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First of all, flying really isn't that bad! It's a little bumpy sometimes, but nothing to worry about! (Easier said than done, I know).
Luggage - if you booked one flight, you shouldn't have to get your baggage in Atlanta. If you booked a separate flight from home to Atlanta and to Atlanta to wherever you're going, you would need to get your baggage and re-check it. 45 minutes is plenty for a layover - you don't have to go through security again or anything. One time I had 20 minutes between flights and made it to the gate before they started boarding.
I would pack at least one outfit and whatever you can't live without in your carry on, just in case your luggage is lost. Also, make sure you follow the 3-1-1 rule with liquids in your carry on. And if you're taking your computer in your carry on, make sure it's easily accessible because you'll have to take it out in security.
I enjoy the window seat, especially during take off and landing. For me it's fun to see the landscape from above. If my fiance flies with me, he always takes the window seat, so I just sit in the middle and lean over him when I want to see. Maybe this would be a good compromise for you. :)
Let go of the anxiety. Always remember that the pilot is on the same plane you are, and he has a vested interest in arriving safely.
Take enough in your carry on that you could get through the next day if your checked luggage did not arrive. That includes a bathing suit and coverup so you can use the pool without having to open your suitcase in the hotel lobby if your room isn't ready to check in. Take an empty water bottle so you can fill it up after you go through security and again when you are on the plane for your longer flight.-much easier than repeatedly asking the flight attendant for a glass of water.
Pack some of your clothes and your fiancees clothes in each of your checked suitcases rather than each taking your own. Again, if one of your suitcases doesn't make it to your final destination, you will each have something to wear.
You can only use approved locks that the TSA can open so don't bother with anything else.
Ask at your initial airport if they can check your luggage all the way through to your final destination. They may not be able to, if it is only a small regional airport.
In that case, your 45 minutes might be very tight to claim your luggage and get to the next gate in time.
Make sure to tell the flight attendant that you have only a short time in Atlanta and they will usually let you get off the plane first.
While you are still at home, go to the website of the airport in Atlanta and familiarize yourself with the layout and how to get from your arrival gate to your departure gate. As soon as you get off the plane, ask an airport attendant for help to make your gate. They will sometimes take you on one of their carts if they figure you are short on time.
And don't forget to have fun!
i agree with above and would like to add my own two cents here lol and if you wonder about my info my degree is in travel lol
I love to travel but flying scares me witless and after many hops up and down and around on planes here's what I've learned to do.
Don't lock checked bags unless they're the kinda the security ppl can unlock other wise they'll just be cut off esp since you're going out of country. Pack valuables in your carry on *i prefer a backpack easier to take but that's just me*
Remember be nice to customs and answer and declare anything and make sure not to go over limits
Look into bringing reciepts or some proof of purchase for every pricey itmes you might be bring with you *i.e. wedding/engagment ring set* computer etc. If you can prove you had these items before going to St. Lucia you won't have to pay duty on them bc you're not importing them *meaning you didn't buy them in St Lucia* prolly not as bad since it's not Europe *gateway for diamonds etc*
As you go thru security don't get flustered that's a sure way to get extra screening remove your shoes *i always travel in flip flops or crocs for this reason easy on easy off* remove your laptop from it's bag and place in seperate container/empty your pockets, wedding rings don't set off the scanner at least mine doesnt!
Take dramine (spelling??) or other motion sickness medicine even if you don't get motion sick it relaxes the nerves and helps me feel less uptight during take off. Landing is awesome!
Bring at least one magazine in your carryon I like to look at it and it takes my mind off of flying.
Not drinks can be brought thru security so wait til the other side to buy soft drinks water etc
Atlanta is huge but it can be done in 45 mins! If you don't have to change concourses you'll be fine for sure!! I've gone from A to D in 45 mins. Just move with a purpose! The trains are easy to take and make sure you get off at the right stop *which isn't hard to do they announce it clearly* but the trains are fast so hold on tighlty *they're the fastest i've been on*
i like the aisle seat or the emergency row exit bc i'm tall and enjoy the extra room
hope that helps you'll have a great time!
oh yes some yes they will move your luggage for you from plane to plane in atlanta no worries. lost luggage is rare but pack your passport with you in your carry on and put copies of all documents *travel dates, tix, shuttle passes etc in each suitcase for extra security*
consider buying one large suitcase and both of you packing in it...with the cost of checked luggage this might be easier.
I agree with the others above. The layover is plenty of time. We once had to make an international layover in 20 minutes across the airport in Spain!
I wouldn't worry about locking your bag. It seems like they are going through everyone's bags lately. But they are back away from other passengers so no one should be going in the bag except TSA personnel.
Make sure that you do not pack large liquids in your carryon. The rule is that you can have 3 oz bottles as long as they fit in 1 quart sized ziploc bag per person.
You won't have to get your bags and recheck them for the connection, the airline does that for you.
Make sure that you chew gum when you are taking off, it keeps your ears from hurting from the pressure.
Don't worry about it, it will be fine!
These are all great tips.... what about bathrooms on the plane? are they horrible? What about food? can I bring a snack? Will I be provided with a snack?
What about cameras? Mp3 players? Should they be in carry on? Will i have to unpack my carry on? or is that only if something is suspected to be a problem?
I was thinking of bring a magazine or a book.. but i wonder if i would get airsick like i i would in the car if i was reading
About packing clothes of each in each suitcase that is a good idea....
We were under the impression that we EACH got one large suitcase and a checked bag PER PERSON ... is this not true i noticed the comment about about getting one large one and packing for both bc of addittional charges
The bathrooms aren't horrible but pretty small. The food depends. You will probably get a meal on the 5 hr flight. For the short one, they might not even have time for beverage service. You can bring food on the plane but no liquids unless you buy them after security. You should carry your camera and mp3 player on the plane. They do require you to take all electronics out of your carry on bag but the rest of the items will probably be fine.
You just put your small things in the bins they provide and they put it on the belt that goes through the x-ray machine. Don't touch the bag until it comes out the other side of the belt.
I would check with the airline but a lot of them are charging for every checked bag.
no you don't have to unpack the bag unless there is a problem last time i went *a week ago* they looked me over pretty closely *bc i know they wondered about the medley of crap in mine lol coffee mug, computer, camera, and socks*
the mp3 helps my ears with popping too
you can bring snacks on the plane i always take a snickers it travels better than other candy
yes the bathrooms are small but can be manageable
i don't get motion sick reading on a plane but i do in a car
pack mp3 player and camera in carry on *i wrap mine in bubble wrap bc a lot of times they can check my bag plane side which means it goes under the plane without paying a few so i don't have to take it on myself they pull it off as we land and hand it to you in the tunnel *pull out Mp3 and mags etc before tho*
I am a nervous flyer, but over the years, as I have flown more, the anxiety has subsided. Also, I'm generally a worrier, so all the anxious thoughts you are having are very familiar to me.
One thing I wish someone had told me before I flew by myself (I had flown big trips with my parents when I was younger, but had clearly suppressed those memories, hah), is that aircraft are NOISY. Especially the small ones. Every bang, and weird propeller noise I heard, I thought we were going to fall out of the sky! Here's the key thing though...if no one else looks concerned, the noises you're hearing are normal :)
Like others have said, don't be afraid to tell the flight attendants that you are nervous, and also about your short connection. They will help you (if you are polite and nice to them), it's their job. Here's the other thing, and as an anxious person it has taken me a long time to come to terms with this: if you miss a flight, if a bag goes missing, etc, it will all be ok!! There will be another flight, your bag will show up (it's hard for bags to get really lost these days, since they are bar-coded), you might miss a night here or there, but it will be OK!
Finally, my SO is a commercial airline pilot. I would be lying if I said I don't sometimes get a nervous feeling in my tummy when his phone is still switched off and I thought he was supposed to have landed by now. But as a previous poster said, the pilot has a vested interest in the plane staying in the air! If you want to pick my brain about anything, please feel free to PM me :)
Oh, and finally (again....) you do want the window seat. Nothing is more amazing than seeing the world from above for the first time, even if you are deathly terrified at the time. Good luck, I hope you have an amazing trip!!
yes most airlines charge up to $50 per bag so you can each bring one and one free carry on but up to $100 for luggage is steep
me and hubs are going to Disney World and bringing one big suitcase
As for motion sickness, the motion on a plane is really different to in a car. You don't have that same sort of constant feeling of movement. Take a book, you can always stop reading it if you start to feel ooky.
Your ticket will tell you how much baggage you get (it might be in the fine print), and sometimes it will say if a meal service is included. Take your electronics in your carry-on, most travel insurance policies will not cover damage or theft of these unless you carry them with you, and having seen the way that baggage handlers treat bags in the tarmac, there is NO WAY I would put my camera in checked baggage!
I'm not a huge fan of airplane toilets (is anyone? I have NO idea how you would ever have sex in one), I'm always paranoid that I will somehow eff up the door and get stuck in there, cue embarrassment and humiliation. For short legs, I go before I board. For long haul I try and hold off because once I go...I keep going (partly because on long haul I hydrate hydrate hydrate..oh my bladder)...
Oh and (man, I need to stop talking!), I haven't flown domestically in the US, but I think the security stuff is pretty much the same in Aus. Here, I have to take my laptop and any aerosols out of my carry-on to go through security. The rules on liquids have been eased here, but I always keep my makeup/moisturiser etc in a little baggie in chuck it in the tray with my laptop.
Don't be worried if they pull you aside and want to have a look in your bag (or do a trace explosives test, it's no biggie). Sometimes things can look weird in the x-ray, especially if you have lots of cables etc (headphones, chargers ets) all tangled up on each other. I had a little metal jewellery box in my carry-on once, and it did weird reflecty things on the x-ray so they made me take everything out to figure out what it was.
The PP have covered almost everything. You can check your airline to see what type of food will be provided. Regardless of that I always prepare myself with some snacks (crackers, granola bars, etc) that I either bring with me or buy in a store in the airport. I would also recommend bringing chewing gum. The pressure in the plane changes, especially during takeoff and landing, and chewing helps your ears pop so you don't have that uncomfortable feeling.
Also, the plane for your longer flight might have in-fight entertainment, but maybe not, depending on the airline. Some planes have communal movie screens at the end of the aisle or touch screens in front of you. You can check that on the airline website- it will be listed by the type of plane you'll be on which is info you can find on your ticket.
These are all wonderful tips... thank you all so much
I am still confused about the checked baggage fees... because we are flying Delta and we are flying to st lucia which i would consider in the caribbean and it says this... im not sure which category we dall in
For travel within or between the United States and Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico:
NOTE: Passengers traveling to or from Key West, Florida are limited to one checked bag.
*CAD amounts will be charged when exiting Canada.
For travel between the United States or Canada and Mexico, Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda & Cayman Islands:
*CAD amounts will be charged when exiting Canada.
For travel between the United States or Canada and Europe:
For all other international flights:
You may check up to two bags that meet our size & weight restrictions at no extra charge when traveling internationally to or from most destinations outside of the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Additionally, lower fees may apply depending upon the date you purchased your ticket. For a summary of previous checked bag fees, click here.
Get there so early. DO not overpack. Bring TONS of food and snacks and anything ginger. I always feel better when I am full. Bring some gum. Dress in layers. Ask people for help if you need it. Remember, flying is safer than driving. Have fun!
From those guidelines, I think you are "all other international flights". I had a look at Delta's baggage FAQ, and I can't see any mention of the Carribean, just the Bahamas etc, in their part about which places count as domestic/charged baggage etc.
I would say call them to double check, but usually you end on on hold for an hour and then the person can't help you anyway... Did you book the trip yourselves, or through a travel agent? If through a travel agent they will be able to clear things up for you.
Ugh so I typed out this huge list of tips and it got deleted. Here it goes again!
WARNING--this is long!
I live in ATL and fly once or twice a month. The scariest part of flying is the ATL airport:...just kidding. It is actually one of the easiest airports to naviage. If you are taking the same airline for both legs of your trip, it won't be that bad. They are often in the same concourse, although you are traveling internationally so that may not be the case. Call your airline to find out exactly what you need to do ahead of time, since it is international.
As everyone else suggested, let the flight attendants know that up front. If your flight isn't delayed, 45 minutes should be more than enough time. When you get off in ATL, find out the gate for your flight ASAP (those boards are everywhere). If it is in a different concourse, follow the baggage claim/ground transportation signs to get to the underground train. The concourses are letters in alphabetical order, so make sure you know what concourse you landed at and make sure you get on the train going in the right direction. Most people are headed towards baggage claim, but that may not be the direction you are going. The trains come every minute or so, so don't panic about missing one. If you do have to pick up your luggage and re-check in, go to the main terminal (this is actually after A). The announcement will also tell you that this is the stop for baggage claim, etc. Do not freak out about security lines--they are often horrendously long there but move quickly. Even backed up into the food court, I usually get through in less than 20 minutes. There are tons of restaurants and restrooms at every terminal, so don't worry about that. I do recommend using the facilities before boarding the plane. If you get stuck on a runway (very frequent if you get a storm in ATL), it could be a long time before you can use the plane's icky bathrooms. Same thing about 30 minutes before you land--not unusual to get stuck in a holding pattern right before you land, when you aren't allowed to walk around the plane anymore.
Personally, I get nervous at take-off. Once the plane is in the air, you kind of forget where you are. Definitely bring some reading material. I could never read in a moving car but am fine on a plane. You will undoubtably have snacks, but probably no meal. At least not one you want to eat. Definitely bring some snacks for the plane.
For your carry-ons, I recommend the smallest rolling suitcase and either a tote or backpack. Don't be surprised if you have to "gate check" the suitcase in Tri-Cities (beautiful area, btw). You just pick it up in the jetway when you land. If you can keep it to a backpack for each of you, even better in case you have to run to catch your connection. Essential clothing items as Bees mentioned above, essential medications and toiletries, reading material, mp3, camera, jewelry, that's it. Be really careful about sharp objects. HAVE FUN!
Just one other thing that I don't think others have commented on:
When you land in Atlanta you will have to change gates. ATL (atlanta airport) is very large. When you get off the plane you will need to find a set of tv monitors and find your next flight on the board (ATL - St. Lucia). The monitors are divided up into Arrivals and Departures. Make sure you are looking at the Departures monitor. I believe they are sorted by city (St. Lucia). Then verify the airline and the flight number. It will tell you what time your next flight is leaving (if its on time/delayed/cancelled). It will also tell you what gate number.
So, typically what happens to me, is we will land in terminal "B" but my next flight may be in terminal "A". You will have to go down an escalator and get on a "tram". That tram will take you between terminals. Pretty easy, jump on and go. When you get off at say "A" you will have to go up an escalator and then find your gate "A16" for example.
Since you have 45 minutes I would recommend finding and getting to your next gate asap. Once you find it then take some time to get a drink/go to the bathroom, etc.
@caszos: Also, the flight attendants usually do an announcement when the airplane is going up to the gate to let people know where what gates their connections are on. You can also ask them (they should have this information since they know where everyone is going).
What about aerosol sunscreen can this be on in my checked baggage
you could always call up the airline and ask them about the whole baggage thing. That is what I did when we went to Vegas because I got super confused looking at the website!! I think all airlines do it!! lol
I wouldn't pack aerosol sunscreen just because aerosol cans tend to pop when you are in there air.
Which reminds me, pack all of your toiletries in ziploc bags. I tend to pack everything in smaller individual ziploc bags (face lotion, perfume, toothpaste) and then stick all the baggies into a larger ziploc. The worst thing ever is opening your suitcase to find one of your toiletries exploded all over your other toiletries/clothes.
I've travelled with aerosols and had no problem but definitely pack liquids in some kind of plastic cuz the pressure makes them expand.
Wear comfy clothes and layers. Airplanes turn off most air during take off and it gets hot and stuffy, but it's often freezing mid-flight. If I'm travelling in sandals, I always bring a pair of socks. I also like to have a small pillow for long flights. The window is best for sleeping because you have something to lean against.
Get excited! Flying is fun and safer than driving in your car.
45 minutes can be short for a layover if you are delayed at all so that part might be a tad stressful, but like everyone said, tell the flight attendants and they can even get the flight held for you or get a motorized cart to take you to the next gate if you're really late.
Here is some trivia about airplane aircon for ya'll (you like my attempt there at fitting in with the US accent ;P )
The reason why they turn the aircon off for takeoff is because that way they have all the power of the plane available to the engines. As you can imagine, it takes a lot of power to get off the ground haha.
The reason why they keep it frosty during the flight is partly because when things get bumpy, passengers are less likely to throw up.
And the reason why they turn it off again for landing is the power thing again. If the plane needs to do a go around or a missed approach (which can happen for lots of reasons and aren't necessarily cause for panic, scary though they can be) then they use all the power available to the engines to get the plane to climb to an appropriate altitude.
See, I find that you learn something new everyday hahaha
I hate when you call a Representive and they can barely speak english. I was on the phone with a Delta Rep and honestly I just had to hang up because I could not understand what she was saying and I just kept going excuse me she just kept saying the same thing over and over.
From my understanding though she said since we are going from inside US then to an International flight we would have to check our baggage in Atlanta
Aerosol sun screen is fine in your checked baggage. I do it all the time.
Flying is super easy, I think that you are really prepared but trying to be too prepared will just freak you out even more.
I think that Delta is by far one of the best airlines. Last year I flew over 125k miles with them. If you do not understand the representative you are speaking to don't hesitate to kindly ask to speak to someone else. You have the right to understand your representative.
When you are going to St. Lucia you can check your bags in all the way to St. Lucia. On the way back you will have to pick up your bags in customs (in Atlanta) and then drop them off so that they can get on your next plane. Everything is marked extremely well.
I did that same St Lucia flight a few years ago and am extremely knowlegable in all of Delta's workings so PM me if you would like.
If you are really really scared to fly ask your doctor for a valium. That will calm you down.
I personally love flying. I don't know what it is about a plane, but once I get on, I immediately fall asleep. Perhaps it's the humming? I don't know, but I once slept 14 hours of a 20 hour flight. So if you can fall asleep, that should take care of any anxiety you have. :)
But seriously, it's nothing to worry about. I haven't read through all of the posts, so I apologize if I'm repetitive. I go through ATL for all my connecting flights from Tallahassee to Boston, and it's one of the easier airports to get through. I once had a 17 minute layover (because my flight was delayed), and I still made my connecting flight (and so did my luggage!). You just need to check the screens to see which terminal/gate your next flight leaves from. Definitely don't hesitate to ask someone if you're confused, lost, or worried. My luggage has always been checked through to my final destination, so I can't imagine that you'd have to pick it up and re-check it in ATL. Ask when they check your bags, just to make sure.
Don't pack anything into your checked luggage that you would be really sad about losing. I've never had my luggage get lost, but I did have stuff stolen out of it once (not in the U.S., but it can happen anywhere). All jewlery, money, IDs, credit cards, cameras, etc. should be with you, not in your checked bags. I always make sure I have at least one change of clothes in my carry-on as well, just in case. Make sure you put any liquids or sprays into ziplock bags in case they explode because of pressure changes. Have some reading material for the beginning of the flight because you can't use electronics immediately. My ears don't usually pop, but it does happen sometimes, and chewing gum usually gets rid of it.
Make sure your carry-on is backed semi-neat with a laptop (if you're bringing one) read to pull out. That's the only electronic that needs to be scanned separately. If your bag is packed super messy, it might be hard for them to tell what is inside, and they may have to look through it. Wear shoes that are easily removeable, and don't burry your IDs and credit cards in your bag. You'll need them.
Hope this helped! Just relax. Flying is a piece of cake. :)
Coming into the USA all passangers are required to pick up your bags, go through customs and re-check your bags. They dont have to change the tags or anything but you must go through US customs carrying your own bags.
If it is only domestic you don't have to do any of that and your bags are checked through to the final destination.
The PPs have addressed pretty much all of your practical issues with flying, so I won't add anything there.
Regarding the fact that you're both first-time flyers: don't listen to other people describe their reactions to flying, it will just give you preconceived notions. Everyone flies differently, and lots of things can effect your comfort level.
Do either of you summer from migraines? If so, bring your medication for it and some saltines; pressure changes can trigger them and it's best to take whatever you need just as you feel it coming on. Also, bring gum or hardy candy to make your ears pop for takeoff/landing.
Bring books and music, because if one doesn't work, the other will. I like to bring my trip planning books and lose myself in the details and excitement of where I'm headed!
Dress in layers: it'll go hot/cold/hot/cold. Don't worry, it's not you and it's not a malfunction, it's air circulation and pressure changes.
Get up and stretch! Go ahead and ask that aisle-seat person to move, you need to get up to keep blood circulating (and, y'know, use the lavatory. Close the lid before you flush!).
Weird noises/big bumps/seatbelt sign on: the noises are flaps and engines -- they're supposed to make some noise. The bumps are air pockets, clouds, and jetstreams. The seatbelt sign only means it's safer to be seated than standing, not that it's at all unsafe.
And finally... my fiance is a pilot and flight instructor, so I'll give his advice: the pilot has every reason to be safe, since he/she wants to get where you're going as badly as you do. Have a great trip!
Best of luck! Travelling is so much fun, and flying by air is like anything else--the more you do it, the better you get at it. I think all the previous posters covered mostly everything. But I did want to mention 2 quick things.
1) You don't need to use the curbside luggage check-in services at the airport (it's sort of a speedy, luxury service). They look super official (and they are), but they charge you for it versus you go inside the airport and check in for free at the kiosks or airline counters. I have had relatives unfamiliar with this get confused and use curbside check-in when they just wanted to check-in normally.
2) Be careful in the airport (any airport). Airports attract a lot of pickpocketers and scamsters offering to "help" you because it's easy to spot people who are unfamiliar with the area or are confused. So try to look confident and get help only from people behind the counters or who are clearly working for the airport. Don't leave any luggage unattended. If you get confused or lost, find an empty quiet spot to put down your luggage with one of you to keep guard, and have the other person flag down someone official.
Bon voyage!
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So i have never been on a plane never been on anything more than a amusement park ride that leaves the ground actually!
As my wedding draws closer I am getting really nervous about flying! It makes me even more nervous that my fiance has never flown either!
Other than the whole aspect of leaving the ground. I worry about getting air sick! I worry about having anxiety issues. I worry about losing our luggage. I worry that we only have 45 min layover in Atlanta. I worry about packing & if anything with not be able to be taken with me.
We go from the Tri Cities to Atlanta (1hr flight) on a small jet plane with 45 min layover then 5ish Hours to St Lucia.
Is there any tips to make my experience an easier one? Anything I should look out for anything to make me more comfortable?
What should it pack in my carry-on? What should i pack in my checked baggage? Should I lock my checked bags?
Do really want a window seat?
How can i find out if we will need to claim our baggage in Atlanta or if they will get put directly on the plane?