admin When you think about it, flying is pretty crazy. You get in a metal tube, hurl it through the sky like a cruise missile and trust that things will be OK. This article covers everything you need to know if you’re planning on flying for the first time—and we mean that literally. Flying for the first time can be an exhilarating and slightly nerve-wracking experience. But with these tips and tricks, your first flight will be smoother than ever before.
What To Pack For Your First Flight
If you want to travel like a pro, you’ll need to pack like one, too. Make sure you have everything you need to travel comfortably and confidently. To start, make sure you have a valid passport. If you don’t have one, you may want to apply for one ASAP so you can get it in time for your trip. You’ll also want to make sure you have the right travel documents for any kids you’re bringing with you on your trip. On that note, make sure you have all the shots your kids need before you leave. You don’t want to run into any problems with that once you’re at your destination. Next, you’ll want to make sure you have your travel itinerary. You may also want to pack an extra pair of glasses or an extra pair of contact lenses in case you misplace or lose a pair during your trip.
Pack Just The Essentials
If this is your first time flying, don’t go overboard with the packing. You don’t want to be weighed down with tons of luggage as you navigate airport check-in and security. Remember, you’re going to be in a small space with lots of other people. Make sure you only bring what you truly need. Make a checklist of everything you need to pack before you start packing. This will help you stay on track and make sure you don’t forget anything important. You’ll be thankful for this checklist when you’re staring down a mountain of bags, trying to remember what all you have to pack. Remember that you’re going to have to check your bags and you’ll have very little control over what happens to them after that. So, if you’re bringing something really valuable (like a laptop or expensive camera equipment), you may want to bring a hard-sided case for it. This will help protect the contents of your bag if it gets tossed around in baggage handling.
A Guide To Airplane Food
Despite the widespread belief that airplane food is disgusting, it’s actually not that bad. And if you’re flying domestically, you can even get a free meal! The trick to having a pleasant experience with airplane food is knowing what to expect. You won’t be getting a gourmet meal, so don’t expect to be dining at a five-star restaurant. Make sure you’re familiar with your airline’s meal service schedule before you fly.
Assessing Your Comfort Level
There’s no way to know for sure what it’s going to feel like to fly until you’re in the situation. Some people have a natural predisposition for it and are totally at ease, while others are terrified. If you’re concerned about feeling uncomfortable or anxious about flying, try to do some mental preparation beforehand. Flying is a lot like any other type of travel: It’s an experience that involves a lot of uncertainty. You don’t know exactly what’s going to happen, outside of the basic logistics of getting from point A to point B. But even those are prone to change. One thing you can do to help yourself relax is to try to get some sleep before your flight. If you’re well-rested, you’ll be less likely to notice the discomfort of your flight. Some people also find that meditation or mindfulness exercises can be helpful when you’re feeling anxious about flying. You also may want to bring something to do on the flight to distract yourself from any anxious feelings you’re having.
Research your airport and airline
Before you fly, make sure you’re familiar with your airport and the airline you’re flying with. Make sure you know where your airline’s terminal is located, as well as how long it takes to get there. You also want to know what the airline’s policies are. Many airlines have policies in place that limit the amount of time you have to check in. Make sure you’re familiar with these policies and arrive at the airport early enough to account for any potential delays. While you’re researching, you may want to check out the airport’s website and social media pages. Many airports have a “frequently asked questions” or “FAQ” page that can give you helpful information.
Check in and get to the airport early
Before you even think about checking in for your flight, you should have a clear idea of what airport you’re flying out of, what airline you’re flying with and what time your flight leaves. You’ll often be able to find this information on your airline’s website. Once you have this information, you can use it to determine when you need to arrive at the airport. Many airlines now have apps that allow you to check in for your flight right from your phone. If your airline offers this, it’s a great way to save some time at the airport and get where you need to go. When you get to the airport, check the airport’s website and social media pages for any updates you need to know about. For example, if there’s a storm coming through your area, they may have changed the flight schedule.
Dress for comfort (and bring comfy shoes)
You don’t want to go overboard and wear a tuxedo for your flight, but, at the same time, you don’t want to show up to the airport in your pajamas either. You want to be comfortable, but you also don’t want to look or feel disheveled. Wear a shirt that isn’t too loose or too tight. You don’t want to show up at the airport with a wardrobe malfunction. You also want to make sure you bring a travel-size toiletry bag with you. This will give you a place to put any medications or beauty products that you may need during your flight.
Get acquainted with the in-flight safety features
Just like you’d read the instructions for any complicated piece of machinery or software, you should make sure you’re familiar with all the parts and pieces of your airplane. This will help you feel more at ease and prepared if there’s ever an emergency. The first thing you should do is scan the Emergency Evacuation Procedures card as soon as you sit down in your seat. This is usually located behind or under the seat in front of you. Next, you should familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest emergency exits. The best place to do this is by looking out the window when you’re taxiing in to land. You’ll also want to know where the nearest first-aid kit is. This will give you access to any supplies you may need to help treat yourself or another passenger.
