Q&A for How to Travel when Flying on a Plane

If you're checking a bag, stay away from black luggage; buy something with some color or a pattern on it so you can spot it more easily. You can also use a luggage belt or stickers to make it stand out a little more. Remember to always put a luggage tag on your suitcase with your email and phone number. If you're flying internationally, list your country code with your phone number.

Before you get on the plane, avoid having any large meals or caffeine. These can stimulate your body so it's more difficult to get good sleep.

No, you have nothing to worry about. The plane will be perfectly safe. If you are worried about turbulence, then try to get a seat next to the wing, as you will not feel the turbulence as much. Another tip is to look at the staff on the plane. If they're not scared, you shouldn't be.

Sleep, talk, read, play a game on a device, do some work, read about where you are going if it's a vacation and plan out activities, take a crafts project that is TSA friendly, watch the in-flight entertainment, write a letter of complaint to the airline, go through your phone and laptop, etc and delete all the junk. Phew!

Just a bit of shakiness, like a car going over several speed bumps. If the staff on the plane seem calm, then everything should be fine.

You can try walking over/around the person. If that's not possible, say 'excuse me', shake them a little if necessary, and say you need to go to the bathroom.

It depends on the airline - some planes have screens every few rows or so, some have screens behind every seat, and some have none at all. Most medium and long haul economy classes have screens behind every seat.

Wear an eye mask so you can't see anything and so people around you will know you're sleeping. If the people around you are loud, wear some headphones or ear plugs to block out the noise.

There will be signs on the airplane and they will announce when you need to stay seated. Usually this will be just before takeoff, just before landing, and anytime there is turbulence.

Beforehand, make sure to know all the flight info, memorize it if possible in case you need it. Remember, airport staff and with flight attendants are there to help, don't be afraid to ask them questions. Bring entertainment, relax, and enjoy the new experience!

Yes, you can bring food, just not drinks.

You might want to take a window sit, so that there will be fewer people siting behind you. If you tend to go to the bathroom a lot, you might want to consider an aisle seat instead. It will be easier for you to get up and go to the restroom, and you won't have to deal with climbing over people as much.

That depends on your needs. A backpack can easily be stowed under the seat in front of you for easy access, but a suitcase may be able to hold more objects.

This happens because of the change in air pressure in the plane's cabin. Most people find that chewing gum is very helpful in preventing it.

Here is a basic list for what you will need: Passport (get photo, apply, wait -- give lots of time for this); driver's licence (or other form of ID); and boarding pass. Beyond this, you'll need basic travelling necessities (money, clothes, shoes, medication (if any), devices/reading material, snacks, toiletries, etc.)

Sleeping, talking, playing a card game with someone next to you, listening to music, or eating.

Pretty much anything that's not liquid and is properly wrapped.

If it's an oral medication, it's no problem. If it's liquid, make sure it's in an sealed bag.

While you are allowed to bring strong-smelling foods on airplanes, proper etiquette suggests you should not. Think about the passengers around you. Keep in mind that some people may be sensitive to such smells.

It depends on how long of a trip it is, and how hungry you will be. It also depends on if your trip will occur during meal times, or if it will be sufficient to just bring a snack to hold you over.

It's fairly similar to international flying, the only real differences is that security may be less stringent or, in some countries, non existent. You won't need a passport, an ID card such as a driver's license suffices. You still have to check in, head to security, and go then to your gate to board.

Yes, you always need a passport when you are traveling outside your country.

Provided you're not booked as standbys, then yes you would be able to fly in the same plane regardless of your age.

If you are flying to Texas, then to Qatar, you will be flying on two different airlines. Sometimes, you cannot get all your boarding passes at the first airport. To get your second boarding pass, get off your first plane and go to your new airline's desk or office, or go to your gate and ask about your boarding pass at the gate. To find your gate, look on the TV monitors (they are all over the airport) for your destination city, airline, and flight number. Your gate will be displayed. Even if your gate is printed on your ticket, you should always check the monitors, because your gate may have changed.

Granola bars, yes, water, no. Anything liquid over 3 oz is tossed out by security. But feel free to bring an empty bottle - there are many water fountains!

Yes, there are bathrooms on the plane that you can use at any time except when the captain has turned on the "Fasten seatbelts" sign. This usually occurs during takeoff, landing, and periods of turbulence. It's best to use the bathroom in the airport right before boarding so you don't have to go immediately when you get on the plane.

If you printed your boarding pass, just head directly to security and show them your pass, then head to the appropriate gate.

Use a travel bottle warmer. They're about $15-$20 and you can buy them at Target.

Continually remind yourself that flying is the safest way to travel. You put yourself at a greater risk of death by just walking down the street. There are exactly 0.07 passenger deaths per billion miles traveled on airplanes.

Yes, as long as it is non-alcoholic. You can bring any liquid under 100 ml.