It's my first flight and I'm scared! I have no idead what to do!?
Ok so it's not a long flight, one hour. lol But what scares me is it's my first air flight and I have no idea what to do and expect! My mom cannot get off with me because San Antonio airport doesn't let people who are not getting on a plane to actually get off! That's absurd but whatever! Anyway we booked the plane online from Southwest airlines. I have the printed sheet that I need but what do I do with it and what do I do with the suit case!? I don't even know what a boarding pass is and where I get one. Or do I not need one since I have the receipt from the internet? Also if the plane leaves at 2:00 what time do you suggest I get there? Help!!!
Air Travel - 6 Answers
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1 :
Here are some Tips :- 1. Don’t conceal it. Tell the gate agent when you check in, the flight attendant when you board, and the passengers around you when you sit down. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and what you need is support, not added frustrations by suffering in silence. I know I make a special effort to check in on my fearful fliers several times during a flight. 2. Treat the turbulence like bumps in the road. Don’t tense up or fight it, but instead, let your body sway with the aircraft movements. 3. At check-in, ask for a seat at the very front of the cabin as possible. Turbulence is usually much greater in the back of the aircraft. If you have an extreme dread of flying, don’t try to overcome your fears on a long flight. Take the shortest flight you can and preferably in the biggest plane possible. 4. Keep distracted. Watch the movie even if it’s bad or you have seen it already. Read a book or do a crossword puzzle. Do anything that keeps your mind occupied and not dwelling on morbid possibilities. 5. There are various classes for those who are afraid to fly. In some cases the final test is an actual airplane flight. The courses used to be quite expensive, but now with fares being at an all-time low, I am sure the classes are less expensive as well. 6. Avoid coffee or other caffeine products as an overly hyper state of mind will only exacerbate your anxiety. But drink other liquids, as dehydration only contributes to the fear process. Some people recommend a glass of wine to calm the nerves, but don’t overdo it. 7. Listen to peaceful and calming music. Your mind tends to wander and hear sounds that either don’t exist or are perfectly normal flight noises. 8. The rubber band technique. Wear a rubber band around your wrist and if you feel yourself becoming agitated, snap the rubber band against your skin. Apparently, the pain is a reality bite, and takes the mind off the turbulence. 9. Avoid gory details. When an air disaster does occur, avoid the graphic details and overplay in the news media. It is important to be informed, but too much is too much. 10. Breathe deeply as often as you can, and remember that the sick bag in front of you can be used as an anti-hyperventilating device as well.
2 :
First, take a deep breathe! Flying really isn't that bad - I took my first flight about 6 months ago and it was 12 hours (on and off luckily). I had no clue what to do either, but here's what to do: Arrive AT LEAST an hour early to avoid any delays! When you get to the airport, go directly to the check-in counter (this is usually clearly labeled and at the front of the airport, maybe off to the side a bit). Hand them the paper you have and let them know where you are heading. They will help you from there - ask about your boarding pass, you usually print this when you get there (at least I had to). He will ask if you want to check your bag. If your bag is too big to carry on, you will have to check it. (make sure you put something on your suitcase so you can recognize it as yours, this can be a ribbon). Then, take your back to the security desk (if they don't do this for you). If you are unsure where the security gate is, ask or follow the person in front of you. Make sure you don't bring liquids in your carry on, they will make you toss it! but cecked luggage can have liquids. Then hand the security guard your boarding pass, go through the metal detector, and once done, head to your gate. Then wait to be boarded! Good luck, let me know if you want more info! VERY IMPORTANT! CHEW GUM WHEN YOU TAKE OFF BECAUSE THIS WILL STOP YOUR EARS FROM POPPING! ^.^
3 :
get there an hour early... go to the southwest desk and ask them for help you can get directions and you give them your luggage.
4 :
I agree with the previous people but I would suggest getting there 2 hours early, not just an hour.
5 :
The printed sheet is called your itinerary ( this is paper provides your with vital information: WHAT TERMINAL YOU WILL LEAVE FROM; YOUR FLIGHT NUMBER; THE DAY OF TRAVEL; YOUR FLIGHT DURATION; AND YOUR ARRIVAL TIME). When you get to the southwest area, outside there will be a man that will look up your flight and check you in. You give your bags to him and he will put stickers on your luggage and print out your boarding pass( you will use your boarding pass like you use a ticket at the movie theater: it is how you are able to get onto the plane). When you check in for your flight there are 2 options (curbside or inside). Curbside is when you park out side of the airport doors and give a man( skycap) your flight information. If you use curbside, you will need a credit card because most airlines charge for baggage. If you only have cash, then you will be required to check your bags inside of the airport( this is a longer process). If your flight leaves at 2:00, I suggest that you get to the airport at 12:40 since it is your first time doing all of this. Do not be afraid of flying because a flight attendant will tell you about the safety features of the aircraft before the plane starts moving. The will tell you what to do if there is an emergency landing on water or on land. I suggest that you take an isle seat ( if you are afraid of heights or if you would like to go to the restroom during the flight)--- I suggest that you sit in a window seat, if you want to take pictures of your first flight or want to see what it is like from SO HIGH UP. If you have an MP3 player, you should bring it with your or even if you have a Portable DVD Player. Even though your flight is one hour, sometimes they can be shorter by approximately 20 minutes. After you arrive at your destination, you should go to baggage claim(ever airport has signs that show you how to get there THEY ARE ALWAYS DOWNSTAIRS). When you get to baggage claim, you will look at the flight number and airline that you just came off of, and will wait for your luggage to roll around--- it also helps to see where people from your flight are walking to JUST FOLLOW THEM. **** I almost forgot, the earlier that you get to the airport, the more likely your changes are of sitting at the front of the plane( this is only with SOUTHWEST AIRLINES). The earliest time that you can check in before your flight is 4 hours.... Good Luck and Thank you for flying Southwest Airlines...
6 :
Don't worry, just do it. Your ears might hurt, the stewardesses might be jerks, and as soon as you take off, you will land. It won't be a big deal.
