First time Flying

[Azriel]

Don't ask me how, but in 34 years, I've never flown. Ok, I take that back. I flew when I was 4, but I don't really remember that, so it doesn't count.

So, now, I have to fly from Michigan to Virginia for work....and I have to make a connecting flight in Philly.

Needless to say, I'm a bit anxious. Okay, I'm scared out of my gourd, but it isn't something that I can say no to. I have to go.

So, any tips from you guys? How to handle the anxiety? How to pack, et al....how to not get overwhelmed by the airport.

Right now I feel like I"m going to throw up.

[Thy Geekdom Come]

[quote name='Azriel' date='Mar 16 2006, 03:55 PM']Don't ask me how, but in 34 years, I've never flown.  Ok, I take that back.  I flew when I was 4, but I don't really remember that, so it doesn't count.

So, now, I have to fly from Michigan to Virginia for work....and I have to make a connecting flight in Philly.

Needless to say, I'm a bit anxious.  Okay, I'm scared out of my gourd, but it isn't something that I can say no to.  I have to go.

So, any tips from you guys?  How to handle the anxiety?  How to pack, et al....how to not get overwhelmed by the airport.

Right now I feel like I"m going to throw up.
[right][snapback]913347[/snapback][/right]
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At least it's not international. :

Carry ID...pack as if you were going on any other trip...if you want to sleep, I suggest taking a small pillow and some dramamine (is that how it's spelled?)...don't panic. It's nothing to worry about. There will be noises on the plane...they're normal. Your ears will pop. That's normal. It's really nothing to worry about...Satan just likes to make us worry, especially over silly things.

I don't mean to imply ANYTHING by this, but go to Confession first. It will calm you down, knowing that you've made peace with God, should anything happen.

Don't worry.

My grandma was afraid of heights...used to spend the whole plane ride praying the rosary.

[Brother Adam]

[quote name='Azriel' date='Mar 16 2006, 02:55 PM']Don't ask me how, but in 34 years, I've never flown.  Ok, I take that back.  I flew when I was 4, but I don't really remember that, so it doesn't count.

So, now, I have to fly from Michigan to Virginia for work....and I have to make a connecting flight in Philly.

Needless to say, I'm a bit anxious.  Okay, I'm scared out of my gourd, but it isn't something that I can say no to.  I have to go.

So, any tips from you guys?  How to handle the anxiety?  How to pack, et al....how to not get overwhelmed by the airport.

Right now I feel like I"m going to throw up.
[right][snapback]913347[/snapback][/right]
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I'm sorry, in my 24 years, I've never flown once, not even when I was a little kid. I don't like the idea much either.

[Era Might]

My advice:

Get it through your head beforehand that the ride will get bumpy at least once.

It happens all the time, to thousands of flights every day. The plane is NOT going down. You don't need to freak out.

[Daniel9]

Hopefully, once you have the first flight, you will enjoy flying. I really like to fly. I agree with you about the airports though...not my favorite places, but you'll do fine.

[Lil Red]

[quote name='Azriel' date='Mar 16 2006, 01:55 PM']Don't ask me how, but in 34 years, I've never flown.  Ok, I take that back.  I flew when I was 4, but I don't really remember that, so it doesn't count.

So, now, I have to fly from Michigan to Virginia for work....and I have to make a connecting flight in Philly.

Needless to say, I'm a bit anxious.  Okay, I'm scared out of my gourd, but it isn't something that I can say no to.  I have to go.

So, any tips from you guys?  How to handle the anxiety?  How to pack, et al....how to not get overwhelmed by the airport.

Right now I feel like I"m going to throw up.[right][snapback]913347[/snapback][/right][/quote]so totally know how you feel...i'm claustrophobic and i get motion sickness, so flying is literally a nightmare for me. anxiety, take dramamine, unless you don't want to sleep. otherwise, if you don't like heights, and/or claustrophobic, ask someone to trade you for the aisle seat (it helps me). packing: pack a book/magazine in a backpack or large purse along with a bottle of water, medicine, make-up bag, and/or small pillow or blanket. if you get cold easily, don't wear a jacket (pack it in your larger suitcase), just wear a sweatshirt or a sweater. if it's only a couple day trip, you can pack two carry ons. (one being your backpack/purse, the other being a smaller suitcase). that way you can avoid waiting for your luggage.

as far as the airport is concerned, act confident and people will treat you as if you know what you are doing. if in doubt, ask someone who works in the airport. i've found that even in larger cities that personnel are helpful if you just ask (and remember your manners).

God bless and I will pray for you!

[quote name='Raphael' date='Mar 16 2006, 02:00 PM']I don't mean to imply ANYTHING by this, but go to Confession first.  It will calm you down, knowing that you've made peace with God, should anything happen.[right][snapback]913353[/snapback][/right][/quote] that's really helpful, i'm sure

[Church Punk]

What air line will you be flying? Being from Windsor and flying Metro all the time I can tell you that Metro Airport (the new part, McNamara terminal) is second to none, If your flight is North West or Delta you will definately be here. It is very big and open and its very easy to find your way around and has with a train and people mover systems every where.

Relax and enjoy it. Perhaps bring some gum for the landing and take off to help equalize the pressure in your ears. I will be a short flight, probably only 1/2 hr to Philly and not even 1 hr to Virginia.

Depending on how long you are going for you probably will be under the allowance for goods. I have flown out of here bringing a whole hockey duffle bag plus carry on and extra and I was still under my limit!

I hope this helps.

[Church Punk]

Oh ya, and dont be alarmed when they ask you to take off your shoes. They need to check everything because of terrorism. So I hope this make you feel safer then!

[Sojourner]

I love flying ... my first flight was when I was just out of college; I flew to a friend's graduation in Texas. From the first takeoff, I was hooked. I like flying in small planes best -- I have a couple of friends who are pilots who have been kind enough to take me up -- but then, I'm an adrenaline junkie. As Era said, there are occasional jolts, but not to worry.

Airports aren't that hard to navigate, for the most part. Just allow yourself plenty of time to get through security and get the lay of the land so you're not rushed to get to your plane.

Try to be efficient in your packing ... the less you have to juggle, the happier you'll be.

[Azriel]

Thanks to everyone .... I think I would be ok if this was just a pleasure trip ... but its also business, and I'm doing it alone.

Punk - Yep, flying out of Metro. Wanted to fly out of Flint but couldn't.

So I'm flying US Air, on a Canadair Regional Jet - only 50 passengers. Leave 6:50 am Monday morning, and arrive in Philly at 8:30...then hook up on a 10:30 flight into Dulles Airport in DC. Then I'm off to stay at the Hilton for two nights before making the return trip on Wed.

Funny thing is I'm not worried about Danielle or how she'll be when I'm gone ... she'll be with Gramma - so she'll be happy.

But thanks again ... and if anyone else has anymore advice ... Please chime in.

Also - I'll have my laptop with me, so I'll let you know when I get there!

[homeschoolmom]

I love flying. My most memorable flight was (I think) from Missoula to Billings MT... in a very small plane (30 seater?) in a storm... UP and DOWN... my husband and I were laughing like crazy and of course everyone could hear us. It was funny. I was glad to see the ground. But those are so rare. Most regular flights are big enough that you don't feel a lot of bumps (though as Era points out, you will feel some and that's okay.)

[Ash Wednesday]

In the past few years, I've flown a lot -- both nationally and internationally. And here I am, safe and sound!

I usually have a rosary with me on the plane, especially to clutch on for takeoffs. But in general I'm one of those wierdos that actually find flights and airports to be kinda cool.

I think Red has all the bases covered.

It's true that drinking lots of water is important. Though I admit that I often fly internationally on Scandinavian or British Airways, where the trimmings are swank and the booze is free.

Statistically, flying is the safest way to travel. There's no less urgency to go to confession prior to driving within miles of your house than there is to fly.

You'll be just fine!

[Era Might]

[quote name='homeschoolmom' date='Mar 16 2006, 05:06 PM']I love flying. My most memorable flight was (I think) from Missoula to Billings MT... in a very small plane (30 seater?) in a storm... [right][snapback]913418[/snapback][/right]
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My plane had to land once in St. Petersburg on the way to Ft. Lauderdale. I don't know why (there was no storm; must have been a mechanical problem). The stewardess took all the kids flying alone (there was like 6 of us) and we had to wait in a room for a few hours. They hooked us up with free food though, cheeseburgers and fries.

[homeschoolmom]

Yeah, statisticly speaking, you're more likely to die on the drive to the airport than the flight.

[Ash Wednesday]

One time I was flying back home from London and the woman sitting next to me was a proofreader working on one of those famous orange "worst case scenario" books, I kid thee not.