Flying for the first time at any age can arouse certain anxiety, especially if you may be travelling alone! Fortunately, I've outlined some great tips to help you navigate your way successfully through the first time flyer process whether alone or in a group! So read on and put your travel worries to bed! Let's face it, the only thing that should be in the clouds when you're flying is your plane!
24 hours prior to your flight, you will want to arrange reliable transportation to take you to the airport. Especially if you are using a taxi service, book ahead and do not wait until the last minute. Chances are your procrastination will put you in a snag, and the last thing you want is a crimp in your plans before you even reach the airport! Also, it is very important you arrive at least 2 hours prior to boarding time. If you have paper tickets, check your itinerary to find your boarding time. If you have purchased E-tickets, you should have been asked to print out a page for your records that will contain this information. You should also be able to access your travel itinerary via the online website for the airline you chose. Do not assume you will not need to arrive early, you will. If you want to have a comfortable first time flying experience, it is essential to not skimp on the basics!
Now that you have arranged for your travel in advance, It's time to pack ! Make a luggage check list. Include all the necessary items you will need to take with you such as identification, toiletries, and clothing. Be sure to add the extras you wish to bring along, such as cameras, mp3 players, cell phones, pda's etc. If at all possible, try to travel with rolling luggage. Carts are usually available per request if you absolutely cannot, but those airport terminals are very large and carrying a lot of luggage will wear you out quickly!
Will you be travelling with or without checked bags? When travelling on board the aircraft each person will be allowed to carry along ONE each of the following : A luggage bag that does not exceed 45 inches and 40 pounds. A carry on purse or small tote bag. A book, magazine, news paper, or lap top computer. Any additional luggage must be carried in the underbelly of the aircraft, additional fees for checked bag vary by airline. If you will be carrying checked baggage items please consult with your airline prior to flight. Once you are packed, go through your checklist to ensure you have not forgotten anything!
Okay, your transportation is booked, your luggage is packed and organized. Now it's the day of your trip and you're ready to be on your way! Be sure to let your driver know which airline you will be flying on prior to arrival at the airport. Once dropped off, proceed inside. If you have E-Tickets, proceed to an open check-in kiosk. Follow the on screen instructions to retrieve tickets. Attendants will be nearby to help you should you need assistance.
Now that you have your boarding pass, will you be travelling with checked baggage? Look for the nearby baggage checking station. Follow all instructions from the attendant. I have never flown using checked baggage, so I will be more helpful to those without checked luggage.
Once any checked baggage has been dealt with, you will now proceed to the security check. Pay attention to sign headings on the lanes. There will be a lane for experienced travellers, Travellers with children, and Travellers with liquids or medication. Find the lane that suits you, Have your boarding pass and I.D ready, you will be asked for both by a security attendant before moving on to a conveyer belt. Once at the conveyer belt, you will empty any electronics, and metal from your carry on purse/tote , along with your shoes, and then place your small purse/tote inside bins provided. You will then place your carry on luggage on the conveyer belt behind it. Follow the instructions given by the security attendants. Once you are through, wait for others in your group to finish. Otherwise, proceed into the rest of the airport terminal.
Check your time, then double check your gate to make sure everything is running on schedule, you will also be notified of any cancellations this way. Should there be a cancellation, see a desk clerk for further assistance. This will be an unwanted inconvenience, but do not panic. Once you have confirmed your flight and gate, proceed to the area. Even if you want to browse shops, eat, or use a restroom. There will be shops, eateries, and restrooms near your gate. You will make it much easier on your body to shop and eat near your gate.
It's now close to boarding time for your flight! Flights are boarded by group. Locate which group you are in on your boarding pass, and enter the lane when you are called over the PA. Have your boarding pass and ID ready to be checked.
Once you've first entered the plane, show the flight attendant your boarding pass, he/she will help direct you in which lane to proceed to reach your seat. The overhead compartments will be open, you will make it easier on yourself to put your luggage in the first open slot available. Just be sure to make a mental note of which section. The luggage slot above your seat may be full from the passengers in front of you, so do not assume it will be open. The overhead compartments are shared, so the quicker you find an open slot, the easier on you it will be.
Once you've located your seat, get prepared to turn of all cell phones and battery operated devices. This includes mp3 players. If it has an on/off switch, it will be need to turned off during take off. Your flight attendant will alert you when it is safe to turn on electronic devices. Cell phones may never be turned on during the flight.
Just before take off, you will hear a set of safety instructions from your flight attendent. You will fasten your seat belt. Now you're ready to take off. During your flight listen to all instructions. If you have any questions don't hesitate to page your call attendant. Sit back and enjoy your flight!
Now your flight has landed, you are making your way to the gate. You will now be alerted that your cell phone may be turned on. Do not get up in the aisles to retrieve your cellphone if it is an overhead compartment. You will now be instructed your baggage claim area number, your connecting gate if applicable, and any other bulletins you should be aware of. Do not forget your luggage!
If you have arrived at your destination, congratulations! If you have a rental car waiting, check with the desk clerks for further assistance. If you have family or friends that are planning to transport you, look for signs around you to determine your whereabouts.
If not, you may now proceed outside of the airport, there will be attendants outside which will help you to arrange for transportation to your next destination.
If you have a connecting flight, check your baggage claim ticket if this applies to you, be sure that you do not need to claim your baggage, and transfer it to another checked baggage station, for the next flight. If not, you do not need to go through security before boarding your next connecting flight. You will want to check to be sure there are no delays, cancellations or gate changes. Once you've confirmed the details of your connecting flight, it's a piece of cake from here! You will just repeat steps 7-10 . Good luck!
