don't forget that most airlines also offer "pre boarding" where if you require assistance you can board before everyone else regardless of your zone number! :) you'll get a chance to board with less passengers, and speak to your cabin crew about any concerns or special requests that you may have!
@@kriskratohwill9237 no! you can ask for this upon arriving to the gate of your flight! you ask the agents if its possible to pre-board but normally the first boarding call is for anyone requiring special assistance or pre boarding! (its also against the law for the agents the ask you the reason why)
first of: HOW DID I NOT NOTICE THE BACKGROUND WASN'T ACTUAL PLANTS? i can't stop staring now second: thank you so much for this! I'm flying to see my best friends next month and I was super scared, and I didn't feel like I should tell them because i don't want them to think I'm not excited. now i'm not as uncomfortable as i was before, so tysm
The timing of this video is just PERFECT! I - an autistic dude - am currently looking into booking my first flight ever for my first trip to Norway ever, by myself. And your video has calmed me down about this process a lot! Thank you for that! And thank you for you!
Also a tip, flying alone is actually pretty easy. There really are self-explanatory signs everywhere. To get to other gates you might need to take a subway/train, and they'll have signs for where those are, and a voice will say what gates are coming up. When you get off the plane, you just follow everyone else getting off the plane tbh. If you're getting on a second flight from there, you just find your gate at that airport for your next flight, no need to go through security again (as far as I'm aware in the US). Baggage claim is an obvious sign, but you can always ask workers in the airport where things are if you happen to need help. If you need to catch an uber, you might go to a place where a bus picks you up and takes you to another place where uber can pick you up, or uber can pick you up at a specific arrival gate you've parked yourself in.
Oh! And security is basically - take off shoes, anything metal, jackets, anything removable with pockets, cell phone, and have all your metal items + liquids from your carry on in a clear bag and take that out as well. Then it goes through the metal detector, you do a little snow angel pose when they call you in the line, and you go through and wait for your stuff to come out and put everything back on and go to your gate :)
@@pandoram6282 Security was something I was wondering about, too. Thanks so much for the clarification! :) I'm from Germany, so no Ubers here, but we have Taxis. (Basically the same :D ) But as long as there are signs everywhere - and with the knowledge you provided - I will manage. And in a pinch, I can ask someone... after collecting myself for a minute. xD Fortunately, my airport is not far from where I live, so I'll probably check it out before I leave, just to be sure. :D
I love to fly, in part because there's processes and rituals that are easy to follow once you're aware of them! It really bothers me when other people don't follow the procedures, though, so I tend to have my headphones on when I'm wandering around to help me ignore them.
Omg I relate to this so much, when I try travelling with my boyfriend he always is so disorganized about the whole process and we always get there with such little time. It's makes me so anxious :(
As an Autistic person, going through the airport for the first time by myself was definitely an experience but now I fly often so I'm close to an expert at it but it can be kinda scary for anyone. If you ever find yourself at Chicago O'Hare or Dallas-Fort Worth Airports, good luck 👍🏾
or salt lake city!! international airports in general can be so hellish but the SLC airport is constantly under construction and always changing and the walk from gate A to gate B (the new addition) is literally ten minutes long down a blank hallway, no joke
i feel like the atlanta airport would also be a bit of a nightmare. i've never been, but it's apparently the busiest airport in the world in terms of passengers per year. the thought alone of all that noise and all the people is kinda overwhelming.
Window seat is great until you have a looooong flight and also a small bladder ~ but, another tip! If there are any empty rows, you can likely switch to those once the plane starts moving.. having an entire row to yourself is great
The sentence in this video that stuck out and hit my funny bone is this: “When you land in an airplane, you’re all in the same boat.” A funny jump from the literal to the figurative that if it were literal, literally moves you, unless you’re starting in a sea plane.
Ive been on planes since I was 3 but they still stress me out, what if you're late, what if it's the wrong plane, what if they stop you at security, all the noise, the lights, the movement. The second I get on the plane I'm much calmer, but then I don't relax until we are in the air, and then I hate the going down because my ears always pop so much and I've had a couple very bumpy landings, all safe though. I always bring headphones so I can listen to stuff, my phone, a sketchbook because I like drawing, a normal book to read, lollypops help with the ears popping, and snacks. Then I get stressed about the landing and my ears popping and going through all the security and finding my bag but I do it because holidays are fun :)
Before my first flight I thoroughly collected knowledge on everything. Every security regulation and where best to sit, what to do and what to bring with you. And to be honest, the more I knew the less scared I was and the more I was looking forward to it. Just one ad-ons to the information in the video: When you purchase a checked bag with your flight, you usually also purchase a carry on. You can read about that in your airlines policies. There are also the allowed sizes for all the bags listed. So if you rather have your stuff with you, you usually don't have to check a bag. I hope this is helpful to somebody :)
Even though I've been through an airport before, I LOVE this very detailed descfiption of airplane travel. Definitely will come back to this if I ever have to go to the airport myself Edit: this is literally my second time watching this video before a flight bc i'm STILL stressed about the airport!
Wow, thank you for this! I feel like this is really going to help my daughter. She wants so badly to fly on a plane somewhere, just for the experience but is terrified she’ll get overwhelmed.
Autistic people can board first, I really recommend it. It's so much less stressful to get on and sit down without everyone else on the plane. I just walk up to the desk at the gate and I have a note typed on my phone that says "I'm autistic, can I preboard to avoid overstimulation?" and then they ask you to sit in the disability seats near the gate so they know where to find you when they're ready to let you preboard!
@@davethibault6734 I think the legality varies by airline, but most will. The only time i don't bother is when you have to take a bus to the plane and board from the tarmac
I have an anxiety attack every time I go on a plane. I know it's gonna happen and I just deal with it, because I also love flying at the same time as thinking I'm gonna die. Once we're up above the clouds, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace.
Mikado & I are sleeping like logs on our new Birch Luxe mattress. Be sure to visit birchliving.com/layle for $400 OFF your Birch Luxe mattress, plus two free pillows!! :)
Paige I love your videos because I have autism and it’s very refreshing to see someone with autism making content instead of someone who does not have autism.
I wear my sunflower lanyard, UK airports recognise it for hidden disabilities. Whenever ive flown with virgin they've allowed me to board first and I get assisted through security checks too to lessen my stress
Aww kitty! Airports give me such anxiety. I basically can never sleep the night before I'm taking a flight because I'm afraid of over sleeping and missing my flight. The flight itself is the only part I enjoy.
It feels so strange going alone Like you’re a real adult But you’ll do fine, just make sure nothing even remotely dangerous, like not even scissors, and no liquids are in your carry on bags (the bags you bring on the plane)
Thanks for mentioning the sunflower lanyards! I hadn't heard about them before. They aren't really supported in my region, but that'll be super helpful when I have to travel.
I love the airport because there is a bunch of stuff that explains exactly what to do. When I was in the airport with my family I was the only one who knew where to go and what to do.
If you don't like chewing gum like me (or have sensory issues with it) you can also bring chewy sweets or other snacks so you have something to chew on especially at the start and landing.
This is such a great video. I’ve been on airplanes and in airports countless number of times, but never by myself. Going on a trip next year and this video has really calmed my anxiety about the trip.
If you get on a long flight, I recommend a sleeping mask as well, just in case you want to sleep or zone out but they still have the lights on (the airplane lighting mimics the natural light outside so in intercontinental flights sometimes they never shut them off even if you're flying for 13 hours because you might be flying west, so following the sun. They do this so you get accustomed to the new time zone and don't get more confused). So if you have light sensitivity or are just bothered by artificial lights when you want to sleep, a sleeping mask will make all the difference 😂. Also, if you travel intercontinental, I suggest taking with you melatonin tabs, you can find them at the pharmacy or grocery store. No need of prescription, it's just a vitamine that helps getting your sleep cycle in sync with the new time zone. That is of course unless you cannot take melatonin for medical reasons.
thank you so much for making this video! i will be going through the airport by myself for the first time in a month for my very first solo trip! it's only for a couple days but it's such a huge deal to me because i'm not used to having to take care of myself in those situations, so having you paint the picture of what to do helps calm my nerves :')
To add to this, I wouldn't recommend using a third party site to book your flight unless you absolutely have to. I see this all the time at work, people book through them and then when they have problems, you have to contact the third party instead of the airline.
You single-handedly reduced all my anxiety 😅 a lot of the work is on the ground, I have a guaranteed seat waiting for me, and I know the plane is incredibly safe. I heard its almost like the plane is submerged in jelly- both sides of plane have pressure to stay in the middle and turbulence is just someone flicking the jelly- nothing will happen, I will be just fine and so will you!
Some airlines will let you reserve a specific seat, which helps reduce anxiety. I recommend getting everything you can set beforehand: check in online, reserve your seat (you can even pay to board early), print your ticket if you can, have your essential items separate in a smaller bag in case you get separated from your luggage. Unexpected things tend to happen while flying. You want to be able to move quickly with all your stuff and you want to be able to wait in case of delay.
Hi Paige, I often travel alone back and forth to countries and I noticed that the disability benefit in each country avries. For example in England when I travel there they don't take me seriously, because Autism - INVISIBLE DISABILITY, and there were times where they nearly left me stranded in the middle of the airport.
My hardest experience was coming back from Greece. Foreign text on the boards in the airport. The airport was huge, my partner at the time was drunk & the flight bag I purchased over there was the wrong size. Extreme overwhelm & panic with no English adult support. Trying to keep my sh*r together while having a meltdown of fear I’d be locked up in a foreign city. I also didn’t know about the liquid limits on the way to Greece so lost, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, sun cream, body wash. expensive way to find out! This was all pre autism diagnosis. I to love the window seat for all of the reasons you mentioned. Only thing I do differently is have the need to buy from the in air shop as not to feel I’ve missed out. I did lend my iPod to my partner, who jumped in the sea with it still in his pocket, which upsets me still to this day. 🤦♀️🤷♀️ is holding onto grudges or gilts an autistic trait or is that just me.
Most of my trips were by a bus. That was an experience. I’ve never could sleep in a vehicle so those 12 hour bus rides were full of adventure with the sights to see. Then there was those times when people spoke to me, that was nerve racking but the people were nice. Flying alone was fun, I love sitting by the window.
I thought the background was real 3D (but artificial) until the cat moved it but now it's obvious it's 2D. So weird, like an optical illusion. I have flown alone a few times and really liked it, just doing my own thing in my own way.
I am autistic and I'm actually going on a flight soon. This will be the first time I am alone for this. I keep getting those stomach drops you feel when you're scared haha. I have a sunflower lanyard but where I live, the airport workers are very strict and yell at you for basically anything, so I don't think they will care lol. I understand they are just doing their job though. But this video made me feel slightly better, so thank you.
I flippin hate airports. I hate flying but I love traveling, so I make myself go, have my multiple heart attacks and then hopefully arrive at my destination where I hide nice dark, quiet room and pass out from overstimulation. My ears heart for days sometimes after flying and I don’t know how to stop it so I just drink about it.
I love going through airports as well, and I could say I know the process like the back of my hand, but flying alone for the first time might make me forget things jaja
oh my GOD this is the first ive seen of your vids! a how to for new possible situations? HELL yes! im familiar with planes personally but this is an EXCELLENT idea!
I flew from Vancouver to Regina all by myself in August. It was my first time flying by myself and I have ADHD and SMD. I was really anxious and they ended up letting my great aunt go to the gate with me. I wish I had your video before flying by myself in the summer. It would have been really helpful but I hope I’ll be less anxious next time.
Ive done a lot of flying and yet hate it. Im not austistic, but have general anxiety disorder. Airports are hell. Loud, crowded, confusing, expensive, lack privacy, encourage being selfish. And seem to purposely add stress. TSA are generally jerks. The liquid rules is outdated and dumb. You were last bc you checked in later than everyone. The airplane tends to be dirty, crowded, loud, ect. The only comfort I have found is to get a massage during layovers, especially during the morning. They will let me sleep/meditate for 20 minutes.
this is all great advice & tips! i kind of wish you’d included pictures of things (like the desks where you get your boarding pass & give them your bag, the general security area, the signs for each gate, etc). i’ve flown a lot so i can already picture them in my head, but i think including photos of what these things should look like would help with connecting the dots when you actually get to the airport and feel stressed or overwhelmed by not knowing where to go or what the next step is. but i’m not a youtuber so idk 😂
and i almost forgot, some airline apps will have a map of the plane that shows you exactly which seat you booked! i know Delta has this, you can input your SkyMiles number when you book the flight and then in the app if you log in with your SkyMiles number there’s a way to navigate to a map of the plane which shows you where your seat is. very good for people like me who like to plan ahead meticulously lol
Aside from AS/ASD, I have hearing aids for both ears - but still can’t always tell what is being said. TH-cam doesn’t seem to be smart enough to have a global CC (yes, as in Closes Captioning) that can default to a certain language. Usually, I can have US English show up as the Auto-Generated CC. For some reason, this specific video indicates Vietnamese. Any way to have your videos set to default for US English, or allow for language selection? It would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I would have just driven 17 hours. My car doesn't have a bunch of random strangers in it, and also it goes where I want it to when I want it to go there, so it's always my preferred mode of transportation.
When you buy a ticket on a plane they have different "classes" for the ticket. If you buy the cheapest ticket, the "class" means you will be the last person on the plane. Also some seats are worse. For example, the seats at the very back of the plane do no recline. Or if you get the exit row, they have more leg room and tend to cost more.
Fun fact: If you wear an Icy Hot patch to help you be able to sit for a few hours on a plane, you will get flagged at security because they can see it in the scanner. That said, it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. They did a quick search and let me go through without issue. In the future, I'll wait until I get through the checkpoint before I put my pain relief patch on.
I wish you could of explained your flying experience by showing the airport and every step with visuals. It would help people with anxiety and it helps some people to have visuals of going to the airport and what to expect.
I love flying, even with turbulence, but airports have always given me anxiety. Their rules keep changing, which can be stressful because it’s always different each time you go.
airports can be stressful because it's crowded and there's a lot going on, also if one thing goes wrong (I've checked in but the machine isn't working to print my ticket so I have to go to the counter) I get very stressed. But I've flown a few times recently and I survived and most things went all right :)
I am 36 years old and I am a disabled person and I am on the Autism spectrum I have PDD-NOS. And I will never fly on an airplane. I have a fear of heights. I would have to take medicine to knock me out for the flight. I do love trains though. I like the metro and I like Amtrak. And I like road trips.
I took my first trip along with a group of church members from Minneapolis to Havana. I had to go back and get my boarding pass in Minneapolis. We transferred to International in Atlanta. When we got to Havana someone had to go back and get my passport. Yes I said I left my passport on the plane. Went through customs and went on our way on our 9 days in Cuba
I find airports fairly stress-free - there's a clear procedure to follow, and it all has to be clearly communicated since travelers may not speak the local language well. I have had some bad experiences, though - Jakarta airport is a chaotic mess, and I found the staff at Los Angeles airport were extremely aggressive and unprofessional when someone didn't quite follow the instructions.
i'm literally going on my first solo trip in two weeks. I'll be flying front and back alone and I'm incredibly anxious about it all. It's gonna be my third and fourth time on the plane too
The flight from my hometown to Sydney (Australia) is one a 1hr:10m flight, and they offer in-flight meals on that flight (as part of the service - no extra expense). WHY!? It's an hour and ten minutes. I'll either have a quick bite to eat before I leave, or grab something when I get to Sydney.
I request disability assistance when I book my ticket. Though I am formally diagnosed as autistic I have never been asked to prove my “disability.” So for those of you who are self diagnosed you can still request help. I know that waiting in lines is one of my meltdown triggers so requesting disability services means that I can wait in the line for business/first class (shorter lines) even if I fly economy to check in. They will then call someone to help you through security- so you don’t have to wait in security lines and will often put you on one of those fun carts to take you to your gate. You will be able to board early and get settled in without the huge rush of people. After you get off the plane they will escort you to get your bags and if you are flying internationally take you through customs again without the long lines. I have flown all over the world and am grateful that these services are available. (The airport in Doha, Qatar has the BEST disabled services!)
This September I also had my first solo plane trip from Poland to my friend in Scotland (I had the best time ever there btw, I love nature and clean air). Security check can be a little bit annoying. Also covid testing was a pain in the ass, especially since I'm vaccinated so it was fairly unnecessary... Also the roar of the engines is hella noisy! Don't you think? Even though I'm not autistic it was really tough on my ears... Although supposedly these more expensive airlines have better noise unsulation XD
It is pretty challenged but I have traveled on an airplane before, when I was young and visited my parents motherland of Ethiopia my grandma died and I was asked to meet my dad in D.C
I live in Nova Scotia. May I ask how you liked it? What part you visited? (Totally up to you to say I value your privacy, as well.) I live in Halifax and I love it here. Either way I hope you had a great time and everyone was super nice. Sending love from NS.
I would love if you did more "how to" videos walking people through 'normal adult things' that are harder or scarier for autistic people. I feel like I'm someone who's always googled things like "how to deposit money at the bank" and found answers that work for NT's but don't have enough details for me lol.
don't forget that most airlines also offer "pre boarding" where if you require assistance you can board before everyone else regardless of your zone number! :) you'll get a chance to board with less passengers, and speak to your cabin crew about any concerns or special requests that you may have!
Do you need to ask in advance for this?
@@kriskratohwill9237 no! you can ask for this upon arriving to the gate of your flight! you ask the agents if its possible to pre-board but normally the first boarding call is for anyone requiring special assistance or pre boarding! (its also against the law for the agents the ask you the reason why)
Paige! As someone who is petrified by change and new things (esp. flying) this was a very helpful and comforting video. Thank you for sharing!!
first of: HOW DID I NOT NOTICE THE BACKGROUND WASN'T ACTUAL PLANTS? i can't stop staring now
second: thank you so much for this! I'm flying to see my best friends next month and I was super scared, and I didn't feel like I should tell them because i don't want them to think I'm not excited. now i'm not as uncomfortable as i was before, so tysm
I've been dreading having to go through an airport alone as a fellow autie. Thank you so much for this video!
The timing of this video is just PERFECT!
I - an autistic dude - am currently looking into booking my first flight ever for my first trip to Norway ever, by myself.
And your video has calmed me down about this process a lot!
Thank you for that! And thank you for you!
Where you from? How long is the flight?
Also a tip, flying alone is actually pretty easy. There really are self-explanatory signs everywhere. To get to other gates you might need to take a subway/train, and they'll have signs for where those are, and a voice will say what gates are coming up. When you get off the plane, you just follow everyone else getting off the plane tbh. If you're getting on a second flight from there, you just find your gate at that airport for your next flight, no need to go through security again (as far as I'm aware in the US). Baggage claim is an obvious sign, but you can always ask workers in the airport where things are if you happen to need help. If you need to catch an uber, you might go to a place where a bus picks you up and takes you to another place where uber can pick you up, or uber can pick you up at a specific arrival gate you've parked yourself in.
Oh! And security is basically - take off shoes, anything metal, jackets, anything removable with pockets, cell phone, and have all your metal items + liquids from your carry on in a clear bag and take that out as well. Then it goes through the metal detector, you do a little snow angel pose when they call you in the line, and you go through and wait for your stuff to come out and put everything back on and go to your gate :)
I went to Norway when I was 19 and flew there by myself and it was awesome.
@@pandoram6282 Security was something I was wondering about, too. Thanks so much for the clarification! :)
I'm from Germany, so no Ubers here, but we have Taxis. (Basically the same :D ) But as long as there are signs everywhere - and with the knowledge you provided - I will manage. And in a pinch, I can ask someone... after collecting myself for a minute. xD
Fortunately, my airport is not far from where I live, so I'll probably check it out before I leave, just to be sure. :D
I love to fly, in part because there's processes and rituals that are easy to follow once you're aware of them! It really bothers me when other people don't follow the procedures, though, so I tend to have my headphones on when I'm wandering around to help me ignore them.
Omg I relate to this so much, when I try travelling with my boyfriend he always is so disorganized about the whole process and we always get there with such little time. It's makes me so anxious :(
As an Autistic person, going through the airport for the first time by myself was definitely an experience but now I fly often so I'm close to an expert at it but it can be kinda scary for anyone. If you ever find yourself at Chicago O'Hare or Dallas-Fort Worth Airports, good luck 👍🏾
or salt lake city!! international airports in general can be so hellish but the SLC airport is constantly under construction and always changing and the walk from gate A to gate B (the new addition) is literally ten minutes long down a blank hallway, no joke
i feel like the atlanta airport would also be a bit of a nightmare. i've never been, but it's apparently the busiest airport in the world in terms of passengers per year. the thought alone of all that noise and all the people is kinda overwhelming.
That’s why I fly Midway 😂
this kind of guide/briefing on new experiences like this is incredibly underrated & necessary
Window seat is great until you have a looooong flight and also a small bladder ~ but, another tip! If there are any empty rows, you can likely switch to those once the plane starts moving.. having an entire row to yourself is great
The sentence in this video that stuck out and hit my funny bone is this: “When you land in an airplane, you’re all in the same boat.”
A funny jump from the literal to the figurative that if it were literal, literally moves you, unless you’re starting in a sea plane.
I wish someone could describe every new situations like this!
Ive been on planes since I was 3 but they still stress me out, what if you're late, what if it's the wrong plane, what if they stop you at security, all the noise, the lights, the movement. The second I get on the plane I'm much calmer, but then I don't relax until we are in the air, and then I hate the going down because my ears always pop so much and I've had a couple very bumpy landings, all safe though. I always bring headphones so I can listen to stuff, my phone, a sketchbook because I like drawing, a normal book to read, lollypops help with the ears popping, and snacks.
Then I get stressed about the landing and my ears popping and going through all the security and finding my bag but I do it because holidays are fun :)
Before my first flight I thoroughly collected knowledge on everything. Every security regulation and where best to sit, what to do and what to bring with you. And to be honest, the more I knew the less scared I was and the more I was looking forward to it.
Just one ad-ons to the information in the video:
When you purchase a checked bag with your flight, you usually also purchase a carry on. You can read about that in your airlines policies. There are also the allowed sizes for all the bags listed. So if you rather have your stuff with you, you usually don't have to check a bag.
I hope this is helpful to somebody :)
This is so helpful. I have nightmares about getting lost in airports.
Even though I've been through an airport before, I LOVE this very detailed descfiption of airplane travel. Definitely will come back to this if I ever have to go to the airport myself
Edit: this is literally my second time watching this video before a flight bc i'm STILL stressed about the airport!
Wow, thank you for this! I feel like this is really going to help my daughter. She wants so badly to fly on a plane somewhere, just for the experience but is terrified she’ll get overwhelmed.
Autistic people can board first, I really recommend it. It's so much less stressful to get on and sit down without everyone else on the plane. I just walk up to the desk at the gate and I have a note typed on my phone that says "I'm autistic, can I preboard to avoid overstimulation?" and then they ask you to sit in the disability seats near the gate so they know where to find you when they're ready to let you preboard!
We can? I've flown a lot, and never knew this.
@@davethibault6734 I think the legality varies by airline, but most will. The only time i don't bother is when you have to take a bus to the plane and board from the tarmac
I have an anxiety attack every time I go on a plane. I know it's gonna happen and I just deal with it, because I also love flying at the same time as thinking I'm gonna die. Once we're up above the clouds, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace.
Mikado & I are sleeping like logs on our new Birch Luxe mattress. Be sure to visit birchliving.com/layle for $400 OFF your Birch Luxe mattress, plus two free pillows!! :)
Paige I love your videos because I have autism and it’s very refreshing to see someone with autism making content instead of someone who does not have autism.
I wear my sunflower lanyard, UK airports recognise it for hidden disabilities. Whenever ive flown with virgin they've allowed me to board first and I get assisted through security checks too to lessen my stress
Aww kitty!
Airports give me such anxiety. I basically can never sleep the night before I'm taking a flight because I'm afraid of over sleeping and missing my flight. The flight itself is the only part I enjoy.
It feels so strange going alone
Like you’re a real adult
But you’ll do fine, just make sure nothing even remotely dangerous, like not even scissors, and no liquids are in your carry on bags (the bags you bring on the plane)
Thanks for mentioning the sunflower lanyards! I hadn't heard about them before. They aren't really supported in my region, but that'll be super helpful when I have to travel.
I love the airport because there is a bunch of stuff that explains exactly what to do. When I was in the airport with my family I was the only one who knew where to go and what to do.
If you don't like chewing gum like me (or have sensory issues with it) you can also bring chewy sweets or other snacks so you have something to chew on especially at the start and landing.
This is such a great video. I’ve been on airplanes and in airports countless number of times, but never by myself. Going on a trip next year and this video has really calmed my anxiety about the trip.
i love how you have a messy bed, even while you are advertising it. im sold.
I could never
I’d probably start crying
If you get on a long flight, I recommend a sleeping mask as well, just in case you want to sleep or zone out but they still have the lights on (the airplane lighting mimics the natural light outside so in intercontinental flights sometimes they never shut them off even if you're flying for 13 hours because you might be flying west, so following the sun. They do this so you get accustomed to the new time zone and don't get more confused). So if you have light sensitivity or are just bothered by artificial lights when you want to sleep, a sleeping mask will make all the difference 😂. Also, if you travel intercontinental, I suggest taking with you melatonin tabs, you can find them at the pharmacy or grocery store. No need of prescription, it's just a vitamine that helps getting your sleep cycle in sync with the new time zone. That is of course unless you cannot take melatonin for medical reasons.
thank you so much for making this video! i will be going through the airport by myself for the first time in a month for my very first solo trip! it's only for a couple days but it's such a huge deal to me because i'm not used to having to take care of myself in those situations, so having you paint the picture of what to do helps calm my nerves :')
To add to this, I wouldn't recommend using a third party site to book your flight unless you absolutely have to. I see this all the time at work, people book through them and then when they have problems, you have to contact the third party instead of the airline.
Thank you so much for making it seem less scary. I'm super nervous flying alone the first time and also am on the spectrum.
Omg thanks! Later on this year I'll be going through an airport on my own as well for the first time, I'm glad you shared your experience C:
You single-handedly reduced all my anxiety 😅 a lot of the work is on the ground, I have a guaranteed seat waiting for me, and I know the plane is incredibly safe. I heard its almost like the plane is submerged in jelly- both sides of plane have pressure to stay in the middle and turbulence is just someone flicking the jelly- nothing will happen, I will be just fine and so will you!
PAIGEEEEE!!!!!!! I missed u I hope ur feeling well 💞 (very excited to watch this FIFTEEN MINUTE video!!!!!!)
im at an airport alone right now watching this haha idk why but i just find your videos comfortinggg and omg your cat is so cute 🥰
So in the middle of the Birch mattress sponsorship, I got an ad for Ashley's mattresses. I found that rather hilarious.
Some airlines will let you reserve a specific seat, which helps reduce anxiety. I recommend getting everything you can set beforehand: check in online, reserve your seat (you can even pay to board early), print your ticket if you can, have your essential items separate in a smaller bag in case you get separated from your luggage. Unexpected things tend to happen while flying. You want to be able to move quickly with all your stuff and you want to be able to wait in case of delay.
Hi Paige, I often travel alone back and forth to countries and I noticed that the disability benefit in each country avries. For example in England when I travel there they don't take me seriously, because Autism - INVISIBLE DISABILITY, and there were times where they nearly left me stranded in the middle of the airport.
My hardest experience was coming back from Greece. Foreign text on the boards in the airport. The airport was huge, my partner at the time was drunk & the flight bag I purchased over there was the wrong size. Extreme overwhelm & panic with no English adult support. Trying to keep my sh*r together while having a meltdown of fear I’d be locked up in a foreign city.
I also didn’t know about the liquid limits on the way to Greece so lost, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, sun cream, body wash. expensive way to find out! This was all pre autism diagnosis. I to love the window seat for all of the reasons you mentioned. Only thing I do differently is have the need to buy from the in air shop as not to feel I’ve missed out. I did lend my iPod to my partner, who jumped in the sea with it still in his pocket, which upsets me still to this day. 🤦♀️🤷♀️ is holding onto grudges or gilts an autistic trait or is that just me.
I was literally looking up videos like this when you posted!
Most of my trips were by a bus. That was an experience. I’ve never could sleep in a vehicle so those 12 hour bus rides were full of adventure with the sights to see. Then there was those times when people spoke to me, that was nerve racking but the people were nice. Flying alone was fun, I love sitting by the window.
I thought the background was real 3D (but artificial) until the cat moved it but now it's obvious it's 2D. So weird, like an optical illusion.
I have flown alone a few times and really liked it, just doing my own thing in my own way.
I am autistic and I'm actually going on a flight soon. This will be the first time I am alone for this. I keep getting those stomach drops you feel when you're scared haha. I have a sunflower lanyard but where I live, the airport workers are very strict and yell at you for basically anything, so I don't think they will care lol. I understand they are just doing their job though. But this video made me feel slightly better, so thank you.
omg i needed a video like this when i was younger you're doing a great thing thank you thank you thank you
I flippin hate airports. I hate flying but I love traveling, so I make myself go, have my multiple heart attacks and then hopefully arrive at my destination where I hide nice dark, quiet room and pass out from overstimulation. My ears heart for days sometimes after flying and I don’t know how to stop it so I just drink about it.
I went on a joy flight, I went to Japan, when I was 21 and to Sydney, Australia, when I was 33. I enjoyed the flights.
YOUR CAT IS SO CUTEE!!! how is no one talking about the cat?!?!
I love going through airports as well, and I could say I know the process like the back of my hand, but flying alone for the first time might make me forget things jaja
Have you considered trying to get a sunflower lanyard?
oh my GOD this is the first ive seen of your vids! a how to for new possible situations? HELL yes! im familiar with planes personally but this is an EXCELLENT idea!
I need more videos like this, Its so comforting☺
Thank you so much for this video. I have an anxiety disorder and I'm planning on flying alone for the first time in January and this helps a lot!
I flew from Vancouver to Regina all by myself in August. It was my first time flying by myself and I have ADHD and SMD. I was really anxious and they ended up letting my great aunt go to the gate with me. I wish I had your video before flying by myself in the summer. It would have been really helpful but I hope I’ll be less anxious next time.
Everytime I think of airports I want to cry
This is a lot of really helpful info. Thanks Paige!
Ive done a lot of flying and yet hate it. Im not austistic, but have general anxiety disorder. Airports are hell. Loud, crowded, confusing, expensive, lack privacy, encourage being selfish. And seem to purposely add stress. TSA are generally jerks. The liquid rules is outdated and dumb. You were last bc you checked in later than everyone. The airplane tends to be dirty, crowded, loud, ect. The only comfort I have found is to get a massage during layovers, especially during the morning. They will let me sleep/meditate for 20 minutes.
this is all great advice & tips! i kind of wish you’d included pictures of things (like the desks where you get your boarding pass & give them your bag, the general security area, the signs for each gate, etc). i’ve flown a lot so i can already picture them in my head, but i think including photos of what these things should look like would help with connecting the dots when you actually get to the airport and feel stressed or overwhelmed by not knowing where to go or what the next step is. but i’m not a youtuber so idk 😂
and i almost forgot, some airline apps will have a map of the plane that shows you exactly which seat you booked! i know Delta has this, you can input your SkyMiles number when you book the flight and then in the app if you log in with your SkyMiles number there’s a way to navigate to a map of the plane which shows you where your seat is. very good for people like me who like to plan ahead meticulously lol
Aside from AS/ASD, I have hearing aids for both ears - but still can’t always tell what is being said. TH-cam doesn’t seem to be smart enough to have a global CC (yes, as in Closes Captioning) that can default to a certain language. Usually, I can have US English show up as the Auto-Generated CC. For some reason, this specific video indicates Vietnamese. Any way to have your videos set to default for US English, or allow for language selection? It would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you.
IM flying this Sunday! Perfect timing ❤️
Thank you so much! I was worrying about this recently!
I would have just driven 17 hours. My car doesn't have a bunch of random strangers in it, and also it goes where I want it to when I want it to go there, so it's always my preferred mode of transportation.
You always make me smile, a lot.
When you buy a ticket on a plane they have different "classes" for the ticket. If you buy the cheapest ticket, the "class" means you will be the last person on the plane. Also some seats are worse. For example, the seats at the very back of the plane do no recline. Or if you get the exit row, they have more leg room and tend to cost more.
I needed an instruction like that, thank you so much 🥰
Hey Paige,
Thanks for the video.
Fun fact: If you wear an Icy Hot patch to help you be able to sit for a few hours on a plane, you will get flagged at security because they can see it in the scanner. That said, it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. They did a quick search and let me go through without issue. In the future, I'll wait until I get through the checkpoint before I put my pain relief patch on.
I wish you could of explained your flying experience by showing the airport and every step with visuals. It would help people with anxiety and it helps some people to have visuals of going to the airport and what to expect.
I love flying, even with turbulence, but airports have always given me anxiety. Their rules keep changing, which can be stressful because it’s always different each time you go.
My least favorite part about going to the airport is going through TSA. I don't like it when they pat me down.
I'm really scared of flying in airplanes, this helped me so much
airports can be stressful because it's crowded and there's a lot going on, also if one thing goes wrong (I've checked in but the machine isn't working to print my ticket so I have to go to the counter) I get very stressed. But I've flown a few times recently and I survived and most things went all right :)
I don't think the US does the sunflower lanyard thing bc I've never heard of it here :(
Oh hell no, just drive. You get to be all by yourself in your own car. No security, no crowds, no noise. 😎👍
I am 36 years old and I am a disabled person and I am on the Autism spectrum I have PDD-NOS. And I will never fly on an airplane. I have a fear of heights. I would have to take medicine to knock me out for the flight. I do love trains though. I like the metro and I like Amtrak. And I like road trips.
omg ur a god send my first flight by myself is this Friday and I've been so worried about it and this definitely helped :)
Unrelated but I really like your pfp
Please explain the lanyard thing. I'm not familiar with it.
I took my first trip along with a group of church members from Minneapolis to Havana. I had to go back and get my boarding pass in Minneapolis. We transferred to International in Atlanta. When we got to Havana someone had to go back and get my passport. Yes I said I left my passport on the plane. Went through customs and went on our way on our 9 days in Cuba
Thanks for making this video!
I find airports fairly stress-free - there's a clear procedure to follow, and it all has to be clearly communicated since travelers may not speak the local language well.
I have had some bad experiences, though - Jakarta airport is a chaotic mess, and I found the staff at Los Angeles airport were extremely aggressive and unprofessional when someone didn't quite follow the instructions.
The timing of this video 🥵 flying on Thursday 💀
I missed your videos 😍
i'm literally going on my first solo trip in two weeks. I'll be flying front and back alone and I'm incredibly anxious about it all. It's gonna be my third and fourth time on the plane too
The flight from my hometown to Sydney (Australia) is one a 1hr:10m flight, and they offer in-flight meals on that flight (as part of the service - no extra expense). WHY!? It's an hour and ten minutes. I'll either have a quick bite to eat before I leave, or grab something when I get to Sydney.
Liked the video, I did have one question, you said crochet needles weren't allowed, what did you use in place of the needles?
I request disability assistance when I book my ticket. Though I am formally diagnosed as autistic I have never been asked to prove my “disability.” So for those of you who are self diagnosed you can still request help. I know that waiting in lines is one of my meltdown triggers so requesting disability services means that I can wait in the line for business/first class (shorter lines) even if I fly economy to check in. They will then call someone to help you through security- so you don’t have to wait in security lines and will often put you on one of those fun carts to take you to your gate. You will be able to board early and get settled in without the huge rush of people. After you get off the plane they will escort you to get your bags and if you are flying internationally take you through customs again without the long lines. I have flown all over the world and am grateful that these services are available. (The airport in Doha, Qatar has the BEST disabled services!)
i’m new forgive me but for boarding passes they just give you that at the airport right?
Great channel thank you!
This September I also had my first solo plane trip from Poland to my friend in Scotland (I had the best time ever there btw, I love nature and clean air). Security check can be a little bit annoying. Also covid testing was a pain in the ass, especially since I'm vaccinated so it was fairly unnecessary... Also the roar of the engines is hella noisy! Don't you think? Even though I'm not autistic it was really tough on my ears... Although supposedly these more expensive airlines have better noise unsulation XD
Your cat is adorable.
omg the kitty is soooooooo cute!!😇
love your videos!! keep it up ❤️
I love to fly and I have family in Toronto and I love going to Toronto because it’s a big city and I am from Calgary
I’m on medications, how do I take them on the plane and make sure they don’t get lost?
i was hoping to take lots of fruit for my 17hr flight, are you not allowed to take that thorugh security?
you posted this just in time im going on a flight alone for the first time in a week.... im so scared
It is pretty challenged but I have traveled on an airplane before, when I was young and visited my parents motherland of Ethiopia my grandma died and I was asked to meet my dad in D.C
I live in Nova Scotia. May I ask how you liked it? What part you visited? (Totally up to you to say I value your privacy, as well.)
I live in Halifax and I love it here. Either way I hope you had a great time and everyone was super nice. Sending love from NS.
I would love if you did more "how to" videos walking people through 'normal adult things' that are harder or scarier for autistic people. I feel like I'm someone who's always googled things like "how to deposit money at the bank" and found answers that work for NT's but don't have enough details for me lol.
I want to know how you deal with other peoples pillows that would be helpful