I'm glad its you going and not me. I took one trip on an airplane. And unless it is life or death, no more. I don't like it, I will drive, I like it much better. I am in control then not someone else I don't know or haven't even seen. Hey I'll be 70 in a couple of months, and its worked for me, this way. And I go all over the country, when ever I want. Mostly AZ, FL, NE, OH, so I don't stay home.
To fly...leaving Luddism behind
- Thread starter knucklehead
- Start date
- Views: 1792
MikePA
Super Moderator
<font color="blue"> Everyone tells me to take gum </font>
Taking gum is a good idea, helps swallowing when you're trying to open the ears on take offs and, particularly, landings.
Pray you don't have a head cold that plugs up your ears. I had that happen and talk about pain on the landing! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I was coming back from some place out west, LA I think, and I had the entire 5 hours on the plane to 'look forward' to the landing! I had to use the method of holding my nose shut and trying to blow air out my closed nose to clear my ears. (It's easier to do this than to describe it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )
Oh, the sound a few minutes before landing, when the landing gear comes down, can be a surprise. The first time my wife flew, she was a bit shocked by it. She was reading a book, and when the sound started, her hand flew down and planted a death grip on my arm. She wanted to know what that sound was.
I will update my earlier post with some new items.
Taking gum is a good idea, helps swallowing when you're trying to open the ears on take offs and, particularly, landings.
Pray you don't have a head cold that plugs up your ears. I had that happen and talk about pain on the landing! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I was coming back from some place out west, LA I think, and I had the entire 5 hours on the plane to 'look forward' to the landing! I had to use the method of holding my nose shut and trying to blow air out my closed nose to clear my ears. (It's easier to do this than to describe it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )
Oh, the sound a few minutes before landing, when the landing gear comes down, can be a surprise. The first time my wife flew, she was a bit shocked by it. She was reading a book, and when the sound started, her hand flew down and planted a death grip on my arm. She wanted to know what that sound was.
I will update my earlier post with some new items.
PBMAX
Platinum Member
Some one mentioned head phones but I would also take a cd/casset player to help drown out the screaming kiddies some one mentioned and a new pack of batteries they are kind high priced at the airports. My work to keeps me on the road bout 70% of the time and typicaly half or more by air travel. Was in Baltimore recently working at the new museum building (Looks like some kinda big ice cube) forget the name.
Some times you don't get your seat assignment till you check in.
Some air lines will let you check ( pre check in ) via their website were you can select the seat your self.
If your tall, try sitting at the emergency row exit seats they usually have plenty of leg room.
Injoy your - 1st ever flight - it is also the last -1st ever flight. It's no big deal. Sit back read a book or take a nap. Injoy, think of it as one of the worlds or FLAT EARTHS /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif (sorry folks but after reading that big o'l link i couldn't resist)
biggest LIMOS...
Some times you don't get your seat assignment till you check in.
Some air lines will let you check ( pre check in ) via their website were you can select the seat your self.
If your tall, try sitting at the emergency row exit seats they usually have plenty of leg room.
Injoy your - 1st ever flight - it is also the last -1st ever flight. It's no big deal. Sit back read a book or take a nap. Injoy, think of it as one of the worlds or FLAT EARTHS /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif (sorry folks but after reading that big o'l link i couldn't resist)
biggest LIMOS...
fivestring
Veteran Member
Good list, Mike.
I'll bite on number 6.
I think I know you're answer already, though.
I'll bite on number 6.
I think I know you're answer already, though.
MikePA
Super Moderator
<font color="blue"> I'll bite on number 6. </font>
The security folks reserve the right to search your luggage, whether carry-on or checked. If it's locked they can't do this. I think the counter people look for this when you check your bags.
The San Francisco airport has luggage scanners directly across from the ticket counters. I checked in (at a self service terminal), my checked luggage had the claim ticket attached then I turned around and took my suitcase (big duffle bag) right over the the scanner area.
This reminds of another thing to add to my list. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
The security folks reserve the right to search your luggage, whether carry-on or checked. If it's locked they can't do this. I think the counter people look for this when you check your bags.
The San Francisco airport has luggage scanners directly across from the ticket counters. I checked in (at a self service terminal), my checked luggage had the claim ticket attached then I turned around and took my suitcase (big duffle bag) right over the the scanner area.
This reminds of another thing to add to my list. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Chet
Silver Member
Here's one nobody has mentioned: always inspect the cheap plastic toilet seat for cracks in case you have to assume the seated position! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Also check for the presence of an available airsick bag in the pocket of the seatback in front of you.
Also, I know it's not common to need this info, but I always count the number of seat backs I would need to grab in the dark to get to the nearest emergency exit.
The legroom is usually better if you sit on a row that has an emergency exit.
If you sit in a seat right behind a partition you wont have someone else leaning their seat back towards you, and if you sit in a seat that is just in front of a partition, you won't be able to lean back.
If you have an aisle seat, KEEP YOUR ELBOW IN, or the drink cart will crack it without fail.
I have always flown in coach( the military is too tight to splurge on niceties) so things may be better/different in the pointy end of the bus.
If you meet your freind Jack, do not greet him loudly /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif!
Lufthansa serves free adult refreshing beverages /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
and lastly, always be thankful that it is noisy, for if the pilot cooling fans stop working it will be very quiet and that is not a good thing. Chet
Also check for the presence of an available airsick bag in the pocket of the seatback in front of you.
Also, I know it's not common to need this info, but I always count the number of seat backs I would need to grab in the dark to get to the nearest emergency exit.
The legroom is usually better if you sit on a row that has an emergency exit.
If you sit in a seat right behind a partition you wont have someone else leaning their seat back towards you, and if you sit in a seat that is just in front of a partition, you won't be able to lean back.
If you have an aisle seat, KEEP YOUR ELBOW IN, or the drink cart will crack it without fail.
I have always flown in coach( the military is too tight to splurge on niceties) so things may be better/different in the pointy end of the bus.
If you meet your freind Jack, do not greet him loudly /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif!
Lufthansa serves free adult refreshing beverages /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
and lastly, always be thankful that it is noisy, for if the pilot cooling fans stop working it will be very quiet and that is not a good thing. Chet
fivestring
Veteran Member
That's what I thought.
Most airlines go out of their way to allow you to unlock it if it is to be searched. A lot of it depends on the origination and destination of the flight. Miami, NYC, LA, etc. I'd say you're right on... leave it unlocked.
The drawback to leaving it unlocked is, well you can imagine.
I play music with 2 USAir employees and I love to hear their stories. Some would make good stories on the
"What Were You Thinking" TV show. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Those are good travel tips.
Most airlines go out of their way to allow you to unlock it if it is to be searched. A lot of it depends on the origination and destination of the flight. Miami, NYC, LA, etc. I'd say you're right on... leave it unlocked.
The drawback to leaving it unlocked is, well you can imagine.
I play music with 2 USAir employees and I love to hear their stories. Some would make good stories on the
"What Were You Thinking" TV show. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Those are good travel tips.
fivestring
Veteran Member
<font color="red">"connecting flight in Atlanta" </font>
They say, to even get to hell, you must go thru Hotlanta!!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
You'll enjoy the flights, I'm sure.
Study up on your response to their security question....
"To the best of your knowledge, has anyone put anything into your luggage or asked you to carry something for them".
I swear, that's one of their questions.
Now, what is your answer???? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
They say, to even get to hell, you must go thru Hotlanta!!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
You'll enjoy the flights, I'm sure.
Study up on your response to their security question....
"To the best of your knowledge, has anyone put anything into your luggage or asked you to carry something for them".
I swear, that's one of their questions.
Now, what is your answer???? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
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It might be fun to go to the local airport and see if someone will take you up in a small plane for a half hour or so. There are almost always some pilot that wants the hours if you split the plane rental.
I like small planes better than large ones. Large ones are like a bus that flies.
The fun part is the excelleration on take off and the feeling of lift for the first few seconds. After that, it's just a bus ride with a great view.
Another thing... I always ask for a blanket as soon as I get on the plane. They usually have them in the overhead bins, but sometimes run out. It never fails, if I don't ask for one, the plane is cold. If I do get one, the plane is warm /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
I like small planes better than large ones. Large ones are like a bus that flies.
The fun part is the excelleration on take off and the feeling of lift for the first few seconds. After that, it's just a bus ride with a great view.
Another thing... I always ask for a blanket as soon as I get on the plane. They usually have them in the overhead bins, but sometimes run out. It never fails, if I don't ask for one, the plane is cold. If I do get one, the plane is warm /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
OP
knucklehead
Platinum Member
You guys are awesome! I've got a coworker who has been down to Melbourne a few times, plus a couple others I am travelling with - they're going to hold my hand. I appreciate the tips. I was going to take a carry-on with a change of clothes, although there are plenty of dept stores in the area, I understand. I'm looking at it like a big bus trip, too. I know how to pass the time that way.
I'm with you, pruntyc. I feel like I'm missing a big part of the country. Never been below VA. My 84 year old neighbor has family in Atlanta, but my stop there is barely an hour.
Crossing the Canadian border now and then has taught me how to be polite and friendly, even when they ask me silly questions. I know they don't need another comedian to talk to.
I'll try to get online while I'm down there and post something goofy. Maybe we'll take the company Kodak down.
I'm with you, pruntyc. I feel like I'm missing a big part of the country. Never been below VA. My 84 year old neighbor has family in Atlanta, but my stop there is barely an hour.
Crossing the Canadian border now and then has taught me how to be polite and friendly, even when they ask me silly questions. I know they don't need another comedian to talk to.
I'll try to get online while I'm down there and post something goofy. Maybe we'll take the company Kodak down.