First plane trip.

[WeMadeIt17]

Ok so i am 23 and i am getting on my first plane tomorrow and the nerves are starting to creep in. I am going from FL to Costa Rica for a bachelor party with my brothers and a few of his friends. Just wonder if there are any tips for me to not be nervous.

I have always feared flying. Never flown before but It just freaks me out. So anyone with some words of advice.

[Beat LA]

I get nervous too.  I wouldn't advise a window seat, especially if you're afraid of heights (I am).  If you have any noise-canceling headphones, they might help you fall asleep (if you can), and maybe just listen to music or watch a movie (if that's an option).  It helps if you're going with people you know, but if not, perhaps a book would help.  Just stay calm and try not to focus on whatever it is that makes you so nervous.  Everything will be fine    Enjoy your trip!

[LooseCannon]

Have a few drinks before taking off.

[D.o.s.]

Bring a book, don't look out the windows.

The descent is the worst part, I think, but you should remember that there's nothing you can do at that point anyway, so stressing is kind of silly.

[Lucky17]

Chew gum.

Also, think about how much fun you're going to have when you get there. Shouldn't be too long a flight.

You'll be fine.

[Roy H.]

Unless you see the stewardes(ses) panicking, there's nothing to worry about.  Even if something feels wrong, it's probably a pretty normal part of flying.

Just bring something with you that you can zone out into, whether it be a book, and iphone, etc.  A lot of planes allow you to connect to the internet now, too, so a laptop / smart phone may be an option.

[BigAlTheFuture]

Keep yourself busy. Some planes offer in-flight entertainment such as movies or DirectTV. This should keep your mind off of things. I fly on planes probably once every 3 months and still get nervous sometimes, but it's natural. Just wear something comfortable, bring some headphones, and you'll be on the ground before you know it.

[TheTruthFot18]

Everyone's first plane ride always crashes. Just a heads up. God speed

[LatterDayCelticsfan]

My problem tends to accumulated tension from sitting around doing nothing hours on end. Distractions such as: pointless chit chat, in flight games and tv,  good books usually help. Sometimes I just stare at the map up front showing our progress and it goes fine. I wouldn't recommend asking the flight attendants "Are we there yet?" over and over again.

[Clench123]

You're gonna die!!!!

[rickyfan3.0...]

HA!! This is great! I am THE WORST flyer on the planet. No lie.

Tips:
-Get drunk
-Take anti anxiety meds (not sleep meds)
-Lift your feet up during take off
-Keep every one of your senses occupied... red a book, while listening to music.
-KEEP DRINKING

Once you are up there you will realize it's totally fine.

[Emmette Bryant]

I'm a white knuckle flyer also.  I think that it helps to remember that the numbers say that it's extremely unlikely that the plane will crash.  Also, if planes crashed all of the time, do you think that people would get jobs as flight attendants?

I read alot when I fly.

I agree that it helps to have a few stiff drinks before boarding.

It also helps to have an illegal smile while flying.

[KGs Knee]

Speaking of flights, I'll be making my 1st cross-Atlantic fight this May.  6 hours to Dublin, and then another few to Rome.

I've flown plenty of domestic flights, some even cross-country, but I'm not in love with the id of that long of a flight.

Really, long flights are the only thing that bothers me about flying.  Really never been anxious about any other aspect.


As Lucky said, though, chewing gum is a good idea.  My ears 'pop' something fierce with elevation changes.