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Woohoo you just booked a flight! If you’re gearing up for your first-ever flight, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and a touch of nerves. Airports can seem like gigantic, confusing mazes. But fear not! I’ve got you covered with some friendly tips to help you glide through the airport experience with ease.
Pack Smart & Pack Light
Let’s talk luggage. There are three types of luggage to think about.
- Checked baggage: These are the bags that are going to ride under the plane for the entire flight. They’re usually your largest bags like this one. Most airlines allow you to carry up to 50 pounds in each checked bag (check the guidelines though-some budget airlines have a max of 40 pounds). There is usually a large fee for going over in weight so make sure you either weight your bag at home with a luggage scale or at the airport (most have at least one scale somewhere) if you’re afraid you might be over weight. In the checked bag you can put all of the things not allowed in your carry on bag (see below). Things not to include in a checked bag: medication, money, IDs, fragile items, lithium batteries and anything very valuable. Your checked baggage is your most vulnerable bag. Lost baggage unfortunately does occasionally happen so make sure you keep anything irreplaceable on you at all times.
- Carry on bag: This is a bag that will be riding with you inside the cabin of the plane during your flight. There are rules for sizing for each airline. If you chose a luggage-style carry on like this, it will be stored in a storage bin over your head. If you choose a smaller bag like this, you may need to store it under the seat in front of you if there’s no room overhead. If your trip is short or if you’re a light packer, you can pack everything into a carry on bag and bypass the checked bag all together. Pros of this include: no lost baggage, no waiting for your bag to come off the plane. Cons: You are limited to the amount of liquids you can take, you have to carry your bag around the airport. For carry ons, you are limited by TSA rules on what you can pack: no sharp objects, flammable items, pepper spray. Liquids are limited to 3.4 oz (100mL) or less per item, all liquid items must fit in a quart-sized Ziploc bag. Note: Sometimes, especially on small planes, there is no room for carry ons overhead and your bag may need to be checked at the gate. If this happens, the airport staff will help you out.
- Personal item: These are items like a purse, small backpack, small bag. These will be stored under the seat in front of you. These can carry anything that a carry on bag can carry. Put IDs, medications, phones and anything you may need in-flight in this bag.
2. Check-in Online
Most airlines let you check in online 24 hours before your flight. This step is a lifesaver – it saves you from long lines at the airport. Plus, you can usually choose your seat and even print your boarding pass at home or download it to your phone. Easy peasy!
To check in online, go to your airline’s website or app. You will usually see an option to check in. Make sure you you have your reservation number handy- this number (called a number but it’s usually letters) are sent to you when you get your email confirmation of your flight.
If checking in beforehand is too overwhelming, no worries! Each airline has a counter at the airport and you can check in there the day of your flight.
3. Get to the Airport Early
“Better safe than sorry” is the motto here. Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one. This gives you plenty of time to check in, get through security and find your gate without the stress of rushing.
When you get to the airport, enter the arrivals terminal and go to your airline’s ticket counter. If you have your boarding pass already, you will be able to get in line at the “bag drop”. If you don’t have your boarding pass, get in the full service line. If you’re unsure, there’s almost always airline employees around the ticket counter that can help you out.
If you have a boarding pass and are NOT checking a bag, good news! You can skip the counter entirely and go straight to the security line.
4. Know Your Documents
Have your ID and boarding pass ready. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need your passport. Keep these documents easily accessible – you’ll need to show them a few times before you board.
5. Mastering Security Checks
Ah, the infamous security check. Here’s how to breeze through it:
- Wear slip-on shoes for easy removal.
- Keep your laptop and liquids bag at the top of your carry-on for quick access- you’ll usually need to remove them from your bag during the scanning process.
- Empty your pockets before you get to the scanner.
- Follow the TSA’s instructions – they’re there to help you get through quickly and safely.
Just for a quick overview. Once you get up to the security check point there will be TSA agents checking boarding passes and/or IDs. They call everyone up one by one and will direct you on what they need. Once you move through the initial checkpoint, you will arrive to the main screening area. Take a bin (if available) and place your items and shoes in the bin. Electronics should go in a separate bin. Push your bin to the conveyor belt and stay with your bin until it goes into the baggage scanner. Don’t try to force anything into the scanner, the TSA agent will advance your bag when they are ready for it. Once your bag goes into the scanner, join the line for the full-body scanner. This is super easy to do, follow the lead of the people in front of you (stand with your feet on the foot prints and raise your hands overhead).
If for some reason you’re pulled aside for addition screening don’t worry! This is a normal thing and happens on occasion. It usually means they need to look at a particular area that showed up abnormal on the full body scanner or in your bag. It can also mean that you were pulled for random testing. They may even swab your hands to test for chemical residue. Don’t worry- you didn’t do anything wrong- this is just part of air travel and happens sometimes.
6. Navigating the Terminal
Once you’re through security, it’s time to find your gate. There will be a screen with cities listed on it. Find the city you’re headed to and it should have a gate number listed next to it. Pay close attention if your city has multiple flights listed- make sure you look at the gate that’s next to the correct flight.
Follow the signs towards the correct gate. Got time to kill? Explore the terminal! Many airports have great food, shops, and even relaxation areas. Remember, your gate can change, so keep an eye on the monitors. Also keep in mind that boarding starts way earlier than the plane in scheduled to leave. In fact, boarding doors to the plane usually close 15 minutes before departure time, sometimes earlier. You will not be able to board the plane if the doors are closed, even if the plane is still sitting at the gate. If you are unsure, better to stick close to your gate so you can hear any announcements.
7. Staying Entertained
Flights can have some downtime, so bring something to keep you entertained. Load up your e-reader, download some podcasts or movies, or bring a good old-fashioned book. Don’t forget your headphones!
8. Snacks and Hydration
Airport food can be pricey, so pack some snacks. Granola bars, nuts, and fruit are great choices. Remember, you can’t bring bottles of water through security, but you can bring an empty bottle and fill it up at a water fountain once you’re past the checkpoint.
9. Boarding the Plane
Listen for announcements and watch the screens. Boarding usually happens in groups, so don’t worry if you’re not first in line. Have your boarding pass ready one more time. Find your seat, stow your carry-on in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and settle in for the ride.
10. Relax and Enjoy the Journey
You’ve made it this far – now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. The cabin crew is there to help, so don’t hesitate to ask them any questions. Takeoff and landing can be a bit bumpy, but that’s completely normal. Before you know it, you’ll be soaring through the skies and on your way to your destination.
11. Arrival
So you’ve made it through the flight, now what? Make your way off the plane (take your turn and avoid standing up in the aisle and blocking other passengers from getting out). Follow the signs to baggage claim if you checked a bag or ground transportation if you didn’t Enjoy your trip- you did it!
Help! What if…..
My flight was delayed
If your flight is delayed and you have a direct flight (you’re flying from point A to point B with no stops in between) no worries! Just wait at your gait and listen for announcements. If the delayed flight is a connecting flight (you’re flying from point A to point B and then point B to your final destination) keep an eye on time. If you only have a short window to board your next flight or you have any concerns about getting to your next flight, check with the employees at the gate because they may need to change up your flights.
My flight was cancelled
Don’t panic. Head to the employees at the counter at your gate. The gate agents will help you rebook your flight.
I can’t find my gate
First, stay calm. Try to find an airport employee to help you out. There are also maps all over the terminal that can help you out.
My bag is lost
Find the lost baggage office and file a claim. Your bag will likely be sent on a later flight once it’s found.
Final Thoughts
Every seasoned traveler started with a first flight. Embrace the little hiccups and learn from them. Soon, you’ll be navigating airports like a pro, with travel stories to share.
So, first-time flyer, go forth and conquer the airport! With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to handle anything the airport throws your way. Bon voyage and happy travels!
