress, flying is cool!
    - Wear anything you fancy, but be comfortable.
    - Don't get stressed if the people at security shout at you (it's a while since I've flown through the US but when I did they shouted at everyone!)
    - Pay attention to what they are saying/shouting, if they ask you to take off jackets, shoes etc just do it.
    - Sometimes there are extra security checks but most often they are random, it's not because you look especially suspicious.
    - If you aren't checking in luggage, make your carry on as small as you can. Trying to squeeze a huge suitcase into a full locker is just no fun. If you want to take lots of clothes check them in. I almost always check in my luggage, frankly I find it easier!
    - check you handbag/purse for nail scissors, tweezers, pocket knives, metal nail file, screwdrivers - anything metal and pointy will rpobably get confiscated. But if you forget something don't worry about it, they'll take it away and that is the end of it, no harm done.
    - if you don't get food provided on your flight, then take some healthy snacks with you. Be prepared to buy a drink though. Check your airline's website to see if they want cash or card on board the plane.
    - If your airline does provide meals, check out their website, you can order vegetarian, lowfat or other special meals if you want/need them. But be prepared, when I fly you sometimes miss out on the mini chocolate bar if you order a vegetarian meal. Why would they do that????
    - read the airline website to prepare - they usually have maps of the terminal, they'll explain security procedures. whether you get meals/entertainment etc.

    Enjoy :)
  • HeikkiLaukkanen
    HeikkiLaukkanen Posts: 123 Member
    Don't stress, flying is cool!
    - Wear anything you fancy, but be comfortable.
    - Don't get stressed if the people at security shout at you (it's a while since I've flown through the US but when I did they shouted at everyone!)
    - Pay attention to what they are saying/shouting, if they ask you to take off jackets, shoes etc just do it.
    - Sometimes there are extra security checks but most often they are random, it's not because you look especially suspicious.
    - If you aren't checking in luggage, make your carry on as small as you can. Trying to squeeze a huge suitcase into a full locker is just no fun. If you want to take lots of clothes check them in. I almost always check in my luggage, frankly I find it easier!
    - check you handbag/purse for nail scissors, tweezers, pocket knives, metal nail file, screwdrivers - anything metal and pointy will rpobably get confiscated. But if you forget something don't worry about it, they'll take it away and that is the end of it, no harm done.
    - if you don't get food provided on your flight, then take some healthy snacks with you. Be prepared to buy a drink though. Check your airline's website to see if they want cash or card on board the plane.
    - If your airline does provide meals, check out their website, you can order vegetarian, lowfat or other special meals if you want/need them. But be prepared, when I fly you sometimes miss out on the mini chocolate bar if you order a vegetarian meal. Why would they do that????
    - read the airline website to prepare - they usually have maps of the terminal, they'll explain security procedures. whether you get meals/entertainment etc.

    Enjoy :)

    Rubybelle good advice except for the food. US domestic airlines don't serve food anymore. They do offer little snack kits for sale but they tend to have a lot of high carb/high fructose corn syrup/fat type snack items. You're better off bringing a piece of fruit or almonds or cheese stick...any of the afore-mentioned suggestions.
  • auntdeedee87
    auntdeedee87 Posts: 706 Member
    Thank you ALL for the advice-- packing now, headed out tomorrow-- Eek!
  • HeikkiLaukkanen
    HeikkiLaukkanen Posts: 123 Member
    So how did it go?
This discussion has been closed.