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I'm flying for the first time in just over a week. What do I need to know?

I've never flown on an airplane before in my life, but I'm getting ready to go overseas on a missions trip to Poland and Slovakia, and I leave on the 15th of this month. We're flying out of Salt Lake to JFK where we have a short layover, and then onto Budapest in Hungary, and we fly the same way back... I'm excited, but nervous as heck. What are some security precautious and such I should take while flying and while at JFK (and the other airports).. Anything else i should know?

24 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    1) Keep copies of your passport in places other than where you are keeping your passport. If you lose your passport, you want to have proof that you have one.

    2) Keep money in different places. If you get your wallet stolen, you won't be totally screwed.

    3) During the flight, drink a lot of clear fluids (like water) and walk around every so often. You want to make sure you keep your blood moving!

    4) Wherever you go to first, get into the time zone. Meaning if you're going to arrive there are 3:00 PM, treat it like 3:00 PM. Sleep when it will be night time there, even if it's 11 AM in the US. It will help fight jet lag.

    5) Fight the urge to nap when you first get in. It won't do you ANY good.

    6) Just relax. Don't take liquids or pills onto the flights, and everything with an on/off button will have to in the off position for take off and landing.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Bring plenty of flavorful gum and chew it during take-off and landing. This will keep the pressure from building up in your ears. Also, I recommend bringing your own bottled water and snacks. I've flown for 16 hours, and the meals they serve are adequate, but you may want to snack between, and peanuts and pretzels get old after a while! I recommend a bag of dried fruit and nuts, since bringing fresh fruits from the U.S. may be a no-no in Poland & Slovakia, and perhaps some hard candy to suck on. Go with an attitude that you are NOT going to get sick, and you are NOT going to worry when the plane bobbles or wobbles. Remember, where the MIND goes, the body follows! Don't be afraid to look out the window - there's nothing quite like your first take-off and landing! And hey - my son has been flying a plane since he was 8 years old -- if he can fly one, you can ride in one!

    Have a fantastic trip! I wish you well!!!

  • 1 decade ago

    Well, first off, just relax. They say that airplane travel is actually safer than driving in a car. My dad designs planes and can vouch for that. Second, wear shoes that you can take off easily because they will make you do that when you go through security. Anything else you might want to bring like a snack is a good idea. They don't usually have that much snack food on a plane. Also, when flying overseas, they usually will play movies for a fee, so bring a couple bucks. Mainly, don't stress. I flew for the first time over the summer and it really wasn't a big deal. Have fun and good luck!

  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    Budapest is usually described whilst the "Little Paris of Middle Europe" and if you intend to see that town you need to take a peek with hotelbye . Budapest is famous not just for the monuments showing its own 1,000-year-old tradition, but additionally for the relics of other people who resolved here. Remains from equally Roman occupation and much later ruled by the Turks can however be seen in the city. Budapest has two sides, Buda and Pest, stretching across the banks of the Danube, and they're representing two different characters of the city. Suburban Buda and its ancient fort section present medieval roads and houses, museums, caves and Roman ruins. The dynamic Pest part boasts the greatest parliament creating in Europe, riverside promenades, flea areas, bookstores, vintage shops and café houses.

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  • 1 decade ago

    There's a whole list of things you can't take on planes. Lighters, razors, some nail clippers...basically anything that could be used as a weapon. Put items like that into your checked luggage. Wear slip on shoes because they will require you to take your shoes off at the security checkpoint. Also make sure you have a picture id, passport (when outside of US) and your tickets handy.

    As for the actually flying... not bad at all. Take off and landings are the only time you realize you're moving. and unless there's air turbulance its a smooth ride. I suggest taking magazines, an ipod, book, munchie food, gum, and a pillow. You're in for a long flight, so be sure to get up and walk around from time to time. Relax and enjoy your trip.

  • tk
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    OK...I have flowm maybe a 500,000 miles going overseas quite a number of times. I have flown this exact route JFK-Budapest.

    Common sense rules. No weapons including knives in your luggage. Only three ounces of liquid on take aboard luggage. Place in a clear baggie and put in the plastic tray before the X-ray machine. I like to wear slip on shoes since they are easier than tie shoes when going through security.

    Bottomline - you need not worry about a thing and this is very easy. When on the plane settle in, bring music if you can do so, and get comfortable. Get up every two hours and stretch...walk about a bit. This sounds like it could be a Delta flight. If so, nice plane to Budpest, very comfy. Look at your seat assignment. Sign up for your sky miles online. Sign up and check out your seats. Stay away from the galley/kitchen and the bathrooms. Try staying at least six rows from the bathrooms if you can. Try to get on the two seat side of the airplane(either side) and not in the middle. Drink lots of water, bring earplugs to cut down on noise.

    The plane may be smooth as glass in flight or be quite bumpy at times. Do not get nervous...the planes are built to take the bumps in stride...have a great trip.

  • Amy27
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    Don't pack any liquids in your bags or anything else that could get you in trouble. I suggest reading this FAA travel info: http://www.faa.gov/passengers/prepare_fly/

    Also, make sure you don't forget your passport/ drivers license. You may want to buy a little mini wallet that will hold all your valuable travel information / IDs / passport / boarding pass as you will need to keep all this information handy. Some people actually wear a little rope "necklace" that has this on it so they can keep it safe/ handy. Take travelers checks (not credit cards/cash). Also, bring chewing gum on the airplane with you to help with ear popping. Most people have trouble with ears popping at take off/landing, but if you are chewing gum it helps. Good luck & God Bless on your mission trip! Good for you!!

  • 1 decade ago

    I just flew for the first time a couple months ago I was soo nervous. You will be fine. Just chew gum bring magazines and things like that, that will keep you entertained. Flying is so much fun. You will love it. Good Luck. If you are still concerned about it try going to google and find out things about the airplane like what to expect and all... Have a safe flight!

  • 1 decade ago

    Each airport has their own sets of rules. Make sure you follow them. When going abroad, always have you passport with you. Don't pack you precious belongings or documents into the luggage. It can be lost or stolen. Bring a good book to read. If you can, ask for either aisle seat or window. Believe me, you do not want to be stuck in the middle seat. Have fun.

    Not to be a downer, the seat cushion that can be used as a floatation device is not so great if you're plummeting down 20,000 ft.

  • I love flying. I have only flew once, and it was for a missions trip to China. The engines are pretty loud when they take off, but that is normal. It's a lot of fun, especially when you're up in the air and can see everything down below. I did really well with this and I am afraid of heights. So you'll do great. Have a great time on your missions trip! God bless!

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