There are some excellent tips here, I can only add the following from my time as a young traveler:

1. Airports can be large places, and even adults and experienced travelers get lost. So, its important to know where your gate is. Sometimes, its changed from what is printed on your boarding pass. So, the first thing you should do as soon as you have gone through security, is to confirm the gate from the large monitors displaying flight information. You should also lookout for signs telling you how far the gates are. They are usually written in _minutes_, which is how long it will take if you walk to the gate.

2. Airline food can sometimes be disagreeable; so sometimes its a blessing when its not available. If you are hungry, try to grab a bite to eat at the airport; or buy something to carry with you on the plane to eat.

3. During the flight, try to avoid soda / coke / coffee / mountain dew. These drinks make you thirsty and thirst can lead to dry eyes which can cause discomfort. The best is to ask for bottled water with a cup of ice and sip it throughout the flight.

If you are nervous about flying, there are many noises that can be alarming especially if this is your first time. You should know that flying is the safest form of transport by a very large margin. If you have **any questions whatsoever** about any noise or part of the aircraft, simply ask the flight crew. They are aware that people are nervous and will be happy to explain things.

I know some noises that have startled people:

1. The "thud thud thud" (and bouncing - which is more pronounced on smaller planes) as the plane speeds down the runway (this is the nose wheel going over the center runway lights). Similar to the noise in your car when you switch lanes and the tires go over the reflectors. At airports with newer runways they have better lights so this noise is reduced.

2. Vibration when the plane takes off. This is perfectly normal as the wings are generating lift.

3. The "thud" when the gear is retracted.

Relax, and remember to ask questions of the crew at any time you are unsure about something. You can even ask them how to get around the destination airport as many are familiar with the routing and can guide you.