Flying Tips For First Time Flyers

Flying for the first time can be exciting and a bit scary, too. But honestly, carrying out boarding activities and being on a plane is no biggie! You only have to pack in accordance with airline policy, bag important documents, show up on time, and board for the flight. Too much information to process at once? Don’t worry! This blog will give you useful first time flying tips to make your flight journey easier and more enjoyable. We will uncover everything from the beginning, from packing bags to getting through the airport to what to expect on the plane!

Starting Right From The Beginning!

If this is your first time planning air travel, then you must know the basics before embarking on the plane. Your journey starts the moment you book yourself a ticket. When you’re purchasing a ticket for the first time, try booking a non-stop flight. This means you don’t have to change planes, which can be very stressful for new flyers. If you need to take a connecting flight, make sure you have enough time between flights —at least an hour and a half. 

A piece of advice for first time flyers: look for flights that leave at times that work well for you. If you are not a morning person, don’t book a 6 AM flight! Also, consider buying an aisle seat if you think you’re going to use the bathroom often or if you want to be able to stand up and stretch your legs easily. Don’t forget to check if you need any special documents for your trip, like a passport for an international flight. If yes, make sure you have them ready well before your flight. 

Packing Smart and Right!

Loading stuff for your flight doesn’t always have to be hard. Start by making a list of all the things you need. Remember, most airlines let you bring one carry-on and a personal item (like a purse or laptop) for free inside flight cabins. Larger bags that usually go in the plane cargo cost extra. 

While packing your cabin bags, include important things like medicines, a change of clothes, and anything else you might need during the flight. All things packed in your carry-on are easily accessible, that’s why you can also keep travel documents in it. If you are packing liquid, gel, or aerosol-based items, be sure to check the airline’s 3-1-1 liquid rules. 

As for clothes, think about the place you’re visiting and what you’ll be doing. Pack outfits that can be mixed and matched, because you have to save some space for other necessities. If your bag is even a little over the standard weight and size restriction, the authorities at the airport are going to charge extra. Therefore, pack all the required items, but also make sure you follow the airline’s baggage policy. 

Exploring the Airport

Airports can be big and very confusing, but there are lots of signs to help you find your way. When you first arrive, look for the sign that shows where to check in for the flight. If you’re not checking a bag and have your boarding pass on your phone or printed at home, you can go straight to security.

After security, look for signs that lead you to the gate numbers. Your boarding pass will tell you which gate your flight departs from. Give yourself plenty of time to find the gate. While you wait for your flight boarding, explore the airport. There are shops and restaurants where you can buy food, drinks, or other things you might have forgotten to pack. Some airports even have art displays in small museums for art lovers. 

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re not sure where to go or what to do next. Airport staff and the information desk are there to help you. 

Getting Ready for Airport Formalities

Every airport formality is important for a smooth flight experience ahead. However, the TSA security procedure can seem scary, but it’s really not that bad if you’re prepared. Here’s what to expect when you’re at the airport.

Arriving at the Airport

At what time you should arrive at the airport depends on several factors: airport size, time, weather, nature of the flight, etc. Depending on these factors, you must decide the time by which you must be present at the airport. For domestic flights, most airlines recommend reaching the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure. 

Whereas, passengers about to embark on international flights must arrive a minimum of three hours before the boarding time. You’ll consume this extra time for flight check-in, security screening, baggage submissions, and unexpected hiccups. If you are traveling on a special occasion, consider arriving even earlier. 

Checking in for Flights and Dropping Bags

Now, the airport formalities kick off with flight check-in. This place is where the airline approves the boarding of passengers. Many airlines now offer multiple ways to check in for a flight, rather than just the traditional one. You can download the airline mobile application to complete the flight check-in while sitting at home. This method can be very beneficial if you’re only carrying one cabin bag because you can totally skip the airport counter and jump to the screening process. 

Other options include a check-in desk and a kiosk machine at the airport. You can use whichever method is convenient for you. After you get the boarding pass, ensure that you submit the checked baggage at the same counter. 

Navigating Airport TSA Security

Getting to the Transportation Security Administration may seem intimidating, but it can be a hassle-free experience with proper preparation and mindset. Refer to the following TSA tips for first time flyers to ease the process.

• Before heading to the airport, make sure you are well familiar with the TSA screening process and dos and don’ts. 

• Keep your ID and boarding pass handy, as you need them to enter the security checkpoint. 

• Put your carry-on bags, shoes, jackets, belts, and any metal items (like keys or your phone) in bins that go through an X-ray machine. 

• You will have to walk through a metal dictator or a body scanner. If it beeps;  don’t panic – the security office will tell you what to do. They might use a hand-held metal detector to check you thoroughly. 

• Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. All containers must fit in one clear quart-sized bag, and each passenger can only have one of these bags. 

• To make security easier, wear shoes that are easy to take off and put back on. Avoid wearing unnecessary jewelry on the day of travel. Lastly, pack your laptop where it’s easy to take out;  you’ll need to put it in a separate bin.

What to Expect on the Plane?

When it’s finally time to board the plane, listen for announcements calling your boarding group. Show your pass to the agent at the gate, then follow the jet bridge to the aircraft. The flight attendant will help you find your seat, and you can put your carry-on bag in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. 

Sit down, fasten your belt, and keep it fastened whenever you’re seated for safety concerns. The flight attendants will show you how to use your seatbelt, oxygen mask, and life vest. Pay attention to every instruction, even if you think you know it already. Some other things to consider if this is your first time on a plane are as follows:

• Washrooms: Every airplane has at least one bathroom in every cabin of the flight. If you want to use it, just wait for the ‘unoccupied’ signal. Once you’re done, get back to your seat and refasten your seatbelts. 

• Airsickness: Most first-time flyers are likely to get motion sickness. If being under such a condition worries you, you can consult a doctor for prescribed medications. 

• Air Hostesses: Flight attendants are present on the plane for the entire span of the journey. If you need anything or have requests to forward, you can call them and share your concerns. 

• Plane Turbulence: The irregular flow of air currents is likely to cause pushing and knocking in the aircraft. If this happens, know that it is very common, and you don’t have to panic. 

• Flight Landing: When you arrive at your final destination, be all ears to the given instructions. Before leaving your seat, make sure to collect all your belongings from the overhead cabins. After that, disembark the plane!

After Landing: What Next?

When you finally arrive at your destination, follow the signs to the baggage claim to collect your belongings. On the other hand, international passengers must complete immigration and customs before leaving. Once you have claimed your bags and cleared all the necessary checkpoints, you can head towards the ground transportation, rental cars, or airport exit.

Lastly, always remember that everyone was a novice flyer once. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. With these useful tips for first time flyers, you can prepare well for a smooth and enjoyable first flight. 

Common Queries (FAQs) for First Time Flyers