My First Solo Flight at 21

As the title suggests, I experienced my first solo flight at 21 years old.

It was really nerve-racking for me since I really didn't know anything. 

I was reallyyy nervous! If you've read my last post, you'd notice that I'm a bit of a worrywart; I'm a little paranoid. I know some people would be really excited about flying solo, but well, I'm just not one of them.

I arrived at the Mactan International Airport pretty early for my check-in (*Note: there are two parts of the airport in Cebu: one for International flights, and another for Domestic flights). I know that the check-in starts two hours before the flight schedule, but I just really didn't want to be late, and I had wanted to still have ample amount of time to go back or to ask someone to go to my house and get something just in case I forgot anything important. Anyway, I arrived around 9:03 a.m. and my flight schedule was 11:50 a.m. I wasn't that early. But still. I suggest that you grab a taxi in advance or hitch a ride with someone you know to the airport since I could have arrived much earlier if I didn't have such a difficult time getting a taxi.

The check-in wasn't what I expected at all. And the airport staff was very helpful and polite, as well. I checked in myself using their check-in kiosk, which I didn't notice at first. Thankfully, an airport staff was pleasant enough to tell me about it and personally help me with it. Thanks to you, Sir, checking in was a breeze for me!

Unfortunately, though, my flight got delayed. And I got really bored. I was also devastated since my cellphone's battery was running out. If my battery ran out, I wouldn't have anything to contact my cousin with when I arrive in Manila. Fortunately, there's a free charging station near the check-in counters and the departure lounge. I just had to wait for the ones who were already charging there to finish.

I was seriously worried that my flight would be cancelled or something. I mean, it wouldn't be the first time I'd have my hopes up and then something would inevitably crush it. My dad has told me every year since 2013 that he'd let me go to Dubai; that never happened. Last year, my family was supposed to go to Hong Kong. Unfortunately, my aunt who is a government employee, did not have a permit to travel because no one in our family knew it was necessary. Silly us. We had to go home from the airport. So, I was half-convinced that my flight would be cancelled. And I was readying myself to resign from the situation if they would suddenly announce it. So, imagine my relief and joy when they announced that we were already boarding the plane. Hoo!

I was ecstatic when I boarded the plane and sat on my seat. Even more so when I found out that I had the seat to the wingside! It was a pleasant and welcome surprise! The airport staff who helped me said it wasn't, so I didn't even think that I'd get the seat that I so wanted.

It was really cool inside the plane. The air conditioner was emitting something like fog. My cousin thinks they were pressurizing the cabin? Sorry, I'm not really sure I described it to her right, so maybe that's not what they were doing? I'll ask next time. You could also comment down below if you know what I'm talking about. :P

The takeoff started slow, as in the plane ran slowly on the ground, took a few turns, and sped up, and lifted off into the sky. Honestly, when it lifted off, I thought we were going to fall or something. It was making some kind of noise, as well. But since no one, except for the children who were crying, was panicking or anything, I kept myself in check and reassured myself that everything's gonna' be okay. I busied myself by looking out the window. 

When the plane stabilized in the air, it felt amazing. The view was amazing. It was simply amazing!

Here, take a look at the photos I took:

All in all, traveling alone was really tiring for me. But I think that's just because it was my first time, and I haven't really flown to anywhere since the fourth grade. I was fretting too much because of my paranoia, and I had to be on my guard the whole time for any announcements. I had to strain my ears, too, since I couldn't really hear the announcements that clearly. I couldn't do things simultaneously; I couldn't charge my phone and go to the restroom for even a couple of minutes. The charging station or machine wasn't anywhere near the comfort room, and I couldn't just leave my phone there. I'm not very trusting, especially towards strangers. I was also carrying my laptop which was very heavy, and my too-full sling bag; it looked like I had put rocks in it. It felt like it, too.

But if you would ask me if I would be willing to fly alone again? The answer is a huge YES!

There's a feeling of pride when you manage to go to somewhere unfamiliar with just yourself. I don't know, maybe it's just the introvert in me talking, but being alone felt... relaxing. And accomplishing something I never thought I could or would ever do, or at least not this soon anyway, I felt really proud of myself. I conquered my fears and did it! I'd literally pat myself in the back if I could for this~

Next, I'll post the checking in steps at the Mactan Internation Airport. :)