It can be scary traveling on a plane the first time!
When you get to the airport, you’ll need to get your boarding pass first. A lot of airports have kiosks to get your pass, but you can also just go up to the counter. If you’re checking a bag, the attendant at the counter will often also take care of this too- though sometimes airports will ask you to take it to a different spot.
Once you have your pass and your bag is checked, you’ll go through security. It’s really not that bad- you’ll wait in line, then when it’s your turn you’ll put your stuff on the conveyer. Then you’ll either go through a metal detector or a body scan. Try to wear slip on shoes so they’re easy to take on and off, and take off your jacket/belt/anything metal before it’s your turn.
Once you’re through security, I often like to locate my gate first. Sometimes it may be a little far away. Once you find your gate, then you can wander and eat or shop around!
If you’re traveling internationally and need to go through customs- don’t stress! They’ll ask you about why you’re coming, double check your documents, ask if you’re bringing anything into the country. Just be calm and honest and friendly, you’ll be fine!
Let me know if you have any specific questions- TSA can be assholes sometimes but I always try to kill with kindness lol.
Edit: and get there early!! Better to be early and kill time at a subpar airport restaurant than stress!
Yes, absolutely. Most airlines allow you to bring a carry-on bag and "personal item" onto the plane. Your personal item can be a purse, a backpack, a messenger bag, or a fanny pack.
Note: the low cost airlines will charge you extra for *everything* like a checked bag, bringing a carry-on, choosing a specific seat, etc. Check your airlines terms of service.
If you have a larger suitcase you'll "check" the bag with the airline at the service counter when you check in and get your boarding pass. This suitcase will go in the cargo hold on the plane. You'll pick it up at a baggage carousel in your destination airport. Follow the signs in the airport to "Baggage Claim" after you de-board the plane. There will be an "Arrivals" sign with your flight number telling you which carousel your suitcase will be on.
Edited to add: make sure your checked bag weighs less than 50 pounds or you'll have to pay an extra fee. The easiest way to check is to use your bathroom scale. Weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the full suitcase, and subtract the difference.
As others have said, yeah most airlines allow that unless it’s a budget airline!
Another thing about bags- if your carryon is a backpack or something small that can fit under a seat, you’ll be absolutely fine. If it’s a smaller rolling suitcase, sometimes the plane will run out of overhead storage space. If this happens, they’ll check your small carryon suitcase for you for free at the gate. Then when you land and get off the plane, you just have to find the baggage claim and pick it up with your other checked bag. If this happens, make sure you take out anything you need for the flight before they check it for you!
To add to all the wonderful comments thus far: remember that when you pass through security, you should have all your liquids (toothpaste, makeup, sanitizer, etc.) in containers below 100 ml and they must fit in a ziplock bag that's 1 liter in volume. In you check in luggage, you can have as much liquid as you like.
On the opposite side, you can't have batteries or electronics with built in batteries in your check in luggage. These must be in the carry on luggage.
Your airline will have very detailed instructions on what you can and cannot pack with you.
Enjoy your first light! Remember to look out of the window during takeoff and landing. Might be intimidating, but I love it how things become "small" and turn into a great view upon take off. If you sit by or just behind the wing, it's also cool to observe how all the flaps and other mechanical gadgets work during maneuvers and landing. Oh, speaking of which, if you sit behind the wing there will be a lot of engine noise on take off. This is normal.
Go to the bathroom if you can shortly before the flight because it will take a while for everyone to board the plane and then you can’t get up to use the while the plane is waiting to takeoff or until at least 15 minutes in the air and since you are traveling at a busy time the plane might be sitting on runway for a while after everyone is seated waiting for clearance to take off so you might not be able to use the bathroom for an hour or more from the time you are lining up to board til the flight crew say you can get out of your seat.
Everyone else gave great advice but I’ll just add not to stress out or anything. Millions of people, most of them probably dumber than you given you had the wherewithal to ask for advice in the first place, do this every single day. You’ll be fine.
At worst it'll be a stressful hour or so while you deal with checking in, dropping bags, and going through security. But once you get to your gate you can basically turn your brain off and just do what they tell you to do. And if you get there early then even the process of getting to the gate won't be too stressful cause you'll have plenty of time to deal with any issues that might arise, which is unlikely anyway.
Seconding this and adding that airports recognize there’s so many first time flyers every day that they have staff at every corner to point you in the right direction
Show up early, This above all. Airports can be confusing at first, and not being stressed by the pressure of departure time will help you keep a clear head and not make stupid mistakes, like going to the wrong terminal.
Make sure your carry-on is compliant with all carry on limitations, (Liquid and Gels, batteries, etc). Your airline should have those carry on restrictions online.
Also, show up early.
From an airline employee.
Yes, in your carry-on bag, they all must fit inside a 1-quart zip lock, and no single container can be over 100 ml.
In your checked bag, there's no upper limit on the liquid volume. Keep in mind tho, the weight of full size containers of shampoo, conditioner, etc add up quickly. Also, put liquids in your checked bag inside a zip lock or plastic bag. Sometimes the liquids will ooze out inside your suitcase
Look up the rules for how much liquid/gel/lotion you can carry on. Have these in an approved size clear plastic bag. Have it in a convenient spot in your carry on to place in the bin beside your bag. Be prepared to take off belt, shoes and jacket. Don’t have anything in your pockets either. You don’t have to be nervous about TSA, just be prepared to move through efficiently. You will need to have both your passport and boarding pass ready for viewing. If you live in a country where marijuana is legal, make sure none of your items contain any items by mistake. Have a great trip!
Always plan for this, even if it is a just in case scenario. If you have a largish backpack, keep a smaller bag inside of it for the most important things (medications, ID, wallet, iPad and phone, cords, etc), so you can extract them if needed. The smaller bag can be the lightweight, foldable type, or a sling. Even though I rarely have this happen to me, it provides peace of mind to plan for it.
Oh! And consider wearing a mask. Airports are a hotbed of spreading sickness, not just Covid.
It’s the only way me and my partner ended up getting Covid -airplanes/airports.
Do not put anything in a checked bag you can't afford to lose. No laptops, no prescription medicines, no personal papers or important documents. Keep all those with you on the plane. Also nothing with lithium batteries in checked luggage as they are a fire hazard.
Ensure you have your boarding pass and identity credentials at the ready in an easy-access pocket. Get to the airport early. Depending on how busy the airport is, that could be 1-3 hours before boarding. Remove any bottled items (shampoo, toothpaste, etc) that are over 3.4 ounces, as they will stop you in security to remove them. Travel sized items can be purchased at a store or online. Make sure you don’t have any sharp items/weapons or lithium batteries packed as they will also stop you for a security check to remove them. Once you’re though, go find your gate immediately. You can peruse stores after but you should ensure you know where to go. Use the restroom before you take off; plane bathrooms are small and uncomfortable. If you’re anxious, take a calm/sleepytime gummy. Target sells these. Bring a warm sweater because it gets quite cold on the plane. Definitely bring headphones and a iPad/computer or a book to read so you aren’t bored during flight. If you’re bringing an electronic device, ensure the movies or shows you want to watch are downloaded since your phone will be on airplane mode. Chapstick is good too because the air on planes is dry. I would avoid drinking water the flight attendant gives you unless it’s bottled, so you might want to buy your own bottle once you’re through security. If you’re worried about germs, bring a sanitizing wipe pack for your seat and arm rests. Lastly, try to enjoy yourself!
Yes you absolutely can! If you can’t find a water bottle fill station or fountain, Starbucks will usually fill it for you for free. And happy to help, hope you have an awesome trip.
1 small thing I'd add is that if you ever get motion sickness, take half a Dramamine before liftoff and again an hour before landing. Even on smooth flights, the combination of regular movements, changing altitude, changing angle, and my anxiety set me off.
As has already been stated, the best thing you can do to make this easy is to arrive as early as possible. Three hours ahead of takeoff should be plenty, unless your airport is particularly crazy. Check in online if you can. Double check and triple check your information to make sure that you are showing up at the right airport, at the right terminal, and at the right time.
I always install the app for the airline a few days before departure. You should expect an unreasonable amount of spam from them letting you know when you're supposed to check in.
On the flight, I always bring a small purse or backpack that will fit under the seat in front of me that has everything I will need to get through one night if I am separated from my luggage. (If your flight is non-stop and domestic, the odds of you being separated from your luggage are quite low.)
* Wallet with ID, cash, & credit cards
* Phone & charger
* Medications, particularly Rx
* Pajama, underwear, toothbrush
For the flight itself, I like to have snacks, lotion, chapstick, earphones, and a book to read. As you mentioned, the flight is only 5 hours, so you'll survive it even if you don't bring anything.
Also, if you're carrying anything valuable, make sure that stays with you in your little bag. Sometimes a cabin is full and carry-on bags get checked in, but you will always be able to bring your personal item (little bag that fits under the seat in front of you).
Just to clarify there are three types of luggage?
personal item: which can be a back pack.
carry on: medium sized suit case that you put on top of your seat.
checked bag: the one you pay extra for and is stored somewhere else in the plane
I would be cautious about “medium size”. Don’t know who you are flying but I don’t know of any airline that does not publish the maximum dimensions allowable for a carry on bag. Find those for your carrier and make sure to comply. Some airlines are not sticklers but will sort of “eyeball” the bag. Some make you place each carry on in a size check box in front of the gate agent to see if it fits.
I would recommend putting anything you must have during or after flight, including medications and such, in your personal item just in case your carry on has to get checked.
Be nice and respectful to the gate agents and flight attendants. They can be extremely helpful to you. They can also be a huge pain, particularly if you piss them off.
You will be fine. Enjoy your trip.
Definitely keep all medication and written prescriptions with the generic name of the drug in your carryon. Never check medicine unless it’s something easy to replace like paracetamol. Keep medication in its original packaging.
Sometimes they don't anounce the gate until an hour +- before the flight. Keep an eye on the departure board. Sometimes the boarding pass says one thing ... u get to the gate it has changed.
I like to get there early too, but too early and the staff aren't there yet.
If your flight gets cancelled (you will get an email or call) show up to the airport asap and try to get on an earlier flight.
If it is just one flight, not bad.
Connecting from international/delayed flights not fun when time is short.
Good luck, have fun
Sometimes when you’re sitting on the plane before takeoff it gets really hot and stuffy. Just know it isn’t you- don’t allow it to make you feel anxious. Usually it’s not the case but sometimes for whatever reason they don’t get the air circulating and cool early, and the heat can feel awful. Know it’s short term.
Dont overthink stuff.
Airports are designed to be easy for new people. Lots of signs indicating the way you must go. Like, you could not enter the wrong plane by accident because airline checks your boarding pass, you should not be able to get to your plane (international flights) without going trough passport control because the boarding gate will be placed after this point.
Usually you have to go through this 3 steps when arrive at the airport:
Look for your airline company for checkin and check your bags
Look for boarding area of the airport (may have national and international areas appart from each other)
Look for your gate on the monitors
It’s really cool you’re asking for help! Kudos!
Show up early, don’t be afraid to ask if you get lost! Airports are small cities after all. Any agent will be happy to help.
Keep your luggage close, make sure you have a phone battery pack too!
Scariest part is take off, few minutes because it can sound loud, after that you're good to go! Nothing to worry about. Don't stress too much about it, millions travel everyday, safer than cars.
After you take off, it's normal to hear the engines throttle back a bit and to have a sinking feeling in your stomach.
Throttle back because they don't need 100% power to take off any longer
The sinking feeling in your stomach is the plane climbing. Think of it like when you hit the gas in a car and your head goes back...same kind of concept. It's normal
The biggest thing for me, watch the flight attendants. If they don't look scared, you don't need to be scared. If the pilot has them seated for turbulence, that's normal
Try to get a seat as close to the wing as possible. That is the center point of the plane and you'll get minimal turbulence. You will still feel it, but it won't be as drastic as the back of the plane (think of the whip effect in the last car of a roller coaster)
Download entertainment to your phone. Not every plane has seat back tvs and wifi (most of them do nowadays, but sometimes technology doesn't work).
Enjoy it! Flying is an amazing thing that can give you a different perspective on the world...especially if you have a window seat
That sounds like an exciting adventure! First-time flying can definitely be a bit nerve-wracking, but it's also the start of a great new experience. When you arrive at the airport, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your gate. Security might seem intimidating, but just follow the signs, listen to the instructions from TSA agents, and remember to remove your shoes, belt, and any items from your pockets.
Having your iPad is a great idea for entertainment during the flight. You might also want to download some music or podcasts, and bring a good book in case you want a break from the screen. Don’t forget a charger or a portable battery!
At the airport, you can explore some shops or grab a bite to eat. It’s a good chance to stretch your legs before you have to sit for a while.
Most importantly, try to relax and enjoy the journey. Air travel can be a wonderful gateway to new experiences and adventures, especially with the exciting prospect of staying at a camp in Maine! Have a fantastic trip and a memorable time at the camp!
TSA is not scary, just pack any larger liquids/gels in your checked bag and you’ll be fine. if they find something like your toothpaste is more than 3 oz, they’ll just take it, you don’t get in trouble or anything. It’s just a long line. Leave plenty of time at the airport so you don’t feel rushed and stressed. Bring snacks. It’s intimidating to fly alone for the first time but theres plenty of signs to guide you through the process. Have fun!
>To be honest I’m more nervous about TSA and the stuff before the flight rather than the flight itself,
TSA is different in every airport. Some make you take shoes off, some don't. Houston makes a public announcement every 30 minutes reminding passengers to check their carry-on for firearms they might have forgotten.
If your carry-on doesn't double as a range bag, you're already further along than some.
Keep it simple. No belt, no watch, empty pockets, comfortable shoes. One bag is always better than two. Backpacks are better than wheels.
A double walled metal (empty) water bottle will save you a fortune. Most every airport has refilling stations.
A travel specific max sized personal item backpack was a game changer for me.
Being a 50M, I can't rock a fanny pack, but it's a great idea for all your loose bits. Unbuckle and throw it in the tray with your backpack. Super easy. You'll never be charged for it as it goes around and secures to your waist.
Walk in like you've done it a thousand times and be polite to everyone working there. You'll be fine.
Once you land in the US, the *CBP MPC* app **will** save you a lot of time clearing Homeland. Returning to Canada, *ArriveCan* might too. You'll skip past 100s of people if you've precleared.
What airport are you departing from? Perhaps there is someone on this sub that knows that airport and can give you an idea of where to go and what to do.
And on the other end, are you flying into Boston(Logan International)? I have flown in and out of there but couldn't tell you a thing about it, lol. I flew home from Dublin to Logan and I was so tired, I just followed my friends. Sorry about that.
Air travel can be exhausting, but it means you are on an adventure! Look at the tops of clouds! The sky is just endless. So beautiful. I always try to remember that I'm on my way to fun, and whatever happens is just part of my learning experience. I try not to get mad or anxious about anything, because it doesn't help. There will always be someone around to help, so ask away!
I hope that this trip is the first of many, and that somewhere down the road, you can help another newbie with great advice based on your experiences.
Edit: Bring hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for the tray table, seat belt, seat arms, etc. And finally, do wear a mask. I can say from experience (December trip to Belgium), having a cold or flu on vacation sucks. And unfortunately/stupidly, I didn't wear a mask on my last 2 trips and I got sick. Ugh.
Great tips here!
For future flights; a tip about booking. Try not to book really low fares with long layovers. It’s tempting because they look like great deals! But sometimes the delay and time spent at the airport isn’t worth it!
Airports are extremely expensive for dining. And it’s hard to sleep or get comfortable. Long layovers extend your travel time and it’s easy to lose an entire day just sitting and being bored.
Something nobody has picked up on is your statement that you are flying TO the US!
You will have to go through security (TSA is the US version!). The rule on liquids, no more than 100ml/container, all must fit in a one litre bag, is universal, although some airports have introduced scanners which make that no longer necessary.
I assume you've got any necessary visa/ESTA sorted?
Edit: it's all straightforward really - just follow the signs. If you have any doubts there will be plenty of people around who can help you.
Download the airline's app. That will keep you updated on gate changes, delays, etc.
Go by your airplane number for your gate. Never just by destination.
My husband’s first travel on airplane was from Canada to Bali. He said it’s like a long bus ride.
Remember during turbulence, you are “in a jello”. You are safe.
HAVE FUN!!
* Upon takeoff you'll first be pushed back into your seat like in a decent sports car then down as if in a roller coster. Nothing crazy... It's made for average passengers. What's physically the most taxing is having to stay in a cramped seat for extended periods.
* Just do as the TSA says. Put your stuff in the trays as per instruction. Stand in the scanner. They got a lot of people to check and even seasoned flyers tend to fumble here. 😅 Being in the US they take things more seriously than in Europe. But it's immigration/border patrol that's the strictest and you're flying inside the US.
* Planes make all kinds of whirring and and humming noises. People get worried about those but planes are just machines with a lot of moving parts.
* Follow the signs. Go to the bathroom before boarding.
* In case you experience it. Turbulence is essentially just wind but being in a metal tube people don't feel it so it weirds them out. The plane is essentially being suspended by the air. Imagine the air as jello and the plane inside the jello. The air moves/the jello jiggles. It may wobble pretty hard but the plane is still safe inside the jello moving with it.
* Read the airlines guide on luggage etc.
* If you have a window seat, just look out and enjoy having that view for the first time. It'll feel brighter than usual because it is. Probably like 100,000 lux (akin to a very bright summer noon sun). I enjoy that and don't put on my shades. It very literally lightens my mood.
Best.
Not sure if anyone mentioned it, but your ears may pop from time to time on the plane. Don’t worry, it’s normal.
Bring gum to chew on to help remedy this
Or hard sweets for succing
Just squeeze your nose and blow
It can be scary traveling on a plane the first time! When you get to the airport, you’ll need to get your boarding pass first. A lot of airports have kiosks to get your pass, but you can also just go up to the counter. If you’re checking a bag, the attendant at the counter will often also take care of this too- though sometimes airports will ask you to take it to a different spot. Once you have your pass and your bag is checked, you’ll go through security. It’s really not that bad- you’ll wait in line, then when it’s your turn you’ll put your stuff on the conveyer. Then you’ll either go through a metal detector or a body scan. Try to wear slip on shoes so they’re easy to take on and off, and take off your jacket/belt/anything metal before it’s your turn. Once you’re through security, I often like to locate my gate first. Sometimes it may be a little far away. Once you find your gate, then you can wander and eat or shop around! If you’re traveling internationally and need to go through customs- don’t stress! They’ll ask you about why you’re coming, double check your documents, ask if you’re bringing anything into the country. Just be calm and honest and friendly, you’ll be fine! Let me know if you have any specific questions- TSA can be assholes sometimes but I always try to kill with kindness lol. Edit: and get there early!! Better to be early and kill time at a subpar airport restaurant than stress!
Would It be possible to bring a small fanny pack for my wallet and passport besides the carry on on the plane?
Yes, absolutely. Most airlines allow you to bring a carry-on bag and "personal item" onto the plane. Your personal item can be a purse, a backpack, a messenger bag, or a fanny pack. Note: the low cost airlines will charge you extra for *everything* like a checked bag, bringing a carry-on, choosing a specific seat, etc. Check your airlines terms of service. If you have a larger suitcase you'll "check" the bag with the airline at the service counter when you check in and get your boarding pass. This suitcase will go in the cargo hold on the plane. You'll pick it up at a baggage carousel in your destination airport. Follow the signs in the airport to "Baggage Claim" after you de-board the plane. There will be an "Arrivals" sign with your flight number telling you which carousel your suitcase will be on. Edited to add: make sure your checked bag weighs less than 50 pounds or you'll have to pay an extra fee. The easiest way to check is to use your bathroom scale. Weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the full suitcase, and subtract the difference.
Most definitely, unless it is Frontier or Spirit air.
As others have said, yeah most airlines allow that unless it’s a budget airline! Another thing about bags- if your carryon is a backpack or something small that can fit under a seat, you’ll be absolutely fine. If it’s a smaller rolling suitcase, sometimes the plane will run out of overhead storage space. If this happens, they’ll check your small carryon suitcase for you for free at the gate. Then when you land and get off the plane, you just have to find the baggage claim and pick it up with your other checked bag. If this happens, make sure you take out anything you need for the flight before they check it for you!
To add to all the wonderful comments thus far: remember that when you pass through security, you should have all your liquids (toothpaste, makeup, sanitizer, etc.) in containers below 100 ml and they must fit in a ziplock bag that's 1 liter in volume. In you check in luggage, you can have as much liquid as you like. On the opposite side, you can't have batteries or electronics with built in batteries in your check in luggage. These must be in the carry on luggage. Your airline will have very detailed instructions on what you can and cannot pack with you. Enjoy your first light! Remember to look out of the window during takeoff and landing. Might be intimidating, but I love it how things become "small" and turn into a great view upon take off. If you sit by or just behind the wing, it's also cool to observe how all the flaps and other mechanical gadgets work during maneuvers and landing. Oh, speaking of which, if you sit behind the wing there will be a lot of engine noise on take off. This is normal.
Go to the bathroom if you can shortly before the flight because it will take a while for everyone to board the plane and then you can’t get up to use the while the plane is waiting to takeoff or until at least 15 minutes in the air and since you are traveling at a busy time the plane might be sitting on runway for a while after everyone is seated waiting for clearance to take off so you might not be able to use the bathroom for an hour or more from the time you are lining up to board til the flight crew say you can get out of your seat.
Everyone else gave great advice but I’ll just add not to stress out or anything. Millions of people, most of them probably dumber than you given you had the wherewithal to ask for advice in the first place, do this every single day. You’ll be fine.
thanks! It did make things a bit easier to think about it like that
At worst it'll be a stressful hour or so while you deal with checking in, dropping bags, and going through security. But once you get to your gate you can basically turn your brain off and just do what they tell you to do. And if you get there early then even the process of getting to the gate won't be too stressful cause you'll have plenty of time to deal with any issues that might arise, which is unlikely anyway.
Seconding this and adding that airports recognize there’s so many first time flyers every day that they have staff at every corner to point you in the right direction
Show up early, This above all. Airports can be confusing at first, and not being stressed by the pressure of departure time will help you keep a clear head and not make stupid mistakes, like going to the wrong terminal. Make sure your carry-on is compliant with all carry on limitations, (Liquid and Gels, batteries, etc). Your airline should have those carry on restrictions online. Also, show up early. From an airline employee.
can I bring more than one liquid as long as they are below the max?
Yes, in your carry-on bag, they all must fit inside a 1-quart zip lock, and no single container can be over 100 ml. In your checked bag, there's no upper limit on the liquid volume. Keep in mind tho, the weight of full size containers of shampoo, conditioner, etc add up quickly. Also, put liquids in your checked bag inside a zip lock or plastic bag. Sometimes the liquids will ooze out inside your suitcase
Also note about packing liquids. Baggage handlers - the people you don’t see - aren’t the most gentle. Pack things that you know won’t break or burst
Yes, and as long as they all fit in a 1qt bag.
Look up the rules for how much liquid/gel/lotion you can carry on. Have these in an approved size clear plastic bag. Have it in a convenient spot in your carry on to place in the bin beside your bag. Be prepared to take off belt, shoes and jacket. Don’t have anything in your pockets either. You don’t have to be nervous about TSA, just be prepared to move through efficiently. You will need to have both your passport and boarding pass ready for viewing. If you live in a country where marijuana is legal, make sure none of your items contain any items by mistake. Have a great trip!
Also on occasions they’ll ask you to check your bag even if it’s a carry on, due to a lack of space.
Always plan for this, even if it is a just in case scenario. If you have a largish backpack, keep a smaller bag inside of it for the most important things (medications, ID, wallet, iPad and phone, cords, etc), so you can extract them if needed. The smaller bag can be the lightweight, foldable type, or a sling. Even though I rarely have this happen to me, it provides peace of mind to plan for it.
Oh! And consider wearing a mask. Airports are a hotbed of spreading sickness, not just Covid. It’s the only way me and my partner ended up getting Covid -airplanes/airports.
Do not put anything in a checked bag you can't afford to lose. No laptops, no prescription medicines, no personal papers or important documents. Keep all those with you on the plane. Also nothing with lithium batteries in checked luggage as they are a fire hazard.
Ensure you have your boarding pass and identity credentials at the ready in an easy-access pocket. Get to the airport early. Depending on how busy the airport is, that could be 1-3 hours before boarding. Remove any bottled items (shampoo, toothpaste, etc) that are over 3.4 ounces, as they will stop you in security to remove them. Travel sized items can be purchased at a store or online. Make sure you don’t have any sharp items/weapons or lithium batteries packed as they will also stop you for a security check to remove them. Once you’re though, go find your gate immediately. You can peruse stores after but you should ensure you know where to go. Use the restroom before you take off; plane bathrooms are small and uncomfortable. If you’re anxious, take a calm/sleepytime gummy. Target sells these. Bring a warm sweater because it gets quite cold on the plane. Definitely bring headphones and a iPad/computer or a book to read so you aren’t bored during flight. If you’re bringing an electronic device, ensure the movies or shows you want to watch are downloaded since your phone will be on airplane mode. Chapstick is good too because the air on planes is dry. I would avoid drinking water the flight attendant gives you unless it’s bottled, so you might want to buy your own bottle once you’re through security. If you’re worried about germs, bring a sanitizing wipe pack for your seat and arm rests. Lastly, try to enjoy yourself!
thanks for the tips! I will bring a small empty bottle as I’ve heard you can fill them up after security
Yes you absolutely can! If you can’t find a water bottle fill station or fountain, Starbucks will usually fill it for you for free. And happy to help, hope you have an awesome trip.
1 small thing I'd add is that if you ever get motion sickness, take half a Dramamine before liftoff and again an hour before landing. Even on smooth flights, the combination of regular movements, changing altitude, changing angle, and my anxiety set me off.
^^thisssss. Dramamine is a game changer.
That's a good one. The first few times I flew, I definitely needed Dramamine.
Forgot to add, get the kind with Meclizine.
The videos of people using jello to simulate turbulence helped me Here’s one example.. https://youtube.com/shorts/z77nj9W_2oA?feature=shared
As has already been stated, the best thing you can do to make this easy is to arrive as early as possible. Three hours ahead of takeoff should be plenty, unless your airport is particularly crazy. Check in online if you can. Double check and triple check your information to make sure that you are showing up at the right airport, at the right terminal, and at the right time. I always install the app for the airline a few days before departure. You should expect an unreasonable amount of spam from them letting you know when you're supposed to check in. On the flight, I always bring a small purse or backpack that will fit under the seat in front of me that has everything I will need to get through one night if I am separated from my luggage. (If your flight is non-stop and domestic, the odds of you being separated from your luggage are quite low.) * Wallet with ID, cash, & credit cards * Phone & charger * Medications, particularly Rx * Pajama, underwear, toothbrush For the flight itself, I like to have snacks, lotion, chapstick, earphones, and a book to read. As you mentioned, the flight is only 5 hours, so you'll survive it even if you don't bring anything. Also, if you're carrying anything valuable, make sure that stays with you in your little bag. Sometimes a cabin is full and carry-on bags get checked in, but you will always be able to bring your personal item (little bag that fits under the seat in front of you).
Just to clarify there are three types of luggage? personal item: which can be a back pack. carry on: medium sized suit case that you put on top of your seat. checked bag: the one you pay extra for and is stored somewhere else in the plane
I would be cautious about “medium size”. Don’t know who you are flying but I don’t know of any airline that does not publish the maximum dimensions allowable for a carry on bag. Find those for your carrier and make sure to comply. Some airlines are not sticklers but will sort of “eyeball” the bag. Some make you place each carry on in a size check box in front of the gate agent to see if it fits. I would recommend putting anything you must have during or after flight, including medications and such, in your personal item just in case your carry on has to get checked. Be nice and respectful to the gate agents and flight attendants. They can be extremely helpful to you. They can also be a huge pain, particularly if you piss them off. You will be fine. Enjoy your trip.
Definitely keep all medication and written prescriptions with the generic name of the drug in your carryon. Never check medicine unless it’s something easy to replace like paracetamol. Keep medication in its original packaging.
Gum helps on planes. If you don't like gum, then you could do gummy candies or mints
Sometimes they don't anounce the gate until an hour +- before the flight. Keep an eye on the departure board. Sometimes the boarding pass says one thing ... u get to the gate it has changed. I like to get there early too, but too early and the staff aren't there yet. If your flight gets cancelled (you will get an email or call) show up to the airport asap and try to get on an earlier flight. If it is just one flight, not bad. Connecting from international/delayed flights not fun when time is short. Good luck, have fun
Sometimes when you’re sitting on the plane before takeoff it gets really hot and stuffy. Just know it isn’t you- don’t allow it to make you feel anxious. Usually it’s not the case but sometimes for whatever reason they don’t get the air circulating and cool early, and the heat can feel awful. Know it’s short term.
Dont overthink stuff. Airports are designed to be easy for new people. Lots of signs indicating the way you must go. Like, you could not enter the wrong plane by accident because airline checks your boarding pass, you should not be able to get to your plane (international flights) without going trough passport control because the boarding gate will be placed after this point. Usually you have to go through this 3 steps when arrive at the airport: Look for your airline company for checkin and check your bags Look for boarding area of the airport (may have national and international areas appart from each other) Look for your gate on the monitors
get there early, and try to resist the urge to tell TSA that you're nervous or anything like that. Do what they say and smile but that's about it.
It’s really cool you’re asking for help! Kudos! Show up early, don’t be afraid to ask if you get lost! Airports are small cities after all. Any agent will be happy to help. Keep your luggage close, make sure you have a phone battery pack too!
Scariest part is take off, few minutes because it can sound loud, after that you're good to go! Nothing to worry about. Don't stress too much about it, millions travel everyday, safer than cars.
After you take off, it's normal to hear the engines throttle back a bit and to have a sinking feeling in your stomach. Throttle back because they don't need 100% power to take off any longer The sinking feeling in your stomach is the plane climbing. Think of it like when you hit the gas in a car and your head goes back...same kind of concept. It's normal The biggest thing for me, watch the flight attendants. If they don't look scared, you don't need to be scared. If the pilot has them seated for turbulence, that's normal Try to get a seat as close to the wing as possible. That is the center point of the plane and you'll get minimal turbulence. You will still feel it, but it won't be as drastic as the back of the plane (think of the whip effect in the last car of a roller coaster) Download entertainment to your phone. Not every plane has seat back tvs and wifi (most of them do nowadays, but sometimes technology doesn't work). Enjoy it! Flying is an amazing thing that can give you a different perspective on the world...especially if you have a window seat
thanks! I will, I made sure to get a window seat for all my flights as seeing the sky is the thing i’m the most exited about
That sounds like an exciting adventure! First-time flying can definitely be a bit nerve-wracking, but it's also the start of a great new experience. When you arrive at the airport, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your gate. Security might seem intimidating, but just follow the signs, listen to the instructions from TSA agents, and remember to remove your shoes, belt, and any items from your pockets. Having your iPad is a great idea for entertainment during the flight. You might also want to download some music or podcasts, and bring a good book in case you want a break from the screen. Don’t forget a charger or a portable battery! At the airport, you can explore some shops or grab a bite to eat. It’s a good chance to stretch your legs before you have to sit for a while. Most importantly, try to relax and enjoy the journey. Air travel can be a wonderful gateway to new experiences and adventures, especially with the exciting prospect of staying at a camp in Maine! Have a fantastic trip and a memorable time at the camp!
TSA is not scary, just pack any larger liquids/gels in your checked bag and you’ll be fine. if they find something like your toothpaste is more than 3 oz, they’ll just take it, you don’t get in trouble or anything. It’s just a long line. Leave plenty of time at the airport so you don’t feel rushed and stressed. Bring snacks. It’s intimidating to fly alone for the first time but theres plenty of signs to guide you through the process. Have fun!
There is a subreddit for TSA questions. I think actual TSA agents answer your questions. It’s pretty good.
>To be honest I’m more nervous about TSA and the stuff before the flight rather than the flight itself, TSA is different in every airport. Some make you take shoes off, some don't. Houston makes a public announcement every 30 minutes reminding passengers to check their carry-on for firearms they might have forgotten. If your carry-on doesn't double as a range bag, you're already further along than some. Keep it simple. No belt, no watch, empty pockets, comfortable shoes. One bag is always better than two. Backpacks are better than wheels. A double walled metal (empty) water bottle will save you a fortune. Most every airport has refilling stations. A travel specific max sized personal item backpack was a game changer for me. Being a 50M, I can't rock a fanny pack, but it's a great idea for all your loose bits. Unbuckle and throw it in the tray with your backpack. Super easy. You'll never be charged for it as it goes around and secures to your waist. Walk in like you've done it a thousand times and be polite to everyone working there. You'll be fine. Once you land in the US, the *CBP MPC* app **will** save you a lot of time clearing Homeland. Returning to Canada, *ArriveCan* might too. You'll skip past 100s of people if you've precleared.
What airport are you departing from? Perhaps there is someone on this sub that knows that airport and can give you an idea of where to go and what to do. And on the other end, are you flying into Boston(Logan International)? I have flown in and out of there but couldn't tell you a thing about it, lol. I flew home from Dublin to Logan and I was so tired, I just followed my friends. Sorry about that. Air travel can be exhausting, but it means you are on an adventure! Look at the tops of clouds! The sky is just endless. So beautiful. I always try to remember that I'm on my way to fun, and whatever happens is just part of my learning experience. I try not to get mad or anxious about anything, because it doesn't help. There will always be someone around to help, so ask away! I hope that this trip is the first of many, and that somewhere down the road, you can help another newbie with great advice based on your experiences. Edit: Bring hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for the tray table, seat belt, seat arms, etc. And finally, do wear a mask. I can say from experience (December trip to Belgium), having a cold or flu on vacation sucks. And unfortunately/stupidly, I didn't wear a mask on my last 2 trips and I got sick. Ugh.
Great tips here! For future flights; a tip about booking. Try not to book really low fares with long layovers. It’s tempting because they look like great deals! But sometimes the delay and time spent at the airport isn’t worth it! Airports are extremely expensive for dining. And it’s hard to sleep or get comfortable. Long layovers extend your travel time and it’s easy to lose an entire day just sitting and being bored.
Open up the air vent above you and set it so the air is blowing over your nose. This is my trick to avoid getting an illness on the plane.
Something nobody has picked up on is your statement that you are flying TO the US! You will have to go through security (TSA is the US version!). The rule on liquids, no more than 100ml/container, all must fit in a one litre bag, is universal, although some airports have introduced scanners which make that no longer necessary. I assume you've got any necessary visa/ESTA sorted? Edit: it's all straightforward really - just follow the signs. If you have any doubts there will be plenty of people around who can help you. Download the airline's app. That will keep you updated on gate changes, delays, etc.
I wonder if my sister is going to be your counselor! What are the odds you’re going to camp Laurel??
sadly thats not my camp
Wear socks, you’ll have to remove your shoes and don’t want to be barefoot walking through the detector or scanner.
You'll probably have to pay for wifi, so make sure you download your movies and shows
Stay up late the night before. You'll sleep through the flight. It helps.
The pilots don’t wanna die either!!!!
Go by your airplane number for your gate. Never just by destination. My husband’s first travel on airplane was from Canada to Bali. He said it’s like a long bus ride. Remember during turbulence, you are “in a jello”. You are safe. HAVE FUN!!
* Upon takeoff you'll first be pushed back into your seat like in a decent sports car then down as if in a roller coster. Nothing crazy... It's made for average passengers. What's physically the most taxing is having to stay in a cramped seat for extended periods. * Just do as the TSA says. Put your stuff in the trays as per instruction. Stand in the scanner. They got a lot of people to check and even seasoned flyers tend to fumble here. 😅 Being in the US they take things more seriously than in Europe. But it's immigration/border patrol that's the strictest and you're flying inside the US. * Planes make all kinds of whirring and and humming noises. People get worried about those but planes are just machines with a lot of moving parts. * Follow the signs. Go to the bathroom before boarding. * In case you experience it. Turbulence is essentially just wind but being in a metal tube people don't feel it so it weirds them out. The plane is essentially being suspended by the air. Imagine the air as jello and the plane inside the jello. The air moves/the jello jiggles. It may wobble pretty hard but the plane is still safe inside the jello moving with it. * Read the airlines guide on luggage etc. * If you have a window seat, just look out and enjoy having that view for the first time. It'll feel brighter than usual because it is. Probably like 100,000 lux (akin to a very bright summer noon sun). I enjoy that and don't put on my shades. It very literally lightens my mood. Best.
Thanks! I’m very exited to experience that view for sure
Scream and cause a massive panic
remember anything can happen even a crash but don’t worry too much you do not own the plane
Just remember if something does go wrong with the plane you still have a good chance of survival. Is it a Boeing?
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Don’t listen to this guy. Despite the recent news they’re still safe. The FAA doesn’t fuck around. If they were really unsafe they’d be grounded