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Expert
Posts: 1477
  
Location: In the land of peanuts and cotton | I'm not happy about it but that's just the way things are going to have to work. I have to go to Indiana and Wisconsin and there both to far from Alabama to drive. What is the best airline to use? Tell me the ins and outs of flying? What to do/What not to do? What's the best seats? I know absolutely nothing about flying so any info you would like to share would be greatly appreciated. The thought of being in a air plane makes my stomach knot up. Is there any medicine I can ask the dr for so settle my nerves or is a drink before flight the best? |
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 Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | I fly all the time and it is a piece of cake. I personally like aisle seats because i can lean into aisle if there is a larger person next to me. I can also strecth my legs out a lite more. I used to like window seats as they are easier to sleep in because you can lean up agInst the wall of the plane. I also used to like looking out the window. I really dont know if any airline is better than the other these days. Being you are flying from alabama you will probably be better on delta as their hub in in atlanta. Here are aome helpful hints. Make sure your bag is less than 50lbs. Otherwise they will charge you an overweight bag charge. They will already charge you 25 to check the bag in the first place. Get to the airport in plenty of time to check in and check your bad and get through security. Most airports have gone to "kiosk" check in so you go to the machine and check in and the. Pay for your bag. When you go through security you will have to take your laptop out of you bag so be ready for that. Also no liquids can go through security such as bottled water etc. if you dot plan on checking a bag make sure ur shampoo & conditioner and make up , lotions etc are packaged in small container that are less than 3 oz. it will say it on the package and then put it into a quart baggie to go through security. Also make sure your shoes are easy to get on / off as you will have to take them off when you go through security. You can leave rings, earinegs and watches etc on. If it is a long flight buy something in the terminal ti take on flight to eat and drink or eat before you get on plane as most flights dont serve food anymore. I hope that helps. I usually take a book to read nut now many planes has free tv you can watch so take a pair of earbuds to plug in to the plane. Oh some people may take a xanex or a valium or ativan in a low dose to steady nerves but if you are not used to it not sure if i would try it I guess ask your DR for advise.
Edited by barrelbasher 2014-07-23 9:28 PM
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 Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | I usually fly Alaska. Delta is also good and Southwest is good. Southwest doesnt give ticketed assigned seats. Your allowed to board according to your ticket group. Example is A group loads first, then B group then C group. When your group boards you then get to pick your own seats. Obviously being the in the first group to load has a huge advantage. I'm not a real fan of flying either but I have alot of frequent flyer miles racked up. I always, always take a isle way seat. The window doesnt interest me at all and I feel alot more secure in the isle. I also at check in, always go to the desk I dont check in at the computer because I always ask if there is a isle way emergency exit row seat available. Those seats they do not pre-assign as the airline has to physically see you to make sure you are able bodied to assist others in the off event of an emergency. You also want to sit as far forward as far forward in the plane as possible. The back of the plane is the pits.
You will be fine. You are thousands times more at risk on the roads then you are flying. Take a good book or magazine to read to help you pass the time. The only food you can board with has to be bought AFTER you have gone through security. Dont pack large containers of anything like shampoo's, toothpaste, mouthwash, ect. They will confiscate them if more then 6 ounces. Also, bag all personal hygene products and liquids in sealable clear plastic ziplock bags. Have fun and enjoy the new adventure in your life. Dont dread it, embrace it and just think of all the new adventures and opportunities and new things to see. 
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Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | I forgot to add. The reason I ask for exit row isle seat is the exit rows have double to leg room. |
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Veteran
Posts: 166
Location: castle rock, colorado | Talk to your doctor about anti-anxiety meds. Not something to knock you out, just take the edge off. I personally like to get an aisle seat. Easy to the bathroom and not so claustraphobic. Think hard about checking a bag vs carry on. You don't have to be so careful with what you pack (liquids, etc.) if you check your bag. Most airlines charge an additional fee. Allow plenty of time for checking in and security lines. Good luck, relax, and enjoy yourself. |
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Expert
Posts: 1477
Location: In the land of peanuts and cotton | ThreeCorners - 2014-07-23 9:30 PM
I forgot to add. The reason I ask for exit row isle seat is the exit rows have double to leg room.
We actually will fly from Pensacola Fl. Mist likely will go with Delta. Is the price different for A,B and C or is it all the same price? I didn't see this option on line but I'll probably to booking over the phone to make sure I have the right tickets. Due to the fact that I like to have all the creature comforts, is first class worth the extra bucks? I've read some reviews that say it is and some say there's not much difference anymore.
Edited by TessBelle 2014-07-23 9:40 PM
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 Max is Back
Posts: 6795
Location: Flat Rock,IL | I also like Delta. |
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| My husband is a pilot and completes over 65 flights a month and has been flying commercial for 14 years. His Dad flew commercial for 25 years. I know first hand all of the training and regulations they put those guys through. You are going to be just fine. Southwest or United would be my recommendation but for the most part-SW, United, Delta, and American are all good. Southwest is just a little more user friendly than some. Get to the airport at least 1.5 hours before your flight. Don't wear jeans with bling- it will set off the metal detector. Wear comfy clothes. Take something to read or listen to on the flight. Use the bathroom right before they start boarding and don't drink a lot of water or coffee or eat a huge meal before you board. You don't want to have to make a dash for the bathroom or need to potty during the times you aren't allowed to get out of your seat during the flight. Also, keep in mind that the elevation can mess with your digestive system so don't eat a bean burrito the night before you fly if you know what I mean. When they offer you a drink on the plane-try a gingerale. The ginger can help keep gas at bay. During takeoff and landing chew on some gum to help your ears with the pressure. Most of the time it doesn't bother people but just in case you need to pop your ears, it is best to be chewing gum. Depending on the amount of luggage that you take-see if it will fit as a carry on. It is so much better to not risk your luggage getting lost or having to check your bags. Each airline is a little different so look up the regulations for carry ons and liquids on the company website to see what is allowed. If you have to check luggage, keep your essentials with you in a carry on bag-medicine, makeup, tooth brush, a set of clothes to get you by in case your luggage is lost, phone charger, etc. Be aware of the weather forecast for your arrivals and departures. Weather often causes delays and you'll want to be in the know of the status of your flight if it is delayed. Most airlines have apps that you can download to keep you up to date as to what is going on, flight times, flight duration, etc. They are free and help make navigating your flights a little easier. Don't hesitate to ask the gate agents or flight attendants for help or information. That is what they are there for. I hope that you enjoy your flights and have a wonderful time. I'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have. |
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 Famous for Not Complaining
Posts: 8848
Location: Broxton, Ga | Southwest! Have great prices as well! |
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| I forgot to add-if you have connecting flights give yourself plenty of time to get from one flight to another. This is the most common cause of missed flights. If you only have 30 minutes in between flights and your first flight is delayed, that can make it hard to get across terminals to catch your next flight. My husband gives us at least an hour between flights when we travel together. |
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 Ms. Marine
Posts: 4641
Location: Texas | I've always flown US Airways and never had a problem with them. If you do try to get an anxiety medicine, be careful taking it as they are highly addictive. You could just have a drink or two in the airport before your flight to calm your nerves.  |
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Expert
Posts: 1477
Location: In the land of peanuts and cotton | BarrelRacing4Christ - 2014-07-23 10:25 PM
I've always flown US Airways and never had a problem with them. If you do try to get an anxiety medicine, be careful taking it as they are highly addictive. You could just have a drink or two in the airport before your flight to calm your nerves.
That's kinda what I was thinking but didn't know if that was available at the airport. |
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Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | It is Southwest that loads in the A,B,C groups and then you pick your own seats. That is the only airline I know that does it this way. As far as first class, if you dont mind the ticket difference then yes, it is worth it. |
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10D Crack Champion
| Just find someone to visit with and that will help ease your nerves. Take deep slow breaths. Know there will be movement while flying....you will feel up, down, angled left or right. There could be turbulence and you will move a little bit. Kind of like hitting a bump on the road in your truck. When all else fails, rest your head against the back of your seat, take slow deep breaths, and close your eyes. Get "Ear Planes" ear plugs. They work great to help with ear pressure & you can use them to drown out the noise of the plane or a screaming kid. LOL The plane is loud. Get a magazine to look at or a book...maybe listen to music with earbuds from your phone or iPod. Know all of your flight information. Look online ahead of time for the airports where you will be. They will likely have maps on there. That way you will know the layout of the airport & be able to get where you need to go much easier (bathrooms, places to eat, gates, baggage claim, security, etc. Also look up all the airline rules for baggage and such as well as TSA rules. Sorry if I repeated others. I didn't read any other responses. If you get a chance, look at the window when you get up there. Also, tie a brightly colored ribbon on the handle of your suitcase to make it easy to find at baggage claim....You could also tape the handle with bright colored duct tape. Don't forget a luggage tag... So many bags look the same. Don't be surprised if your checked luggage gets a little dirty in all the transporting.
Edited by sodapop 2014-07-23 11:25 PM
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10D Crack Champion
| ThreeCorners - 2014-07-23 10:50 PM
It is Southwest that loads in the A,B,C groups and then you pick your own seats. That is the only airline I know that does it this way. As far as first class, if you dont mind the ticket difference then yes, it is worth it.
Also, if you go with Southwest, check-in online as close to exactly 24 hours before your flight to try to get in boarding group A. You will have better choices of seats. They load group A first. The later you check-in the further you are down in letter group. You can print your own ticket or have them print it for you when you get there. |
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10D Crack Champion
| TessBelle - 2014-07-23 10:37 PM
BarrelRacing4Christ - 2014-07-23 10:25 PM
I've always flown US Airways and never had a problem with them. If you do try to get an anxiety medicine, be careful taking it as they are highly addictive. You could just have a drink or two in the airport before your flight to calm your nerves.
That's kinda what I was thinking but didn't know if that was available at the airport.
Just about everything is available at the airport depending on the airport from what I saw on a news report a few months ago. Just look on the airport's website. You may not need a drink. You might end up loving it. |
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Member
Posts: 42
| I would ask for Ativan or Xanax. That would take the edge off, without knocking you out. I like Ativan. |
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| I also hate flying but it's because I'm claustrophobic and too many people in too small of a box just makes my nerves sing! My Dr. gave me a tiny dose of Xanax to take-but don't drink with it if you get some!!
Southwest used to have it where you could purchase a spot in the A boarding group but I don't know if they do anymore?
I look at seatguru.com so if you get to choose your seat, you can see which ones are better than others-but nowdays just expect the "good" seats to cost more $$$.
Take a light snack to have-like peanut butter crackers or animal crackers, if you think you might be queasy a little something in your stomach may help.
I have flown on American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, U.S. and one is just about as good as the other I think. Customer service is going the way of the dinosaur on all airlines I think! |
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 Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | No way you could get me in the air... but... Just a reminder... much like coming off a horse, it's not the fall that hurts... It's the sudden STOP at the end of it. |
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 Knowledge is Power
Posts: 4051
Location: wherever my daughter's running | I really really do not like to fly. When I have to I have a drink or two before boarding. If for some reason I don't get to do that I order one while flying. If you decide to get something from your dr. take one a few days before your flight to see how your system handles it. I am a real light weight when it comes to seditives. I took one once before a flight and honestly the whole flight was a huge blur. Glad my husband was with me or I don't know if I would have made my connecting flight. Lol. Never will do that again. I love Southwest Airlines. Their planes are always large and 2 bags fly free. I have flown others and have no real complaints about the airlines - just can't deal with the really small planes. I smother. Flying is really a safe way to travel. It just really taps my nerves. I constantly tell myself that thousands of people do this everyday with no problem. You'll be fine. Enjoy your trip. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| Naughty Komet! HA - OMG - YES, they have booze at airports! What do you think people do when they are stranded at them for days on end? LOL! I fly quite a bit also - worked for Boeing and now for Spirit. I can tell you it is MUCH safer than driving! The flying part is really a lot of fun, it's the AIRPORT part that is a P.I.T.A. definately plan for extra time between layovers - 30 minutes is NOT enough especially at larger airports. I hate to say this but plan on planes being late, flights being cancelled, etc. It is a part of flying. Last month on my trip home from Seattle, I made it to Denver then almost all flights were cancelled due to thunderstorms, several in my group rented a car and DROVE 8-10 hrs home, I got a LATE flight and made it in at 1:00 am - I had ALREADY taken the next day off of work pretty much expecting this to happen. Have fun and enjoy the flight though - the take off reminds me of coming through the alley! Fun!! |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | It's really NBD
you are WAY WAY more likely to be hurt on a horse than you are from an airline crash!
I have anxiety, and I have no issues with flying. I would talk to your doctor. They will most likely give you a few pills of xanax. I personally would prefer that over alcohol to relieve anxiety...by the time I drink enough to relieve anxiety, I am pretty tipsy LOL |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? | For me the thing that makes flying least appealing is the fact that I get sinus pressure and nausea. So...my routine that really helps is to start taking sudafed a day before... eat a little something while in the airport waiting and take more sudafed and an advil or two. Then...buy a sprite or ginger ale to take on the plane. And...chew gum during takeoff and landing. One other thing that helps is to get a seat more over the wing area. It's more stable as far as motion sickness goes...and...I can typically get exit row. Looong legs and the regular seats means I have to sit kinda turned in my seat otherwise. Darn planes keep pushing seats closer and closer together!
(I also close my eyes and pray silently during take off and landing...can't help it...I'm nervous no matter what until I'm back on the ground and see my bag made it there with me!!  ) |
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10797
Location: Kansas | The scariest part is that if you fly too close to the sun the wings will melt.
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 Texas Taco
Posts: 7499
Location: Bandera, TX | I have flown a lot, but I hate it. The older I get the more un-nerving it becomes. I still have an old Xanax perscription and I like to take half a pill when I get on the plane... I usually don't touch that stuff.. But since I don't drink alcohol.... It helps to knock the edge off. 
Have a safe trip! |
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I Really Love Jeans
Posts: 3173
Location: North Dakota | If you sit in the back of the plane you will feel more movement, like riding in one of those extra long vans, where you feel every swerve etc... When we fly internationaly we will always sit in front of the wings as far as we can, on the wings and in the back ride rougher. If you are nervous don't drink anything will caffeine at all. Stick with water only, it will not give you a sugar high and will keep you hydrated to prevent motion sickness. It tends to be cold on airplanes so dress in jeans and carry a light jacket etc...Bring some gum, and a magazine to keep you busy. It is natural for the plane to feel bumpy when taking off and landing. Don't worry it is safer to fly then drive!! |
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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | TessBelle - 2014-07-23 10:36 PM
ThreeCorners - 2014-07-23 9:30 PM
I forgot to add. The reason I ask for exit row isle seat is the exit rows have double to leg room.
We actually will fly from Pensacola Fl. Mist likely will go with Delta. Is the price different for A,B and C or is it all the same price? I didn't see this option on line but I'll probably to booking over the phone to make sure I have the right tickets. Due to the fact that I like to have all the creature comforts, is first class worth the extra bucks? I've read some reviews that say it is and some say there's not much difference anymore.
i get exit rows also if I can. 1st class... it's not worth it IMO unless you're coming back from a drink fest or have a super long flight. it's usually 2-4 hours worth of misery and being cramped and you're on the ground again.
I used to be so scared flying. now it's no big deal. I like window seats because I like to nod off and go to the potty before I get on the plane so I don't have to get up and use it mid flight. I always pack very light so I have my one carry on or just check a bag if I have lots of liquids (which I usually don't) no price difference between the seats unless you're in a different class. I've flown on plenty of different airlines and i don't really think it matters that much.
eat a big carby meal at the airport, drink a few beers and get yourself real sleepy then take a melatonin and pass out on the flight if you're worried about it. It always frustrates me not knowing the time and how long the flight should be and how far into it we are. So wear a watch, remember the time when you actually got into the air. i do this especially when i want to sleep because i don't know how long i've been sleeping and I hate bothering the flight attendants with silly questions like, "How many more minutes" (said in my best annoying little kid voice.)
just some food for thought! good luck! Flying really isn't that bad! :) |
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Max is Back
Posts: 6795
Location: Flat Rock,IL | You meet interesting people when you fly.My next connecting flight to SLC to Reno, I was talking with a guy who is a prison counselor for OJ Simpson,I thought this was pretty cool!. |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | I can't offer any tips that haven't been offered... but rest assured that you'll be fine! I've flown atleast once a year for past eight years and I lost my nervousness after about the second or third trip. I don't love flying, but I love getting to my destinations fairly quickly and I do enjoy getting to people watch during the downtime...
just make sure you have some downtime! Always allow for extra time. Having to run thru the airport at the last minute IS THE WORST! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | I've never minded flying and have flown all over, my husband is in the Air Force so flies weekly.... but I have to say... lately with all these planes crashing it has me nervous!! I'm flying today and a little leery, what the heck is going on! jesh!! :( |
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Expert
Posts: 1477
Location: In the land of peanuts and cotton | I just saw where another plane went missing..... |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| TessBelle - 2014-07-24 12:02 PM
I just saw where another plane went missing.....
Yes it did - however, have you noticed that these are all foreign flights?
I can assure you that the standards here in the USA for pilots and equipment happens to be extremely stringent. I have flown so often, I don't keep track anymore. The miles add up and I use them to go explore more awesome places :)
If you can, sit a row or two in front of the wings. Talk to people, take deep breaths, and be prepared with ear plugs as they'll help with the pressure changes. Also, chew gum or suck on a hard candy as the swallowing helps "pop" your ears so you don't get built up pressure - the pressure can hurt and usually is what makes little kids cry. Feel free when you board to tell the flight attendant that this is your first flight and ask if they have any suggestions. They really are nice people who greet you as you board and are there to help you feel at ease :)
Are you traveling alone or with others? Check the airline website for lists of do and don't bring on the planes too.
Good Luck! |
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Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | Griz - 2014-07-24 5:27 AM
Naughty Komet! HA - OMG - YES, they have booze at airports! What do you think people do when they are stranded at them for days on end? LOL! I fly quite a bit also - worked for Boeing and now for Spirit. I can tell you it is MUCH safer than driving! The flying part is really a lot of fun, it's the AIRPORT part that is a P.I.T.A. definately plan for extra time between layovers - 30 minutes is NOT enough especially at larger airports. I hate to say this but plan on planes being late, flights being cancelled, etc. It is a part of flying. Last month on my trip home from Seattle, I made it to Denver then almost all flights were cancelled due to thunderstorms, several in my group rented a car and DROVE 8-10 hrs home, I got a LATE flight and made it in at 1:00 am - I had ALREADY taken the next day off of work pretty much expecting this to happen. Have fun and enjoy the flight though - the take off reminds me of coming through the alley! Fun!!
Great idea!!!
On reaching his plane seat a man is surprised to see a parrot strapped in next to him. He asks the stewardess for a coffee where upon the parrot squawks "And get me a whisky you cow!" The stewardess, flustered, brings back a whisky for the parrot and forgets the coffee.
When this omission is pointed out to her the parrot drains its glass and bawls "And get me another whisky you idiot". Quite upset, the girl comes back shaking with another whisky but still no coffee.
Unaccustomed to such slackness the man tries the parrot's approach "I've asked you twice for a coffee, go and get it now or I'll kick you".
The next moment, both he and the parrot have been wrenched up and thrown out of the emergency exit by two burly stewards. Plunging downwards the parrot turns to him and says "For someone who can't fly, you complain too much!"
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 865
| Take a flying lesson. Best way to overcome your fear of flying! |
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Expert
Posts: 1477
Location: In the land of peanuts and cotton | lindseylou2290 - 2014-07-24 12:21 PM
TessBelle - 2014-07-24 12:02 PM
I just saw where another plane went missing.....
Yes it did - however, have you noticed that these are all foreign flights?
I can assure you that the standards here in the USA for pilots and equipment happens to be extremely stringent. I have flown so often, I don't keep track anymore. The miles add up and I use them to go explore more awesome places : )
If you can, sit a row or two in front of the wings. Talk to people, take deep breaths, and be prepared with ear plugs as they'll help with the pressure changes. Also, chew gum or suck on a hard candy as the swallowing helps "pop" your ears so you don't get built up pressure - the pressure can hurt and usually is what makes little kids cry. Feel free when you board to tell the flight attendant that this is your first flight and ask if they have any suggestions. They really are nice people who greet you as you board and are there to help you feel at ease : )
Are you traveling alone or with others? Check the airline website for lists of do and don't bring on the planes too.
Good Luck!
I didn't take time to see where the plane was from. I just saw the headline on CNN. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| Frodo - 2014-07-24 8:59 AM The scariest part is that if you fly too close to the sun the wings will melt.
Frodo - you're as naughty as Komet! |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | TessBelle - 2014-07-24 8:52 PM lindseylou2290 - 2014-07-24 12:21 PM TessBelle - 2014-07-24 12:02 PM I just saw where another plane went missing..... Yes it did - however, have you noticed that these are all foreign flights? I can assure you that the standards here in the USA for pilots and equipment happens to be extremely stringent. I have flown so often, I don't keep track anymore. The miles add up and I use them to go explore more awesome places : ) If you can, sit a row or two in front of the wings. Talk to people, take deep breaths, and be prepared with ear plugs as they'll help with the pressure changes. Also, chew gum or suck on a hard candy as the swallowing helps "pop" your ears so you don't get built up pressure - the pressure can hurt and usually is what makes little kids cry. Feel free when you board to tell the flight attendant that this is your first flight and ask if they have any suggestions. They really are nice people who greet you as you board and are there to help you feel at ease : ) Are you traveling alone or with others? Check the airline website for lists of do and don't bring on the planes too. Good Luck! I didn't take time to see where the plane was from. I just saw the headline on CNN.
I was over Africa... I would not worry about flying domestically or even in western europe right now. |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | You'll be just fine. Flying domestically is much different than international flights. I dislike flying, but it REALLY is much safer than driving. You've gotten some great advice on here about how to be prepared. Try not to worry, it honestly isn't a big deal. |
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 You just got to get mean and mean it.
Location: Arkansas | Frodo - 2014-07-24 8:59 AM The scariest part is that if you fly too close to the sun the wings will melt.
Sooo, you want a cloudy day or night flight? |
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Expert
Posts: 1477
Location: In the land of peanuts and cotton | Lobo - 2014-07-25 11:29 AM
Frodo - 2014-07-24 8:59 AM The scariest part is that if you fly too close to the sun the wings will melt.
Night! I do think a night flight would be neat. Getting to see the city lights from the sky at night |
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10797
Location: Kansas | TessBelle - 2014-07-25 11:42 AM Lobo - 2014-07-25 11:29 AM Frodo - 2014-07-24 8:59 AM The scariest part is that if you fly too close to the sun the wings will melt.
Night! I do think a night flight would be neat. Getting to see the city lights from the sky at night
Especially awesome over Las Vegas |
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OT. I have to fly on a airplane?... Terrified