Flying alone for the first time can be intimidating and stressful, particularly if you are a teenager. However, there are steps that you can take to make the experience less anxious and stressful.
An important key to arriving early at an airport is giving yourself enough time to clear security and find your gate.
1. Check in early
No matter the duration or destination of your flight, arriving early at the airport is key for successful travel. Allow enough time for check in, receiving a boarding pass and clearing security.
Plan on arriving two hours in advance for domestic flights and three for international ones in order to allow yourself enough time for check-in, purchasing food and beverages and finding your gate.
Once you’ve found your seat, fasten your seatbelt and settle in. The cabin crew will be pleased to see it’s your first solo flight and they are available if anything arises that you require assistance with. Don’t be shy about telling them if you feel nervous; they are trained professionals capable of soothing any nerves.
An effective tip for flying alone is booking a window seat as these tend to be quieter and allow you to take in the sights more comfortably. In case of emergency, try sitting near an exit so you can leave quickly. Additionally, stretching every few hours helps prevent blood clots. Remember turbulence is perfectly normal and should pass quickly; additionally bring along a USB cable so you can charge your phone mid-flight.
2. Have a plan on how to get from the airport to your accommodation
When traveling abroad, it’s essential that you know how to reach your accommodation. Navigating a foreign city alone can be daunting and intimidating; to prevent getting lost or incurring expensive roaming charges, make sure that you research airports, transport systems and local ways of getting around once you land.
Download maps or guides of the local area so you can get an idea of where you need to go. Notify your phone company of your international travels so they can unlock it if necessary, thus preventing costly roaming fees. Also consider investing in travel adapters and portable chargers to keep your phone charged on the road.
Another useful tip is bringing a journal or notebook with you when passing through security, to take note as you go. This will keep you organized and ensure you don’t forget any important documents such as passport, ID and boarding pass – relieving stress at last minute rush or worrying if you miss your flight! For first time flyers it is wise to arrive extra early as unforeseen travel mishaps could arise and this can also help relax and enjoy their first solo experience flying solo – it is actually quite peaceful being up so high!
3. Don’t leave your packing to the last minute
Staying organized by packing in advance can help make travel less stressful for solo travellers, and can save them from potentially forgetting something at the last minute. For this reason, try starting your packing process the night or at least several hours prior to departure.
Another tip for flying solo for the first time is to pack light. Doing this will enable you to go quickly through airport security without needing to lug around a heavy suitcase, plus keeping things light will decrease the likelihood of overweightiness.
Be sure to include a travel pillow, headphones and snacks for an enjoyable flight experience that reduces anxiety. These items will make traveling much more relaxing!
Before flying alone, it is also wise to ensure you have travel insurance policy. This is particularly important when flying solo as finding someone to call in an emergency can be challenging. We suggest booking with SafetyWing since they offer both short-term and long-term policies; click here to find out more.
4. Make sure you’re hydrated
Flight air is notoriously dry, and not drinking enough water can quickly lead to dehydration, leaving you feeling tired, cranky and even irritable. Dehydration may even result in headaches – definitely something you want to avoid on any flight! To combat this issue, be sure to drink plenty of water both prior and during your journey; avoid any drinks like alcohol and sugary soda as these will only aggravate matters further.
Comfort is key when flying, and wearing comfy clothes and shoes will not only help you relax more but will allow for easier movement on the plane. Make sure to pack an extra light jacket or sweater just in case the temperature drops during your journey.
Finally, make sure that you arrive early for your flight at the airport. This will give you ample time for any travel misadventures or unexpected circumstances to arise while also relieving some stress about missing it.
If possible, it would also be wise to snag a seat near the exit of the plane; this will help soothe nerves and ease anxiety when flying alone for the first time. Plus, this way you won’t need to negotiate fellow passengers or wait in long restroom queues; another great way of alleviating anxiety.
5. Have a book with you
Though you might not think much of it until you’re actually sitting on a plane, bringing along a book can help alleviate any boredom experienced during flights. Plus, reading can provide some great insight into where you’re flying to – be it an historical city or popular beach destination!
Download an audiobook early before flying – this can prevent forgetting it on the day itself when things may become hectic, plus audiobooks make for great way to pass time more effectively than just staring at something for hours at a time.
As a first-time flyer, taking a window seat is ideal; you’ll get to enjoy all of the amazing views as they pass by during your flight – not to mention an opportunity for some incredible Instagram-worthy pictures!
If you’re new to flying, take-off can be nerve-wracking and stressful if you are unfamiliar with its dynamics. Acceleration from an aircraft pushes back against your seat – although less forcefully than when driving a car or riding on roller coasters. However, most plane accidents don’t result in fatalities so it is important to remain calm and pay attention during safety demonstrations conducted by flight attendants.
6. Bring a change of clothes
Flying solo for the first time can be nerve-wracking, so it’s essential that you prepare properly. One effective strategy for doing this is ensuring all of your luggage arrives at the airport with you – this will lower the chances of any mishaps or theft while you’re away from it.
If your carry on bag won’t hold everything you need for the flight, bring along an extra backpack or shoulder bag if possible to store any additional items. However, before purchasing tickets with any airline they may vary in their baggage regulations so always double-check these before booking any ticket.
One of the key components of flying alone for the first time is packing an emergency change of clothing. This will come in particularly handy if your flight becomes prolonged and uncomfortable, so bring tracksuit bottoms or yoga pants that feel soft against your skin as well as a cosy hoodie to stay warm while in flight and don’t forget socks to protect your feet against cold air!
