First Transatlantic flight!

When I go to Scotland in January, it'll be my very first transatlantic trip! Heck, it'll be the first time I've ever left the country! Are there any suggestions, i.e. what I should take on the plane & things like that? I'm not the best flier to be honest. I don't completely lose it, but I'm not completely comfortable flying.

Any suggestions? Tips?

That's very exciting.  I had a wonderful time on my flight to England.  The flight back, not so good, but I was sad so....  I can't say that I can be of any help on what can/can't be taken on.  I'm sure it sounds silly but I'm putting off knowing until right before I leave in November.  I'm sure there will be lots of replies with good tips.  Hopefully your plane will have the individual tvs in the back of the headrests.  Being able to watch what you want, when you want is cool.

*edit* Ha!!!  I remembered something!  This tip is for before you ever get on the plane.  Wear slip on shoes with no metal adornments.  It'll save a lot of hassle during security check in.  And it'll be easy to slip them off during the flight, if you wish, without freaking out whoever is next to you. 

Good luck!

Very exciting!  I'm not sure what the rules will be by then on what you can/can't bring.  Make sure you check the guidelines before you leave.  Most of the stuff I used to bring on board you aren't allowed anymore.

What time is your flight?  If I take the morning flight from the US, I try not to sleep on the plane so when I land I'm tired and being that it's evening it also helps me get to sleep at a normal UK time.  If I take the red-eye from the US, I try to sleep the entire way so I'm awake when we land and try to stay up the entire day,  sometimes I sneak in a nap.  I also try to get to sleep early that first night to help with the time change/jet lag.  This works best for me.

Dress comfortably!

My first transatlantic flight was back in March.  It was just long!  Haha...Hmm, take some Tylenol PM with you so you can sleep on the flight cuz it gets really boring!  All that's available for me are red-eye flights cuz it's a 9 hour flight, and then with the 6 hour time zone.  Just bring loads of magazines cuz to me, those were more interesting than books.

Make sure you bring enough money because immigration is tough on the money situation.  I was detained on my first flight over there since I didn't have alot of money.  Luckily, they decided to let me in cuz my boyfriend said he'd support me.

I have no advice on what you should bring as all the rules have dramatically changed since I was last there (may). Before all this craziness I would tell you to bring a CD player, water...essentials.

Depending on your flight (mine left SD at 6am and I left for the airport at 4ish). Sleep the second leg of your trip (When your going over the ocean)...you'll be tired and you'll need your energy. Eat breakfast or something before you leave the house.

I remember my first leg taking FOREVER the first time I went. It was horribly long and I was meeting DB's family for the first time so I was extremely nervous and anxious. The flight back was extremely sad but it seemed to go by faster which I think happens with all trips where you've never been before.

Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful flight! 

I always take lip balm because the air is so dry, but not sure if that is allowed now. Drink loads of water and try to avoid alcohol. Get up and walk around (if possible) every few hours and do some stretching. Take a book or mag if you like to read.

They always have movies/stuff to watch on the long haul flights. You may not love what they offer, but it passes the time as does sleeping if you're able.

Have fun!

Have one place in your bag to keep your documents (passport, boarding pass, tickets), always carry a pen with you, and a copy of the address you're staying at. 

I second taking something to make you sleep right before you get on the plane.  I am not the best flyer either.  I usually take a dramamine the regular formula, not because I get motion sickness, but because it makes me feel like I'm in a haze which keeps me calmer.   And then usually after dinner I pass out for a good hour or two because of the effects of the dramamine.  Also, others are right make sure you know what you are not allowed to have with you on your flight at the time you fly! 

I always take lip balm because the air is so dry, but not sure if that is allowed now.
Have fun!

Its not allowed anymore. I just flew and they were taking all lotions, cosmetics, etc off passengers. There were hundreds of lipsticks in a bin destined to be destroyed.

When ever DH & I fly back home we always took take our portable dvd player. they dont always have films on that we liked. a book or a few magazines, cd player but that was before I had my mp3 player. also if they allow it a little bag of hard candy & some bubble gum to help out when the plane take off & lands. dh has a PSP & a Nintendo DS Lite player. my dh cant ever seem to relax his mind enough to sleep on the flight home or on the flight back. I myself have no problems sleeping on either flight. like other people have stated it is a good thing to get up an strecth & walk around the plane every couple of hours. oh yeah if you can find them buy some Dr Scholl Flight Socks. they help circulate the blood in your legs & helps your ankles from swelling as well. I also agree always know where your passport & other travel papers are at all times. also it will help if you have a copy of your passport ID page, somewhere other than in your passport. just in case you lose or have your passport stolen. I was reading in my passport it says to have a couple copies of your Passport ID page leave 1 copy at home with family & friends & have 1 copy with you as well.

also it will help if you have a copy of your passport ID page, somewhere other than in your passport. just in case you lose or have your passport stolen. I was reading in my passport it says to have a couple copies of your Passport ID page leave 1 copy at home with family & friends & have 1 copy with you as well.

VERY GOOD POINT!  I've had my passport stolen and luckily I had a copy of it so I could give the police my number.  It also helped me get back on the plane since I had no other form of photo ID.

Just my experience with taking something to help you sleep. The ONE time I did this, after sleeping for too long and not moving about, my ankles and feet were so badly swollen that I could barely get them in my shoes at the end of the flight. I will never do it again. Can't say if it will happen to you, but thought I'd let you know.

Its not allowed anymore. I just flew and they were taking all lotions, cosmetics, etc off passengers. There were hundreds of lipsticks in a bin destined to be destroyed.

It actually depends on the airport.  My parents just flew out of Dulles and they said lip/chapsticks were now being allowed back on.  Just check the website is all I can advise.

lipsticks, lip balm etc are technically allowed now on flights now, but I could totally see overzealous screeners taking them off passengers anyway...sigh 

coming from Paris to the UK we had those taken off of us, and when they were screening passengers to America in Manchester airport on Friday, they were still taking all those things.  Two women ahead of us in the queue had to drain their contact solution, surrender their lighters, and also their lip ointments.  That could just be Manchester though, I don't know.