First time everything!

[InnocenceWildx]

I've never flown before. Okay, not true. I've flown before to Florida for my Granny's 80th birthday. That was eight years ago, though, and I can't remember a single bit of it. So, it's basically like I'm going to be flying for the first time, right?

Anyway
I'm flying ALONE. For the first time.

Now, my significant other did this for me for the first time back in June when he stayed with me all summer. Now it's my turn. I'll be leaving for Ireland for the FIRST TIME on December 15th to stay for three weeks. It'll be our first Christmas spent together in person! Even though that's super exciting news, my fear has been getting the best of my excitement lately. Honestly, my fear doesn't even come from the actual flight. It comes from the thought of being in and figuring out the airport by myself for the first. It comes from the thought of meeting and staying with his family for the first time. It comes from being in a different country, being the outcast, for the first time. It comes with being away from my mom and my four year old brother for more than a week for the first time. There's a lot of firsts that's coming from this trip. I keep telling myself that Aaron did the same for me, and if he can do it because he loves me then I can do it because I love him. However, fear is a very powerful emotion and I can't always overcome that - especially with my anxiety issues.

Any suggestions on how I can tame this fear and see this as an adventure and not a doomsday? I just keep thinking that what can go wrong, most definitely will.

[Tooki]

Just enjoy the experience! I love flying on my own, especially internationally. Even if you have to go an airport in a non-English country, everything is clear and all signages are also in English. Also, you are going to Northern Ireland which obviously is an English Speaking country, so you won't need to feel scared in case you need to ask a question.

I reckon what you should do is look at the airport maps for every airport that you will need to go to on your trip to Belfast.

[Bex2804]

This is exactly what I'm doing in a weeks time and I'm 15 so I'm sure you will be fine!!! I went to the airport and asked exactly where I was supposed to g

[Bex2804]

This is exactly what I'm doing in a weeks time and I'm 15 so I'm sure you will be fine!!! I went to the airport and asked exactly where I was supposed to g

( stupid iPod cut my messages!) anyway, where I was supposed to go on the day so I felt a bit more comfortable and of course on the trip home it's the same flight my SO made in summer so I can just ask him. I think the best thing to do is make sure you are 100% ready before you go so you don't have too much to think about on the actual day and just remember the reason why you are flying!! Makes me feel a bit better about flying for the first time alone xx

[eveningsky]

It's really not that bad to fly on your own. In fact, most the times I've flown, it's been on my own. I flew with my SO's family once and it was annoying to me because I'm always used to flying on my own and getting to pick what to do and where to go (and where to meet up) but I had to make compromises with them during our layover so it was a bit awkward because I wasn't used to that. On your own, you can do whatever you want on your layovers (assuming you have at least one): buy whatever food you want, sit near the gate or walk around as much as you want, etc. There's always security in airports, so you shouldn't have to worry too much about your safety (just keep your bags close to you...you're really supposed to do that anyway). If you get patted down, at least no one you know will be there to watch. Yeah, enjoy it. It always makes me feel like a really independent and awesome person...even though it's boring and a little lonely. Bring a book, music, or games.

[squeeker]

Don't worry, you'll be fine... I remember before I flew for the first time alone (it was my first actual flight too, besides a small ride on an airplane in grade 6 that lasted only a few minutes). Don't be scared to ask questions. If you have someone drop you off at the airport, they can help you find the check in, then you'll stand in line at the check in, and when you get to the desk, you'll give your passport and flight itinerary, and check in your luggage (and they'll see your carry on and make sure it's alright.. I've always just brought my purse/handbag and 1 checked luggage) and then they'll give you your ticket and you can ask them which way to go to security (I did this my first time) and they should point it out and then depending on how much time is left and if anyone is still with you, you can hang out with them for a bit, but go through security pretty soon after so you have lots of time to make sure you can buy any snacks/water if you want, and can find the gate. And if you don't have one already (and your family doesn't either), you might want to invest in a luggage scale so that you can rest assured knowing your luggage is under the limit.. some of them are a bit faulty I find and don't measure exactly but it gives you an idea, and they are usually pretty close to correct.

Security always makes me a bit nervous, but.. actually to calm your fears, read up on the airline policy for your airport you're flying with, to minimize chances you'll bring something that might look suspicious. Once through security, the gate is usually easy to find, there are clear signs around the airport, the gate number will be on your ticket you get at check-in. It's always a good idea to drink water on the plane, other beverages like pop, coffee, and tea can be dehydrating, and you want to drink enough on the plane but the bathrooms aren't the best so you don't want to overdrink.. but a bottle of water bought in the departures lounge is a good idea (or I've heard people bringing water bottles through security and filling them up with tap water once in the departures lounge, I always buy bottled water myself.). My first flight I made sure I knew where the gate was before I even started to look around the shops, but now I don't have to worry as much because I know the airports better, but I still try and find the sign for it.

I know that looks like a lot of information, but you'll be fine! Since my first trip to the UK to see my boyfriend, I've flown 2 more times there (and back unfortunately ) and I've gotten a lot better navigating airports. If you have any other questions, don't be shy to ask. And about meeting your boyfriend and being away from home for the first time (for an extended time), you'll be fine too.. you know you get along well with your boyfriend from his visit to you, and it shouldn't be any different when you go there. Show respect to his family, thank them for letting you stay with them (if you are, I'm not sure what the situation is) and know that if you miss your mom and brother you'll be home in 3 weeks, and just enjoy the time with your boyfriend. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time!

[Mims27]

Airports are a lot easier than they seem to be. Don't worry and just read the signs. Just go with the flow and It'll be fine. And if it does get confusing for some reason, there is always a ton of people to help you. Good luck! It'll be worth it!

[Biddlybiddlybombop]

Relax. It's a big step, but you'll be surprised how easy it is. Just make sure you have a watch or phone to tell you the time, and you know what the number of the flight is (it'll be on your ticket). And enjoy being... Free.

And I do love getting picked up at the airport by my SO or my parents. Really really love it. And they can't pick you up from their airport if they're on the plane with you!

In terms of missing your family, you'll be back before you know it. You know what it's like to miss your SO, and you cope ok with that. This is a little different, but if you can handle a long distance romantic relationship, you can be away from your parents for a few weeks.

[I actually prefer flying alone now]

[lyonsgirl]

I would recommend finding maps of all of the airports, and looking through them. Find places to get a snack, and know that if you DO get lost-there are airport personnel EVERYWHERE, so ask one of them. You can ask anyone, people at gates, janitors, shop cashiers, and they should be able to, at the very least, direct you to a gate (if you're not at one already) so they can help you out.

The first thing I always do when I get off the plane when I'm connecting in that airport (even if I'm in a hurry) is check the departures board. Sometimes the gates change on you, and you don't want to go to the wrong gate! So I highly recommend stopping. Remember-you'll want to look for the next airport you're going to, which may not be your final destination.

As for being away from your mom and brother, just think - when you're over there you can find some pretty awesome souvenirs to bring back with you! Just be careful about what you do pick out, because I've heard stories about customs being a pain. I've only flown internationally once, so I'm definitely not an expert on this, but I'd suggest sticking to "things" rather than food or something.

You'll need your passport and boarding passes - probably all of them - every time you go through security/customs, and maybe at the gate as well. Put them in a safe place - but a place that you have easy access to.

I've done a fair amount of flying on my own (this year I've made about 11 round trip flights on my own. I've been in about 15 different airports, but they have all been within the US) so feel free to PM or VM me if you want to chat.

Oh, one last thing. Even if you don't look at maps or plan out where you might get a snack, you'll be okay. There are enough signs and maps in airports that you'll be just fine.

[TwoThree]

The first time I traveled alone internationally, I was so nervous I had my sister write down (down to the smallest details) what I will have to do and what to expect at the local airport. Turns out I didn't even need it because once you get there, you just go with the flow. I didn't know what to expect at the airport where I had to transit, though, but even then it was super easy. You just need to remember to look at the boards where they show which gate/zone/terminal/whatever your flights leaves from, and there are signs pretty much everywhere. And in doubt, ask the airport personnel, they're there for a reason.

Good luck

[faith_patience_believe]

I am also flying for the second time ever and the FIRST TIME ALONE on the exact day that you are going! so know that you will not be alone that day in your worries! I'm sure we'll both figure it out and have a wonderful time!

[InnocenceWildx]

I am also flying for the second time ever and the FIRST TIME ALONE on the exact day that you are going! so know that you will not be alone that day in your worries! I'm sure we'll both figure it out and have a wonderful time!

Oh my goodness, how cool!