Flying for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you’re flying alone.
There’s barely any information available, and there might even be a different language involved, which you may or may not understand.
Here is a comprehensive, life saving guide to tell you everything to know when flying for the first time.
Preparing for Your First Flight at Home
First things first, you can prepare at home already!
Check and prepare your IDs, making sure they’re still valid and won’t expire during your trip.
Then, pack your documents in your hand luggage or somewhere you won’t forget to take them with you.
Check in online to save yourself the hassle and any last-minute hiccups.
(Note: Some airlines only allow you to check-in at the airport counter)
Packing Your Hand Luggage Properly
The checked-in luggage cannot be reached during a flight, so pack essentials like medications, electronics, and jewellery in your cabin bag.
There are things that are illegal to put in hold, like lithium-ion batteries, so make sure to check your airline’s website for more information.
Buy travel insurance, as it might be useful in case of unexpected medical expenses.
Don’t forget to ask someone to take care of your pets or plants while you’re away.
Getting to the Airport
Find out who’s going to take you to the airport, whether it’s a friend, family member, public transport, or taxi.
Book your taxi in advance to make sure you’re not late for your flight.
If you’re driving yourself, find parking for the car and book it.
First Time at the Airport!
If this is your first time going to an airport, you might feel terrified.
Take a breather and relax!
The boarding usually starts approximately 40 minutes before the departure time, and the gate closes 15 minutes before departure.
If you’re at the gate after it closes, your boarding can be denied!
Security Check at the Airport
Before each flight, you need to go through a security checkpoint.
There, your hand luggage is scanned for anything that shouldn’t be in it.
Prepare for security by taking out any electronics and liquids from your bags.
Some airports now don’t care about liquids, but many still take the max 100ml bottles.
After Security Check
Depending on how much time you have left, you might even manage a whole meal and some duty-free shopping!
Check the screen again – if your flight is boarding, then definitely go straight to the gate.
If you need to go through passport control, it’s usually after you’ve gone through security and before the gate.
What to Expect from Your First Flight
Woohoo, you’ve made it through the gate!
This is exciting not only for first-time flyers but for most people.
Now, it’s time to go to the plane – either through the airbridge, by a bus, or onto the apron and up the stairs!
Don’t walk under the wings! Find your seat, stow your luggage, buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
Disembarking After Your First Trip on a Plane
After landing, wait for the seat belt sign to come off before getting up to disembark the aeroplane.
Then, go through the immigration desk and give them your passport.
The officer might ask a couple of questions, such as where have you been or where are you going – make sure to answer these honestly!
Collecting Your Checked-in Bag or Kid’s Items
For the kid’s stuff such as strollers, ask the cabin crew or the airport workers where you can collect them.
Sometimes, these things are left straight by the aircraft, but in some airports, they’re put together with the rest of the luggage.
As for the checked-in luggage, after disembarking, follow the signs for “baggage claim”. At some point, you’ll arrive in a room where there are big black belts where the bags will arrive.
Customs at the Airport
When arriving in some countries, you might need to clear customs.
Some countries are very strict about what you can and cannot bring – for example, there are places where you might even need to wash the soil off of your shoes!
In conclusion, flying for the first time might seem intimidating, but with this guide, you’re ready to take on the skies!
Remember to stay calm, follow the rules, and enjoy your flight!
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