Hello first time flyers! Welcome aboard! Whether you're feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation or pure exhilaration, this post is your go-to guide for making your first flying experience a success. I'll go over the whole airport and flight process and give you some tips and tricks to help you go from first time flyer to airport pro!
Airport process
Check in
There are a few options you have when checking into your flight. You can either check in online or check in at the airport. If you check in online you can check in up to 24 hours in advance of your flight. I personally prefer to use the airline app for check in.
If you choose to check in at the airport you, you can do so at either the kiosks or the check in desk. When you arrived at the airport you should have arrived in the terminal associated with your airline so you should see an array of airline desk areas with kiosks. You will need the last name on the reservation and the confirmation number. If you have checked bags this is where you will drop them off. The attendant will weigh your bag then stick a tag on it.
Baggage
I just want to go over a few different types of baggage lingo you'll want to know really quick. Personal item, carry-on, and checked bag. Your personal item goes under the seat in front of you. Your carry-on goes onto the plane with you, but you'll stow it in the overhead compartment. A checked bag will go into steerage, and you won't have access to it during the flight. Your checked bag has the least number of restrictions but often times costs more than if you have just a carry on and/or personal item.
They might make you measure your bags at check in, before getting into the security checkpoint. If not just do it yourself to make sure your bag is compliant with the carry-on size restrictions. Otherwise, they will make you check your bag at the gate and charge you an exceptional fee. Also, if you have a carry-on suitcase that has a zipper to make it expand a couple inches, they will make you zip it up.
Boarding pass
Once you check in you will be issued a boarding pass. Your boarding pass is your ticket. If you checked in on the app your boarding pass will be digital and stored in the app. If you checked in at the airport you'll have a paper boarding pass you will need to keep track of until you get onto the plane, hence "boarding pass". You will need this at both the security check point and the gate so keep it and your ID or passport handy.
Security checkpoint
There are TSA agents all over the screening check points - listen to them and read all signage. They will tell you exactly what to do as the process might differ from airport to airport. Have your ID or Passport and boarding pass ready. You might need to take out your electronics, so I usually pack those in my personal item or at the top of my carry on, so I have easier access to them. iPads, phones, watches, etc. will all need to be taken out of your bags if they ask you to and most of the time, they will ask you to. Same with your 3-1-1 bag. Your 3-1-1 bag is your toiletries or liquids bag you are allowed to take on the plane with you. Bottles of liquid 3 oz or less in 1 one-quart sized Ziplock bag.
As far as shoes goes, I've been told to take my shoes off, I've been told to leave them on so just be prepared to take them off but listen for the instructions to do so.
Now that you're through security it's time to find your gate.
Gate
The gate is where you will board your plane and you'll usually find your gate number on your boarding pass. If no gate has been assigned to your flight yet you can look up on any one of the numerous boards with flight statuses throughout the airport for your gate. This is another reason I prefer to use the airlines app because when you get assigned a gate, it will show up on your app.
Once you get to your gate, double check the destination matches where you are going. Just in case. When it's time to start boarding the gate agents will welcome you over the intercom and start the boarding process. You were assigned a group number at check in. This varies but usually families with young children, military personnel, and frequent flyers who spend WAY too much on airfare will be in group 1. Listen for when they call your group number, which is on your boarding pass.
Plane
Hurray! You made it on the plane! Stick your carry on in the overhead bin, your personal item under the seat in front of you and prepare for take-off. During take-off and landing you aren't allowed to have larger electronics like your laptop out. iPads and phones are okay as long as they're in airplane mode and your tray table is up.
Sometimes the plane will offer Wi-Fi for a fee, but sometimes you can use messenger or what's app on the airplane Wi-Fi for free.
Baggage claim
If you checked a bag, you'll need to hit up the baggage claim once you land. The flight attendant will tell you which baggage claim to pick up your checked bags.
General tips and tricks
Get there on time 1-2 hours before domestic 2-3 hours before international. Personally, I tack on 15 mins just in case of unforeseen incidences.
Same rules apply for connection times because you will have to get to another gate and maybe even go through security again. You will for sure have to go through customs when you get to an international destination even if it is just a connection and that could take a while.
Packing cubes help make sure your luggage fits the dimensions without needing to expand. OR read my post about overpacking 😁
So, there you have it. hopefully you feel a lot more comfortable and are ready to take on your first flight! If you have any questions feel free to comment them below, I'm a real human and will answer them.
Buckle up, take a deep breath, you got this – the sky's the limit!
xoxo
Sam
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