Flying Alone

[DiscerningCatholic]

I've done my fair share of flying (my first flight was an 18 hour flight as a 1-year-old coming home from China), but I've never flown alone. I flew by myself once in 2010, but I was 13 and flew as an unaccompanied minor, so I had a stewardess checking up on me every 15 minutes. I've never been to Ann Arbor, so obviously, I've never been to the airport there. Actually, I'm flying into Detroit (I think...gee, this isn't good), but either way, I've never been to that airport. 

 

Any tips? I don't have any stopovers. 

[Kateri89]

I have flown by myself too many times to count and one of those times I flew to England and had never been on an international flight before.  If you don't have any stopovers then I think you'll have no problem flying alone.  My tip is to try going through alternate security at the airport because it takes so much less time than regular security.  And just look for signs pointing you in the right direction :)

[Basilisa Marie]

See my post in 171's thread. :)

 

http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/topic/129003-layovers-and-security/page-2

 

Edited May 8, 2013 by Basilisa Marie

[CrossCuT]

I feel like I have become an expert and flying alone. I do it a lot now that I am in a long distance relationship and really the only tips I can offer are pretty typical.

 

If youre allowed to choose your seat I like to pick window seats so I can look outside.

Bring something to read/listen to

Hope that you dont sit next to someone smelly

 

I personally dont like talking to random strangers a ton...so I enjoy it when the person next to me is equally as unchatty. So far I havent run into a person who has spilled their guts to me hehe

[DiscerningCatholic]

Also, I think that I'll be able to have one carry on and one checked bag. I'll be packing a sardine can (I'm only going for a weekend) but I need to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow...how should I pack those?

[CrossCuT]

Airlines also technically allow two carry-ons. A smaller one which includes purse, laptop, backpack, and another one which is more often than not a smaller size of a regular suitcase.

 

If you can get a large suit case you can probably smash it all into that. I fit my pillow and all my other things into a suitcase that I checked. If not, put your pillow in there and bring your sleeping bag as your second carry-on. 

 

[jeffboom]

I would suggest bringing a game boy color with pokemon red/ blue. That should keep you entertained. 

[Spem in alium]

Last year, I flew two long-haul flights alone. Some things I learned:

 

- Definitely choose your seat if you can. Across all my flights I got seats in the aisle, middle and by the window. Favourite: window. Least favourite: middle.

-

 

 

[Spem in alium]

It randomly posted. :( This is what I meant to say:

 

Last year, I flew my round trip from Aus to the US alone. Some things I learned:

 

- Keep an eye out for signs and don't be afraid to ask for help.
 

- If there is a problem, don't freak. I had fairly problematic experiences with my flights - my plane got diverted, there were emergencies, the people at the gate messed up my boarding pass and I couldn't check in, I got lost in the airport, etc. What really helped me was staying calm. So stay calm  :)
 

- If you have a connecting flight, make sure you have a decent layover. It gives you more time to settle.

- Definitely choose your seat if you can. Across all my flights I got seats in the aisle, middle and by the window. Favourite: window (nice views). Least favourite: middle (couldn't get comfy).
 

- Pack entertainment things and essentials in your carry-on. I took some crosswords, books, my journal, my Rosary, toiletries and a change of clothes in case my luggage got lost. They definitely came in handy when my flight was diverted.
 

- Tall people make great baggage handlers. I'm titchy and had some very kind taller seatmates/fellow passengers who helped me with getting my bags in the overhead lockers.
 

- Don't be afraid to chat with your seatmates. Sometimes, be prepared to chat with your seatmates. I had a very chatty seatmate on one of my connecting flights. It really helps the time go by.
 

- Definitely wear loose-fitting things, slip-on shoes and loose socks. It makes the flight much more comfortable.
 

- Make use of the in-flight entertainment. Big help if you're planning to spend about half a day in the air.

 

Prayers for a safe trip  :)
 

[vee]

If you cant haul your bags up and down a flight of stairs by yourself youve packed too much.  if your carry on is too heavy to lift into the over head by yourself youve packed too much.  Youll be fine, jsut make sure you have your ticket and your wallet, change of clothes and your toiletries.  DTW is fine, heck if ds and I can navigate it you can too!!

[the171]

DC, do you have a driver's license or permit?

[FutureCarmeliteClaire]

I flew by myself when I was 11. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Try not be nervous, and bring stuff to do.

[DiscerningCatholic]

DC, do you have a driver's license or permit?

 

Permit. :)