By Jessica Yates
Flying for the first time is an exhilarating experience that's filled with a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. As someone who had never stepped foot on an airplane before, I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions as I embarked on my first flight. In this blog post, I'll recount the memorable journey of my first time flying, from the pre-flight jitters to the soaring highs up in the clouds.
The days leading up to my flight were a blend of excitement and anxiety. I meticulously packed my bags, double-checking that I had my passport, tickets, and all the essentials. The anticipation of stepping into the unknown was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. I spent hours researching what to expect at the airport, security procedures, and what it's like inside an airplane cabin. I even watched a YouTube video of a whole virtual experience of the whole process.
Walking into the airport terminal was an awe-inspiring moment. The bustling atmosphere, the enormous departure boards, and the sense of people heading off to various corners of the world added to my excitement. Navigating through the check-in counters and security checks felt a bit overwhelming, but the airport staff's friendly demeanour put me at ease. I sat patiently waiting with the biggest knot sitting at the base of my stomach, after confiding in others about their experiences with flying, I had found they had made my fears a lot worse.
Seeing the airplane up close for the first time was surreal. The sheer size and intricacy of the aircraft left me in awe. As I walked off the shuttle bus to the plane, my heart raced with a mix of nervousness and a touch of excitement. Stepping onto the plane and finding my seat was an adventure. I settled into my seat, taking in the surroundings, and eagerly awaiting take-off.
The moment the plane's engines roared to life and the aircraft began to accelerate down the runway, I could feel myself gripping onto my seat. Luckily, I had the support of family members to calm my nerves. As the plane lifted off the ground, the sensation of the wheels leaving the earth was both surreal and exhilarating. Looking out the window, I marvelled at the sight of the world shrinking beneath me. The initial jitters were replaced by a rush of amazement and awe, it’s a sensation you can’t compare to anything else.
Once the plane levelled off, the cabin crew began their service. It was fascinating to observe how everything worked in the confined space of the airplane. The views from the window were breathtaking - fluffy white clouds stretching as far as the eye could see. I couldn't help but be in awe of the sheer beauty and vastness of the skies.
As we hit pockets of turbulence, I'll admit my heart raced a tiny bit faster. The sudden jolts and dips were unexpected, but the calming voice of the pilot over the intercom reassured me that it was all part of a normal flight experience. The turbulence just felt like when on a train and you can feel the train move with the wind. After this I fell into a calm sleep for the rest of the flight, I was exhausted from working myself up!
The descent brought about another round of excitement as the plane gradually descended through the clouds. The landscape below became more defined, and the cityscape or the patchwork of fields grew closer with each passing minute. The landing, which I had worried about, turned out to be surprisingly smooth - a testament to the skill of the pilots.
My first-time flying was a whirlwind of emotions, from the initial nervousness to the ultimate wonder of soaring through the skies. The experience taught me that stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to incredible adventures and new perspectives. While there were moments of uncertainty, the overall journey was a remarkable one that I'll cherish forever. If you're about to embark on your own first flight, remember that it's okay to feel a mix of emotions, but the thrill of the experience is truly worth it.
Jess
29 August 2023