In the modern world, hopping onto a plane and taking to the skies in an effort to travel the world has become relatively commonplace. Flying has been the standard method of travelling long-distance for over three decades, and there’s no sign of this popularity decreasing.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of first-time flyers out there; people who have never set foot on an airplane before, and have no realistic idea about what to expect. If you are one of them, and you are due to take a flight soon, then you’re likely wondering what exactly is in store for you– and the countless myths about flying aren’t going to be helping you to separate illusion from reality. As a result, you’re probably more than a little anxious about what’s in store for you.

If you’re a first-time flyer, then here are four essential things you need to know before you board your first flight…

#1 – The food isn’t that bad

Airline food has been a plentiful well for comedians over the years, but airline food really isn’t that big of a deal. While it’s not going to be the best cuisine you’ve ever sampled, it will more than suffice until you get to your destination. Some people even claim to outright love airline food– who knows, maybe you’ll become one of their number.

#2 – The biggest challenge of flying is boredom

Even if you’re scared of flying, the single biggest issue you will face when on board a plane isn’t your nerves it’s boredom. Flying involves sitting still for long periods of time, with little to distract you but a movie you’ve likely seen countless times. Stock up on books and magazines to keep you company during the flight.

#3 – The seats are more comfortable than you’ll expect

As with the food, airline seats aren’t the best you’ll ever experience, but they’re unlikely to be the worst. For one thing, they’re likely to be larger than pop culture has led you to believe; the Airbus A320-200 led the way with wider seats and improved comfort, and plenty of other manufacturers have followed suit. If you do experience any discomfort during the flight, you have the freedom to walk the aisles and stretch out (when the “seat-belts” sign is off, of course).

#4 – You’ll hear a lot of noises

Travelling by plane is not a silent experience. You’ll hear a lot of noises throughout your flight, some of which may sound downright alarming to a first-time flyer. There’s a great video here that explains some of the most common noises in detail, so have a watch in preparation for your own flight.

In conclusion

Flying for the first time is always daunting, even if you’re not particularly concerned about the prospect. Hopefully, the above has helped ease some of your concerns, and you can just focus on anticipating the fun you will have at your destination when you arrive.

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post.