Flying by myself.

[Amina516]

Yes, Im a grownup,(kinda) but I've never flown by myself.

Im leaving for a conference on Sunday and will be traveling from PA to CA on my own. Unfortunatelly, its not a nonstop flight and I will have to catch a connecting flight each way. That also has me all worked up.

I'm nervous. Any tips for not looking like a noob? Thanks all.

[Sheldonrs]

If you fly alone, don't tell people you joined the mile-high club during the flight. lol

[Chanlin]

I flew on my own with two 1 hour flights and a layover for 45 minutes. It's not so bad. The big thing is making sure you aren't bored during the layover. I had a book with me for my flights and layover.

Mine was pre 9/11 though so I can't as much speak to it now. But each time I made sure to double check I was at the correct gate with the employees there.

Best tip I got really was not to say out loud you're flying alone.

[TheSHAD0W]

Well she's flying by herse-elf, wuh-uh-uh-oh!

[Mytical]

Ok, this might sound like paranoia.. but here is some tips. Make sure you always keep an eye on anything you bring with you, if you carry a purse put the strap diagonally across you. Might even want to buy a 'fanny pack' as silly as they look so to put money, etc where you can keep an eye on them.

Bring something to pass the time, but nothing that will make you miss the boarding call.

Make sure to keep up on what you can and can not bring on a flight.

[Chromatix]

fanny pack

If you do get one of these, be careful: wear it in *front* of you, otherwise it's scarcely better than a back pocket; and make sure that it won't interfere with the seatbelt while on board. The stewardess will want to *see* that the belt is fastened, so my advice is to take the bag off and stuff it in the magazine pocket while you're sat down.

Get comfortable with reading the departure screens in the terminals - you'll need to read them quickly and accurately during the transfer, especially if the first leg is delayed. The key information to look for is the *flight number*, not the destination. This is complicated by the fact that many flights are "codeshare" and thus have several flight numbers simultaneously.

To make this easier, look for the scheduled departure time as printed on your ticket - this will narrow it down to about a dozen flights (at a large, busy airport) which you can then easily scan for the correct flight number.

Remember that the departure time is not the boarding time - it's the time the aircraft leaves the gate with the doors already locked. You need to be at the gate at least 15 minutes before that, and you should aim to go through security at the correct terminal an hour before (since you never know how screwed up security can get these days). This in turn means you should be at the departure airport to checkin two hours ahead of time. It's a lot of "hurry up and wait" which, of course, is why trains are more popular for domestic travel in Europe and in Japan.

[Monica]

I actually went from PA to CA a few years ago. That was my first trip by myself.

Keep an eye on the monitor at the gate. I glanced at it one time and they have moved my flight all the way on the other side of the building. Let's just say I made it right before they started boarding.

Make sure you know what you need out before going through the x-ray machine. Those items will need to be put in the bins. Your shoes as well. So wear some that are easy to put on and take off.

Decide ahead of time if you want to have a checked bag or not. You will have to lug this through the airport if you decide to take it with you.

Also, the plane I was on had t.v.s on each seat (the seat in front of me). Bring earbuds, or whatever it is you have, They are around $5 for these, so you may want to bring your own. You can still watch the t.v., but can't hear it without them.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

Rest your arms; they're probably going to be very tired.

Where are your layovers?

[Moirae]

First time I flew by myself it was scary too. Just breath. It isn't as bad as it seems. Your head is making it worse than it actually is. Keep your wits about you though, don't run around the airport with earphones in for example. Just like walking down a street, you need to be aware of whats going on around you.

[chikenlady]

Check with your airline on what can and cannot be brought with you either in checked luggage or carry-on. Bring your own snacks as they can be expensive on most flights.

[Jester]

I've posted many road warrior tips before. But I realized reading this that, as much as I've flown, I've not posted air travel tips. So, without further adieu....

Jester's Air Travel Tips (or, How to Not Get Stranded in the Omaha Airport):

Unless otherwise indicated, one should always arrive at the original departure airport two hours before flight time. This gives you time to check in, check any bags you need to check, get through security, find your gate, find the bar to wait at (hey, these are MY tips for sir travel!), and get in your plane.

If you checking a bag, remember, the following items should be in it rather than your carryon or your pockets: knives, wine keys, nail clippers, toiletries (especially if you have any toiletries that are more than 3 oz. fluid), and any booze you may be bringing as gifts. Again, these are my travel tips, but I've actually done this, and as long as they are sealed and in your checked bag, you're good to go.

If you're not checking a bag, don't bring any of the items listed in the above paragraph for the checked bag. They won't let you bring them in your carryon. Period.

Be polite. These people are the gatekeepers. And you never fuck with the gatekeepers.

As you approach security, you will want to have your pockets empty. They will tell you this, but it's easier to do if you know it's coming. I generally put everything that's in my pockets in my carryon (which in my case is my backpack). This includes change, cell phone, wallet, keys, coin change, decks of cards, pagers, beer coozies, shopping lists, phone numbers of people you met at the bar last night, phone numbers of people you met at the bar last month, gaming dice, and condoms. Basically, anything the average person might have in their pockets. Or anything in your pockets. Out. Into the carryon.

EXCEPT: your ticket/boarding pass and your ID. Have those in your hand, ready to hand to whoever. Do not part with these, period. Yes, this sounds like I'm being paranoid. As these are the only two things that the TSA agents ever ask you for, I don't think it's that paranoid.

Also, when going through security, remember that you will have to remove your belt, if wearing one, and remove your shoes, which I imagine you'll be wearing. The easi to remove, the better. But remember, airports and airplanes can be a bit chilly, so if you're like me, you might want to have socks on. Which is why I never wear sandals while flying. Because sandals and socks are just lame. (I normally wear sneakers, though this last time I had the brilliant idea to wear boat shoes/sebagos, which are sorta like outdoor slippers. Slip on and off easily, and actually have a sole and a tread.) if your feet don't get cold, feel free to go with flip flops. Or whatever.

Remember, you can reassemble all footwear, belts, and pocket items once you've been cleared through security.

I've never had a problem at serenity with ball caps, visors, or glasses, though you will want to take off sunglasses or clipons for the security checkpoint.

Regarding the 3 oz. liquid rule: they are very serious about that. That being said, any liquids you buy in the terminal after going through security ARE allowed on the plane. Just so you know. And since you don't have to go through security again at the connection airport, you're good to go for the whole trip with any post-security liquid purchases.

Carryon Bag Tip:
Always stow your carryon above and near your seat or forward of it. If you're bag is behind you, it's close to impossible to retrieve it until everyone else has left the plane, if you don't want to impede them. If you don't understand why I'm saying this, when you see how the plane empties, you will. Also, when boarding the plane, once you find the overhead bin for your carryon, remove any items you think you might need during flight, such as books, magazines, electronic readers, tablets, etc. Easier to have at your seat from the beginning than to try to get them later. Especially if you don't have an aisle seat. (I prefer window seats, but I'm fascinated by the takeoffs and landings.)

JESTER'S GOLDEN RULE OF CONNECTING AIRPORTS: I follow this religiously. When landing, listen to the flight attendants (even if you've ignored their spiel the rest of the flight, as most people do, including me), as they often mention the gates of various connecting flights. If they mention yours, great! But double check it once you're in the terminal. If they don't, bummer! You're gonna have to check it once you're in the terminal. Once you land, and you've gathered all your stuff from the airplane (whatever you bring to your seat and your carryon), head into the terminal, find out what gate your next flight is at (SEE BELOW), and head immediately to that gate. You don't want to be searching for it later. Once you find the gate, check in if necessary. If unsure, ask at that gate. If no one is there, it is possible you are there VERY early. Make sure you check in within an hour of your connecting flight's departure time. Once you've found your gate and checked in, feel free to use the bathroom, hit the bar, relax with Angry Birds on your phone, or whatever. Just know to be at the gate at whatever time the agent at the gate told you you should be at the gate. They kinda know this shit.

Short version: Find gate. Use restroom. Hit bar.
Emergency version: Use restroom. Find gate. Hit bar.

Note on finding connecting flight: with respect to the person who suggested finding it by departure time, I disagree. Know your destination city AND your flight number. (Both will be on your second boarding pass.) When you find the flight information boards, find your destination city, and make sure it has your flight number. If it doesn't, there are more than one flights to your destination. Keep looking. But the easiest way to find it is to find the city, then then flight number. Once both match, find the gate.

(I stress getting to the connecting gate ASAP because in some airports, you may have to go to a different concourse, across the airport, or whatever. You may get lucky and have it be the gate directly across from the gate you landed at. But you need to be prepared for this to not be the case.

Baggage Claim Tip: When you get off your final flight, hit the bathroom if you need to. Trust me, you have time. Then find baggage claim (every airport has very clear signs directing you there), and find the originating city and flight number of your last flight, and what carousel its bags will be on. And then comes the fun! It's tempting to position yourself right near the area where the bags come out. This is fine if it's not crowded. But the most important thing is to get a spot where you have a little wiggle room, so that when you see your bag and grab it, you have enough room to get it off the carousel if you need to leverage it. Which you usually will. Also, know what your bag looks like. If it's a standard black Pullman, like EVERYONE ELSE'S, you might consider marking it with some little colorful hair tie or some such. I have a maroon Pullman, which is not what I wanted, but it's easy to spot among all the black ones. Which was an unexpected bonus.

Finally, remember that airport bars are not cheap. But you're not the pilot. Have a damn drink!
(What the hell else are you gonna do in an airport?)

[Headset Hellion]

Be prepared when you go through security. Don't wear pants that require a belt. Wear shoes that are easy to get off and on. Take off your coat and start taking out your laptop, quart-sized bag of 3 oz. liquids, medication, etc, before you get to the front of the line. Remember that your laptop goes in it's own bin to be x-rayed.

Finally, drink all your booze before entering the security checkpoint.

[Caffienated_Caramel]

If you bring anything that needs to be charged (besides you phone), I recommend to have the charge cords wrapped up and in a ziploc baggy. That it saves you a headache from fishing around in your carry on/personal bag for your charger, only to find it tangled around something.

Speaking of carry on's, I've liked keeping my hands free and used a back pack as my carry on.

Definitely check the screens time to time for your flight. You never know when the gate may change on you.

[Sapphire Silk]

If you're the anxious type, don't drink before flying. If you drink too much, they won't let you on the plane.

If you have flight anxiety, ask your doctor for some Ativan or something.

Most airports are very safe, but there are thieves so don't leave your stuff with anyone unattended, no matter how nice or harmless they seem. Don't agree to watch anyone else's stuff, either.

Travel light for the carry on. I keep it to my laptop, charger, light snacks, and any meds I might need in a pinch. Remember, you may have to make a long foot trek to catch your connecting flight; they always seem to be on the other side of the airport. If you drag along all your luggage because you don't trust baggage services, it will slow you down. Travel light.

[Jester]

Forgot earlier in my comments about ID and boarding passes to mention that you should absolutely NEVER put these items in your checked baggage. Because if you forgt to retrieve them and they end up on the flight....you won't.

Always have those two items in your carryon or a secure pocket, or in your hands when you go through security.