First Time Flying Alone

[ymgsiri]

I tried looking for this topic here, ewan ko kung tama yung item na to sa folder na to. Anyway here goes. I recently got a visa, dapat sunduin ako ng fiancé ko and sabay kame alis going to US unfortunately may problem sa schedule niya. So the only choice I have now is to FLY ALONE. Part of me saying okay lang dahil big girl na ko, pero I've never even tried flying alone domestically (even around asia).

Any tips for a first timer like me? Lalo na international flight ako.. Thanks ladies!

[aquacharly]

Organize your bag & carry-on.  Parang  during pre-board  inspections hindi sabog sabog your stuff, madali mo ma see  if you are already getting pilfered  by the inspector.
Mind you safekeep well your passport/documents & valuables at all times.
Make sure you can remove your laptop, IPad/tablet easily fom your carry-on bag for the X-ray inspections.
Don't forget to bring a ballpen.

Mind the signs in the airports.  Mind the times of departure, the pre-departure deadlines.   
Mind your carry-on stuff when you disembark for your transit stop.  Don't leave it carelessly around for others to put stuff in. 

Lock your carry-on, that  you will put in the overhead bin.
Bring your purse/tote/shoulder bag with you when you go to the plane CR.
If you are prone to motion sickness, take 24-hr Bonamine 30min before take-off. 

Keep your cellphone fully charged. Make sure, or bring along the charger in your bag.

Ano pa?  Do layering, so you can easily adjust to the varying temperatures.

IF you are not entering the US on a fiancee's visa, but entering on a tourist visa --  do not say you are getting married there. 
Match your details of travel to a tourist's itinerary.   Go over your details so you can readily answer the Immigration Officer with confidence.

Enjoy your trip!  A long flight need not be stressful.  Just stay alert. 

[ymgsiri]

Aquacharly: Now I'm getting nervous! LOL thank you!

[yapeegurl]

I had the same situation as yours 10yrs ago. First time traveller ko din noon out of the country. Solo trip din. Here are some points to take note and I hope this will help you

- Make sure you print your flight itinerary and take note of the time. Minsan military time kaya nakakalito. Take note of layovers and time difference. Layovers are based on the local country's time.
- Keep your passport with visa, flight itinerary, ballpen, copy of invitation letter (if needed) in one small plastic envelope. Para kahit mabasa, hindi mag warp ang passport mo. Mas maganda ang plastic envelope.
- Make sure you have enough USD on hand. Enough to cover for your food, phone calls, taxi fare, emergency layovers etc.
- Keep a hand written list of phone numbers to call sa US in case your fiance is not reachable upon your arrival. Para kahit low batt ka, you still have a copy of their numbers. If possible, naka roaming ka sana for emergency cases.
- If you know someone who keeps pennies and quarters, baka puwede ka makahingi para pag dating mo sa US, you can call your fiance right away.
- In the event of a layover, ask the flight attendant if change plane ka ba, change airline, or mag refuel lang sila. Ask them how to find out where your next boarding gate is.
- Be mindful of your boarding gate and boarding time.
- Less hand carry, less stress.
- Keep your phone charger with you. A travel charger will surely help.
- Be ready sa pag answer sa US Immigration officers. Mababait naman sila Be confident.

Enjoy!

[Sapphire8]

Sis ymgsir:

Once ko pa lang na-experience to travel alone going to the US and I loved it. To think na I had a looong stop over in Taipei-- 8 hours, at mag-isa pa ako.
Nakaka-excite sya actually, dahil you'll get lost in a sea of strangers-- eh I like people-watching pa naman. So yun, I spent my 8-hours just observing people and talking to random kababayans who were also US-bound.

One suggestion I can give you is to carry a book or some magazines. Bago ako umalis noon I bought some mags sa NAIA to keep myself busy sa flight and during my stop-over. Also, keep you carry-on luggage light. Mahirap to go to the restroom if ang dami-dami mo dala. One trolley is enough plus a cross-over bag where you can put your documents, etc.

[entwife]

First time to travel out of the country rin ako nest week sis. haha pero hindi US punta ko. Goodluck. Kelan flight mo?

[anon]

@ymgsiri -- in addition to the excellent tips already given, bring a universal electric plug adaptor for your gadgets. extremely useful in airports and final destination

[ymgsiri]

Entwife: Hi! Kinakabahan ako baka mawala ako sa airport ng houston sabindaw kase malaki daw yun. Hahaha sa oct 22! Goodluck to us !

Anon: wala akong universal charger. Wala din kase ako celphone. Ang gudgets ko lang is puro apple. Okay na ba yung charger nila??? Hehe

Sapphire8: thank you for the tip!!! I'll take note of that. Plan ko din mag dala ng biok or anything that would burn my 11 hours flight. And I guess maggustuhan ko rin [textspeak!] experience na ako mag isa mag travel but what I hate most is the whole idea of flying cos im scared if heights oero wala na ko magagawa my flight is already booked. Hahaha

Yapeegurl: hi thank you for the tip. Unfortunately wala ako phone. My fiancé wants to send me a phone before I leave pero based on my experience if your trying to mail phones or any electronics bawal daw ang batteries. So useless diba?. Pero gsto ko yung idea na naka plastic ang mga dicuments ko. Btw II'm bringing  2mos supply ng medicine ko for my GERD lalagay ko siya sa chickin  luggage. I have prescription naman would they still allow it? And dont forget my personal cuticle remover..

[entwife]

Sa SG lang byahe ko pero kinakabahan pa rin ako. haha
mejo malaki yung carry on bag/ purse ko so kailangan ko pala buhatin yun everytime na pupunta ko ng cr.
yung sa SG pala, iba yung plug nila. available ba yung mga adaptor sa hotel at airport?

[bagaholic_chewy]

^^ add ko lang sis. Allot extra time to be in the airport for your departure flight. Para me allowance ka for long checkin/immig lines. If available, use the online checkin facility of your airline, this will save you time. Also, have pesos ready for your terminal fee, etc. Also have some USD handy, panggastos mo during layovers and upon arrival, while waitng for your sundo (pantawag, etc). San ang layover mo? You can approach the flight attendants or the airport staff to help you locate your transfer/boarding gate during layovers. Double-check your boarding gate for your connecting flight (if necessary), because sometimes they change gates at the last minute. Listen to airport announcements.

For check-in luggage, make sure na me lock. And as much as possible, do not put high-value items like jewelry and such. I-handcarry mo na lang mga yun. If me dala ka babasagin, wrap it ng maayos para in case mabasag e hindi kakalat to your clothes and other things.

For your handcarry, you can bring one extra set of clothes (don't forget undies). And mind the restrictions on liquids (not more than 100ml per item, no lighters, etc), also no nailcutters and other sharp objects. If maglalagay ka bag sa overhead bin, make sure na me lock. You'll never know, baka me magkainteres while tulog ka or when you're not looking. Keep important documents like passport, wallet, itinerary, etc in your handbag or sling bag, which you can hold on to or put under the seat in front of you. And always bring this hand/sling bag with you kahit magsi-cr ka lang. Yung nasa overhead bin na me lock, di mo na kelangan bitbitin.

Do not easily trust strangers. Scan or photocopy your passport and visa, this will come in handy just in case you lose your passport (pero wag naman sana...).

If takot ka sa heights, do not get a window seat, baka lalo ka nerbyosin. Aisle seat ka na lang. Wear comfortable clothes (and comfy footwear) especially since long flight ka. And, be careful not to mention "bomb" sa airports and sa airplane, kahit joke lang. This can get you offloaded and fined.

Sa immigration, both here and sa US, kung ano ang itanong yun lang sagutin mo. Kumbaga isang tanong, isang sagot. Less talk, less mistakes. And be consistent sa sagot mo. If tourist visa ka, pag tinanong itinerary mo, then it should match that of a tourist/visitor. If fiance visa, then be prepared to answer clarificatory questions about your boyfriend and your relationship.

[anon]

ymgsiri -- sorry, android user ako eh

@ entwife -- sometimes hotel have adaptors, others dont. with airports, sometimes they have universal plugs, while others dont. better to bring one to be sure

[summersong]

Carryon. Make sure your carry-on is within the size and weight limits of all planes you’ll be traveling in. Lock it before going through x-rays or stowing in the overhead bins. Some people like rollaboards, others backpacks or duffels. I would recommend including a change of clothes in case your check-in luggage gets delayed or lost.  Stow your carryon sa space above your seat, pero kung nagkataong wala nang space sa pwesto mo when you board (yes some people are bin hogs, or just plain inconsiderate), slide it under the seat if it will fit, or sa bins on the opposite side where you can monitor it.

Liquids. Mind the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces (100mL) max per bottle. Place in 1 quart zip lock bag. 1 ziplock bag per passenger. Place the ziplock bag in an external pocket or an easily accessible place in your carryon so you can easily fish it out for inspection.

Personal bag. Your choice. A flattish cross-body bag works for me. Place your essentials in here such as passport, boarding pass, IDs, cash, credit cards, medications (with doctor’s prescription if warranted). This way the most important stuff are always on your person, kahit pumunta ka lang sa CR ng plane or in case of emergencies (cross fingers).

Bring a pen, as well as written-down information such as the name and address of your destination, phone numbers, contact persons, address and contact numbers of the Philippine embassy/consulate in that country, any existing medical conditions and current medications. Place this in personal bag.

Prepare a pouch or an empty pocket in your personal bag before going through inspection. Then mabilis  place your keys, wallet, phone, watch etc in it before going through x-rays, drop the pouch in your bag, lock the bag, breeze through inspection. Less chances of your watch getting pilfered from the tray and it will be quicker finding the items from the bag and putting them back on.

If you have to wear a belt, make sure it has no metal on it. Wear comfy uncomplicated shoes. Wear layered, comfy, yet appropriate clothing. Sa mga lamigin, bring socks and a pashmina/jacket/malong. May blanket naman sa plane but a few airlines have questionable sanitary practices.

The key is being organized, alert, and confident. Para kahit mag-isa ka lang bumibiyahe, you’ll maintain control over your belongings and have less to think about while navigating through new locations.

@entwife – parang wala akong napapansing available adaptors sa airport, but many hotels have them. Kung wala, you can buy them cheap kahit sa tiangge sa Sg.

[ymgsiri]

Entwife: based on my experience in SG napansin ko lang since british colony sila same sila  electric socket. Bili ka na sa hardware seqrch mo lang sa google kkailanganin mo yan. I

[ymgsiri]

Bagaholic_chewy: wow thank you for all that!!! Omg i need quarters para pag mag pay phine ako san kaya meron. Direct flight lay over ko tokyo lang. 1hour lang. Ok naman na siguro kung print ko nalang itinerary ko. Para ipapakita ko nalang diba?

[ymgsiri]

Summersong: okay extra clothes-check!  What about the medication.. I like to bring at least 2 medication sa plane para sa GERD ko. Lalo na sa plane I wont be eating that much. Maybprescription naman but papayagan ba ko? And about cuticle remover. Gsto ko mag dala ng personal remover ko sa US probabluly cos it's sharper haha sabi nila kahit daw check in luggage baka daw paalis sa bag ko

[summersong]

Actually, never inusisa ang mga gamot ko sa mga pagbbyahe  sa US, but I still bring the corresponding MD prescriptions pati med cert in case usisain ako. I bring an amount of meds enough for the duration of my trip. Kung kailangan ko man bumili pa sa US, may docs na akong maipapakita sa pharmacy or clinics.

Wala ring problema ang nail cutters sa carryon on my recent trips. I use it to cut cable ties on my checked luggage.

Cuticle removers pwede naman ilagay sa checked luggage. Kahit knives. Wag lang baril without securing a permit and declaring it. However, any shape that looks odd on x-ray might give cause for TSA to rummage through your checked bag. For TSA guidelines on prohibited items, check mo ito sis:
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items

[oreo08]

lagi makikinig sa announcements in flight... when getting off the flight, sumunod where most people are going... if may connecting flight ka to catch, go look for a screen and hanapin mo dun where your departure gate is... basahin ang signs sa airport if you need to go the customs or whatever

first time I traveled alone, ganyan lang ginawa ko - nagbasa, nakinig at sumunod sa mga tao (not naman hanggang paglabas... inestimate ko lang hanggang saan ko sila susundan). This was Manila to Australia, stopover sa Singapore. So nervous talaga ako.

[bagaholic_chewy]

Ok lang to bring reasonable amount of medicine. I always have a stash of non-prescription medicine when I travel (like Biogesic, Alaxan, Claritin, meds for the tummy, etc). Since prescription meds dala mo, better if you have the Doctor's prescription with you. I keep a few meds sa carryon bag ko, some I put sa checked luggage. Cuticle remover, you can put sa checked luggage.

[yapeegurl]

entwife, wala ako nakikita na free adaptor sa airport sis. Sa mga hotels, I think puwede ka mag request for that. 3 pin plug sa SG. Mas ok na yung universal adaptor na bilhin mo Or dito ka na din sa SG  bumili. Madami naman dito

Today na pala ang flight ni TS. I hope she's having fun!

Agree ako sa isang sis dito who commented regarding the possibility na manakawan sa plane. It happened to me. Matanda pa man din na lady. Nalaglag iPhone ko. It took me a while to realize that I lost my phone. Hanap ako ng hanap. After maybe 10mins, the old woman asked if I lost something. Then I told her it was my phone. Then she called her daughter's attention (who was 3 seats away) na ilabas na ang phone. As in nagulat ako! Itinago nila agad? Hindi man lang tinawag ang attention ko to ask if it was mine knowing that they took the phone just under my seat. Grabe. Pero hindi ko na pinatulan since binalik naman. But yeah. Be mindful of your belongings. Lalo na pag nakakatulog sa plane.

[summersong]

^ true, sis. kahit sa eroplano di maiiwasang may malilikot ang kamay. kaya kung solo traveler at matutulog sa plane (or kahit saang public vehicle), secure your personal bag. i cover it with my shawl or jacket para effort kung may magtangkang mandukot. and my bag's zip is anchored with a lockable carabiner.

About checked luggage:

Don't put anything in you can't afford losing in your checked bag. No valuables or gadgets. It will show up on the scanner and tempt the unscrupulous.

Kung sa US ang travel, make sure your checked bag is secured with a TSA lock. Dahil kung bubuksan ng TSA ang bagahe mo at hindi TSA-compliant ang lock, babaklasin ito, minsan pati zipper pulls nasisira. And hopefully the zippers can be anchored in one position para mahalata if your luggage has been tampered with. In many cases kasi the zipper be punched open para nakawan, or worse lagyan ng contraband, tapos i-zip back closed na parang walang nangyari. Some luggage TSA locks may indicator if it has been opened.

Aside from the baggage tag, place your name, email, and contact number sa loob ng checked bag. Better yet, include the address of your destination or a copy of your itinerary, so that if your bag gets lost at natanggal ang baggage tag, the airport folks know where your bag is supposed to go.

Remove or secure any protrusions from your checked bag, like long straps, padlocks with long cables. It might get caught sa conveyor at pwedeng ikasira ng bag mo. Place easily identifiable details on your bag (lalo na if it's plain black!) so that no one can mistake your bag as theirs, and you can easily spot it at baggage claims.