Tips From Someone Who Recently Flew for the First Time

In June I took my first ever plane ride from Pittsburgh to Boston. After my experience, research and advice I have compiled the best tips for a first-time flyer.

First off, let me say I was REALLY nervous about flying. Of course, I heard stories over the years about how terrible getting through security is and how some TSA officers yell at you and like to overuse their authority. 

I did a lot of research on Pinterest and online about flying trying to find tips and tricks. I also sought out advice from friends and family who have flown before.

The information I researched and received was a bit overwhelming and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. After it was all said and done I felt really silly because I was anxious over nothing and it was much easier than I had expected. However, there are a few things I will do differently next time and some things I wish I would have done to make my flight easier. 

Neck pillow

In my research, everyone said to have a neck pillow and it was there “must-have” item. I do not own a neck pillow and felt that it was an unnecessary expense for an hour and a 20-minute flight. IMMEDIATELY regretted that once I got into my seat and tried to get comfy and realized that the headrest was completely uncomfortable. Definitely get a neck pillow for comfort. They sell them at the airport which can be pricey but I have found them at Amazon, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, etc.  

Wear shoes you can get off and on easily

Okay so before getting to the airport I knew I would have to take my shoes off to go through the metal detector. I also knew I didn’t want to wear sandals, flip flops or anything that didn’t require socks because I didn’t want to walk barefoot on a floor where tons of people walk because ewwwwwww. I wore my lace-up vans and while it was not a huge waste of time I felt awkward trying to get all my stuff off of the conveyor belt, put all my stuff back in my bag and put my shoes on. Next time I fly I will likely wear slip on vans with no shoe socks. 

Have your ID, ticket And hygiene bag out while waiting in line

My mom told me to make sure to have my ID and ticket out while waiting in line for security and I did. I also didn’t print a ticket or pick one up from a desk and used the Delta app on my phone which saved me time. I would recommend to take out your clear hygiene bag, take your belt off, take your watches/jewelry, wallet, anything you can hold in your hands while waiting to get in line to go through security screenings because this saves time. Some people are in a rush to get through security so this helps alleviate tension from impatient people behind you. 

Take Dramamine

Even if you have a short flight, take Dramamine. I was told I probably wouldn’t need to take Dramamine for a short flight…WRONG. I get migraines and within 15 minutes of being on the plane, I got a nasty migraine that lasted the whole flight and took about an hour to get rid of once we landed. Some people do not get motion sickness or migraines like me, but if you have never flown before I would take it just in case. 

Wear layers and comfortable clothes

Another tip I received from frequent flyers was to wear a jacket or sweatshirt because typically airplanes are cold. Both flights were extremely hot. I was sweating. The plane was also small, cramped and completely booked. It was very uncomfortable. Make sure to wear something comfy and breathable on your flight. Don’t worry about looking glamorous. Also, bring a jacket in case it is cold. A jacket can double as a blanket too!

These five tips are the most important takeaways from my first experience with flying. As I continue to fly, I will gain insights to add on to this list. If you have any newbie flyer tips feel free to share them below in the comments!

Thanks for the read!