First time traveling/flying, would appreciate advice - Studying abroad in Rome

There are videos on YouTube showing how to navigate various airports, so look for one for CPH. Keep in mind that they now have the EES kiosks (for immigration control/passport check), so make sure the video is from this year. If you will be in Rome for more than 90 days, you'll need to have proof of your student visa. Anyone working at the airport in Copenhagen will speak English, so don't be afraid to ask someone in a uniform or with a security badge around their neck. Your checked bag should go through to Rome, so no worries there.
You should download the SAS app prior to your trip and use it to check in and get updates. This should include your departure gate for Rome, so be sure to switch your phone on and check it when you land. I assume you have arranged for mobile service during your stay. There should be free wifi inside the airport, as well.
You should try to sleep for as much of the plane ride as you can so that you arrive as rested as possible. Unless you're one of those people who can fall asleep anywhere, you can make it easier by avoiding alcohol and caffeine, dressing comfortably (including a light jacket/sweater/scarf, as planes can be very cold), doing a little bedtime routine (brush you teeth, take your makeup off, whatever). Put your phone/laptop/tablet away, and read/listen to a book/Kindle for a little while. An eye mask and ear plugs can help to reduce the sensory input. I like to take my shoes off (which I admit is controversial). I wear compression socks (because I'm old--you probably don't need them), and I either put my shoes back on or slip on some FitKicks to go to the bathroom. Never go barefoot on a plane and never go to the bathroom in just socks. The liquid on the floor isn't water.
My friend swears by the TimeShifter app for adjusting to a time change. If your departure is on Sunday, August 30th, download it today because it will start to give you suggestions for adjusting before the trip starts.

Welcome to the forum, gracemhedglin . How exciting!
Are you a minor (under 18)? High School or College? Have your study abroad program given you any advice upon arrival?
Also, how long is your connection in Copenhagen?

G3rry gave a lot great advice. I would echo his suggestion about using the internet to look up how to navigate your way through the various transportation routes you may have. Also, don’t be shy about asking questions, anywhere. I know my kids when they were your age were hesitant to look like they didn’t know what they were doing, so would opt not to ask. No one cares if you are inexperienced about this. It’s a learning process and you will do great - even if you make a mistake or two! You learn from those, too! Try to give yourself plenty of time to navigate the airports. Have a wonderful time! It’s a special time of your life.

I just quickly did a search for a first time flyer on YouTube and this video came up. There are tons of these, so you can gather quite a bit of information- with visuals- from them

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SeuNPMhSEaM&ra=m

Sign up for the spotsaver program at SeaTac online. This gives priority through security and can be a real time saver.

Look at you tube videos about airports, it will help.

This is me responding as a fellow traveling human - not in my role as webmaster.

"this will be my first plane ride ever and I will be alone...I honestly have no idea how to handle the airport"

G3rry had a lot of really good advice, and I'm thinking we may also need to cover some of the basics of using an airport if you have zero experience. I also know Seatac well.

Using the SAS app, check in for your flight 24 hours ahead of time. Check the app again before you leave for the airport to see if there are any delays to your flight.

Get to SeaTac 2.5-3 hours before your flight leaves (many do 2 hours or even 1.5 for international, but this is your first time... give yourself time to navigate the airport). When you get to SeaTac, you'll presumably get dropped off by family or a friend at the Departures level. As you enter the Departures area by car, there will be big signs above each doorway to indicate which airlines are served by that area of the airport. Find the sign that says SAS and get out of the car there. (If traffic is insane at the Departures level which can happen, sometimes the readerboards on the way into the airport tell you to go ahead and use the Arrivals level. It's the same situation there... just take the stairs up to the Departures level once you enter the building). If you're arriving via light rail, it's even more straight forward. Just get off at the Seatac stop and follow the signs. You'll be at the Departures level.

Once you enter the building, look for the kiosks with the SAS logo above them, preferably the kiosks with conveyor belts behind them. You'll wait in line, talk to the human at the kiosk, show your ticket (SAS app) and probably your passport, and then they'll take your bag and off it will go on the conveyor belt. You'll pick that up again in Rome (in Rome, follow the signs when you get off the plane to Baggage Claim - or the Baggage icon since it may be in Italian ;).

After you've checked your bag, it's time to go through security. Check your SAS app to see what gate your plane is boarding at. It will include a letter and a number. Like B23. B is the section of the airport and 23 is the gate number. If your plane is departing from the A,B,C or D gates, you can pretty much choose any security gate, but the main one in the middle (you'll see) is likely where you'll go. Nope, you can't use any of the pre-check or Clear lines that look shorter unless you already know what that is. For the N gate, it's usually best to use the security line open at the north end (far right, you'll see), and for S gates it's usually better to head to a security line near the south (far left).

Get in line... this is where most of the 2.5-3 hours is spent. Sometimes it takes 5-15 minutes, and I've waited over an hour before. Frequently there are people at the head of the lines that may say "go to X security line that way to get through faster." Sure, go ahead if it saves you time. At the head of the line, you'll show your ticket (in your app) and passport, then you'll go through screening. Just follow the directions they give you and take a look at how others are doing it. As a reminder, they won't allow any containers of liquids over 3oz. They'll make you throw out anything with more. If you bring a water bottle, bring it empty, then fill it after security.

After security, head to your gate, and it's as straight forward as following the signs. You're looking for the lettered gate areas first, then the gate number. If you're going to the N gate, you'll follow signs to a little underground train that takes you there. For S gates, it's the same, but this is also undergoing transition. I believe you can also walk to the end of the A gate and take the new bridge that takes you up and over to the S gate. Again, just follow the signs and you'll get there.

Once you're at your gate, wait until boarding begins (usually ~45 min before departure). More on boarding...

Can I just say, webmaster, you are a good human. :) Thank you for breaking this down so well for this new young traveler! Makes my heart happy to know there are many kind people on this site - and in the world! We all need to help each other. Brilliant.

Boarding these days is usually done by zones. Your ticket will show something like "Zone 3" on it. Wait until they call your zone number, then get in line to board the plane. They'll just turn you away if you try and board with Zone 1 (usually first class). Once you're on the plane, walk down the aisle to your seat (again, it's on your ticket), put any full-size/large carry-ons in the bin above your seat (or nearby... wherever it will fit) and smaller carry-on bags go at your feet under the seat in front of you.

Sit back, relax, learn how to use the seatbelt buckle, put your headphones on, read a book, etc. The engines will be loud when it's time to take off. No worries, that's normal. ;)

At the next airport, after you get off the plane, follow everyone on your flight to customs/immigration. You'll show your documentation, then you'll be back into the airport and it's more of the same to get to your next flight. Don't leave the secure area in the airports as otherwise you'll need to go back through security to get to your gate! There will be food options, etc while you wait for the next flight.

Also, airport food is super expensive. International flights will usually give you a meal (check the SAS website to see what they give you for long haul flights). Shorter flights will just give you drinks and maybe a small snack. Bring some snacks and sandwiches, etc to get you through to save yourself a bunch of money.

It's usually helpful to bring headphones - not bluetooth ones - the type with the 1/8 jack. Some airlines charge money to use their headphones so that you can watch/listen to the movies they provide on the flight.

Some planes are not well heated. Have at least a good sweatshirt with you and I wouldn't wear shorts. You can usually ask for a blanket on international flights.

It looks like SpotSaver is only available at Checkpoint 4. SAS check-in desk is between Checkpoints 3 (to the left) and 4 (to the right). SAS generally departs from the S gates. Even if you are not under 18, you can have a relative or friend go with you to the gate. They must apply in advance for a Visitor Pass. https://www.portseattle.org/page/sea-visitor-pass-program
Just about everyone you encounter at SeaTac (and in Copenhagen) will want to see your boarding pass and passport, so you want to keep them handy until you are on the plane. Your passport is the most important thing you own now, so designate a place to keep it, not only during your flights to Rome but the whole time you are in Rome. If you have a single EDC sling/purse/backpack, that's a good place for it. If that bag isn't your personal item for flying, be sure to slip it into the person item for boarding, as it will count as a third bag. I use a slim cross-body bag that has a zippered pocket in the back, and I keep my passport there when traveling. That bag slips easily into the backpack I use as my personal item, but I wear it through the airport so I always have access to my passport.

"you are a good human" You're very kind. I remember having to navigate an airport as an unaccompanied minor. And I did my own study abroad. The more you know what to expect, the better, IMO. :)

The video that mustlovedogs posted is pretty good (except she talks way too fast!). But there's one bit of terminology she misuses, conflating "terminal" with "concourse". There are 3 parts to an airport gate "address": the terminal (the actual building) it's in, which is usually designated by a number (such as Terminal 2); the concourse it's on, usually a letter (such as B), and the gate itself, which is again a number. Small and medium airports usually just have one terminal (I believe that's true of Sea-Tac), but larger ones may have several. CPH appears to have 2. Each terminal usually has multiple concourses (hallways, basically), then the gates where you actually board the plane are along those. The signage often doesn't use the word "concourse," it will just say "A Gates, B Gates, etc."

Depending on the size of the airport and how up-to-date their infrastructure is, you may get from one terminal to another by: walking, moving sidewalk (like a flat escalator), tram, train, or bus.

Yes, SeaTac only has one terminal. Thanks for covering that aspect. To add to that, in big airports, frequently when you leave one Terminal/building to get to another, you have to leave the secure area and go through security again. That can be really time consuming. But, some airports have ways to stay within the secure area (again... train, bus, pathway). If you have to switch terminals, look for those options... check airport maps, or ask around when you get off the plane. Or, you can ask your flight attendant before you land.

Well, all I can say is that I think Washington must breed some really great people! I still remember when I made my first trip to Seattle earlier this year, and the amount of advice and help that I got was just overwhelming. There are some wonderful people living in that state!

So Grace, you are in good hands, and I'm sure you will do well! In fact, you are the same age my daughter was when she traveled to England for a semester abroad at the age of 18, and she had an incredible time there, as I'm sure you will.

One thing I would say is that if you ever get confused, or need assistance, whether it's at SeaTac or CPH or Rome or any place in your travels, stop and ask someone for help. There are millions of people all over the world who are more than happy to help. I'm older and an experienced traveler but I've had times where things just went kablooey, and I was upset and there was always a good Samaritan to help me out. So never be afraid to ask someone.

And above all, have a wonderful time abroad!

there are many kind people on this site - and in the world! We all need to help each other. Brilliant.

My favorite quote so far... I'm really proud of the kind folks here, in particular, our webmaster.

I think we're all excited for you. As a 2nd year engineer, you're in the business of learning stuff. So you'll have no trouble learning a lot of new things on this adventure. It'll be great!

You've probably addressed these things by now, but here are two important things:

1. You'll need money. Should be no problem using any US Mastercard or Visa to buy things, and no problem using Apple Pay or Google Pay. You may rarely need cash. But most folks here suggest getting maybe 50 or 100 Euros from an ATM when you arrive, using a debit card. Some ATM's (at a proper bank) will have less fees versus the airport ATMs but I wouldn't worry about that. I'd just get a few Euros at the first machine you see. Your fellow students will certainly know where the best and nearest ATM would be to the school.

2. Don't know what cellphone and carrier you have, but you'll need cell data, and that could be from an affordable cell plan option (I use Tmobile), or a cheap esim. Your new friends will give you great advice there. For calling or texting, WhatsApp or Google Voice, or a few others are popular here. Again, see what other students do, An advantage of an esim is that you can activate it tomorrow and have data when you get off the plane. Google Maps or an other map s/w will be very valuable, of course.

If you have any other questions, particularly about Italy, post them here, and you'll get lots of advice. Italy is a very popular topic on this forum. Or just use the search function on this forum, most common topics have been discussed a lot here.

We all wish you a wonderful experience!

Some truthful things about Italy:

There’s real coffee, no Starbucks swill.

Men will yell and whistle at you. Male street market vendors will be pushy.

Cities will be overly crowded.

Dinner is served after 8pm.

Nobody smiles.

Pay attention to possible dress codes in order to enter places like The Vatican. My fond remembrance there was entering through the massive doors and thinking “so this where all the Sunday Mass collection plate money went!”
Carry a scarf so you can respectfully enter churches and cathedrals.

Learn Italian for Hello, Thank you and goodbye.

Carry Kleenex packets. Some public toilets might not have toilet tissue.

Jet lag is real.

And as a first time traveler don’t be afraid to ask for help. Just ignore people who approach you offering help.

Don’t look at your phone standing on a street corner. Use the CityMapper app and plan your route before you leave your lodging.

Remember to cross roads and streets with other people when the light changes. Don’t think about Jay walking. Drivers in Italy are a different breed.

Take a foldable crossbody bag. If at a farmers market point to fruit, pastry, baguette ,bouquet of flowers etc that you want and have the vendor offer it to you. Make certain you have one or two debit cards. Same with credit cards. Wouldn’t hurt to have some Euros and coins.

Water from fountains is drinkable. In stores and restaurants you can choose between still or sparkling water. Don’t expect ice and yes you can get a Coke.

Dinner will includes primi, main and dessert courses.

There are places called cicchetti bars that are wonderful spots for a quick lunch. Google to understand the concept.

You’ll find dogs in restaurants.

Rome is crowded, noisy and touristy. Go a couple blocks from the touristy areas and you’ll see mothers and grandmothers in parks with children. Some calm to enjoy in the numerous park settings.

I choose a restaurant if I see men in work clothes or mothers/grandmothers with babies in prams.

English is spoken in most places but learning some Italian will be helpful.

You’ll see lots of cats.

Definitely watch roads and pathways for bicyclists!

Walk with purpose.

Congrats on getting to study abroad. It’s an eye opener.

Ciao

Edit: Revised from lira ( waaay outdated ) to Euro.

You are more than likely to travel by train when in Italy. This site gives useful tips:> https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-italy.htm

What an exciting time for you. I also went to study abroad during college (I was 20) and on my own, and it was an adventure and it didn’t all go out as planned. But that trip and experience certainly made me a better traveler and shaped who I am today. And I wouldn't change a thing.

So go armed with information. Lots of great one here so far, so I will try not to repeat them. I am approaching 50 and still watch Youtube videos when going to a new place. And this forum has helped me in many ways. I still ask questions, no shame on that.

Trust your instincts. There are a lot of great people out there to help you through it, but also some looking to take advantage.

These days, so much is digital. But since this will be your first big trip, bring a print copy of address where you will be staying and some important information to have handy. I usually compile some good tips and info on Google doc saved on my phone and bring a print copy along.

You got plenty of time in CHP which is good. But keep an eye on monitor starting about 2 hours before your flight as gates can change.

Wouldn’t hurt to have some lira and some coins.

Isn't that a bit outdated? As far as I know Italy uses Euro now.

Copenhagen Airport tends to publish the gates very late (probably to avoid changes), so either stand and look at the screen or install the "CPH Airport" app and register your flight number. Then it will give you the gate as soon as it is ready.

It can also help you navigate the airport and find shops and restaurants.

I agree that food and drink is VERY expensive in Copenhagen Airport (and most airports I have used), so a snack that can survive the flight might be a good idea, but just don't take anything through customs.

And last but not least: Learn the difference between

• Immigration where they check your passport and other papers to see if they want you into the area. This will happen in Copenhagen, where you enter the Schengen area
• Customs where they check if they want your luggage and anything else you carry (including food) into the area. This will happen in Italy.

If your phone supports two sims, consider using your old sim only for calls from home and get a local sim for data and for calls to and from your fellow students. One of the sims could be an eSim. I have never used this myself, so I don't know how it works in details, but prhaps someone else could chime in.

Tell the flight attendant it's your birthday - I was given champagne!

Congratulations!

Have fun!

Happy travels!

What fun and how exciting! It's wonderful how many people replied with detailed ideas, including our kind webmaster, thank you Andrew.

The first time I got on a plane I was 17 & flew to Costa Rica to live for a year without speaking any Spanish. So I can imagine how exciting/ confusing this might be!

IF you encounter long lines at immigration in CPH, be patient you have plenty of time. And if for some reason your flight is late arriving & you have less than 45 minutes to make your connection, you can go to the EU passport line, you need to see an officer because you can't use the automatic gates, just show your boarding pass & you will get through. (I just did this last week and watched others going through.) The SAS app will tell you if the flight is late. What kind of seat do you want? I use to like the window, I could sleep. Now I prefer the aisle so I can get up and move around, if you haven't booked a seat yet, you should be able to do when you check in 24 hours ahead.

Print out your boarding pass at SeaTac, it's good to have paper copies of important docs!
Consider printing out details of your trip, especially as you might be asked in CPH at immigration to show some proof of your study, where you're staying, etc.

Make sure you have enough battery life on your phone. I carry an extra, charged up battery pack, but now you need to keep it in your seat rather than overhead compartment.
Here's a great thread about phone safety. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/best-way-to-deter-pickpockets-taking-a-phone

Pack CAREFULLY and leave 'what if's' at home. You will be able to do some laundry where ever you're staying, I would pack for a week only. You might like to pack the day before & try carrying all that stuff around, walk a block or two and see how it feels! Here's a thread about money belts, etc. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/money-belt-pocket-or-day-bag
You can add places to Google maps and save them, look them up later off line. I didn't see if you said how long you'd be away. You should take a rain coat & if you're there through November, a very light weight packable down jacket is a good idea. December can be cold in Rome.

Smile and people will smile back! Learn some basic Italian, it goes a long ways.

Take an outlet adaptor for Italy - I use a small, 3 USB port charger so I can plug in multiple items, you can use the adaptor & just buy this bit in the US.
Jaywalk when you need to with all the Italians!
TimeShifter works for me, as much as I use it! ha. It’s free for the first trip. PS, loved all this advice! G3rry's suggestions about the long 10-12 hour flight to CPH is spot on. Ear buds aren't great for flight announcements, but otherwise work fine. I actually use silicon earplugs for sleeping, they're more comfy.

Have a fantastic time and this thread will be open for a while, so feel free to come back and let us know how it goes!

Great advice here. I can only add that you might be excited and stressed on the flight, but you need tog et as much rest as possible. The time change will make the first few days rough.

I just wanted to come back and thank everyone!! I did not expect this
many responses. I am now a lot less worried, I was freaking out
earlier lol. I did want to specifically thank Webmaster and G3rry!

Kudos to Webmaster and G3rry for those detailed replies! Grace, "helpful" is the way we roll here in the RS sandbox, and please don't freak out about this wonderful opportunity! I'm sure you'll be bunking with others at school who will be discovering the ins-and-outs of the Eternal City too so you'll be in good company + help to each other. LOL, when you come back YOU can be a HTH (Helpful Traveling Human) on the forum too! :O)

You didn't ask for advice outside airport stuff but a couple of questions and comments from a personal perspective:

Italy's monetary unit is the Euro and hasn't been the lira since 2002, so before you were born, but yes, having some coin on you is a good idea. You might need them for public restrooms.

Will most of your meals - a least during the week - be served at your accommodation and included in your tuition? As well, if your accommodation is in a university area, there may be inexpensive places to eat that are popular with students on a budget. Care to share the address of your accommodation? How long will you be in Italy?

We often ate earlier than 8:00 PM/20:00. Not a problem.

Water from the many nasone (https://www.turismoroma.it/en/page/nasoni-fountains-rome) you'll see about Rome is indeed drinkable but not from all others of the fountains. If there's a sign that says, "Acqua non potabile", that means don't drink from it. While the water is very good, pack along some dry drink mix jazz up your waterbottle now and then. Oh, and tap water is fine to drink too.

If you like using a washrag in the shower, bring one.

Most churches are free to visit so are terrific budget stretchers. Along with so many being utterly fabulous for their architecture and decoration, some of them double as art museums due to the amount of valuable sculpture and paintings they contain.

Cokes/soft drinks can be more expensive in restaurants than the bottled sparkling (carbonated) or "still" (non carbonated)water served for a couple of euros. I'm personally a fan of sparkling.

No need to tip for service. Ever.

Enjoying your to-go sammie or gelato sitting on the steps of a church, on a famous fountain, the Spanish Steps, or pretty much anywhere but a bench or the grass in a park is a no-no. They're touchy about food dropped or dripped on stuff that could be, oh, hundreds of years old, and is considered undignified besides.

Cicchetti is more of a Venetian thing and is their version of tapas; something to try if you're taking a weekend trip there. You're more likely to find places in Rome that serve aperitivo, which are light, complementary snacks that accompany a drink order during evening pre-dinner hours. Think of it as sort of an Italian Happy Hour, understanding that you're too young to drink legally in the US so probably haven't done any of those. Don't feel you HAVE to order an alcoholic drink: if it's not your thing, learn about some lovely alternatives that others may suggest. It goes without saying that it's best not to have a foggy head and wander round in the dark, especially alone and especially in a foreign city.

A lot of universities and secondary schools have online tips/blogs for traveling students. Just a google brought up these, among others:
https://aur.edu/tips-survive-and-thrive-rome
https://ieo.ucla.edu/rome-some-handy-italian-and-rome-tips/
https://ieo.ucla.edu/italy-advice-for-your-time-abroad/

Most of all, just GO and have wonderful time!

Your worry was very productive --- you DID something about it and got some great answers! Try not to worry about being worried....

"Tell the flight attendant it's your birthday - I was given champagne!"

Be careful with this one -- if you do choose to have any alcohol on the flight, I highly recommend limiting it to one drink, fairly early in the flight. Being at altitude (airplane cabins are pressurized to the equivalent of 8000 feet) is harder on your body, and alcohol compounds that. They say that one drink on a plane can feel like three on land (well, unless you live at a high altitude already!). Alcohol can also interfere with your sleep quality, which will be hard enough on the plane already.

Be sure to drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic liquids. Planes are very dehydrating. You might also want to have some lip balm and a small tube of hand cream in your personal bag.

Have a great semester abroad! And Happy Birthday!

This may be a little late but having cash and using credit cards is very different from being a limited time tourist and a long term student. You will need access to local currency and a debit card at a bank owned ATM is best. I assume your have at least one parent. Make sure that they are a co-signer or co-owner of both your credit cards and debit cards. Make sure they can easily access and monitor your accounts. If you have a problem with a card, it is very difficult because of time zones and long distance calls for you to solve the problem. So much easier to have someone local who can deal with the problem. In fact, it is not a bad idea to have them monitor your accounts on a weekly basis. I would keep the cash low in the debit card account and have them transfer cash to that account as needed. Actually, you should give "Power of Attorney" to one or both of your parents to handle any emergencies during your absence. Is your school providing any medical insurance?

Good luck. A great experience that every student should have.

PS. --- I just realized you have made one big mistake. You should have enrolled in engineering at Iowa State. We have endowed an international scholarship program and support two students a year in study abroad programs.

Super helpful advice from the forum posters!!!!

A little anecdote. My very first trip to Rome I was on a RS week long Rome tour. One day we rode the subway to get to the coliseum. One tour member had his wallet in his front pocket but kept his hand over it. When we emerged at the stop his pants had been slashed in an attempt to get it. My point is that pickpockets are around. So please be aware and try to pickpocket proof yourself. Especially on arrival day when you are jet lagged and potentially a bit cognitively impaired. Also please note that this is not meant to scare you. Just make sure that if you lose something it’s not a big loss. Some small change or small amount of spending money. That way you can relax and enjoy Rome.

Since you don’t know how much jet lag and potentially lack of sleep will affect you perhaps have a plan b to get to your residence. If you share the general area of where you will be staying then some forum members will be able to provide options. Maybe someone can provide an estimate of what a cab ride would cost.

As a side note it brings me great joy to see forum members step up and help alleviate this young lady’s nerves on her first plane trip. And it’s an international one at that! Keep it up. It lifts my spirits to see such good people. Especially given the givens. Edit to add my thanks to the webmaster!

Happy Birthday Grace! And have a great time in Rome! Everyone I know who’s done a semester or program abroad has enjoyed it immensely.

So much good advice already, not much to add except: not that it matters too much, but within the last year or two I’ve noticed that TSA doesn’t ask for a boarding pass at security, just an ID, as it seems they’re better connected with check in and don’t need it. This is true at Washington Dulles, so probably elsewhere too. And regarding Rome, more importantly; it can be a bit overwhelming at first. When I first visited, about your age, but many years ago now, I was studying in Paris and went to Italy for spring break. I remember Rome then as chaotic, rainy, I got a stomach bug, I didn’t love it. But if you give it time, don’t try to see everything at once, it will grow on you, and now, after several visits, it’s one of my most favorite cities anywhere in the world. Not sure how long your program is, you didn’t say, but give Rome time.

Take things one step at a time. First step: get to the airport.

Try to get all your stuff packed and organized and ready-to-go at least one day in advance (I know, running out of days right now). Don't put significant tasks off until the last minute. It's better to be over-prepared and have time to kill than to have to scramble at the last minute. It sucks to be late and worried if you're gonna make the flight. Some things are going to take longer than you expect, so build some buffer time into your day-of-departure plan (step 1: Make a "Day of Departure Plan" now if you don't have one already! - a checklist for all your tasks, and use it).

About getting to Seatac: Plan to get to the airport a full 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. Yes, 3 hours. That's what the Seatac management recommends. Be aware of local Seattle area traffic headaches and plan accordingly. When traffic is flowing smoothly, things typically go nicely until you get to the last 1/2 mile, where gridlock traffic jams are almost always happening, even at insane hours (like 5 am or 11 pm). I go to Seatac quite often, and bumper-to-bumper gridlock is common most of the time I go. The problem is that the available lanes narrow to just 2-ish in the last 1/2 mile, so there's always some backup. It can be frustrating and scary to be within sight of the terminal but stuck in traffic as you watch the minutes count down. Get an early start. If you end up being early, you can chill and watch the planes.

As you approach the terminal, evaluate the traffic flow (or non-flow). For departures (that's you) most people get dropped off on the "Departures" level (duh!). Then you just walk inside, go through all the rituals. But if the "Departures" lanes are traffic-clogged (and they often are), you can save some time by instead going in at the "Arrivals" level (one layer below) which may (or may not) have less traffic. Signs at Seatac may suggest this (look for them as you get close to the terminal; they say something like "Departures Congested, use Arrivals instead"). If it says that, take their advice. Then after entering the terminal, you simply go up one level to ticketing/check-in/security. If you have family/friends dropping you off, maybe have them pay for short-term parking rather than dropping you at the curb. Park, have them accompany you/help with bags and go together into the terminal, hugs and tears follow, off you go.

Allow more time than you think you'll need to get through security (there are multiple TSA checkpoints, pick one that has shorter lines - people there can direct you to those). Keep your wits about you at all times, especially as you go through security. To get through quickly and smoothly, at the last minute, take EVERYTHING out of all your pockets (passport, boarding pass, wallets, phone, etc) and stash them in one of your carry-on bags/purse and then watch THAT like a hawk until it gets back to you on the other side of the screeners. Your pockets should be empty and all metal (belts, etc) should be removed. Be mindful and deliberate about all this stuff as you get thru security, it's easy to get flustered, feel pressure to move, but this is a place where you need to be mentally sharp, attentive and aware of your surroundings (you will want to do exactly that throughout your trip, so practice it!). Thefts at security are rare but keep paying attention to all your valuables until you get them back, then take a few minutes to check them all and redistribute them on your person, get comfy and confident before moving on. Don't feel rushed, get this stuff settled and organized before you move on from security. Keep your head in the game AT ALL TIMES.

Good luck, don't worry, you will be fine and you are off on a grand adventure. Have fun!!!

One more thing? The gang here is only a post away if you have questions once you get to Rome.

The gang here is only a post away if you have questions once you get to Rome.

And the gang (someone, somewhere) is available 24/7/365 so you will often get a response surprisingly quickly.

Getting on the plane:

Generally, there are some advantages to getting on the plane as soon as you reasonably can (that's why they let "elites" - people with "status" - on first, and those with the lowest status have to board last).

One good reason to get on ASAP: There's a shortage of space available in the overhead luggage compartments. For a variety of reasons, people typically bring onboard more stuff than can fit onboard. When the overhead bins get full (or when a flight attendant declares that they are full - not always the same thing!) they start forcing people to "gate check" their carry-ons. If you want to have your carry-on (and your "small personal item") nearby and accessible during the flight, try to be among the first (in your boarding group) to board, rather than the last. Those showing up at the last minute often have to gate-check their carry-ons.

The group dynamics of boarding are complex and occasionally weird, but for most people, it's better to get on the plane sooner rather than at the last minute. This leads to various behaviors as people try to "game" the system to their advantage. For a first time flyer, just follow the rules about being in your boarding group (no need to fake a leg injury or other nonsense) and once onboard, stash your larger "carry on" item up in the closest overhead bin you can find (if you're in Coach, don't sneak your bag into the first class bins; you CAN use bins behind you, but that makes it trickier to access them when deplaning as you are like a fish swimming upstream as others try to get off the plane). It's polite to keep your small personal item under the seat in front of you, rather than putting both your items above (thus allowing others to use the space above). Flight attendants will be handing out this advice. Settle into your seat, and get ready for the adventure ahead.

During the flight: Be smart, and courteous (even if others are not). Keep your passport, wallet, money belt, phone and any other valuables on you or at least within reach. Assume you will be snoozing at some point (hopefully you will get a good night's sleep). While you are dreaming of pasta, red wine and gelato, thieves may be nearby. I sleep with my valuables attached to my body. Others have their own systems, but be aware that thefts during flights are not unheard of. Do NOT put valuables in the overhead bin or anyplace that a thief could pinch them while you snooze or hit the bathrooms. Some will scoff (and argue) but I keep my most valuable items with me at all times (including when snoozing or visiting the loo). It's a LOT easier to manage such things when traveling with a trusted companion (take turns), but going solo, you gotta exercise more caution (same goes for when you hit the rest rooms after arrival...bring everything with you). YMMV.

Speaking of rest rooms....don't freak out when you encounter your first bidet (or other exotic bathroom feature). Vive la difference!

David in Seattle's advice about valuables on planes is spot on! And please don't put anything in the seat back pocket in front of you. You might forget it, and besides, it's gross and never cleaned.

Good point we're here 24/7! Many of us live in Europe, no question is too silly!! Hope you have a fabulous trip.

GraceH - I hope everything went well with your travel birthday and that you are getting settled in your new accommodation.