Q&A for How to Prepare for a Flight

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  • Question
    How do I prepare for a 20 hour flight?
    Amy Tan
    Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
    Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000.
    Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
    Expert Answer
    Bring plenty of essential items with you on your carry-on. Pack some chapstick, hand lotion, earplugs or noise cancelling headphones, earphones for the onboard entertainment, a phone charger, hand wipes, pain medicine, a neck pillow, and an extra battery for your electronics.
  • Question
    I'll be travelling on an airplane for the very first time. How shall I get ready? What should I wear?
    Connor
    Community Answer
    You should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring something to do on the plane.
  • Question
    Does it make a person feel funny going up?
    Community Answer
    Yes! In fact, it makes everyone feel weird. This mainly caused due to a slight increase in gravity around you. Don't worry, its completely normal.
  • Question
    What if I don't have a scale at home to weigh my luggage?
    Community Answer
    Get to the airport early. Every airport will have a scale on-site that you can use.
  • Question
    How do I not get scared?
    Community Answer
    If you have anxiety problems, take off and landing are going to be a bit difficult for you. Close your eyes during take off/landing, and take deep breaths. Try chewing gum to reduce the 'popping' in your ears, which will reduce the feeling of panic. If you have the window seat, consider yourself lucky, because you have a great way of distracting yourself. Just look outside and enjoy the view of the clouds. If your flight is during the night, just sleep for most of the time, but if it's during the day, and longer, your plane will normally have a built in entertainment device; just watch a movie on that.
  • Question
    How soon do I check in online?
    Community Answer
    You can check in up to 24 hours before your flight. You should get an email or a text notification that will tell you when you can check in.
  • Question
    How do I verify my flight times?
    Community Answer
    You can verify it by checking the times that are listed on the tickets. You can do this via e-mail, the airline's website, or downloading the airline's app for your phone.
  • Question
    What if I'm underage and going somewhere for 6 hours?
    Community Answer
    Airlines have policies allowing underage people to fly on their own. However, make sure that you have emergency contact numbers for your parents and family. The airport staff may also need them.
  • Question
    Are there bathrooms on the plane?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    What is the usual limit of liquids and gels?
    Connor
    Community Answer
    100 ml per container, with a limit of 10 containers (max 1000 ml).
  • Question
    What can I do as a kid on a plane with parents?
    Community Answer
    Don't whine. Just stare out the window, if your flight is at night, sleep the whole flight. Hungry? Immediately ask your parents when those carts are near. On take off, keep all your gadgets and stare at the window, let your parent wear your seat belt for you, and keep staring at the window. It's pretty cool. During the flight, just go and play some games. Color Switch and Stack, those can eat up your time. Let your parent take off your seat belt while you're at it. Don't kick the seat in front of you.
  • Question
    Should I wear a diaper if there are no bathrooms on the plane?
    Ginger
    Community Answer
    All airplanes have a lavatory (bathroom). So you won’t need a diaper, unless you have a baby with you on the flight.
  • Question
    Why do you feel like you're on a really long car ride on a plane?
    Community Answer
    It looks like you're going really slow. but you're actually going fast. Also, if you're on a plane, it means you are travelling a long distance.
  • Question
    Do I need a passport for domestic flights?
    Community Answer
    No, but you will need some form of government-issued ID.
  • Question
    How big are the carry-on compartments so I know how big of a carry-on bag I can bring?
    Community Answer
    It varies by airline. Reference Method 2, Steps 1 - 2.
  • Question
    Am I allowed to bring a shaving kit on my flight?
    Community Answer
    Check your airline and ask them if your shaving kit can be brought on carry-on luggage. If not, ask if you can bring them on the plane. If not, tough luck, you can’t have stuff you can’t bring until you get back. If you’re not coming back, then buy the stuff at your destination!
  • Question
    Am I able to enter the cockpit?
    Community Answer
    No, you cannot visit or enter the cockpit, as it is a violation of FAA regulations to do so. It is similar across other countries too, as the International Civil Aviation Organization will have set persuasive standards on this issue and expects countries to adopt the same rules to prevent passengers from entering cockpits.
  • Question
    Will I need to go upstairs or downstairs after checking in?
    Simeon Watson
    Community Answer
    It depends on the airport, but most major airports have check-in and baggage claim at ground level and lounge and gates higher up. That is because most modern planes (e.g. B737, B747, A350) are so tall that it is best to use an "arm" for disembarking. So, in most major airports you will have to go upstairs for your departure.
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