Air Travel Tips For The First Time Flyer
Flying for the first time can be a daunting, and confusing experience. Airports are huge places, and although things move quite quickly and smoothly if you do not know what you are doing, it is not always that obvious the first time around. This article includes a few air travel tips that will hopefully make your first airport experience a pleasant one.
Arrive Early For Check In
One of the most important things to remember is to arrive at the airport early – especially with all the new security procedures in place. Most airports will not issue a boarding pass unless you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to a domestic flight – even earlier if you are flying internationally. Many people use the rule of thumb of arriving to check in around 2 hours prior to the flights departure time. This means that if anything goes wrong, you will most likely still have just enough time to check in, and if everything goes smoothly, then you will have time to grab a coffee and relax in the departure lounge.
Travel Light
While every person’s definition of packing light is subjective, this is another one of the air travel tips that will make your flying experience easier. Rather than try to manage the largest carry-on bag that you can get away with, pack a small bag with a book, some magazines, or whatever will get you through your flight, and pack a second bag that you can check. If your bag is small enough, you can easily fit it under the seat in front of you, which makes getting on and off the plane easier.
Eat Before You Go To The Airport
This is more a money saving tip than anything else – there are lots of restaurants, cafes, and other establishments at most airports, but they can be quite expensive, and usually only serve fast food. If you eat before you fly, you can enjoy more nutritious food elsewhere, for a lower price. Personally, I still like to have a drink at the airport, as I feel it is important to stay hydrated while flying. Browse around the airport before you choose, as not all establishments are overpriced.
Try To Relax
Try not to be nervous about flying. If you have had a good meal, arrived early, checked any luggage, and are not carrying a massive carry-on bag, then you should be able to enjoy the rest of the experience. Keep your eyes on the boards for any gate changes, look around the airport stores, or relax at the departure gate and read a book. The airport and airline staff are very good at their jobs and will keep everything flowing smoothly – all you have to do is be at the gate on time, and look forward to whatever awaits you at your destination.
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I would also add to this that it is always wirthwhile checking about handluggage restrictions too. I flew to Turkey last year, just after my birthday, and had the very expensive hand cream my partners siste had just bought me for my birthday confiscated from me, due to the liquid restrictions in place. I saw many people loose their make up and lighters that day. Also, always take a bottle of water with you – if you are allowed – (don't buy it till you get through security) if you are flying on a cheap airline that charges for drinks – coz airline water isn't covered by standard health and safety rules that apply on the ground.
I think that these tips are not only great for first time flyers but should be applied to all people who are flying in order to ensure that you are going to make your flight. It is very important to remember to check with the airlines before leaving home to make sure that the flight has not been delayed or canceled. Nothing like getting to the airport and having to wait on a canceled flight.
Nice tips. All I can think of to add is that if you keep your eyes open you can sometimes get nice deals on executive lounge access at the airport. If you are flying internationally and expect to have ages to wait before your flight, then those lounges can be worth it as they are quiet, comfortable, and usually have free refreshments. Check with your credit card provider, and with the airlines, to see if they have any deals on.
I remember the first time I ever flew on a plane was when I was nine years old. To add to that my first flight was from Ohio in the United States to Australia. So that is a very long flight. First I went from Ohio across the country to California and from there a twelve hour flight to New Zealand. The worse part of the experience would probably be the change in air pressure. As you all know when flying you ears often "pop" from the quick change. I found that a way to lessen that problem is to chew gum on take off. It may seem weird but it really works. As for dealing with stress I would just recomend reading a nice book or magazine. If possible sleep the entire time. If you are on a longer flight then they will normally be playing a film. I must of seen the same movie 5 times that flight. Overall flying for me turned into something enjoyable and I got really comfortable with the experience. If it is your first time then just try to relax and enjoy the trip.
Thanks so much for sharing your comments.
Noah: you were one adventurous little 9 year old boy! That was a long flight. Reading a good book or enjoying the inflight movies (or music) really does help time "fly" on longer flights.
We welcome receiving more air travel tips and air travel adventures and stories, both from first time flyers as well as frequent flyers. Happy travels!
I have flown several times but the trip I thought was going to be a nightmare actually turned out to be one of the most pleasant. My husband was in the Navy and we were being transferred from Charleston, Sc to Norfolk, VA. He was to ne in school for a month during the move and I was five months pregnant with an 11 month old infant. We decided that my husband would handle moving everything and getting a place setup for us in Norfolk before he left for school. I was to take our son and fly to my parents house where I would stay until Craig's school was complete and he would drive to my parents house, pick us up, and off to Norfolk we would go. The problem, the reason I dreaded the flight so much – my pregnancy was high-risk, I had to keep Ben entertained so he would not cry the whole time, and I had to switch planes in Atlanta! Anyone who has ever flown with small children can probably relate. On top of everything else I had to carry on a diaper bag in which I could keep everything I needed, stuff for Ben to play with, and diapers and changes of clothes for him, and I would have to carry this heavy bag, Ben, and my pregnant self from one end of the Atlanta airport to the other. No wonder I was dreading the trip. My husband however did something that made all the difference in the world. He called the airlines a couple of days before I was due to fly out and told them I was pregnant and high-risk and would be travelling with an 11 month old – basically I would need all the help they could provide, and they provided plenty. When I checked in they arranged for me to board first as well as having the pilot come back, meet Ben, and give him a set of wings. The attendants during the flight continually talked with Ben and helped to keep him occupied. When we changed planes, I was the first to leave the plane. There was a car on the tarmac that drove us over to the other end of the airport. We were taken to the terminal by elevator where we were met by one of the carts who drove us the rest of the way to our gate. Once again I was the first one to board and once again the attendants helped to keep Ben occupied. The flight turned out to be enjoyable. Whether you are a first time flyer or not, if you have any special needs or requests, I advise you to do what my husband did and call ahead to explain the situation. It worked out great in my case. Lastly, whether with or without children, always bring a book, laptop, mp3 player, or something to keep you busy in case of delay and while on the plane. Do not give in to temptation to go to a gift shop at the airport, you will end up paying way too much and it's just not worth it.
Hi Beth:
What a great travel story and an excellent travel tip about calling ahead with the airlines when you have special needs. Thanks so much for sharing it with our readers.
During our travels we often see parents struggling while traveling with their kids. That is one area where calling ahead with the airlines would really help. Other special needs may also be catered to if the airline is warned enough in advance, so that they can make the necessary arrangements.
We love receiving these helpful tips and reading these great real life travel stories. Thanks again Beth!
Anyone else, want to share their travel tips and travel stories with us? We would love to hear from you!
I am a first time flyer and I have a question I can't seem to find an answer for. I will have a layover and I wanted to know if I will have to pick my luggage up from the first terminal and recheck it in at the next location. Also if someone can just give me a step by step instructions on what to do upon arriving at the airport for the flight and leaving the airport would help. Thanks
Hi Mel,
Whether or not you have to pick up your luggage and recheck it in, may depend on several factors. For instance, if you are changing airlines, it is safe to assume that you may have to pick up your luggage and recheck them in with the second airline.
Also, when you are traveling to or from an overseas destination, you may also have to recheck in your luggage after clearing customs.
The best thing to do is to ask the check-in agent when checking in, whether they can check your luggage all the way through to your final destination, or whether you will have to pick up your luggage and recheck in.
Airline and airport staff are usually very friendly and are trained to assit travelers with these kinds of issues and questions, so when in doubt, just ask them!
If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to pose them here. We will do our best to answer any questions you may have. Our community of readers are also experienced travelers and they can help answer your questions too!
So ask away!
I haven’t been on an airplane for 8 years. A lot has changed since then. The trip I will be taking soon will have a connection to another airport. I don’t remember if I need to check-in at the counter for my connection or not. I will have my bording pass with, so do I need to check in at the connection?
Hi Lyndsey,
If you have your boarding pass for your connecting flight, you should not need to check in at the counter for your connection. However, once you get to the gate for your connecting flight, it won’t hurt to go to the counter, present your boarding pass and reconfirm that the flight will leave on time.
Hope that helps.
I still can not find the answer to this question my husband is flying to dallas from knoxville. We know that the security check could be long are me and our daughter aloud to wait for his flight with him? We have no idea what to expect. I realize that when we get there he has to check in with his luggage, then i read he gets and card of some sort to go through security well what about us if he gets that card and goes straight to security is that where we have to say goodbye?
Thank you
Hi Renea,
Once your husband checks in and heads for the security check point, you will have to say goodbye there. You will not be allowed past the security checkpoint unless you are traveling.