Flying?

[Jetfire]

@Lindley
Yeah I was looking at a map of RIC and it seemed fairly simple. I worry coz O'Hare will be where I change planes to go to my actual destination.

 

[Nardpuncher]

Also, it doesn't hurt to always keep track of any bags you have with you. Lots of thefts at airports.
Make sure every time you stand up you check that you didn't drop your passport and tickets.

Drink lots of water before you get on the plane because the air is dry on the plane and may dehydrate you.

Bring chewing gum as you may experience that pain in your ears from the pressure change.

 

[Lindley]

If I remember correctly, O'Hare doesn't require you to leave the security area to change concourses, so it shouldn't be too difficult. Just follow the signs.

 

[Yeoman Randi]

And if you get motion sick be sure to take a dramamine or whatever ahead of time. And make sure you have a motion sick bag in the seat pocket. There's nothing worse than forgetting to take the medication and then finding you don't have a bag. (It's happened to me. Not pretty.)

 

[trekkiedane]

^Right, if your plane 'experiences turbulence' hold your arms high and yell loudly -it's the only 'ride' you're gonna get

@Lindley
Yeah I was looking at a map of RIC and it seemed fairly simple. I worry coz O'Hare will be where I change planes to go to my actual destination.

If you are a religious person this is where you start praying that both you and your checked bags change to the same plane.

 

[Yeoman Randi]

Not to scare you Jetfire....but trekkiedane's comment reminded me of a flight we were once on..

we were heading back from Vegas (our one and only trip, to do STTE) and were only about 15 minutes into the flight when the plane DROPPED suddenly and there was all kind of motherfucking turbulence. Big time. And people were crying and screaming and the guy behind me yells, "THIS CAN'T BE GOOD! THIS CAN'T BE GOOD!" and it was crazy shit. And i'm thinking "JESUS CHRIST IM GONNA DIE COS I HAD TO GO TO THE STAR TREK EXPERIENCE!!!!" And then it was over. People were totally freaked (i was crying) and the pilot came out and calmed everyone down. Unfortunately we still had another i dont know how many hours left to the flight and i think i may have aged about 10 years that flight.

 

[trekkiedane]

Not to scare you Jetfire....but trekkiedane's comment reminded me of a flight we were once on..

we were heading back from Vegas (our one and only trip, to do STTE) and were only about 15 minutes into the flight when the plane DROPPED suddenly and there was all kind of motherfucking turbulence. Big time. And people were crying and screaming and the guy behind me yells, "THIS CAN'T BE GOOD! THIS CAN'T BE GOOD!" and it was crazy shit. And i'm thinking "JESUS CHRIST IM GONNA DIE COS I HAD TO GO TO THE STAR TREK EXPERIENCE!!!!" And then it was over. People were totally freaked (i was crying) and the pilot came out and calmed everyone down. Unfortunately we still had another i dont know how many hours left to the flight and i think i may have aged about 10 years that flight.

On a flight out of Orlando the 'take it like a rollercoaster' sentiment (and good measure of burbon) actually lightened the mood of my (then) brother in law considerably - If there's noting you can do, take it with a laugh

 

[Yeoman Randi]

^ It's funny, when i was single or married without kids, i LOVED flying. I even liked the dips and shit. Once i had kids it changed drastically and not for the better. I'm scared shitless now. But you're right, there's nothing you can do about it, so just go with the flow.


Jetfire, plan ahead, be there at least 2 hours early, bring snacks, something to read, try to pack all in one bag that you can carry on, take your meds and enjoy!

 

[eastman23]

@Lindley
Yeah I was looking at a map of RIC and it seemed fairly simple. I worry coz O'Hare will be where I change planes to go to my actual destination.

If you are a religious person this is where you start praying that both you and your checked bags change to the same plane.

Whenever possible (which has been all of my flights in the last couple years), I have a carry-on bag. It's pretty much stuffed full for a trip, but I can still get it through security and on to the plane.

Of course, since I'm usually on a small regional jet (50-seater), it ends up being tagged at the gate and thrown underneath with the checked bags. But at least I can have it with me at pretty much all times and when I'm changing planes (since they take those tagged bags and have them available right at the jet bridge when you leave the plane).

 

[O'Dib]

The thing about airplanes, for me, is that the lowered air pressure in the cabin fucks with my sinuses. As of about 3 years ago (I've been flying regularly on a U.S. - E.U. trajectory for 11 years), after roughly 5 hours in the air, I suddenly develop the most devious headache that won't let up until landing. It's a living hell, and recently started happening on short flights as well. So, pack some Advil, just in case. It had never occurred to me before, but if you forget the meds, the flight attendants might have some in stock?

 

[Lindley]

Not to scare you Jetfire....but trekkiedane's comment reminded me of a flight we were once on..

we were heading back from Vegas (our one and only trip, to do STTE) and were only about 15 minutes into the flight when the plane DROPPED suddenly and there was all kind of motherfucking turbulence. Big time. And people were crying and screaming and the guy behind me yells, "THIS CAN'T BE GOOD! THIS CAN'T BE GOOD!" and it was crazy shit. And i'm thinking "JESUS CHRIST IM GONNA DIE COS I HAD TO GO TO THE STAR TREK EXPERIENCE!!!!" And then it was over. People were totally freaked (i was crying) and the pilot came out and calmed everyone down. Unfortunately we still had another i dont know how many hours left to the flight and i think i may have aged about 10 years that flight.

Sounds like you hit a pocket of severe turbulence. Such pockets are usually very localized and don't last very long. The fact that it happened during the climb was probably a good thing; that means the plane would be at a lower airspeed, and thus better able to withstand the abrupt changes in load factor.

The big planes are tough, though. Even severe turbulence probably won't inflict structural damage on big iron.

 

[Yeoman Randi]

Lindley, yes, IIRC, the pilot said it had to do with the pockets of turbulence as we were going through the mountains. I gotta tell ya, i really and truly thought i was going to die. It was some scary shit.

 

[Jetfire]

To be honest the thought of flying doesn't scare me...I worry about the airport and getting lost or missing my flight...than actually flying.

 

[B.J.]

So I shouldn't travel on Monday or Friday? Is there a good day to travel on???

No, I just mean that on those mornings, you're really going to need that 2 hours before a flight (at large airports, at least) to make sure you get to the gate on time. If it's not that busy, you get to the gate early. Bit of a bonus IMO, since I like watching the planes.

Other than that (and despite what others are saying), I wouldn't really worry about anything. Watch what everyone else is doing in the security line and do that, and if you get lost in the terminal, ask for help.

About the only other thing to watch for is where your connecting flight will be. Most airports have a display either at the gate you just arrived at or very nearby that will show current info for connections.

 

[Nardpuncher]

Here's something.

I'm in Taiwan and next week I'll be flying to Scotland, flying west.
I'm originally from Canada and have been to Scotland (flying from Canada) before.
I came to Taiwan from Canada, flying over the Pacific.
When I arrive in Scotland next week I'll have flown around the world in my lifetime.

 

[galleywest]

I've flown many times and don't have any horror stories to tell you. With planning, airports aren't bad. Here is my advice to you:

1. Allow yourself plenty of time. No penalties for getting there early! I like two hours.

2. If you can't find your flight, there are usually information kiosks throughout the airport as well as numerous displays that show you the flight schedules.

3. Don't panic or get angry. I find that if you can remain calm and polite you will get at least decent service (usually better) from airport personnel. I think they're so used to being yelled at the being nice to them wins you bonus points. I try really hard to maintain an even temper for the duration of my travel time.

4. On your flight to Chicago, tell the attendant early on that you will be changing planes--he or she may be able to help you get where you need to go upon landing. They will often announce which terminal to go to for connecting flights, but sometimes I have a hard time understanding the announcement (usually because the asshat next to me has already turned on his cellphone and is gabbing), so ask the attendant if necessary.

5. Put everything in a carry-on, if possible. If that's not possible, send your stuff in a flat-rate postal box (if you are staying with a friend or family member with a permanent address at your destination). I did this when I went to Hawaii and had two plane changes. Worked wonderfully. As a side note, put all your liquid items in a ziplock baggie and have it easily accessible for security. Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on, both for security and for your comfort during the flight.

6. Bring plenty of entertainment and, if you need them, meds for motionsickness or anxiety. Take them well ahead of the flight. Check for the little bag behind the seat if you get motion sickness. I do, so this is important to me! Bring gum. I also always ask for a cup of ice when the drink cart rolls around (I find ice calming) and don't drink carbonated beverages on a flight. I don't like to think what that carbonation is doing in my insides as the cabin pressure changes!

7. Resign yourself to the fact that flying is a hassle and means a lot of dragging items, annoying people, sitting, lines, and waiting. That's just how it is. You can either be annoyed with it the whole time or can just take it as it comes.

How much time do you have between your flights?

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

The only really bad experience I have had with flying in the last few years is with Midwest (spit). The problem with them is this: When I used to fly with them on my trips out East, we'd have a layover in Milwaukee - a major hub for that airline. The problem is, the officials at the Milwaukee airport have such a weed up their ass about weather that if there is even the SLIGHTEST sign of bad weather at your destination, they will delay your flight, for several hours if they feel like it. I once got stuck at that damned airport for TEN FUCKING HOURS while I waited for my connecting flight to Newark.

And when I finally got there - I walked through the front door of my aunt and uncle's house at 4 AM - I found that the storm was never that bad anyway. Certainly nothing that should delay a flight.

 

[Jetfire]

How much time do you have between your flights?

1 Hour & 50 minutes from what I can tell.

 

[Lindley]

The only really bad experience I have had with flying in the last few years is with Midwest (spit). The problem with them is this: When I used to fly with them on my trips out East, we'd have a layover in Milwaukee - a major hub for that airline. The problem is, the officials at the Milwaukee airport have such a weed up their ass about weather that if there is even the SLIGHTEST sign of bad weather at your destination, they will delay your flight, for several hours if they feel like it. I once got stuck at that damned airport for TEN FUCKING HOURS while I waited for my connecting flight to Newark.

And when I finally got there - I walked through the front door of my aunt and uncle's house at 4 AM - I found that the storm was never that bad anyway. Certainly nothing that should delay a flight.

It isn't really the airport's call. The decision to delay is made by Air Traffic Control or, in a few specific cases, the pilot in command. In the case of Milwaukee, I'd expect the delay was down to Chicago Center.

Also, the storm doesn't have to be at the destination. A storm anywhere along the route may necessitate an amended clearance, and if there are a lot of storms, then that means a lot of rerouted planes....which means everything starts falling behind.

 

[Nardpuncher]

I like that on my way to Scotland from Taiwan I stop in Amsterdam for 9 hours!