I'm going to NY in two months (I live in WI). I'll be taking a plane from Minnesota to NY. I've never been on a plane before, and I'm terrified. I'm not really scared of the ride itself, but of getting to the airport and messing up something. I am scared of looking like the dummy tourist not knowing what they are doing. I have no idea how I'm supposed to do any of this. My girlfriend has the link for buying the ticket, but I don't know if I need to print anything, or if I need my ID, or whatever else I need. Or what I can and can't bring onboard. :gonk:

Have you ever been on a plane? How did you feel going on it?

I went on a plane two years ago (it was my first time), with my brother. I was 16 at the time, and I felt extremelly responsable for my little brother. I was TERRIFIED of screwing up, getting lost, losing a ticket, getting on the wrong terminal... you know, the usual fears.

Don't worry about it! Just like you, there are a lot of other people who probably have no idea either. Just follow the instructions on your ticket and pay close attention to the bulletins. Make sure that everything in your equipment is in order, but most of all, just remember to relax! Its not every day you get to travel on a plane, so why not make the experience an interesting one? :D

I feel like I'm going to die :cry:

During college I was part of the executive board for an oncampus resident organization...my job was to travel to conference and represent our school at the conference and in the boardroom. Anyway, before then I had been on a plane when I was younger but can't really remember it. I had to travel SO much for this position. And I HATE PLANES! It was just the worse position I could have run for (although I enjoyed it lol). I would seriously cry everytime we took off. I'd grab onto my fellow travelers from my school. lol One time I had to go by myself....my advisor and I were the only ones going to this particular conference and he got sick and went into the hospital. We couldn't change the plan ticket's name to our other advisor and so I had to go alone. I was SOSOSOSOSOSO scared. I cried the way there. But I luckily found a friend I had met at other conferences on the plane ride back so he sat with me and helped me. lol

I just can't ever get used to it. I can't help feeling scared everytime we take off. I just don't like planes.

I've been on super small planes for short rides (one city to another in the same state) and huge planes for looong rides (Atlanta -> Tokyo) and I get slightly nervous mostly at the prospect of the plane crashing or something, but I'm usually pretty excited for plane rides.
I think the main thing I don't like is if there's a huge crowd of people (which there seems to be at the security checkpoint area where you put your things through the scanner and take off your shoes and such). But after that I feel a bit exhilarated going to find my gate. :lol: Granted, if the airport is a nice size and not super small...

I'm pretty sure airlines have all their guidelines and dos/don'ts on their website; so you could check that out beforehand.
I don't think you have to print anything out (I've gone to the airport with just the code and been just fine), but you will need your ID for sure.
There are usually signs all over the place in airports and of course, you can always ask someone for assistance. :yes:

How early should I arrive at the airport? I heard at least two hours, because the waiting can take a long time.

I would say at least two hours. Security now a days is pretty bad.

I had to take a sleeping pill on the planes that I was on with the exception of a single engine that took me from the mainland to the Galapagos because it wasn't that long. I have a very irrational fear of heights so being on a plane isn't pleasant for me. Helicopters for some reason don't bother me as much but planes....I rather not fly.

Definitely at least two hours. Even excluding the security part, you still have to get your tickets and that may be a line, and check any luggage, then security, and then finding your gate. (I'm sure all of these vary by how big the airport is also.)
I remember taking my mother to the airport and she got there an hour early, but still couldn't make her flight. =\

Don't worry it's not so bad! I had to go on a plane by myself for the first time when I was fifteen, and I was also absolutely terrified. The employees are actually really nice, so don't be afraid to ask questions!
Just follow the instructions on your ticket, and also if you're not sure you could always give the airport a call and ask them what they need and what you need to do. :]

Also, don't be afraid of looking like a tourist! I live in NY, and even some New Yorkers who live here for their whole lives look touristy from time to time, plus there are so many people here, no one will notice you. ;]
Most of all just relax, and enjoy your time. Just be very aware of signs around the airport telling you where to go and what to do, don't worry, there should be plenty!

Flying is easy when you get the hang of it. I suggest you bring gum to pop your ears and a good book. Make sure to check your airlines limitations by going to their website and that helps quiet a bit and I learned a lot from it when I looked before flights. I think everyone who is new to flying has anxiety but they are used to it so just be early if you feel like you need to. The thing I hate is the new machines they have you go through they see everything and so I suggest you get a pat down instead but up to you because both are gross.

One time I was on a plane and we flew over tornado weather? and man! there was like, the worst turbulence. The whole plane was rattling around violently and we kept having drops....

That's scary!
I don't mind flying, but if there's bad weather, I'm freaking out on the inside.

We bought a car from a flight attendant and she was telling us about how planes get struck by lightning all the time.
We were just like, "o Ao;;; Th-thanks for the info...."
But luckily most lightning strikes on planes don't really cause damage.
It was just an "omgwhat?!" moment. :lol: