How to Deal with Traveling in a Plane for the First Time

Co-authored by Amy Tan

Last Updated: May 26, 2021 Approved

Traveling in a plane for the first time: you're stuck in a room with people from anywhere to half an hour (local flights) to 17+ hours (international flights). Here are some tips for coping with your first flight.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Bringing Things to Entertain Yourself

1
Bring a book. If the plane you're traveling in doesn't have a movie screen, it is definitely recommended to bring your favorite book or magazine along. Or, bring your journal to record your thoughts on your first trip!
- If you're bringing a carry-on backpack, consider packing essentials like chapstick, hand lotion, a phone charger, hand wipes, pain medicine, and a universal adapter.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Amy Tan
  Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
  Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.}
2
Take something like an iPad along, if you'd like, to play games and maybe watch a movie or two if your flight doesn't have a movie screen. It's a great way to pass the time!
- Pack a portable power bank or two as certain models of planes don’t have USB ports or plugs. Be sure to review TSA and the airline’s guidelines about power banks.
3
Take headphones with the universal circle plug as many older planes may not be compatible with non-circle-shaped audio ports.
- You can find adapters that can plug into non-circle-shaped ports to become compatible with the circle audio ports.
- Your airplane may have music available to listen to. If so, this is also a good way to relax and fall asleep. Plug your earphones/headset in and settle down comfortably, listening to whatever genre you want, but make sure it's at an appropriate volume.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Getting Some Sleep

1
If this isn't a local flight, chances are you'll be jet lagged (exhaustion due to traveling through different timezones) so catching a few ZZZ's are a good idea. Sleeping is also another great way to pass the time!
2
Bring a toothbrush for when you wake up to avoid that gross taste in your mouth.
3
Bring your most comfortable pillow/stuffed animal! It's always comforting to cuddle up with something that smells of home. Red-eye flights (overnight) usually give you a blanket and a pillow, but they're not the most comfortable.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Feeling Prepared

1
Take a "Barf Bag" if you're prone to motion sickness.
2
Take some gum to chew on the trip. It will help you feel less stressed.
3
Don't get worried, but don't overpack! You won't want to have to deal with last-minute “how-do-I-fit-this-in?” moments. Stuff your socks in your shoes, your underwear in your clothing to make it less bulky. Don't bring too many things to entertain yourself either, because usually you end up not using it in the first place.
4
Take deep breaths and get excited for your first trip across the skies.

Community Q&A

Question

What precautions should I take during takeoff and landing?

Community Answer

Be aware that your ears will pop/ring because of the changing elevation and pressure. Consider bringing gum or something to chew on during takeoff and landing to combat this. The attendants on your flight will go through all of the precautions you must take.
Question

Can an 18-year-old travel alone on a plane?

Community Answer

Yes.
Question

Can a 17 year old travel alone?

Community Answer

Young adults ages 16 and 17 may travel alone on any United- or United Express-operated flight.
Question

What if I get super scared? How would I calm down?

Community Answer

Just take deep breaths, close your eyes, and remind yourself that everything is okay. It could also help to go take a walk around the plane or to the bathroom (if the seatbelt sign is off) to calm down and recollect yourself.
Question

What is the chance that the airplane will go down?

anonymous user

Community Answer

The odds of an airplane crash is 1 in 11,000,000 (for every 1 airplane crash, there are about 2,220 car crashes). The statistically safest aircraft is the Airbus A340. If you are scared about the plane crashing, know that the back of the aircraft is safer. The best seats are in the aisle and within 5 rows of a door.
Question

Can I bring my own food?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.
Question

How does it interfere with the plane's instruments if phones and other devices are not on "airplane mode"?

Olivia H.

Community Answer

Some electronics can interfere with the plane's navigation systems through electromagnetic interference, or electromagnetic radiation. Airlines have different rules about electronics, it's best to just stay safe and turn off your devices when instructed to do so.
Question

If I'm on an electronic device on the plane, could that distract the pilot?

Community Answer

Not directly. However, if your devices are not in airplane mode, using them can interfere with the instruments that the pilot uses to help him or her fly the plane. This could result in some distractions for the pilot. The safest thing to do is follow all the instructions that the flight crew gives to you.
Question

Is turning off my WiFi the same thing as putting my phone in airplane mode?

Community Answer

No, it's not. Airplane mode deactivates mobile data and telephone coverage. If your phone does not have an airplane mode option, you can turn it off instead.
Question

Can 10-year-olds fly alone on Virgin Australia from Launceston to Melbourne?

Mzm555

Top Answerer

Yes; however, you will need to contact the airline to make a special booking for an "unaccompanied minor" (ages 5-11 years old).

Warnings

On many flights, avoid trying to use wifi. Also, don't use electronics until the announcement that says you're allowed to (longer flights); it could tamper with the plane's system.

Thanks!
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