Deal with Traveling in a Plane for the First Time

Traveling in a plane for the first time: you're stuck in a room with people from anywhere to half an hour (local flights) to 17+ hours (international flights). Here are some tips for coping with your first flight.

Steps

Bringing Things to Entertain Yourself

  1. Bring a book. If the plane you're traveling in doesn't have a movie screen, it is definitely recommended to bring your favorite book or magazine along. Or, bring your journal to record your thoughts on your first trip!
    • If you're bringing a carry-on backpack, consider packing essentials like chapstick, hand lotion, a phone charger, hand wipes, pain medicine, and a universal adapter.[1]
  2. Take something like an iPad along, if you'd like, to play games and maybe watch a movie or two if your flight doesn't have a movie screen. It's a great way to pass the time!
    • Pack a portable power bank or two as certain models of planes don’t have USB ports or plugs. Be sure to review TSA and the airline’s guidelines about power banks.
  3. Take headphones with the universal circle plug as many older planes may not be compatible with non-circle-shaped audio ports.
    • You can find adapters that can plug into non-circle-shaped ports to become compatible with the circle audio ports.
    • Your airplane may have music available to listen to. If so, this is also a good way to relax and fall asleep. Plug your earphones/headset in and settle down comfortably, listening to whatever genre you want, but make sure it's at an appropriate volume.

Getting Some Sleep

  1. If this isn't a local flight, chances are you'll be jet lagged (exhaustion due to traveling through different timezones) so catching a few ZZZ's are a good idea. Sleeping is also another great way to pass the time!
  2. Bring a toothbrush for when you wake up to avoid that gross taste in your mouth.
  3. Bring your most comfortable pillow/stuffed animal! It's always comforting to cuddle up with something that smells of home. Red-eye flights (overnight) usually give you a blanket and a pillow, but they're not the most comfortable.

Feeling Prepared

  1. Take a "Barf Bag" if you're prone to motion sickness.
  2. Take some gum to chew on the trip. It will help you feel less stressed.
  3. Don't get worried, but don't overpack! You won't want to have to deal with last-minute “how-do-I-fit-this-in?” moments. Stuff your socks in your shoes, your underwear in your clothing to make it less bulky. Don't bring too many things to entertain yourself either, because usually you end up not using it in the first place.
  4. Take deep breaths and get excited for your first trip across the skies.



Tips

  • Remember to change your device's settings to Airplane Mode. This is because without that, mobile device and laptops constantly search for a Wi-Fi network. The crew wants to make sure this doesn't interfere with any of the plane's systems.
  • Bringing your own headphones is a good idea. You won't want to bother other people. Some airlines give out free headsets, while others make you pay. It's worth it to bring your own.

Warnings

  • On many flights, avoid trying to use wifi. Also, don't use electronics until the announcement that says you're allowed to (longer flights); it could tamper with the plane's system.

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References

  1. ↑ [v161306_b01]. 12 March 2020.
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