If you’re about to take your first trip on an airplane, have no fear - it’s easier than it looks! Here are some ways to make your first flight simple and stress-free:

• Know What To Expect - Flying is much different than traveling by car, bus or train. You have things like delays, random security checks, seat bumps and turbulence. But don’t worry - 95 percent of the flights that Tip Diva has taken have been fine, without any of the four. Most are just a minor inconvenience, unless you get stranded overnight or bumped, which doesn’t happen often. Airlines will often compensate you for any major issues.
• Buy Your Tickets Early - The earlier you buy your tickets, the better your price and seat selection will be. The only airline that seat selection doesn’t apply to is Southwest, which has a unique open seating system. Check in electronically as far ahead as you can - check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight is scheduled to leave. The earlier you check in, the better number you’ll get. You’ll be assigned to either groups A, B or C with numbers 1 through 60. A28, for instances, boards before B2. You line up in order to get on the plane and choose whatever seat you want.
• Choose Your Seat Wisely - If you’re prone to motion sickness, try choosing a seat as close to the wings as possible. If you want extra leg room, book first-class tickets or sit in a emergency exit row - but make sure you’re over 15 years old and able to handle emergency duties if you sit in the latter. If you plan to sleep or use a laptop computer, sit near the window so others don’t have to climb over you. If you tend to use the restroom often, sit in an aisle seat so you can get up without disturbing others in your row.
• Know The Fees - Don’t be surprised if you’re hit with a $25 fee for checking a second bag or a $2 charge for a can of soda. Thanks to rising fuel costs, many airlines are charging extra for things travelers never paid for. Visit your airline’s website or call their customer service line to find out what extra charges you may incur, and ask how they accept payment for those charges. Some airlines, for instance, will only take a check or credit card.
• Know The Rules - Our post-September 11, 2001 world has caused tightened security, while rising fuel costs have caused extra restrictions. Check the Transportation Security Administration’s website for rules about liquids and gels and prohibited items. Also check your airline’s website or call their customer service line to find out any additional rules or restrictions you should know about.
• Prepare For Security - When you arrive at the airport, prepare to go through security. After you check your baggage, have your identification and boarding pass ready. Take your shoes and jacket/coat/blazer off, empty your pockets, remove your laptop from its case, remove your Ziploc bag full of liquids and put them in a bin or two. Carry-on bags should not be put in a bin and should go through the x-ray separately. While your items are going through the x-ray machine, you will go through a metal detector; make sure you have your boarding pass out to show the TSA agent. If your carry-on items cause any suspicion, your bags will be searched and possibly wiped down to check for any dangerous residue. If you beep while going through the machine, you will be asked to check your pockets and go through again. If you beep a second time, you will be taken to a secure area to be wanded down by a TSA agent. If your bags are search and you are winded down, don’t worry - you’re not going to blacklisted and you’re likely not in trouble. You probably just had an undeclared liquid or pointy object in your bags, or forgot to remove keys and change from your pocket. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Speed Up At The Airport.
• Be Comfortable - Make sure you dress in layers, because airplanes can be cold, and you also want to be dressed appropriately for your final destination. If you’re going to sleep, you may want to consider buying a travel pillow and blanket. Most airlines supply these, but can run out quickly. For more, check out Top Ten Tips - Making Long Flights Bearable.
• Clear Out Disturbances - If you don’t like noise, wear headphones. Noise-canceling ones are best, but can be expensive. If you have a personal music player, feel free to listen to it at a volume that won’t disturb others sitting around you. If you want to sleep and the light from the plane bothers from you, get an eye mask, which you can pick up at a store like Target or Wal-Mart.
• Familiarize Yourself With The Plane - Read the safety and evacuation booklet provided in the back pocket of the seat in front of you. Know where emergency exits and the restrooms are. Listen to the flight attendant for additional safety rules and precautions. Let the flight attendant know that this is your first flight and ask if there’s anything else you should know.
• Medicate If Necessary - If you’re extremely anxious or tense, see your doctor about possibly getting medication to help you sit through the flight. If you get bad motion sickness, check with the doctor about prescription-strength anti-nausea medication. If you only get moderate or light nausea, try an over-the-counter treatment like Dramamine, ginger or Sea-Band.

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