Going to Vegas, first time on a plane. Help.

[Puffin Fresh]

Don't be too drunk going through security or they might not let you through.

You'll be fine though.

[Corona Gigante]

Originally Posted by King James

Bring gum to chew though for when your ears pop

Don't forget the gum.

[mosesbotbol]

I am concert with other posters on this thread; cigars selection is complete and expensive. Caesars has a cigar shop that was not too much of a rip off. If you have a strong collection of cigars, just bring a few. If there's a particular cigar you are looking for; surly you'll find it either in the mall where Fuente & Davidoff are, or in Caesars.

As for overcoming flying, not sure if getting boozed before the flight would be a good idea. You may get agitated and make things more out of proportion than they need to be. The take of is scary for 3 minutes and then levels out. Put the seat belt on tight, hold on to your woman and you be all set.

One other note. Bring cash. ATM's are rip-off's in Vegas. Just the service fees would buy the cigars you are looking for.

[adsantos13]

The most dangerous part of flying is the drive to airport. Also, Im pretty sure Ive read it somewhere that more people die taking a shower by slipping and falling in the tub than in air crashes every year.

That being said, I still get anxious too. Its because you are not in control up there and you are totally vulnerable and cannot escape. I usually just hit the bottle beforehand. Youve got to get to the airport a couple hours in advance anyway, might as well use the time wisely! Xanax or some other tranquilizers help too. You can ask your doctor about that.

[Commander Quan]

You can't say Bomb on an airplane!

[Blueface]

As for the flight, after you do it weekly as I do, it is like shaving. It is a fun ride taking off and a fun ride landing, with lots of boredom in between (unless there is a screaming kid next to you).
Order yourself a Jack and coke and get a great buzz that can only happen at 30K plus feet up in the air.

As for the sticks you mention, get ready to get taken for a ride. Casa Fuente is not cheap.

Vegas is a great fun town.
Enjoy!

[gvarsity]

I agree with those who say don't drink much. Have a beer to take the edge off but altitude affects how you process alcohol and you could easily get sick drunk. Essentially count as if each drink is two drinks. Second of all the more you worry about it the worse it will be. If you have a Ipod and close your eyes you could literally not notice the take off. I have. Unless you have a history of anxiety look out the window (after takeoff) it is really interesting. I still after having flown for years find looking out the window enjoyable.

Because flying seems unnatural it trips your head more than many other activities the first time. Most people are a little nervous for the first couple of take off and landings but if you can handle a roller coaster, riding a motorcycle or driving fast in a car you have already done way more exciting and dangerous vehicle based activities. Sit back, relax and think about how much fun you are going to have in Vegas and you will be fine.

[why1504]

I have well over 1,000,000 miles under my belt. Been 2/3's of the way around the world. Here is my advice:

1. Check the TSA website ( http://www.tsa.gov/ ) on what is legal and not legal in the luggage and on the plane. (I believe the only lighter you can keep in your luggage is an Zippo which has never been fueled and is in the special box). These rules are changing all the time.

2. Don't take the high dollar cutter either, (take a cheap one) TSA may take it and you don't want to get into any arguements over that with the TSA gatekeepers. They have all the power.

3. Xanax is good, Xanax is great. Much better than burbon, beer, etc. Take 1 the night before and one an hour before the flight.

4. IPOD. I plug up my I Pod with a podcast everytime I fly and am asleep in about 10 minutes. IPOD and Zannax - you will hit Vegas rested and ready to go.

5. I only drink water before I fly. I have flown in a variety of states from sober to smashed and sober is much better. 1 beer or wine won't hurt but planes dehydrate me and that is a bad combo. Of course if your doctor won't perscribe the Xanax, I would go for the burbon, but only one drink about 30 min max before each leg of the flight.

6. I was in Vegas a couple of years ago and cigars were frightfully expensive. At the Mandalay Bay an Opus X which cost $13 at home was $45. so bring your average smokes and only buy what you can't get at home.

7. Be ready to walk quite a bit. Some of the blocks in Vegas can be 3/4 of a mile. The walks are cool though because you get to see all the people and the sights and you will know you arn't in Kansas anymore.

So you know:
TSA = THOUSANDS STANDING AROUND!!!

[SilvrBck]

They might make you take off your shoes at the security checkpoint so make sure you wear matching socks without holes.

[RockyP]

Originally Posted by bazookajoe

Xanax + an ice cold beer = you'll be fine.

[RPB67]

Xanax will be your friend on this trip.

You can also just stay up the day before so you are tired on the plane and sleep on the ride.

[erab]

A question for all of you guys recommending Xanax:

Do you all have friends in the pharma industry, or something? ...or maybe a brother who is a doctor? Last I checked, you can't just pick up some Xanax at Walgreens.

[RPB67]

Originally Posted by erab

A question for all of you guys recommending Xanax:

Do you all have friends in the pharma industry, or something? ...or maybe a brother who is a doctor? Last I checked, you can't just pick up some Xanax at Walgreens.

No you can't.

But you can pick up some sort of sleep aide. Just get that. It will work the same.

[jesto68]

Vegas is my favorite vacation spot, and like you I hate flying.

I get a little motion sickness - so I found that Dramamine does the trick - keeps the sickness away, AND makes you drowsy. Get the regular Dramamine - not D2(non drowsy formula), and take one about an hour prior to your flight. Bring an IPOD and something easy to read (Like FHM or Maxim).

Don't bother with lighters. It all boils down to how the TSA agent feels that day - and I wouldn't want my prized lighter or cutter confiscated. All of the shops have matches, and you can buy a cheap torch at Walgreens.

However, you will pay through the nose for Cigars all over Vegas.

Also, there are many new non-smoking rules this year - so there are less good places to hang out. I think an law was passed about selling smokes and food together recently. (What they have to do with each other is beyond me)

There is a little smoke shop on the strip in the same building as the Smith & Wollensky steak house (great steaks). They have a nice selection of pre-embargo sticks, aged to perfection. (But they cost an arm, leg and testicle so bring your Visa)

[why1504]

Originally Posted by erab

A question for all of you guys recommending Xanax:

Do you all have friends in the pharma industry, or something? ...or maybe a brother who is a doctor? Last I checked, you can't just pick up some Xanax at Walgreens.

Assuming you have a decient doctor getting a dozen or so xanax for your trip should be no big deal. Call, make an appointment, pay your copay and get the script. I get 93 a month 3 per day for about 5.50 a month. My job is very, very high stress and the xanax is my friend. sometimes I will take 4 sometimes 2 a day but I alwaus take a couple. Unfortunatly, today we live in a world where 80 hour work weeks and pharmacology has become everyday life. I will go in for a refill in the next couple of weeks. I plan to cut back come April assuming my stress level does not change (it has come dow in the last 60 days). You would be shocked at how many people take xanax every day the number is huge. It makes my life much more bearable when my work, 73 year old mother, sisters or childern ride the hell out of me. Here is the thing whiskey and cigars cause much more severe side effects for me than the meds and provide about 40% of the relief this is why I like the xanax.