Go to Alaska’s site page titled My Trips and see if you can retrieve your itinerary using the last name and the locator number. You should be able to pick seats ? from there.
I always download a super compelling tv series to my iPad or phone for long flight. And take a battery pack! I can get sucked into the plot very quickly and forget about the flight. And then there’s Xanax if I’m super anxious. I don’t generally end up taking it but nice to know it’s there if I need to. I’d say have actual anxiety medicine rather than Tylenol pm or such bc if you have an actual issue, the Tylenol pm ain’t going to cut it.
Yes to post #60: It’s very likely that if you don’t have seats already assigned, you can pick them now. Picking them as early as possible is best for the greatest choice and lowest chance of being in middle seats. Don’t forget to pick your seat for your return flight too. If you can’t figure out how to do it online, you can call. Just have your confirmation code so the CSR can find your record.
Our email itinerary page says the airline chooses the seats. ?
Alaska is one of the best domestic airlines. And they are in the best terminal in SFO. Good food options.
Yes, on the cheapest flight option they will assign your seats for you. You might be able to pay to upgrade that.
It’s funny, I’ve never bothered checking in online ahead of time like everyone is saying to do. Maybe it’s because I mostly travel with my husband who has grand high mucky muck United status because he travels too much for work so we get the short line anyway, and when I travel without him it’s usually on Alaska to Portland which is a super easy low stress trip from SFO.
This is my advice to take or leave. Call Alaska Air tel:+1-800-252-7522 and tell them what you’ve told us. That you and your husband are very anxious about flying and have not flown for 20+ years. That your son bought you these tickets and could you have some clarification about seat assignments? Ask them if they have any accommodations for those who are fearful of flying. The worst that can happen is that you get an unsympathetic agent and they will tell you that your seats will be picked out at boarding. Then you will know that.
But you could get a sympathetic agent who will walk you through what is going on and will be nice.
My mom screwed up her flight to my sisters over Christmas. I won’t go into the whole ordeal but she booked the wrong day and somehow flagged her credit card for a fraud alert. We have no idea of what she did. My sister called the airline and they changed her flight to one that was very convenient to my mom, which was not showing on their website. We did have to pay a change fee but I think my mom booked a basic economy flight with no changes, it was a mess. I’m sure the new ticket was more than she paid but we were just charged the change fee. The agent also flagged her reservation and she had assistance to get from gate to gate. The agent was really nice about things.
The fear of the unknown is the worst.
Many airlines, airports and private companies run fear of flying classes/clinics. Do a google search for those in your area, perhaps there is one that might help manage your anxiety. The airline classes tend to be the most inexpensive, as some of these offerings can get pricey…some even include a short flight!
@psychmomma if your ticket says Alaska will pick your seats, you have a Saver fare. While very reasonable in price, you may not get to sit next to your H. Also, Saver fare ticket holders will likely be among the last passengers to board the plane, meaning overhead compartment space for your bag could be tight or gone by the time you board and they will gate check your carry on luggage.
Agree with Deb922, above. Call the airline and see what they can do for you. If you have any anxiety about getting gate to gate, or physical disability, ask for wheelchairs. Wheelchairs will let you board early and shepherd you through the process. I bought a Saver Fare on American when flying with my 95 year old mom last fall and when I called about some details, they assigned us seating mid plane and with the wheelchairs, we boarded early
Even if not wanting wheelchairs, you can call and see about upgrading to pre assigned seating and possibly a more plane forward and wider seated spot.
D has assured me that even with Saver Fares they typically seat family members next to each other. That partially worked when we went to Florida. She sat by her boyfriend and I was in the next row.
Regarding meditation apps, Insight Timer is free and has many guided meditations for various situations.
Alaska Airlines Saver fares are described at https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/flight-experience/saver .
Well, whatever we have for tickets is our own fault. S wanted us to come. We weren’t prepared to go and did not look at flights since we were not planning on traveling for the foreseeable future. He chose for us what he would choose for himself. So our kindergarten mantra applies- you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit. Maybe boarding last gives me less time to ramp up my anxiety.
Alaska usually preboards anyone who needs it. Just go when they call preboarding. If asked, explain quietly. I am sure they will understand. Or talk to the gate agent before your flight begins to board.
I am generally not an advocate for drugs, but an anti-anxiety prescription might be helpful in this case.
I agree with @deb922. There is no downside to calling and speaking with an agent. Generally the differential in fee at the time of booking is about $25 between basic this class and general economy (this is for United; I’m not familiar with Alaska). It’s a long shot but, if you explain to the agent (haven’t flown for 20 years, fear of flying, etc.), maybe, just maybe they’d allow you to pay the $25 and switch the class of your ticket. Unlikely but you never know. And, if not, the agent may have other suggestions for you. The worst thing that happens is that the agent says ‘there’s nothing I can do for you’ while the potential upside is significant.
I appreciate all the helpful tips! We are in the home stretch and after having a meltdown (both H and me!) a few days ago, we have stabilized a little, regrouped, contacted our doctor and received meds for our various issues, and have started packing and getting excited.
Lol - if you could only see the insane assortment of remedies and trinkets I’ve assembled to get through this trip - most probably not necessary but giving me a sense of control nonetheless. I found the inflatable travel pillow, packing cubes (love them!), compression bags (haven’t tried yet), carry-on sized suitcase (wow, pretty compact), Dramamine, Bonine, seabands, motionease oil, tiny toothpastes, eye mask, gum, etc. I’m still reading the recommended book and it is really well done. I am so impressed with it and sorry I never read something like it sooner. The funny thing is that reading it makes my stress hormones soar, even as I’m learning techniques to address my stress.
Good luck, @psychmomma! You’ll have to report afterwards as to how it all went and which things worked well for you! I’m sure you’ll have a great time with your son. Hopefully the rain will be gone and you’ll have blue skies when you and your dh are here.
@psychmomma you should definitely blog your travels, including your preparation and travel onto the airplane. If you do this in your laptop or iPad or even your phone, that possibly will divert your attention away from flying.
In addition to the rain, hopefully all the hundreds of potholes created by the rain on 880 and 680 and 101 that I saw on the way to Oakland and SF will go away shortly as well.
We had more snow today and have potholes everywhere. Two days ago everything was covered in sheets of ice. I’m pretty excited to see 50 degrees each day of our trip. It’s finally getting close enough to start checking the weather. Great idea to blog the trip. I have done that on past trips but those were years ago.
Whatever it takes @psychmomma, whatever it takes. I referenced earlier about a podcaster that I listen to who is a nervous flyer who sometimes has to fly. He talks a lot about his lucky sweater that he always flys in and what he calls his amulets that he has to give him the fortitude to fly. Think of it like that, all your stuff is the strength that is helping you to get to your son.
And remember the end, you get to see your son and meet his girlfriend!
Have fun- I had missed the Alaska airline bit but found it. Excellent choice your son made. Pack most things the day before and review what you are taking- edit downwards/upwards. I tend to overpack. I guess I need to remember I can buy things at my destination… I can’t read in a moving car but do not have any motion sickness while flying- even when enjoying the view. Be positive and assume that will be true for your H. In fact, be positive that you have done excellent preparation and that attitude will help.