Air Travel Tips

Parent Cafe
41

Going along with what @FlyMeToTheMoon just said, I really dislike turbulence but it’s amazing how bumpy it can get before the pilot even bothers telling the flight attendants to sit down. As long as they are still up serving drinks I figure it’s just within normal bumpiness amounts, even if it makes me a bit queasy.

(Separately - if you are flying United economy, I’ll warn you that their security line can really get backed up at SFO. Give yourself lots of time to check in so you aren’t stressed about making your flight.)

42

Online check in can help minimize line time in airports too. Most folks can do so and it is recommended.

43

But be aware that online check-in (or, actually, any kind of check-in) is not the same as going through security. You can’t shorten the security thing (unless you get TSA precheck).

Why do we need to check in?? Why not just show up?

44

Talk to your doctor and get a prescription for Xanax. It’s the only thing that enables my wife to get on a plane. Follow the dosage directions and no alcohol when you are taking it. As others have mentioned, if it’s a long flight consider upgrading out of coach if you can afford it. If the flight is three hours or less, it’s probably not worth it, especially if you are flying on an airline with decent leg room like Jetblue. Finally, leave extra time. Nothing worse than being stuck in a long TSA line stressing about making your flight.

45

@VeryHappy Why do we need to check in? Because the last passengers to check in for a flight are typically the ones who find themselves bumped involuntarily.
Also…why would you want to stand in another line to check in, before you have to go to the security line? As the OP is already stressing about flying, I’d just get the check in part out of the way before going to airport…

46

@psychmomma: For many decades I did not have a fear of flying; in fact, I used to parachute / sky dive. I think that my late onset of this fear is due to lack of control. I would be okay flying a plane (except for the fact that I have no training whatsoever), but do not enjoy letting others in control.

Best to sit in the middle of the plane near the wings for the smoothest ride. I have heard that noise canceling headphones also help. Also, if you cannot get to a doctor for prescription medicine, try Advil PM (sleep aid) before boarding.

47

I used to be a very nervous flier. I was actually prescribed valium (or something similar), which didn’t help during the flight but made me a worthless zombie once we reached our destination. I now have no problems flying, mostly due to some hypnosis tapes I used. The ones I bought were by a guy named Glenn Harrold (Overcome the Fear of Flying) – they are available on Amazon, or maybe you could check them out of the library? I’d maybe try 2-3 tapes by different people, and start to listen to each — just see which one works best for you. A little new-agey, but for some reason they really did the trick for me. I now fly with no issues.

48

You are supposed to be seated with the seat belt on during landing, so this does not seem to be new. The pilot turns on the seat belt light during that time.

However, you might encounter a pilot who turns on the seat belt light at the slightest turbulence early in the flight and then does not turn it off for the rest of the flight.

49

Some are suggesting something like Tylenol PM. The PM part is just generic Benadryl. You can buy that separately so you don’t have the Tylenol if you don’t need it.

50

Just from my typical sleep problems I’ve tried Melatonin (works a little), Tylenol PM (when I want 7 hours, and don’t care about being groggy after), and Benadryl (better sleep, not groggy).

My doctor is suggesting something to take when I get on the plane so I can sleep. Lol. He isn’t getting the part where I may or may not get ON the plane.

OTOH, I wish I could do this without pills, just power through, so I’ll see as it gets closer. Still reading that book and learning helpful things. Maybe just having a pill will help calm me down. I never had a Med when I flew in the past.

Side vent: After ranting, whining, and blathering on all day about how terrible this will be for him (he’s getting two meds for his motion sickness), my H said he thought I’d be over my fear by now since it’s been so many years, and it’s just in my head so… I am seriously considering sitting far away from him when I check us in.

51

We learned that it can be EXTREMELY important to check in online! I have always done so, but my dad hasn’t - he has flown internationally for almost 60 years and just didn’t take the time.

He never had a problem until 2015, when we were flying from London to South Africa. When we got to the airport, British Air informed us that they’d had to substitute a smaller aircraft than the one originally planned. My husband and I had checked in online ahead of time so we were fine. My parents had not, so they were bumped!! My dad is a frequent flier with American, which has an arrangement with British Air, but there were just no available seats for my folks. DH and I offered to give them our seats, but Dad said no, since it was going to be DH’s first trip to South Africa and he didn’t want him missing a day of the safari. That was an expensive loss (private camps are pricey) and BA wouldn’t reimburse any of the cost.

So check in online!! You never know when it might prove critical.

52

I’ll let others handle the fears. Posters- feel free to correct me.

Definitely do the online check in- can be done within 24 hours of your flight so do it as soon as you can. Print out your boarding passes as well. I’m old fashioned and don’t have things on my cell phone- if you are more tech savvy you can have it on that. We also did the checked bags payment but you still have to get in line to check them in.

Plan more time than you think you need- the two hours ahead of flight time once you get to the terminal. Allow time for parking, getting to the terminal. It depends on whether you have someone drop you off, the size of your airport, how far parking is… Sometimes the lot has a shuttle which may not come for 5-10 minutes.

Once at the airline terminal there are kiosks for check in but if you did it at home you’re okay. I do recall using the kiosk for paying for bag check in. Check in your bag (look up how many for how much- most charge for the first bag and we divide up weight- do not go over 50 pounds- this is where having a light bag helps). We often take one checked bag for both of us.

Check the rules for carryon sizes and items. If you take water you have to buy it after security- or take an empty bottle you fill there. That 3 ounce rule applies. This means toothpaste and all other gels/liquids. Buy those sizes at Target/Walmart and pack the big size in your checked bag. Put stuff in those qt sized bags you likely already own. They haven’t always checked ours, but… Do realize they will confiscate Swiss army knives, other stuff you may keep in your purse.

We take our old carry on soft bags that we can stuff under the seat. Rolling bags may be too big for carry on- check your sizes. So many people avoid checked bags there often is not enough room for everyone’s in the overhead bins and they do free checking at the gate. I like having access to stuff without needing to get up and get my bag.

Wear regular shoes- not sandals or heels. Long pants and bring a sweater/jacket for wearing on the plane. You can take a purse along with your carryon- you might want to stuff yours if small into a larger tote so you can have your e-reader/i-pad, books, snacks et al handy under your seat. Be prepared to take off metals- watches, belts et al. Therefore do not wear l a lot of jewelry as well.

Look at the paid food menu to see if you want to buy anything or else take your own food. Many buy at the airport or bring from home. Still free beverages. I have asked for the whole can of soda since the ice in a cup takes up so much volume.

I figure out the timing and use the airplane restroom before likely can’t as well as just before boarding. They changed boarding order years ago- each ticket given a zone and it is not logical. Instead of boarding back to front they mix it up so you wait in the aisle for people to store their stuff overhead.

The good news- absolutely no smoking in the airplane or terminal. You can likely go online and change your assigned seats anytime if you don’t like what your son presumably booked. Get through security to your gate as soon as you can. Park yourselves and let one watch your carry on baggage while the other explores nearby.

Do not pack electronics in checked bags. Look at new rules for batteries in electronics- some devices have caused fires this past year or so. Remember to pack cords and chargers. Set devices to airplane mode once on the plane (remember to undo after you land). I take an extension cord (3 prong) because many hotels we stay at have few/inconvenient outlets- this can go in checked bag. It might help at a house as well.

Have your passport (up to date of course) ready. Check online to see if your state driver’s license complies with the most recent rules- some don’t.

This all sounds complicated but if you go through things at home it will be fairly easy.

Enjoy your trip!

53

^^All very good tips. But I wasn’t aware the REAL ID was going into effect until 2020. Thus, I think current drivers licenses are all acceptable for the OP’s upcoming flight. Will be interested to hear if anyone is required to use REAL ID’s right now.

OP, I’m sorry you have a fear of flying. That sounds really hard. I hope you’re able to combat some of the fear with the advance reading, podcasts, etc. that have been suggested. I know when I’m upset, I like to be distracted so saving something like a favorite show, movie or book for the plane would be good.

Also, are you flying Southwest? I ask because you referenced (perhaps jokingly) sitting far from your not super sympathetic husband after his comment about your nervousness. I can’t think of another airline for which you shouldn’t have an assigned seat at this point (but maybe there’s a particular low cost carrier I’m not familiar with). If you’re on Southwest and you think it will make your flight less stressful, you can pay an extra $15/flight and be in the first 30 to board. That would provide you with greater flexibility in selecting your seat. And I know you were considering flying with just a carry on bag. Not sure where you ended up on that but you would also have early access to the overhead bins.

Was suggested above but I always bring an empty water bottle and fill it after going through security. Really bugs me to pay $3 for water and I’m happy to not create another empty plastic bottle. Food at the airport is very expensive and on planes it can be both expensive and limited in options. If you’ll want/need a meal, consider bringing it from home. If you really just need snacks, I’m sure you can think of some but my favorites are grapes and almonds as they travel easily.

54

Another trick I use is that I don’t look out the window any time it feels like the plane is turning. That view of ground or sky distresses me. And I expect turns after takeoff and as we approach— they are normal and necessary, not a sign of a problem (as my reptilian brain wants me to believe!).

55

Upgraded boarding on SWA to A1-A15 is $30, $40, or $50 depending on the flight. You will still board AFTER all the preboards. I flew on a flight with 28 preboards once.

On some United ticket classes you need to pay extra for your carry on (not the personal item.)

56

Wow, I’ve never seen that many preboards (or anything like it) for a SW flight.

57

We are flying Alaska Airlines and have standard economy tickets. I didn’t think we had seats yet, but I could be wrong. The email makes it sound like there are no changes possible.

Our son was so anxious for us to visit, he booked our trip, not realizing we are old, on the larger side, and possibly would be a little pickier if booking this first flight in many years for ourselves.

58

Customers of size seating guidelines for Alaska Airlines. https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/policies/seating-customers-of-size

I have not heard of accommodations for age while flying. Airlines do provide wheelchair assistance if you cannot walk.

59

Check in exactly 24 hours ahead of flight time on the web page or airline app so that you can select seats then.

https://seatguru.com/airlines/Alaska_Airlines/information.php can give you information about the seat width and seat pitch on Alaska Airlines aircraft.

60

I recall getting our Alaska seat assignments much sooner than the boarding passes. Alaska is a good airline- check out their food choices for your flight. They began nonstop flights from Tampa to Seattle a few years ago- so much nicer than changing planes.

I have lists I use for travel that I update every few years. Writing down what to take- from underwear to sunglasses to… helps me to remember everything. I also pack the night before so I can make changes if the suitcase seems too full without worrying about the time.

You can read the travel tips on airlines’ websites- a lot of good info there. Also look at floorplans of the terminals so you know how far you need to walk. If you are rather out of shape as well as large do consider wheelchairs or at least being able to get cart rides in the airport. When you have your flight info you can go to your online itinerary and check off some special needs.