Need airport help...

[Spencer Wright]

I posted a thread earlier about anxiety I get pre-flight, and could also use some tips in terms of how to stay calm in the airport.

Essentially I become an anxious mess foreseeing serious delays, or losing a lot of trip time due to flight issues. Fortunately, I received some excellent advice.

I am flying out of Philadelphia on a Friday at 12:55 so I know the airport will be a total zoo. Fortunately I am flying with just my sister (23) and she is amenable to arriving 3 hours early.

Anyone have any good tips on terms of staying calm in the airport, or how I can tune out the disaster the airport will be?

I will have an iphone and dell laptop with me.

I don't usually get very anxious about anything so this is new territory for me.

 

[FCDub]

Focus on what you're doing. Don't pay attention to what others are doing. Once you get to the airport, figure out what gate you're going to and make it your mission to find that before doing anything else. Don't grab a snack, don't go buy a magazine. Get through security and find your gate. Once you know where it is, then you can go venture off for whatever else you need.

And if your sister is there, just know you'll be fine. You'll have a companion to help you figure things out, which is more than solo travelers have.

Have fun!

 

[momjeeps]

Once you find your gate and take care of personal needs, read stuff on DIS to pass the time and get the Disney vibes started.

 

[Spencer Wright]

Focus on what you're doing. Don't pay attention to what others are doing. Once you get to the airport, figure out what gate you're going to and make it your mission to find that before doing anything else. Don't grab a snack, don't go buy a magazine. Get through security and find your gate. Once you know where it is, then you can go venture off for whatever else you need.

And if your sister is there, just know you'll be fine. You'll have a companion to help you figure things out, which is more than solo travelers have.

Have fun!

Excellent advice, I appreciate it!

 

[KrazeeK120]

Focus on what you're doing. Don't pay attention to what others are doing. Once you get to the airport, figure out what gate you're going to and make it your mission to find that before doing anything else. Don't grab a snack, don't go buy a magazine. Get through security and find your gate. Once you know where it is, then you can go venture off for whatever else you need.

And if your sister is there, just know you'll be fine. You'll have a companion to help you figure things out, which is more than solo travelers have.

Have fun!

Totally agree with this. I have similar airport/travel anxiety and it always makes me feel much better if I know where I need to be to board.

 

[StraightToDumbo]

I have quite the flying anxiety as well. My secret? GO TO THE AIRPORT EXHAUSTED. Stay up late, have a bunch of coffee a few hours before takeoff and by the time you sit in the seat you'll just pass right out (bring a travel pillow). Works like a charm for me, and I fly A LOT.

 

[perditax]

1) Prescription from doctor with just a few xanax pills.

2) If you don't like the idea of meds, meditation might help. I really like the 'Headspace' app, but it has an annual fee.

I have quite the flying anxiety as well. My secret? GO TO THE AIRPORT EXHAUSTED. Stay up late, have a bunch of coffee a few hours before takeoff and by the time you sit in the seat you'll just pass right out (bring a travel pillow). Works like a charm for me, and I fly A LOT.

Oh wow. Exhaustion + loads of caffeine would be a one-way ticket to Panicsville for me, even without the flight anxiety. (Unfortunately when I'm overtired I'm more prone to anxiety and a racing heart to begin with, so I can't use caffeine to help.)

 

[charmed59]

If money is not an issue, I find relaxing in the admiral's club lounge a great way to start a vacation. I can spend a few hours there, get snacks, maybe breakfast or if it's late a glass of wine, surf the internet. Just head to the gate at boarding time.

 

[Spencer Wright]

I have quite the flying anxiety as well. My secret? GO TO THE AIRPORT EXHAUSTED. Stay up late, have a bunch of coffee a few hours before takeoff and by the time you sit in the seat you'll just pass right out (bring a travel pillow). Works like a charm for me, and I fly A LOT.

I really like the exhausted idea, I'll def stick with that!!

I don't have anything planned once we land so this won't interfere with anything either. I think it will make a big difference.

 

[JimMIA]

If money is not an issue, I find relaxing in the admiral's club lounge a great way to start a vacation. I can spend a few hours there, get snacks, maybe breakfast or if it's late a glass of wine, surf the internet. Just head to the gate at boarding time.

This is a great suggestion, as are the suggestions to get through security and find your gate before you do anything else.

The Admirals Club is American Airlines, but if you are flying any major airline they should have some kind of lounge. Some airlines sell one-day membership for $25 or so. These clubs are great places to relax in quiet, comfortable surroundings and read, surf the net, watch TV, etc. The lounge staff are also great with answering questions and helping with a million other things.

I also like the idea of spending time on the DIS. Focus on the great fun you are SURE to have at WDW, not some inconvenience that might occur...but probably won't.

Have a great trip!

 

[Spencer Wright]

This is a great suggestion, as are the suggestions to get through security and find your gate before you do anything else.

The Admirals Club is American Airlines, but if you are flying any major airline they should have some kind of lounge. Some airlines sell one-day membership for $25 or so. These clubs are great places to relax in quiet, comfortable surroundings and read, surf the net, watch TV, etc. The lounge staff are also great with answering questions and helping with a million other things.

I also like the idea of spending time on the DIS. Focus on the great fun you are SURE to have at WDW, not some inconvenience that might occur...but probably won't.

Have a great trip!

I'll def browse the Dis, I appreciate it!

 

[Best Aunt]

Do not use headphones in the airport. You want to be able to hear announcements.

Make sure you have the airline's app on your phone. You can use it to keep tabs on any changes to your flight. You may be able to set the app for notifications, but don't rely on them; check yourself.

 

[MAYNARDS99]

Sign up for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. There are two interview locations in Philadelphia. This will expedite you through security, even faster than the first class line.

Definitely spring for lounge access. The only public one is "Minute Suites", however these are VERY private and would be ideal for someone who is anxious.

You don't mention what airline you are flying but American has a program called Five Star Service. This includes curbside meet and greet, express security screening, lounge access, personal escort to the gate, and early boarding (literally the first on the plane). The price of $250 + $75 for your sister, may be well worth it to you. You and your sister will be treated fabulously, and no need to arrive three hours early.

 

[goofy4tink]

I used to be very anxious. But, now that I fly so often, it no longer bothers me. I've come to find that people watching at the airport is a lot of fun. Go through security, use the restrooms, grab a bite to eat or drink, then sit down at your gate and watch life go by!! It's amazing the stuff you see while traveling. As long as you take your time, and try not to stress, things will be fine. It's usually the fear of the unknown that gets us going! And when you're not used to airports, they can seem overwhelming!!! So slow down, give yourself plenty of time. You'll be fine. Keep breathing!!!

 

[Spencer Wright]

I used to be very anxious. But, now that I fly so often, it no longer bothers me. I've come to find that people watching at the airport is a lot of fun. Go through security, use the restrooms, grab a bite to eat or drink, then sit down at your gate and watch life go by!! It's amazing the stuff you see while traveling. As long as you take your time, and try not to stress, things will be fine. It's usually the fear of the unknown that gets us going! And when you're not used to airports, they can seem overwhelming!!! So slow down, give yourself plenty of time. You'll be fine. Keep breathing!!!

very much appreciated! I am thinking I will get through security with plenty of time, read disboards, not use headphones, and people watch.

I am flying Southwest. I'm fine going through regular security and everything, we're planning on arriving early.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Lavender oil. If you have a health food store near you, you can get a small roll on bottle(it about a 1/2 oz size) of lavender oil. Whole Foods is a great place to get it. When I am anxious I roll a bit of it on my lip right under my nose.

 

[barbliny]

In terms of anxiety - I would not sit at the gate until it was necessary. I would find the gate and then go to the food court and sit there - it will usually be close to the gates. For your return flight it is 50 yards from the SWA gates - and has comfortable seating and lots of food choices. I am unfamiliar with Philadelphia. If it is far from your gate, sit at a different gate preferably one that is empty because there is no impending flight. I fly Southwest all of the time and I find some of the passengers at the gate to be far from relaxed - I think it's the way seating is done. If you can't tune out the passengers who always seem primed to leap out of their seat for boarding - the less time sitting among them, the better. Southwest will start boarding no more than 30 minutes ahead of departure time. So, I would try to get to your gate 45 minutes before flight time

 

[Spencer Wright]

In terms of anxiety - I would not sit at the gate until it was necessary. I would find the gate and then go to the food court and sit there - it will usually be close to the gates. For your return flight it is 50 yards from the SWA gates - and has comfortable seating and lots of food choices. I am unfamiliar with Philadelphia. If it is far from your gate, sit at a different gate preferably one that is empty because there is no impending flight. I fly Southwest all of the time and I find some of the passengers at the gate to be far from relaxed - I think it's the way seating is done. If you can't tune out the passengers who always seem primed to leap out of their seat for boarding - the less time sitting among them, the better. Southwest will start boarding no more than 30 minutes ahead of departure time. So, I would try to get to your gate 45 minutes before flight time

I believe I shall employ that strategy. The flight has left from the same gate basically as long as southwest has flown out of Philadelphia and the airport is pretty easy to navigate. I think finding a relatively 'quiet' place farther away is a really good option. The gate is at the end of the terminal along with about ten others and all the food places, so you can imagine.

I agree the other passengers can contribute to anxiety and appreciate the advice!

 

[Shrfleen]

I am an anxious flyer as well. I always arrive early to get through security and make my way to my gate. Rushing to the gate, would drive me crazy. I always check out the small stores, pick up a bottle of water and a small snack. I then find a good seat with no one else around and read, check Facebook and I've also taken to coloring in those adult coloring books.

 

[Marsh215]

I have quite the flying anxiety as well. My secret? GO TO THE AIRPORT EXHAUSTED. Stay up late, have a bunch of coffee a few hours before takeoff and by the time you sit in the seat you'll just pass right out (bring a travel pillow). Works like a charm for me, and I fly A LOT.

I agree with this minus the coffee, that stuff would make it worse on me. Any flight length is made better by a nap.

Sign up for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. There are two interview locations in Philadelphia. This will expedite you through security, even faster than the first class line.

If you have the time beforehand get TSA Pre Check. The stress of the security line is what gets me every time. I've had nothing but great experiences with TSA Pre, always get into the terminal within 30 minutes while line waiters might have an hour. I have not flown to PHL since 2010, but it was an okay airport then and TSA Pre would make it better. http://www.phl.org/Pages/Passengerinfo/SecurityInformation/TSApre.aspx

In terms of anxiety - I would not sit at the gate until it was necessary. I would find the gate and then go to the food court and sit there - it will usually be close to the gates. For your return flight it is 50 yards from the SWA gates - and has comfortable seating and lots of food choices. I am unfamiliar with Philadelphia. If it is far from your gate, sit at a different gate preferably one that is empty because there is no impending flight. I fly Southwest all of the time and I find some of the passengers at the gate to be far from relaxed - I think it's the way seating is done. If you can't tune out the passengers who always seem primed to leap out of their seat for boarding - the less time sitting among them, the better. Southwest will start boarding no more than 30 minutes ahead of departure time. So, I would try to get to your gate 45 minutes before flight time

This one is a double edge sword. I find myself more anxious if I am not at the gate, constantly worrying that I am missing my flight because it landed early (yeah right).