Who would’ve thought that my first-ever plane trip would be all undertaken alone?

As someone terrified of heights, the idea of soaring thousands of feet above the ground filled me with dread rather than excitement.

But when I was assigned to cover an event in El Nido, Palawan, I said “yes” without hesitation.

The journalist in me was ready for the challenge — at least, that’s what I told myself.

The days leading up to my flight were a mix of anxiety and excitement.

I scoured the internet for travel tips, asked my cousin about her flying experience, and double-checked my packing list.

But no amount of preparation could fully calm my nerves, because how do you steel yourself for something you've never experienced?

The pre-flight panic

Booking my ticket was a thrilling bit of admin work — until I noticed that my given name had no spaces between the letters.

Panic set in. Would this be an issue at check-in? Would I be denied boarding? With only days before my flight, I rushed to contact the airline.

Thankfully, they assured me it was normal for names to appear that way in their system.

A wave of relief washed over me.

But as my departure date drew closer, my anxiety manifested physically.

The night before my flight, I had a terrible stomachache.

Whether it was something I ate or just pure nerves, I wasn’t sure.

Sleep was impossible. I kept checking my bags, ensuring I had everything I needed — from toiletries to my journalist essentials.

Navigating chaos

At 1:30 AM, I started getting ready and, by 2 AM, booked a car to the airport. The ride felt surreal. I was being chauffeured into the unknown.

The moment I arrived, the driver asked where I should be dropped off.

My ticket didn’t indicate a specific area, so I took a wild guess. Fortunately, I got it right.

Stepping into the airport, I was overwhelmed. It was barely dawn, yet the place buzzed with activity.

I approached a guard to ask where to line up. Once inside, I was immediately lost in its vastness.

I even ended up in the wrong queue, only realizing my mistake when a kind airline staff redirected me.

Lesson learned: Airports can be confusing, especially for first-time travelers. Always ask for directions instead of assuming.

Security check was smoother than expected.

After clearing it, I quickly found my gate and settled into a chair, finally allowing myself to breathe.

But just as I started feeling at ease, I noticed people heading downstairs. Confused, I asked a staff member what was happening.

That’s when I learned I also needed to go downstairs for my departure.

Another travel lesson: Finding your gate is not the end of your journey — you have to make sure you’re in the right boarding area, too.

Facing fears at 30,000 feet

Boarding the plane, my nerves took off before the flight did.

My hands trembled as I tried to fasten my seatbelt, prompting my seatmate — a kind stranger — to help me.

Embarrassed but grateful, I muttered a shy “thank you.”

To distract myself, I plugged in my earphones and played music, hoping to drown out my fears.

The plane’s engines roared, the flight attendants prepared for takeoff, and my heart pounded.

As we ascended, I kept my eyes shut, focusing on my playlist instead of the fact that I was leaving solid ground behind.

But to my surprise, it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined.

The flight was smooth, and before I knew it, we had landed safely in El Nido.

And, as with many ordeals that are tiresome and difficult, waiting on the other side was something beautiful, serene, and worth struggling for.

The return flight

After completing my assignment, I felt much more confident about my return flight.

I knew how to check in, where to wait, and how to navigate through the airport.

But just when I thought I had mastered the art of flying, my flight got delayed — for hours.

Exhaustion crept in, but I had no choice but to wait.

And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, my worst nightmare happened: turbulence.

Unlike my first flight, where my fear stemmed from the unknown, this time, I was genuinely terrified.

The plane shook, the seatbelt sign flickered, and the flight attendant's voice instructed everyone to remain seated.

My grip on the armrest tightened as I tried to steady my breathing.

Lesson learned: Turbulence is normal, and panicking won’t help. Deep breaths and distractions — like music or gripping onto a stress ball — can make a difference.

When the flight attendant announced our descent into Manila, relief flooded through me.

I had survived my first solo trip.

First-time flyers, take note!

If you’re preparing for your first-ever plane ride, here are some valuable tips based on my experience:

1. Double-check your ticket details – If something looks off, contact the airline immediately. They’re usually quick to clarify concerns.

2. Pack smart and travel light – Ensure you have your essentials, but don’t overpack. You don’t want to struggle with heavy bags while navigating an unfamiliar airport.

3. Arrive early – Airports can be overwhelming, and you’ll need time to go through security, check in, and find your gate.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Whether it’s airport staff or fellow travelers, people are generally willing to assist.

5. Prepare for delays – Bring entertainment, snacks, and patience — you never know when you’ll have to wait for hours.

6. Stay calm during turbulence – It’s normal. Focus on your breathing, listen to music, or close your eyes until it passes.

7. Trust the process – The first time is always the scariest, but once you’ve done it, it only gets easier.

Flying solo for the first time was nerve-wracking, but it was also an empowering experience.

It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying calm under pressure.

So, to all first-time travelers out there: Take a deep breath, trust yourself, and enjoy the journey.

After all, every great adventure starts with a single step — or in this case, a single flight.