I love to fly, and I’ve flown quite a few times without family. I thought of some safety items I’d like to share to help other single ladies. They aren’t earth-shattering, but these are things that have helped me.
- Act confident and walk with purpose (even if you don’t feel confident). If you walk as if you don’t know where you’re going or have a helpless-sort-of-attitude, that’s just an invitation for someone to approach you. So I look confident, even if I’m trying to find my way around.
- Stay alert. Do not zone out. Always be aware of your surroundings. Always.
- If you do happen to need help finding your gate, ask someone who works for the airline.
- Do not trust strangers. Honestly, evil people do not always look “bad,” and you must always be on guard.
- Very nice, friendly people can also be very convincing liars. Having grown up in a Christian home, we’re used to people telling the truth and trusting them! Well, liars can be extremely conniving and their ploy very believable. Be careful!
- When waiting for a flight, choose a public location and select carefully who you sit near. If you want to be by yourself in a secluded area (such as an area at the end of the terminal where no one is waiting), that’s inviting trouble. Even then, if a man approaches you and is being too friendly, just stand up and go somewhere else. This happened to me in a busy airport. So I went over to a group of business travelers (including ladies) and sat with them. I had no more issues.
- If you fly Southwest, that’s perfect, because you get to select your seat when you get on the plane. For me, I love window seats, but as I’m boarding, I will look to see who my seat mate will be if I choose a window seat. I may sit further back than I’d like to get a preferential seat mate.
- If you do sit next to a man who becomes too friendly (there’s a difference between a person being nice and someone being flirtatious), there’s nothing wrong with politely finding ways to dampen the conversation (talking to the person on your other side who isn’t an issue, reading your book, and only answering questions with as few words as possible, etc).
- This may seem obvious, but make sure your cell phone is fully charged and also carry a portable battery. I love the one I have from Amazon (Titus2’s affiliate link to Amazon: see our Privacy Policy if you want). It’s my favorite, and, of course, I have the pink one (the black one is $5 less).
Enjoy yourself! 🙂
Love,
Sarah
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
(1 Peter 5:8)
Thanks for sharing this, Sarah. Our oldest daughter has recently been traveling by herself on planes and this is great for single ladies.
I’m glad it’s helpful!
Thank you for your list, Sarah. My daughter is still quite young, so I’m going to print it out to share with her when she is older. I like the way you worded your suggestions.
I believe your suggestion of staying alert is also very important whenever we are “out and about.” We live near a city and often need to go into the city. I find myself continually perusing my surroundings whenever I am shopping, traveling to music lessons, going to our downtown library, etc. My children are oblivious, as they are still so trusting, but I know as they are growing older, I need to find a way to instill the need for alertness, as well as staying in well-lit areas and staying near groups of people, rather than being isolated. As a mom, I sometimes find it a delicate balance between preserving my children’s innocence and sharing necessary information to protect them. 🙂
You’re welcome! Yes, being alert always, even while shopping, is sooooo important. Yes, it is a delicate balance with children: I agree.
Thank you, Sarah. I’ve never flown before, but I think about those things when I go out in public by myself, especially since I got my driving license. Thanks for the tips.
That’s great to have a safety-mindset all the time! Way to go!
Thank you for this post! My cousin is going to be flying soon, and is a bit apprehensive. I’m going to share this with her.
Wonderful!
I have never commented on your blog but I felt like I had to commend you for your spot on post. We must be in the world but we have to be prayerful and careful! Thanks so much for sharing this.
Sonja B. Florida
Thank you, Sonja! I feel so honored you would take the time to comment. I’m glad the post was helpful!
I never had any problems on planes or in airports, including the time I flew overseas by myself. But riding public transportation was a different story! I use the word “was” because men don’t bother me so much now that I am in my forties and look more middle-aged than “young.”
I imagine public transportation can be interesting. I’ve never done that by myself! Looking older probably does help. 🙂
This is not only useful at the airport but also the parking lot of the grocery store or any public place.. There are people who will take advantage and confidence is the key. I have been in situations where a man was over stepping his boundaries and had to blurt out bible verses or sing a little song about Jesus. This immediately shown them that I’m am a child of God.. Love your post Sarah
Yes, it’s so true! Confidence is huge!
Fantastic and practical tips!! #1 is one I use even just going in and out of stores or other public places alone(especially at night!) Thanks sarah!!
🙂 Thanks, Rachel!
Hi Sarah,
I wanted to share some additional tips. I have traveled by myself numerous times.
1. Always keep on eye on your gate. Gates can change and sometimes there are no announcements. Make sure that you are set to receive updates on your phone. Also, make sure that you have downloaded the airlines app on your phone.
2. Make sure that you always carry at least some cash. Not everyone takes credit cards and you never know if you flight will be canceled or if your flight is detoured to another city.
3. Study the layout of the airport before you even leave for the airport. That way you know your way around.
4. Apply for TSA Pre-check. You don’t have to take out your liquids, electronics, shoes, etc. Less of a hassle.
5. I recommend sitting near the Gate Agent Desk at the gate. That way you know what is going on. It is also better to hear the announcements.
6. Have an emergency contact list written down in case your phone dies. Technology is not foolproof. This is very important.
Hope this helps someone.
TSA Pre-check is a great point! I got that last year, and it’s been super nice.
cool
Wearing a wedding band, even if it is fake, is a good deterant for unwanted conversation from men who have impure intentions.
These are great, Sarah! I definitely have enjoyed flying alone, but as you said, it is wise to be prepared and aware. Confidence is something my mother impressed upon me from a young age, and it’s been helpful ever since (as a teen) I started driving to the city to work or shop, going on sister road trips, and flying + driving alone.
Thanks, Allison! 🙂
Good post Sarah. My mom teaches us to be alert. Their are so many evil people out there.
Excellent tips! Thanks for sharing!
Here’s one that has helped me: if I don’t want to be bothered (by people in a waiting area or by a seat “neighbor”), I will put on headphones.
Great tip!