What's it like flying on an airplane and going through an airport?

I'm 17 and i have to fly from texas to north Carolina by myself, but i've never been on an airplane before. I'm honestly kinda scared because I don't know what it's like and I have no idea what an airport is like. I'm not sure what i do with my luggage or anything. Please give advice or tips or anything. I'm really nervous

It's all really scary before you do it. However it is so easy. When you drive into the airport, there will be signs letting you know which airline is where. You get dropped off in front of your airline that you will be flying on. Walk right in and up to the desk, they will check your ticket and put a label on your luggage then put it on a conveyor belt. You will be directed as to which direction to go to get to your gate… C7, B9 etc. As you are walking there will be signs everywhere to help you find your gate. Once you get there a seating area is provide where you wait til it is announced that boarding is beginning. You just pass by the host where they check your ticket and you board your plane.
Upon take off you will feel the plane lifting and it may give you a few butterflies in your belly but that ends quickly and you hardly feel anything. Landing you may get slightly bumped but it usually isn't much and before you know it you will be standing in the isle waiting to get off.

It's quite simple, safe and truly you have nothing to be nervous about when you remember that flying is safer than driving. Advice: 1. Print out your boarding pass the night before you leave. This will make everything easier and faster. 2. Pack light, in a small bag or case, so that you can carry your bag with you on the plane and you don't have to check it through to your destination. 3. Wear loafers or sandals or some other easy to put on/remove footwear, because they make you take your shoes off to pass through the security checkpoint. 4. Don't be afraid to ask for directions if the airport seems confusing and you can't find your departure gate.

Airports vary, but you first need to check in. Many airlines let you check in on line and print your own boarding pass, but if you have large items of luggage to go in the hold you still have to drop them off.

Then you go through security with your hand luggage. Check with your airline what you can and can't take through security. In particular, liquids have to be in containers of not more than 100ml and they should be contained in a sealed plastic bag that security can inspect. Bags, coats and any metal items have to go through an Xray machine while you walk through a metal detector arch.

Once through security, you wait in the departure lounge until your flight is called. Very often this is only shown on a screen. You then follow directions to your gate where your boarding pass and passport are checked again before you board the plane.

Once aboard. You get a comfortable seat and you just sit there until it's time to get off again. Different airlines have different rules about electronic devices, but you usually have to switch your phone to "Airplane mode". Most people listen to music and read a magazine. (I listen to 1950s radio shows and do the crossword - but then I'm old). The plane has toilets that you can use once it's airbourne. There tends to be a queue for the toilets about half an hour before the plane is due to land - be smart go 35 minutes before.

After landing, you need to pick up any bags that were in the hold from the luggage carousel and you're away. There's no need to be nervous. Per mile, it's the safest method of transport.

First off, airports have a lot of people who can help you, and a lot of signage. Don't worry too much.

24 hours before your flight is due to take off, you can check in online. You can usually either print out your boarding pass at home at this point, or you can sometimes save it on your phone. The boarding pass may have information like your boarding zone (this determines the order in which you board) and the gate.

Try to get to the airport 2 hours before your flight - longer if it's a busy airport. It took me almost 3 hours to get through the Las Vegas airport once, and a good 2 hours in Paris. When you arrive at the airport, go to the counter for your airline to check your bag, if you have one to check. You can also print your boarding pass here if you prefer. Next, proceed to Security. All electronics need to be removed from your carry-on and placed in a bin. All liquids (shampoo etc) must be in a clear bag, and also removed and placed in a bin. Take off your shoes and place them in the bin. All your carry-on items go into bins and the bins go through the x-ray, while you stand in line to go through the scanner. Make sure you don't have any metal on you - empty your pockets.

Once through Security, proceed to your gate. If it's not printed on your boarding pass, there will be monitors with flight times and gates posted all over the airport. These boards will have updated info is the flight is delayed. Once the plane arrives, they'll announce who gets to board. First class goes first, then the zones in order. At this point it usually becomes a free-for-all unless the airport personnel are really good. Just get in line and shuffle your way onto the plane. Fine your seat, get settled, and that's it!

If you've never flown before you may want to take a Dramamine or other pill for airsickness just to be safe.

All airports are designed the same way. First you go to the departures area and find the counter for the airline you are taking. Give the clerk your ticket. They will give you a boarding pass. If you have luggage you can check it there, and they will put it on the plane. If your luggage is small enough you can take it on the plane yourself. Once you have your boarding pass, go to security. The TSA officer will check your boarding pass and ID, then you go to screening. If you have luggage put it on the xray machine. You go through a metal detector. Take everything out of your packets and put them in the bin to be screened. Once you are passed, put up all your items. Once past this point, you can go anywhere in the airport - but if you leave the secure area, you have to be screened all over again. In the secure area you will find shops and restaurants. Look at the giant screens that tell you what gate your flight leaves from. There are signs everywhere telling you where things are. Ask airport employees if you have questions. Once at your gate, find a seat and wait. Again, you are free to wander around. When it is time for your flight the gate attendant will make announcements. Listen carefully. When you board the plane you show the boarding pass to the attendant. At your destination, you get off the plane and look for exit signs/baggage claim. There will be a crowd of people from your plane doing the exact same thing, just follow the crowd.

again all airports have the same general design, so when you go back home, everything will be in the same order.

People have said about baggage and stuff. Otherwise - ya get on the plane, sit down and fasten your seatbelt. The pilot says off we go and you sort of feel a rush and get pushed back in your seat a bit as you take off. After that it is exactly like riding on a bus.

They have people to help you, so don't worry.

Most of what's involved has been said already. Just to add, travel light if you can - try to get most of your luggage in one bag that you can have with you in the cabin. This will avoid a delay when you land and have to wait for your luggage to come through. Also don't think you have to travel 'posh' (clothes). Wear smart casual that is comfortable. And that includes your footwear.

Make sure you have your ticket and PASSPORT, even if you are making an internal flight. Most airlines tend to want to see a Passport, for I/D these days. I flew from London down to Newquay (Cornwall) and was asked for mine. Oh and don't use your best luggage if you have to check it in. Use a bag you can easily spot, if you do have to wait for it to come through. I put a belt round my bags which only I have!

Airports have first time flyers everyday.
There are signs you can READ.Public address announcements you can hear IF YOU UNPLUG YOUR EARS.
There are UNIFORMED STAFF to direct you if you are not sure where to go.

I'm 17 (A CHILD) and I have to fly from Texas to North Carolina by myself.
MY PARENTS will be assisting with purchasing the ticket and checking me in.

CHILDREN DO NOT wander the country at will.

You arrive at Airport and go to the departure area.
You LOOK for your Airline check in area.

As this is your FIRST checkin suggest you use the HUMAN to assist you.
You will need to know your flight details. YOUR PARENTS will show identification and assist in checking you in.
You will be issued a boarding pass.

After checkin you proceed to security and DO AS THEY ASK. At this point you say goodbye to your parent escort.

You make your way through security and then go to the gate for your flight. IF you have time good idea to use the toilet it is much more comfortable than the one on the plane.
You may want to purchase some beverage or food for your flight. IF you have time do so.

At the checkin area at your gate you wait and follow directions of staff in when to board.
They will want to see your boarding pass.

You enter the plane find your seat and sit down.

You listen to the flight attendants and do as requested.

The takeoff is a minute or two of some excitement for a first time flyer.

Then comes some hours of just sitting while you get to destination. You might read a book, listen to some music, play a game on your device, look out the window, sleep, you might actually talk to the person next to you.

Travel LIGHT you have to haul it all. No need to stuff your luggage to BURSTING capacity.
Many you tube videos you can explore for first time flyers.
Lea's flight is probably more exciting than yours will be. It appears she enjoyed flying upside down with dad. Your flight will not be as exciting.

The shout of "encore" just means do it again.