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7 Must-Know Tips for First-Time Flyers

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Flying on an airplane for the first time — or the first time in a long while — can be an exciting, life-changing adventure. But it can also be incredibly stressful.

You want to head for the gate with the swagger of a seasoned traveler, but that's hard to pull off when you don't know how much it costs to check a bag, or what to expect when you go through airport security.

So how can you deal? Reviewing these tips before takeoff can boost your confidence, making your trip easier and more worry-free.

Best advice for first-time flyers

1. check the airline's luggage requirements.

It’s easy to overpack — but if you do, it could cost you. Before your flight, visit your airline’s website to review luggage size and weight restrictions, as well as baggage fees. While these vary by airline and fare paid, here's what you can typically bring with a standard fare on a major airline:

Two carry-on items for free: one full-size carry-on the size of a small rolling suitcase or smaller, and one small personal item, such as a purse or backpack

One checked suitcase (often, one weighing under 50 pounds) for $25 to $30. Checking additional bags could cost more

If your carry-on bag is too bulky, you may have to pay to check it. Likewise, if your checked bag is over a certain size, you may have to pay a higher-than-usual fee to check it. It's best to avoid these surprises, if possible.

"If you’re a nervous flyer, little things can really set you off,” says Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie of New York City, founder of the travel blog The Globetrotting Teacher . “Even if it’s not a big deal, and you get to the check-in counter, and they say, ‘Oh, by the way, there’s a $30 bag fee,’ and you weren’t expecting that, that could just be something that rattles you."

Remember, if you pack light enough , you could avoid baggage fees altogether.

Having an airline credit card can mean waived checked baggage fees, as well. For example:

on American Express' website

on Chase's website

First checked bag free for you and up to eight others on your reservation. Terms apply.

First checked bag free for you and a companion traveling on your reservation.

First checked bag free for you and up to four others traveling on your reservation.

First checked bag free for you and up to three others traveling on your reservation.

First checked bag free for you and up to six others traveling on your reservation.

2. Pack essentials in your carry-on

If you’re packing anything that’s hard to replace — say, prescription medicine, contacts or glasses, or important paperwork — put it in your carry-on bag. This way, you won’t be without that item in the rare event your checked bag goes missing. You'll also want to pack some in-flight entertainment, such as your laptop, headphones and a book or magazine.

Just make sure you’re following the Transportation Security Administration’s rules for what you can pack . You can’t, for example, bring a big bottle of contact lens solution in your carry-on, but you can bring a 3.4-ounce bottle. And keep in mind that if your carry-on bag is too big to fit under the seat in front of you, you may have to check it. More rules may apply if you're flying internationally.

» MORE: 10 ways to minimize mix-ups on your first trip abroad

“The overhead compartments fill up quickly,” says Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, an online travel agency based in Calabasas, California. “If you’re in the back of the plane, you might find that there’s no more room, and you’ll have to do a gate check of your bag at the last minute, which isn’t particularly fun." Checking your bag at the gate means your full-sized carry-on bag will travel with the other checked bags during the flight, rather than in the overhead bin.

3. Arrive at the airport two hours early

Catching a plane isn’t like catching a bus; it’s a much longer process. In fact, the TSA recommends showing up at least two hours before takeoff for domestic travel, and three hours for international travel.

Ultimately, you need to give yourself enough time to get your boarding pass, check your bags and go through security before your plane starts boarding. Sometimes, that takes 10 minutes. Other times, especially during peak travel times, it can take much longer.

It’s worth keeping in mind that boarding the plane isn’t a free-for-all, either. Airlines typically start boarding passengers 30 minutes before takeoff in groups. Generally, a boarding time will be printed on your ticket.

4. Keep your ID handy

Decades ago, airport security was relatively lax. “There was one point where you could just walk up to a gate, whether you were flying or not, whether you had ID or not,” Klee says. Nowadays, TSA agents check IDs for passengers over 18.

Save time by having your ID card, driver’s license or passport handy as soon as you step foot into the airport. You’ll need it when checking bags and going through security, and you don’t want to hold up the line while rummaging through your wallet.

5. Wear easy-to-remove shoes

Going through airport security might be the most stressful part of flying — but if you know what to expect, the whole rigmarole can feel much less taxing. Typically, unless you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry , you have to:

Remove your shoes (unless you’re 12 and under or 75 and older)

Empty the contents of your pockets and remove your hat, belt, jacket, wallet and bulky jewelry

Remove your laptop and liquids from your bag

Send these items — and your carry-on bag — through an X-ray machine

Walk through a metal detector or a body scanner (or opt for a pat-down)

Preparing for this — say, by wearing shoes you can easily slip on and off and making sure the items in your carry-on are TSA-compliant — can make the process faster.

WANT TSA PRECHECK FOR FREE?

A number of popular travel credit cards reimburse you for the application fee for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Among them:

on Bank of America's website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

If your credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you must pay the fee with the card. You cannot submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid with some other method. Reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit in your account within two months.

Cards typically offer reimbursement of only one fee once every four to five years. Check the terms and conditions of your card for the specific rules that apply. Note also that these cards only reimburse the application fee for a trusted traveler program. They don't automatically enroll you in the program or guarantee that you'll be accepted by the program. You still have to apply and go through the required screening, which in the case of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry includes an in-person appointment.

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

United℠ Explorer Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card .

Terms apply.

» SEE the best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

6. Respect other passengers' space

These days, flights are generally fully booked, and most seats offer limited legroom. This might stress out your fellow flyers, so be sensitive.

“If any of your stuff or body parts are going into another space that’s not yours, you really have to be mindful of that,” Sills-Dellegrazie says. “It can be as simple as, you put your ponytail over the top of the seat and now it’s hanging … across someone’s TV screen, and you don’t even realize it."

Similarly, if you wear perfume or cologne, eat smelly foods or listen to loud music, you might unintentionally upset the person sitting next to you. Of course, you can't plan for everything — maybe you're traveling with an upset child, for example — but do what you can to avoid an in-flight faux pas.

7. Have a backup plan ready

Now for a game of “worst-case scenario,” first-time flyer edition: What happens if you miss your flight or your flight gets delayed or canceled ?

First, take a deep breath.

If you miss your plane because of unforeseen circumstances, such as a major traffic delay, the airline will often put you on standby for the next flight without charging extra. Just remember that you generally need to notify the airline within a couple of hours of missing your flight to get rebooked for free.

If it looks like you'll miss a connecting flight , check the smartphone app offered by your airline or the screen in the airport to find out which gate your flight departs from, and whether you've actually missed it. If the flight is delayed, you may still have a chance to board. If you miss the connection and the airline was responsible, you can generally also rebook that flight free of charge — and maybe even get some free meal or hotel vouchers for the hassle.

Smart travelers mitigate the risks of unexpected travel disruptions by booking their flights using a credit card with travel insurance or purchasing a separate standalone travel insurance policy .

In general, be proactive. Have the airline's customer service phone number handy in case you get stuck in traffic, so you can call as soon as possible. Or if you're already at the airport, go to the customer service desk and asking about rebooking. Missing a flight can be a setback, but it doesn’t have to derail your travel plans.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see this page .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

First Time Flyer Guide and Checklist: Top 50+ Tips

From the first time I can remember flying as a kid, my parents would have me “lead” them around the airport and ask me to figure out what we had to do next. Even still, I was a nervous wreck on my first solo trip as an 18-year-old! But the trip went smoothly, and I quickly realized how EASY it can be to fly . This post gives advice for first-time flyers and a detailed airport guide and flying checklist to alleviate any stress before flying for your first time.

What Is It Like Flying for the First Time?

Flying for the first time is not nearly as scary as it feels like it will be!

Did you know that air transportation is actually the SAFEST form of travel?

My best piece of advice for first-time flyers is to be prepared for their flight (just follow this guide!) and know what to expect because the most stressful part of flying for the first time is getting through the airport.

Once you are on the plane it’s just a matter of relaxing until you land!

The actual experience of being on an airplane, I think, can be quite fun. Take off and landing will feel a bit like being on an elevator or a very calm rollercoaster. The airplane will begin to “taxi”, which is where they drive around the airfield to get into the proper position on the runway. Then, the plane will speed up and lift off.

When you get close to landing, there will be an announcement letting you know to prepare for landing. Landing is much quieter than take-off, the only thing you might feel is a small jolt when you touch down.

There may be some turbulence during your flight, this is normal! Turbulence happens when the airplane goes through a patch of irregular air. The captain may warn you first if there is a big patch of turbulence, but for the most part, it will just feel like light bumps and is nothing to worry about.

The ONLY Checklist You NEED for a Trip Abroad

Even after traveling the world… I STILL use this list before every trip!

Unsubscribe at any time.

How Do You Calm a First-Time Flyer?

It is normal for people to feel anxious about their first flight. If you or someone you are traveling with is on their first airplane, the best way to calm them is to prepare them. Become familiar with the process of going through the airport and what to expect during the actual flight.

Something that helps me is reminding myself that air travel is the safest form of travel, it’s FAR safer than driving even, which we do all the time.

If you want to know the statistics: There is 1 fatal accident per 16 MILLION flights. With fatal car crashes, the odds are 1 in 144. Insanely higher! So just remember that you are much much safer on an airplane.

Tips for First Time Flyers With Anxiety

Anxiety is normal for many people who travel by air. Even I can get a bit anxious on a plane, and I have been on more planes than I could even begin to count in my life. Here are a few helpful tips for a first-time flyer’s guide to experiencing anxiety:

• Get to your gate early. A big part of people’s anxiety starts with worrying about missing their flight.
• Being at your gate early lets you settle in. Take a walk, do some light stretches, or start listening to a calming book or music.
• For some people, having a drink or two (just don’t go crazy!) beforehand might help to calm the nerves – it’s why airport bars are popular!
• On the plane, if turbulence or something is making you anxious, practice calming breaths and clearing your mind of the anxious thoughts.
• Some flyers find it comforting to walk the plane and do some light stretches in the back.
• When we hit especially bad turbulence, I focus on breathing in and out slowly and repeating a phrase that calms me down. Often, I have to repeat, “It’s just a bit of turbulence, we’ll be through it soon.” Even though I logically know turbulence is completely normal!
• If you are prescribed anxiety medications , make sure to take your meds regularly or ask your doctor about how to take them to help specifically with flight anxiety.

ONE OF THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR FIRST-TIME FLYERS Memory Foam Neck Pillow + Eye Mask + Ear Plugs

Can I Use My Phone on a Plane?

Yes, you can use your phone on a plane if it’s in airplane mode. Some airlines and flights may ask that you turn your phone off completely during take-off and landing, especially if there is a bout of bad weather or the airport is busy.

For the most part, you can use your phone throughout the flight so long as airplane mode is turned on. This means you will not be able to use data but will have all other phone functions. Most airlines nowadays offer WiFi onboard the plane , but almost always for a fee.

What Do You Do at an Airport for the First Time?

This first-time flyer guide will outline what to expect for flying and exactly what to do at the airport step by step. Some airports are big and confusing, others are small and straightforward. Either way, once you know what to do at the airport it will be easy to navigate any airport , as they all follow the same structure.

Enjoy being at the airport! Maybe I’m just an oddball travel junkie, but I think airports are so much fun. There is great people-watching and seeing the destinations on the boards makes me think about all the possibilities of places to visit and how big the world is.

BUYING PLANE TICKETS FOR YOUR FIRST FLIGHT

1. how to pick your destination.

If you don’t already have a destination in mind but know you want to take a trip, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Weather – What time of year are you trying to travel? Look up the weather of your possible destinations during this time of year.
• Length of flight – For your first flight it might be better to pick somewhere closer that has a shorter flight.
• Price of flight – If you aren’t familiar with flying, you won’t have much of an idea of the price range of flights. Use a search tool such as Skyscanner to check for destinations and see what options for pricing you will have.
• Accommodation availability – There is nothing worse than buying a flight somewhere and THEN realizing there aren’t many options for places to stay or the options are out of your budget.*
• Be spontaneous – My favorite thing to do is pull up Skyscanner’s “Search Everywhere” tool and see what cities or locations have the best deals and cheapest flights. This is the perfect tool for someone who has a time frame in mind for a trip, but no idea where to go.

❗ *Still looking for accommodation? I use HostelWorld to find the best global hostels and Booking.com to find the best global hotel deals.

International vs Domestic Flights:

As a first-time flyer guide, it will be easier to pick somewhere domestic. However, first-time flyers shouldn’t be afraid of going international! There are so many amazing places to see, don’t limit yourself to staying local . For your first time going international, try to pick somewhere with a familiar culture and/or a language you speak.

💡 Browse through some of my destination guides for inspiration , and take a look through my travel resources page for the best tools that I use for both domestic and international trips.

2. How to Buy Plane Tickets

Once you know where you want to go, the next step is keeping an eye on flight prices. If you have an airline you have been recommended or have researched and would prefer to use, it’s best to just keep an eye on their website directly .

Otherwise, do some initial searches on flight prices to see if they are in your budget. If they are a little high, or you are far enough out you have the flexibility to see if the price will drop, then set up a ‘flight alert’ on Skyscanner to get notified when the ticket price goes down.

3. When to Buy Plane Tickets

Generally, you want to book plane tickets well in advance of your trip. Occasionally you can find great fare drops right before the flight, but that is a pretty risky gamble as they usually actually spike in price the last few. days before a flight.

For domestic flights, roughly 3 weeks to 3 months is a good time to buy tickets.

For international flights, give yourself even more time. Book at least one month out, but the best times to book range from three to five months out.

Keep in mind the time of year you will be flying in too. If you are flying during popular travel times such as the holidays or the summer, you probably want to look at flights even further out.

Another tip : I book most of my flights on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Flight prices tend to drop by a little bit during the week.

4. Where to Look for Plane Tickets

There are quite a few flight search engines that claim to find the best prices. Buying affordable plane tickets is the art of finding the right timing, staying patient, and researching across platforms.

The best way to buy plane tickets is to buy directly from the airline if they have a decent price for the flight. Otherwise, these are the flight search engines that I use and recommend:

Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights):

This is a FREE email list that sends you flight deals and fare drops from your home airport. I highly recommend everyone to sign up for this free service, you never know when they will send a deal for somewhere you are looking to go.

This list is perfect for the spontaneous traveler who doesn’t have a destination in mind. I have found many great deals through Going , and my friend once found a roundtrip ticket to Australia from Los Angeles for under $500!

➡️ CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR GOING

Skyscanner :

This is my favorite flight comparison tool for finding the best deals on flights. Skyscanner searches across airlines to find the cheapest flights. Plus, I love that you can search “everywhere” and “anytime” to find the cheapest flights. If you are flexible on the days you can fly, while searching you can see what days have the lowest prices.

➡️ CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR SKYSCANNER

❗Is Skyscanner legit? Read my review of Skyscanner HERE

Google Flights :

This is another favorite tool of mine to check for cheap flights across airlines. Google Flights is easy to use and reliably provides great deals.

5. Understanding Flight Add Ons

Of course, buying plane tickets is never as straightforward as it should be. Airlines will upcharge for just about everything nowadays.

While buying your ticket you will have plenty of places where the airline tries to add on features (i.e. extra legroom, meal service, baggage options). You can look through each option and decide what you want to add to your flight, or simply skip through and stay with the base rate.

6. Choosing Your Baggage Needs

Pretty much every airline nowadays will charge you a fee for checking a bag . Most airlines will allow you one carry-on (a small suitcase size and has to fit in the overhead bins) and a personal item (either a purse or as large as a standard backpack).

The budget airlines might not even allow you a carry-on without an extra fee or weight restrictions.

Usually while buying your ticket the airline will give you the option to choose how much baggage you will be bringing. Otherwise, check the airline’s website for their policy on baggage and what they allow to be carried on board. You will also be able to check online for the restrictions on dimension and weight that each airline allows.

🔻 One of the BEST travel carry-on backpacks! 🔻

Some flights will have a randomized seating selection, meaning it is the first available seating when you get on the plane. Most airlines let their passengers pick their seats ahead of time but may charge you to pick a seat and will certainly charge extra for better seats.

If you are traveling alone or are comfortable having your seat pre-assigned by the airline you might be able to save some money on not choosing a seat.

FIRST-TIME FLYER’S GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR YOUR FLIGHT

8. have the proper identification for flying.

To fly within the U.S. you will need a valid form of identification. As of May 7th, 2025 every passenger over the age of 18 will need to have a “Real I.D.” or a passport .

Depending on your destination and vaccination status, you may also need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination.

9. Buy Travel Insurance

Any time you travel you should always have travel insurance to cover you in case of an emergency. This is different from your normal health insurance and covers emergency travel situations such as delays, lost baggage, natural disasters, etc.

I use and recommend SafetyWing for medical and travel insurance. It is affordable, reliable, and flexible insurance that is specifically designed for digital nomads who will be traveling long-term, though it mostly covers emergencies which is perfect for short-term travelers and first-time flyers as well.

For an idea of how much insurance will cost you, use the tool below. Or, to purchase insurance directly from SafetyWing, CLICK HERE.

10. Know When Flyers Need to Be at the Airport

Domestic flyers:.

The standard recommendation for domestic flights is to arrive 2 hours before your flight.

This is to give you plenty of time to check in, check your bag, make it through security, and arrive at your gate before boarding starts.

As a first-time flyer’s guide, I encourage you to stick to this recommendation to give you plenty of time to make your way around the airport without worrying about being late.

However, if you are not checking a bag and you are at a smaller airport, you might have more wiggle room and could probably arrive an hour and a half to one hour before your flight, depending on your comfort level.

International Flyers:

The standard recommendation for international flyers is to arrive 3 hours before your flight.

11. Research How to Get To and From the Airports

If you aren’t familiar with where your airport is, research how long it will take you to get there and how you plan on getting there. If you need to park your car at the airport, you should know where to park it and how much it will cost.

Same thing on the arrival side, make sure you know how you will be getting from the airport to your accommodation at your destination.

❗ Do you need to rent a car for your first time flying? I recommend DiscoverCars for finding the best deals on rental cars during your trip.

12. How to Dress for Your Flight

People dress in a wide range for flights from comfortable to business-appropriate , so there is no right or wrong way to dress for your first time flight.

I recommend layering for your flight (or at least having a light sweater handy in case you get cold on the plane) and wearing clothes and shoes that are easy to remove for security.

Take into consideration the climate of where you land as well.

13. Prepare Your Entertainment

Some flights will have an entertainment system built into the seats. For shorter flights, your airline either won’t have in-flight entertainment or you might have to pay for it. For long flights (especially international ones) the airline might have free movies, TV shows, music, etc.

Beyond in-flight entertainment and bringing your own reading material (i.e. books, magazines), I recommend doing the following before your first time flying:

Download Apps:

If you want games (especially if you’re traveling with kids) or other apps that you can access without WiFi, make sure to download them ahead of time.

Download Books, Movies, Podcasts etc.:

I always make sure to download entertainment for myself onto my phone so I can use it in airplane mode. You can download shows on your Netflix app, or Podcasts and Books off of various apps.

Airport WiFi:

Almost all airports should have free WiFi available . If you have a smartphone, I recommend downloading the app (where applicable) for your airline. Often you will be able to use the app to be alerted to any flight or gate changes.

14. Pack Snacks

If you want to save some money on airport food, pack snacks! Most food should be fine to go through security, they may just ask you to take it out.

15. Prepare Your Foreign Currency

If you are traveling internationally, you might want to exchange some money ahead of time . Your local bank should be able to exchange foreign currencies. There is no need to travel with too much cash as that can be risky and exchange fees likely won’t be in your favor.

Get enough ahead of time that you have money for transportation and maybe some food and ‘just in case’ cash. Using ATMs or money exchanges at the airport upon arrival can be overpriced .

⭐️ But PRO TIP , get the Charles Schwab debit card (it’s free to open a checking account ) to receive unlimited ATM fee rebates for cash withdrawals worldwide. This card has saved me so much money while traveling!

FIRST TIME FLYER’S GUIDE TO CHECKING IN FOR YOUR FLIGHT

16. checking in online.

You can either check in ahead of time or do it in person when you arrive at the airport. Most airlines will send you a link to check in to your flight 24 hours in advance .

You can typically confirm your seating and verify flight details or any add-ons at this time. If you check in online or through the app, you will receive a mobile boarding pass. Simply show this pass on your phone at security and the gate or print it out in advance.

Personally, I always check in online ahead of time if I have the option. Not only does it save time and the hassle of waiting in more lines at the airport, but I also like knowing that I am set for my flight in advance.

17. In-Person Flight Check-in

If you choose to check in when you arrive at the airport you will be looking for your airline’s check-in counter that lists your flight destination. You will be walked through the check-in process and able to check your bags at this point.

18. Checking a Bag vs. Only Carry-Ons

If you need to check a bag you will look for your airline’s bag drop-off or check-in counter . Most airlines have a designated bag drop area now for online check-ins. Though you still might have to wait in the check-in line, so give yourself plenty of time on arrival.

If you only have carry-ons and have already checked in online, you can continue straight past your airline’s counter and on to security.

19. What to Do After Checking in

After you check-in, your next step is to head through security. Usually, at this point, you are just following the signs to get in the right line for security.

20. Asking for Guidance at the Airport

Don’t be afraid to ask for help at the airport! There are plenty of workers between those at the check-in counter, security, professionals with badges walking around the airport, etc. They know the airport very well and will gladly guide first-time flyers in the right direction if they get confused.

FIRST TIME FLYER’S GUIDE TO AIRPORT SECURITY

Airport security may seem like a daunting and complicated process, but you will get the hang of it quickly after the first time or two. Here is a first-time flyer’s guide to making airport security a breeze:

21. Make Sure All the Liquids in Your Carry-on Are Under 3.4 Ounces

You would be surprised how many liquids you might accidentally try to pack without thinking about it being a liquid. A few items to remember to watch the size on are: shampoo, conditioner, soap, sunscreen, any alcohol you are gifting or bringing with you, anything you are currently drinking, nail polish remover, vaseline/gel chapstick, some makeup, perfume, gel or spray deodorant, etc.

Some airports also require all of your liquids to fit in one quart-size clear bag which they may provide.

22. Don’t Pack Aerosol Cans (Bug Spray!)

Aerosol cans are not allowed through TSA. Though I have (accidentally) gotten away with it a few times, this includes even simple things like bug spray.

>>> TIP: use  Picaridin lotion  instead, or  bug-repellant wipes . 

23. Double Check the TSA’s List of Prohibited Items While Packing

Take a look at the TSA list of prohibited items while you are packing your carry-on. Familiarizing yourself with the list may save you some time and money from having to throw items away at security.

24. Have Your I.D. And Boarding Pass Out

You will have your I.D. and boarding pass checked before entering security. Have it out and ready to hand off as the line for security sometimes moves quickly.

25. Be Prepared to Take Your Shoes Off

In the U.S., most passengers need to remove their shoes for security. Those with TSA PreCheck , older than 75, or kids 12 and younger will not need to remove shoes.

26. Jewelry and Security

Small jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, and rings can stay on through the scanner, but remove anything big and metal that might set off the sensor.

27. Take Any Personal Electronics Out of Your Bag (i.e. Laptop, iPad)

Remove any electronics and place them in the bins. If you have your laptop in a computer bag or case it will need to be fully taken out.

28. Take Off Your Belt

29. take off your jacket, 30. put your phone in the bin, 31. double-check your pockets, 32. make sure to drink or dump the water from your bottle, 33. listen to security personnel, they will help with what to do.

34. Moving Through the Scanner

Once all your belongings are moving through the security conveyor belt, you will be asked to step through a full-body scanner. Usually, you will spread your feet out and lift your hands above your head.

Next, you will be directed out of the scanner. Pause for a bit upon exiting until the security personnel clears you to pick up your belongings.

35. Pat Downs

On occasion, the scanner may pick something up, even if there is nothing there, or perhaps you forgot to remove something metal. The security personnel may use a handheld scanner or will lightly pat you down (following specific guidelines and boundaries to not be inappropriate).

It is a passenger’s right to refuse to be pat down, but you will not be allowed to fly if you don’t comply with TSA security checks.

36. What to Do if Your Bag Is Flagged

Having your bag flagged is not usually a big deal either. Little things might get picked up in the scanner that security wants to double-check, or perhaps you forgot a liquid that is too big.

Security personnel will ask you to step aside and ask to inspect your bag. You may have to pull some of your things out to let them search for what set off the alarms. Usually, this happens very quickly and you are on your way.

37. Duty-Free at the Airport

If you are questioning whether you can bring something on the plane or not, it is always a safer bet to just leave it at home and buy it at one of the many shops that are past security and what is known as “duty-free.” Duty-free refers to items that you do not have to pay import, sales, value-added, or other taxes on.

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FIRST TIME FLYER’S GUIDE TO BOARDING AND THE FLIGHT

38. reading your boarding pass.

Once you exit security, your next step will be to head to your gate . Your boarding pass (the printed version, not so much when it’s on your phone) usually lists your gate, the time that boarding starts, and your seat number.

39. Checking Airport Boards and Signs

There will be big electronic boards throughout the airport that list which flights are at which gate and if they are on time or delayed. I always cross-check my boarding pass with the electronic signs, because your gate might change.

Follow the signs around the airport that direct you to your gate. Again, when I arrive at the gate I check to see that my flight is indeed listed at the gate .

If you get there especially early, your gate might still be showing the flight before yours, in which case you will have to wait and keep an eye on the large boards to make sure nothing changes .

40. At Your Gate and Waiting

Once you reach your gate you are waiting until boarding starts. Find a seat and relax! Or, wander through the shops, find something to eat, or take a light walk to stretch your legs before your first flight.

41. Boarding Your Flight

Boarding zones:.

When your flight is ready to start boarding, the airport personnel will make announcements over the speaker or from the desk. Flights (especially larger ones) typically board by zone . Watch and listen for your zone to be called before getting in line to board. Your boarding pass will note what zone you are in.

Boarding Pass and I.D. Out:

Most flights at this point just check your boarding pass (since your I.D. was already checked at security), but I always keep my I.D. handy just in case.

42. Checking Carry-on Bags

If the flight is full, your flight might ask for volunteers to check their carry-on bags or will require some people to check bags if they don’t get enough volunteers. If they ask you to check your carry-on they won’t charge you (unless it is oversized and won’t fit in the cabin) and it’s not a big deal.

You will simply pick up the bag upon arrival as if you checked it like normal. Just don’t forget to take anything out of the bag that you might need during the flight!

43. Getting on the Plane

When you get on the plane, there is usually a flight attendant at the front who will guide first-time flyers to their seat or answer any questions. Otherwise, just walk to your seat and make sure to check above the seat for the letter that corresponds to the window, middle, or aisle seat.

There is a figure of a person on the diagram to show you where the aisle is.

Storing Baggage:

If you have a carry-on, put it in the bin above your seat. Make sure that it is rotated the proper way so it fits and the door will close over it. Put your personal item under the seat in front of you.

44. Put Your Phone on Airplane Mode

All electronics should be put on airplane mode before take-off, this is to ensure there is no interference with the airplane’s signals. Unless told by your flight attendant, you don’t have to turn your electronics all the way off.

Airplane WiFi:

Airplanes nowadays typically have WiFi available for passengers to purchase. You can ask your flight attendant what options they have available.

45. Listening to Airplane Emergency Measures

Flight attendants will either display or play a video about the emergency and safety measures of the aircraft. As a first-time flyer, you should pay attention to this guide in the very slim chance there is an emergency.

Don’t be alarmed by the message , they are required to go over safety but airplanes hardly ever encounter any issues.

46. In-Flight Service, Snacks, and Meals

Depending on your airline and the length of the flight, you might be served a snack and beverage or even a meal or two. All airlines have paid food options available that you can browse.

Budget airlines, especially on shorter flights, have started not giving anything out for free – this is why I recommend packing your own snacks! If you aren’t sure, ask your flight attendant what their options are.

47. Stay Hydrated

Flying always dehydrates you, so make sure to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to help prevent jet lag.

48. Relax and Enjoy!

Landing and what to do after your flight.

After landing, you may have to wait in your seat for a bit as the plane makes its way to the proper gate. The plane will deboard row by row from the front, just sit tight and wait your turn to exit.

49. Following Signs to Exit

When you exit the plane, you will want to follow the signs to the baggage claim and exit. If you didn’t check a bag, just head straight to the exit.

50. Understanding Baggage Claim

Once you reach baggage claim, there will be a few conveyor belts. Look for the one marked with your flight’s information, or look for an electronic board that has information. Depending on how fast you reach baggage claim, you may have to wait a bit.

51. Pick-up, Taxis, and Rideshares

Most airports now (especially bigger ones) have separate areas for passenger pick-up and Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Lyft, etc.). Follow the signs for what you need.

Some airports (such as Los Angeles) may even have you take a shuttle to get to the rideshares, in which case you shouldn’t call your ride until you make it to the designated area and know where to wait.

52. Layovers and Connecting Flights

If you have a layover or connecting flight, there will be separate signs pointing you in the right direction back towards the gates. Some airports will have you pass through security again, but many will not.

When you are checking your bag, make sure to ask if your bag will be checked through to your final destination . If you are on the same airline for both flights, this is pretty standard practice.

It can get a bit trickier when you switch airlines. If you need to pick up your bag, you will have to head to baggage claim and then back to the ticketing counter to check it for your next flight.

FIRST TIME FLYERS’ CHECKLIST

Summary: tips for flying on a plane for your first time.

Preparing for your first time flying is extremely helpful, but no two flights are ever the same , so don’t stress the little details too much! Each airport has its quirks and layouts, so follow signs, ask for help if you need it, and reference this first-time flyers guide.

For travel junkies like me, airports are fun to find interesting restaurants, fun souvenirs, or to people-watch and dream about your next vacation. Plus, it opens up a world for you to explore if you can get comfortable flying (especially now that remote jobs are changing the way we travel ). Enjoy your first flight!

Looking for resources to use for your next trip or move abroad? CLICK HERE for my favorite travel and expat tools!

Janelle Axton is a travel consultant and owner of Make the Trip Matter, a service dedicated to helping people create a lifestyle around frequent travel and extended time abroad. She grew up in California and spent time living abroad in Ireland in addition to traveling to over 25 countries.

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27 Best Tips for Flying for the First Time (2023)

Flying for the first time can be both exhilarating and frightening. There are many things you can do to make it easier and less stressful, though! I’ve rounded up 27 of the best first time flying tips to make it that much easier for you.

If this is your first time flying, much of your anxiety likely comes from just not knowing for sure what to experience. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to prepare ahead of time!

Knowing things like what to expect while going through security, what’s the best thing to wear on an airplane, and advice on avoiding extra luggage fees can be a game changer when it comes to being comfortable on your first flight.

Here are 27 travel tips for first time flyers that will have you flying like a pro on your very first flight.

1 Dress comfortably

One of the best first time flyer tips is to dress comfortably and to make sure you have layers.

Sitting on a cramped plane for hours can be a nightmare if you’re wearing clothes that are restrictive or make you uncomfortable.

Not only are you in a cramped space with little ability to move around, but pressure changes during  the flight  can cause your body to feel bloated or your legs to swell.

Make sure you wear unrestrictive clothing, comfortable shoes, and have a sweater or jacket in case you get cold once you’re in the air.

You’ll also thank yourself for wearing comfy clothing the first time you have to climb over another passenger to use the restroom!

By Tawnya at Money Saved is Money Earned

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RELATED: Road Trip Essentials: Make Sure to Pack These in Your Car

2 Stay hydrated

If you want to experience an enjoyable flight, staying hydrated is key. Airplanes create a humid environment, which can quickly lead to nausea, tiredness, and headaches. And a headache is the last thing you want at 40,000 feet!

Staying hydrated on a plane isn’t difficult. You should ensure that you drink plenty of water before and throughout the flight.

Equally, you will want to avoid coffee and alcohol (no matter how tempting the complimentary booze might be!) as these will dehydrate you even more.

Drinking water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated on a plane though. One way to see just how dehydrating airplanes are is by looking at your skin after a flight. With the harsh air conditioning blasting in your face for several hours, your face will quickly dry out.

You can overcome dry skin by packing a small moisturiser or facial spritz to apply throughout the flight.

A good lip balm is a must too to combat dry and painful lips! And finally, you may benefit from packing a nasal spray too, to avoid dry and painful sinuses.

By Hannah at Get Lost

3 Use points to pay for your flight

If you’re a first time flyer, you may not be aware that you can use credit card points to pay for your ticket.

Every airline has a reward program and you can sign up to start earning miles with them from your very first time flight experience.

However, unless you fly on that particular airline often, it’s going to take quite a while to rack up enough miles for a free flight.

Another option is to select a credit card that has a great sign up bonus and use those points to pay for your ticket.

The way this works is like this: once you’re approved for the card you applied for, you’ll typically have three months to put a certain amount of spend on it.

Once you’ve done that, the bonus points will be yours to spend as you choose!

At the time of this writing, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a sign up bonus of 60,000 points. You’ll need to spend $4,000 within three months to meet the requirement.

You can use that 60,000 points to splurge on something like a first class round trip ticket to Europe or go the more economical route and you’ll be able to book a few domestic economy flights.

Using points to pay for flights is one of the best flying for the first time tips there is. Use your points wisely and you’ll be flying for the second, third and fourth time in no time!

By Karee at Our Woven Journey

4 Know how to get over jet lag quickly

Jet lag occurs when you travel quickly to a new time zone which alters your natural circadian rhythm. It can cause fatigue and insomnia whilst you adjust, and the more time zones you travel through, the more affected you can be. Generally, the effects of traveling from west to east can be worse.

Our internal clock becomes mixed up partly due to a difference in exposure to light so one way to alleviate symptoms and help you recover from jet lag faster is to get outside soon after flying.

Exposure to natural daylight will reduce the release of melatonin hormones that make you sleepy and help wake you up so that you can stick to the schedule in your new time zone.

Melatonin products can help the other way around too, and help you to drift off if you are struggling.

And drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight, as dehydration will make it worse! 

By Rosanna at Rosanna Etc.

5 Use packing cubes

One of the most surprising first-time flying tips is to use packing cubes. This seems an almost oxymoron because you are putting your stuff into more stuff.

However, since packing cubes use compression technology it makes your stuff take up so much less space. They usually have multiple zippers, the first to secure the contents, the second to compress the size down.

There are two strategies for utilizing packing cubes: the first strategy is to pack your daily outfit in each cube (or your family’s outfits), the second strategy is to pack by item in each cube.

I recommend packing by outfits, as this will enable you to turn them and put the dirty items in that same cube.

Usually, the packing cubes come in packs of three of multiple sizes. The smallest is perfect for your first day comfortable outfit and pajamas the night you arrive.

Make sure to tuck this into your carry-on just in case your checked luggage arrives late. Packing super light in a carry-on will make your flight less stressful.

By Rebecca at Whatever Packs Your Bag

6 Download movies before your flight

An excellent way to keep yourself entertained during a flight is to download a selection of Netflix or Amazon Prime movies to your device.

Some flights don’t come with onboard entertainment and others charge extra for a movie package. Instead of relying on the airline, it is a great idea to prepare your own entertainment.

If you already have a Netflix or Amazon subscription, all you need to do is download your favorite show to be able to watch it in offline mode.

You won’t be able to do this once you’re on the plane and don’t have wi-fi, so add this to your travel checklist to do before you travel. You can watch them on your phone, but for the best experience, watch can movies on one of these lightweight  laptops for traveling . 

Netflix and Amazon Prime both have a wide selection of shows. You can spend the flight time learning Spanish or watching a fascinating documentary.

Time passes more quickly when you’re watching your favorite shows which helps a lot, especially if you have trouble sleeping on a plane.

And before you know it, it will be time to land!

By Mal from Raw Mal Roams 

➡️ Get a free 30 day trial for Amazon Prime Video

7 Know how to book cheap flights

Preparation for a flight actually starts when searching for a flight because no one wants to pay more than they have to.

Luckily, there are several tricks to help you find the cheapest flight possible.

First, be flexible with your travel dates when searching for flights. Some days of the week, month and year are cheaper than others. The larger your date range, the easier it is to pick the cheapest moment to fly.

Second, compare different airlines through a price comparison site such as Skyscanner. This way you’re sure to find the most affordable carrier. Websites of the airlines themselves are often the most expensive!

Third, don’t be lured into paying for extras.  Be especially aware of low-cost airlines  trying to upsell additional services: from extra luggage and priority boarding to selling lottery tickets on the plane itself. Most of these things you don’t need at all so be strict with yourself and keep your budget in mind.

By Emma at Emma’s Roadmap

8 Pack valuables in carry-on luggage

If you are planning to travel and pack both a carry-on bag and checked luggage, this one is for you.

When it comes to flying on any airline, even if it’s rated number one in the world, there is always the possibility that your checked luggage will go missing. Especially if you have connecting flights!

Make sure to pack your valuables in your carry on luggage and store them in the overhead bins or below the seat in front of you. 

Valuables can include many things. Firstly, make sure to carry your passport, wallet with money, and any high-value jewelry in a sling bag or concealed purse that you keep on your person at all times.

Secondly, keep essential medications and vitamins in your carry-on luggage (never in checked luggage!) as these cannot be replaced easily while you travel.

Thirdly, place your electronics, including your best camera for travel , phone, laptop and even drone in your carry-on luggage.

If you plan to carry a drone with you, ensure you pack the drone batteries in your carry on luggage, and the body of your drone in checked luggage. Always store battery packs in your carry-on.

As a good rule of thumb while travelling, never store your valuables far from reach!

By Haley of HaleyBlackall.com

9 Choose your seat wisely

Going on your first flight is an exciting experience that you will always remember. That is why it is important to choose your seats wisely! If you choose the wrong seat, your flight won’t be as enjoyable. Between catching beautiful views and stretching your legs, your seat choice can have a huge impact on your trip. 

If your first flight is a short one, you should choose a window seat. The view from the window is always amazing. Between watching cities fade into the distance, beautiful sunsets, and cars that look like ants, you will be amazed by everything you can see from an airplane. 

While window seats are ideal for short flights, you may be uncomfortable during a long flight . During a long flight, the best seats to choose are aisle seats. This is especially true if flying on a large airplane. Sitting in the aisle seat allows you to stretch your legs and use the bathroom as needed. There is nothing worse than crawling over strangers on a long flight to go to the bathroom!

If you really want to make sure you get the best seat on the plane, use SeatGuru for reviews of the aircraft you’ll be flying.

By Gabby at Journey to the Destination

10 Bring a neck pillow and blanket

When you head out on a flight, you want to be comfortable, and often the air conditioning is too cold, or the seats are uncomfortable. A good idea is to bring  eco friendly travel products  like a comfortable neck pillow so you can sleep well without hurting your neck and a blanket to stay warm . There is nothing worse than feeling cold on a flight.

A sarong is also a great versatile piece of travel accessory to bring. Taking this on the plane means you can re-use it on the beach or cover up if you are entering temples during your trip. It is super lightweight and takes up pretty much no space.

An extra pair of socks can also be ideal for the flight. Why not make them big and fluffy for extra comfort?

By Linn at Brainy Backpackers

11 Savvy use of your carry-on allowance

Depending on where you’re traveling to, sometimes you might only have carry-on luggage and some airlines are extremely strict with what you can take. In fact, some economy airlines will only allow one cabin bag so if you have more than one item, such as a purse and a backpack, one needs to fit inside the other.

The ultimate hack for first time flyers is knowing how to extend your carry-on luggage allowance. If you buy something in the airport (no matter how small), provided it comes in an airport carrier shopping bag, this becomes an extension of your carry-on luggage.

So, if you’ve already packed your cabin bag tight, use the shopping bag to hold all the essentials that you want to use on the flight. Not only does this mean you don’t have to keep getting up to take things out of your bag, but it also means more space.

If your airline isn’t quite as strict, it’s still handy to have one big carry on and one item that’s small enough to fit under your seat without being uncomfortable, but big enough to have all your essentials in it.

Don’t stress, just fly savvy.

By Kerry Hanson from  VeggTravel

12 Be Ready to go Through Security Checkpoints

One of the most nerve-wracking parts of flying can be dealing with airport security. Even experienced travelers can have irrational anxiety dealing with getting their liquids ready and having laptops prepared to go through the detectors.

Because it’s an anxious time for everyone, people in line can also be quite rude. If you are slowing down the line, you risk alienating a massive line of people. No one wants to start their first flight that way.

While you’re in line for security, be sure to start preparing for the scanners right away.

You will need to remove any jackets or sweaters (you’ll need to go down to your lowest layer). Take all the items out of your pockets – or wear pants with no pockets to skip this step. Try to wear pants that don’t need a belt or take it off while you’re in line. 

Keep your shoes on in line! Airport floors are gross – and some airports don’t require you to take them off. 

When you pack your carry-on, be sure to put all the items that need to come out at security on one side. Laptops, tablets, and liquids will need to be removed. If you put your liquids in a small bag or Ziploc, it’ll make this even easier.

Also, keep in mind that any liquid containers have to be 3.4 oz or smaller and need to be packed together in one quart-sized ziplock bag.

By Nina of Nina Out and About

13 Use a foot-sling to relieve back and leg pain

If you suffer from low back or leg pain, the idea of sitting in a cramped airplane seat isn’t all that appealing. Shorter flights may not be a problem, but flights over a couple of hours long can be a pain, literally! One of the best travel accessories you can pack to help alleviate the pain is a foot-sling to use on your flight.

To use it, you simply lower the tray on the seat back in front of you, place the strap over the arms of the tray and then close the tray again. You can adjust the height of the sling as needed to make it as comfortable as possible for your back and legs.

One thing to note is you’ll want to be aware of the person sitting in the seat in front of you. Always take your feet out of the sling before you lower the tray or it will jolt their chair. Treat them like you would want to be treated and you’ll be fine.

You also want to be sure you’re not putting unnecessary pressure on the tray arms as you get comfortable.

Most foot-slings roll up small and take up very little space as a personal item in your carry-on bag. It can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are while sitting for hours, so if back or leg pain is an issue for you, you’ll definitely want to bring one of these along! This is one of the best tips for first time flying because once you get it, you can use it for every flight from now on.

14 Use a travel credit card with the best perks

Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the  best travel secrets  every new traveler should know about. You can get access to airport lounges included in your credit card membership through Priority Pass. The lounges are available in many airports and some even have multiple lounges you can visit on the same day!

Not only that, there are many other benefits of using the card including a large signup bonus where you can receive credit towards purchasing a flight or other travel perks.

In addition, you are covered for car insurance when you rent a car so there are many wonderful perks that outweigh the cost of the membership.

You also get $300 credit off travel purchases so although there is an annual fee for the card, it’s reduced by this and the many other benefits that pay for themselves. If you’re a first-time traveler and hope to travel a lot more often, then this card is amazing and will have you prepared to travel the world. 

Jackie of  Jou Jou Travels

15 Avoid extra luggage fees

The quickest way to blow your travel budget before even stepping on a plane is being charged an unexpected fee for an oversize or overweight suitcase.

Most airlines charge for any type of checked baggage and some even charge for a carry-on. This can vary based on the type of ticket you bought as well. Before the trip, head straight to the source and check the airline’s website for specifics.

But don’t stop there! Be sure to check the airlines bag size and weight limitations too. A carry-on that is too big may have to be checked, with an additional bag fee. The easiest mistake, one that I have made and seen many others make, is trying to check an overweight bag.

Many airlines have a 50 pound limit. Sometimes 1-2 extra pounds can be ok, but not always. You can either take out a few pounds and add them to your your carry-on, or get stuck with an oversize bag fee upwards of $100.

All it takes is a few extra minutes of research, some measuring and weighing to avoid those extra fees. I recommend packing a luggage scale to use on the way home. Those souvenirs can get heavy!

By Hailey at America My Beautiful

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16 Avoid ear pain

For a lot of people, flying can lead to pain in the ears due to changes in air pressure. This can be quite uncomfortable, and sometimes even pretty painful. There are a few different tricks that can help with equalizing the pressure in your ears while flying in order to lessen the discomfort and pain.

One of the simplest things you can do to limit ear pain from flying is to drink plenty of water before and during your flight. The airplane air is dry, which makes the nasal mucous thicker and more likely to clog your Eustachian tubes (the tubes that connect your throat to your ears). Drinking also encourages swallowing, which can help equalize ear pressure. Other things you can do to help open your Eustachian tubes are chewing gum and yawning.

If none of the above tips work, you can try something called the Valsalva Maneuver to help clear your ears. To do this, keep your mouth closed, pinch your nose closed, and gently exhale – this should push air through your tubes and help them open up.

By Sydney at A World in Reach

17 Always use carry-on luggage

If you’re new to all of the airport protocols, packing can be a serious challenge!  To make it simple, learn how to pack in a carry-on bag – no matter your trip length.   Not only will it make your travels easier by knowing exactly what you brought with you, but you’ll see a number of other advantages.  

With just a carry-on, you can save time at check-in and upon arrival at your destination since you won’t have to wait for your bag at the baggage claim. You’ll also be able to avoid the high baggage fees airlines have implemented, not to mention you won’t have to worry about your luggage, or anything in it, going missing! 

And, best of all, if there are any changes to your travel plans, you’ll always have your bag with you!

To pack in a carry-on, first you’ll need to know what size bag your airline considers a carry-on and find the right luggage.  From there, you’ll want to make sure your liquids pass TSA’s rules with each individual container being no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and all containers fitting into one quart-sized plastic bag.

Beyond that, you’ll need to pick your clothing wisely and avoid overpacking.  From creating a capsule travel wardrobe to rolling your clothes and using packing cubes, your luggage will be compact and ready to go whenever you are!

By Julia at A Cure For Curiosity

18 Bring your own snacks

Whether your flight is just a short hour, or a long trans-continental journey, you should always bring snacks aboard! Especially in the current environment where delays are common, and you never know how long you may be stuck at the gate, or even worse, in the plane on the tarmac. 

As far as what to bring, keep it simple. Things that do not require refrigeration and that can get jostled around are best, like protein bars and trail mix.

Try to avoid empty calories like candy, or salty things like chips. Hydration is very important on flights so in addition to avoiding salty snacks, also remember to fill up your water bottle after going through security.

For longer flights, you may need something a little more substantial. Wraps are pretty durable and much easier to eat than salads or sandwiches.

Don’t bring something that will waft through the air gagging other passengers like tuna. A turkey or cheese wrap can last a good few hours, and so can cheese and crackers, or yogurt. Best of all, these will provide needed protein and keep you energized. 

One last tip, when bringing snacks on flights, remember your napkins!

By Denise from  Chef Denise

19 Sign up for frequent flyer programs

Step one when you’re flying for the first time on a new airline is to sign up for their frequent flyer program.   This way all of your profile information will be attached to your frequent flyer account number, making it easier for you to book future flights without re-entering the same data again. 

Also, you will start accumulating miles right away and build them up over time, hopefully to the point of earning a free flight! 

Feel free to make your flight reservation on the computer but afterwards, download the airline’s cell phone app so your data will be in accessible format throughout your trip, whether you have a nonstop flight or a  long airport layover .

With your airline’s app you can view or change your seat, receive notifications about departure gate, time or delays, track your bags and access in-flight entertainment and wifi.  You can even use it as a digital boarding pass so there’s no need to carry around the paper version.  Each airline’s app may have different features but it’s definitely worth it to download and use the app during your first flight.  

By Jenny at Global Game Plan

Related: What is the Southwest Companion Pass and why you should get it

20 Download audiobooks ahead of time

Having a variety of entertainment within reach can vastly improve a flight experience. Energy and mood levels fluctuate so it’s important to have a selection of activities or media at your disposal.

Feeling reflective? Jot down your thoughts in a journal. Looking for mindless entertainment? A few downloaded movies or TV shows might fit the bill. Do your eyes need a break from reading a book or watching a screen? Listen to an audiobook.

One advantage of audiobooks is that they’re available from  different sources at reasonable prices. Or they can be sourced from your library free of charge from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. A more robust inventory is available with a subscription-based service such as Audible.

Downloaded, audiobooks take up no space (only the digital variety) so they’re a perfect choice for packing light travellers. Many audiobooks synchronize nicely with travel plans by heightening anticipation or enriching a person’s appreciation of a destination.

Fictional works set in a particular time or place, a biography of a national figure, or a homegrown author with cultural insights can contribute to a more meaningful travel experience.

If audiobooks aren’t yet part of your in-flight checklist or pre-trip packing list , take a test run at home while driving, gardening, or completing mundane tasks. They’ll help make your next flight much more enjoyable.

By Anne at Packing Light Travel

➡️ Get a complimentary 30 day trial to Audible, including one free book

21 More first time flyer tips: Use MyTSA app

One of the biggest stresses of flying for the first time can be not knowing how crowded the airport will be when you get there. Knowledge is power, though and you can at least get a reasonable estimate by downloading the MyTSA app before you go.

You’ll be able to see how busy the airport is likely to be on your specific day and time of travel. You’ll also be able to check estimated wait times to get through the security checkpoints.

This can be super helpful when flying for the first time! The standard advice most airports give is to arrive two hours early for a domestic flight and three hours for an international flight. While that holds true for most airports, it’s not always accurate.

For instance, smaller airports are rarely as busy as a larger airport. Being able to check the app to see how busy it will be for your first flight will help you decide how much time you actually need.

Remember, it’s always better to be early than late, but checking the app can help you decide just how early you need to be. The MyTSA app is available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores .

22 Get TSA PreCheck

If you have plenty of time before you’ll be flying for the first time, consider getting approved for TSA PreCheck. Not only will it save you time going through security, it will make the process much easier for you. That’s a big relief for anyone with first time flying anxiety.

As you get to the security line at the airport, you’ll notice there is a separate line for those with TSA PreCheck. It is almost always short than the main line. That’s partly because most people don’t have access to it.

It’s also because those who have applied for TSA PreCheck have already had a security check done by the government. Therefore, the screening process at the airport is minimal.

You won’t need to remove anything from your carry-on bags. That means you can leave your liquids (although they still have to be 3.4 oz or less and all fit in a quart-sized bag) in your carry-on. Same goes for leaving your electronics in your bag.

You also won’t have to take your off your shoes, belt or light jacket as you would if you went through the main security line. This makes it so much easier and less stressful to pass through security!

To get approved for TSA PreCheck, apply for it online . The cost is $85 and it lasts for five years. Even if you don’t plan to fly often, it’s definitely worth considering!

Another option is to apply for a travel credit card that covers the cost as one of its benefits. Chase Sapphire Reserve is a great option since it covers the cost of the TSA PreCheck along with the Priority Pass to airport lounges as was mentioned above.

23 Pack a small bag for all your inflight things

Getting situated on a plane can be stressful for even an experienced traveler, but when you’re flying on a plane for the first time it can be even worse. Here’s a smart travel tip that can make your 1st time flying experience go so much more smoothly. Pack all the little things you think you’ll need during the flight into a small bag.

Then, when you get to your seat you can easily remove it from your carry-on bag or backpack , store everything else and sit down in your seat. You won’t need to take any time get situated just to find your headphones in one bag, your laptop in the other and where did you stash your snacks anyway?

Get yourself a small bag and while you’re packing for your first flight, think about what you’ll want out while you’re on the plane. Pack the things like gum, small snacks, earbuds, phone charger, eye mask, your foot sling (see above) and any other little thing that tends to be hard to locate when you’re in a hurry.

Instead of standing in the aisle blocking others while you find what you need, you’ll be able to quickly grab your bag, put your carry-on or backpack away and sit down without worrying where all your things are.

Of course you may still want to grab things like your laptop or bento box (you’re packing your own snacks, right?), but those are easy to find and shouldn’t take you long to get situated. The main thing is to have all the little things you’ll want packed into one single bag you can grab and be done.

Then you can sit down, relax and enjoy your first time flying on an airplane!

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24 Keep your passport, ID and boarding pass handy

There are many first time flyers tips and this one is important. You want to decide on one place to keep your passport, ID and boarding pass and keep them there at all times. This needs to be someplace that you can easily retrieve and then put away quickly.

If you’re checking any bags or printing a boarding pass at the airport, you’ll need to show your ID. Once you’ve got your boarding passes, either hold on to them until you get to security, or put them in an easy to grab location. Never set them down anywhere!

The best tip for going through security is to put them in a secured place, but keep your eye on that bag in particular as you go through. Ideally, you want to try to time it so that you’re going through the medal detector while your bags are going through the xray machine. That way, your important things are not left unattended for someone to (accidentally?) grab while you’re not looking.

At this point, you’ll only need your boarding pass to get on the plane. You can put your other ID safely away, but you never want it to be far out of reach. Don’t put it in your carry-on bag because there’s always the chance there won’t be enough room for everyone’s bags and yours might end up getting checked.

The easiest way to always know where your passport, ID and boarding passes are is to keep them in a designated holder. When you’re flying in a plane for the first time, you want things to go as smoothly as possible and this is one way that will definitely help you.

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25 Consider wearing compression socks

You don’t need to have problems with circulation to benefit from wearing compression socks when flying, especially if it’s a long flight. Many people with a history of blood clots or poor circulation are understandably concerned about flying. Sitting for so long can cause problems, but wearing compression socks can help considerably.

While the benefit of wearing compression socks while flying is that they can help increase blood circulation, if you suspect any problems with your circulatory system, be sure to talk to you doctor before your flight.

There are several types of compression socks, but most people will benefit from wearing the kind that can be purchased at the pharmacy or online. If you’re flight is more than five hours, consider getting yourself some to wear. They are also good for long car rides, so you can save them to use for another time.

Be sure to put them on before you get to the airport though! Since they are meant to be tight, you wouldn’t want to wait until you got on the plane to try and put them on.

26 Use the restroom before boarding

You may have seen movies or pictures of restrooms on airplanes, but if this is your first time flying, I don’t think you can picture just how small they really are. The less time you need to spend in it, the happier you’ll be!

Some good advice for first time flyers is to plan to use the airport restroom just before time for boarding. Since you’re going to want to stay hydrated while on your flight, using the restroom before you board will lesson the number of times you’ll need to go before you land again.

If your flight is a short one, you may be in luck and not even need to use the restroom on the plane. Either way, once you board you won’t be allowed to use that one until your flight has taken off, the plane has leveled off and the captain turns off the seatbelt sign.

This could easily be an hour, so even if you think you don’t have to go before you board your plane, go anyway. Especially if you’re traveling for the first time with kids!

27 Bring your own headphones

Gone are the days when airlines handed out free headphones to everyone on the flight. Nowadays, unless you’re flying in first class or international travel, you need to plan to bring your own.

Some airlines have headphones for purchase, but you can’t count on that either. Of course, not all planes even have entertainment systems for you to plug into. If you’ve read the other tips for first time flyers we’ve already mentioned, you’ll know you should already plan to bring something to watch movies on anyway.

One thing to mention is that if the plane does have an entertainment system, it may have a two-pin socket. If that’s the case, you’ll need an adaptor to be able to plug your headphones in. This really only makes sense if you don’t plan on downloading your own movies to watch.

Another reason to bring your own headphones is to help with noise cancellation, especially if you’re flying at night. Something first time flyers might not realize is that the engines on airplanes can be loud. You may be seated near young children who can be loud. It’s also the universal symbol for “please don’t talk to me” if you’re sitting next to someone chatty.

Seriously, headphones are useful for more than just watching movies! Whether you pack an inexpensive pair just to get you through your first flight or want to block out all the extra noise going on around you, headphones can make flying first time much more enjoyable.

28 Pack essentials in your carry-on

Many travelers try to travel as light as possible, but there are times when we just can’t avoid checking a bag into the hold of the plane. In these circumstances, it may be tempting to put everything in the hold and to skip onto the plane light as a feather, carrying nothing at all (other than your phone and wallet, of course). 

However, what if something goes wrong with your checked bag… ? Perhaps it gets delayed or lost in transit. Or perhaps you miss a connection and you can’t retrieve your bag from the baggage system while you wait for the next flight. You probably have travel insurance to cover any losses and delays, but having the losses covered financially is of limited comfort when you are separated from your personal possessions. 

As evening turns to night, you realize how important basic things like toothpaste and pajamas are. And what about clean underwear and clothes the next day? Sure, you could buy new stuff, but that’s not ideal.

For this reason, it is a good idea to pack some essentials in your carry on, including a toothbrush and toothpaste, core toiletries, spare underwear, and a change of clothes – basically, the essentials you’ll want if you’re separated from your bag for a day or two. 

by Martha from  May Cause Wanderlust

Helpful tips for first time flying

If you’re going to be flying in a plane for the first time and are trying to prepare for what to expect, this list should cover it! Being prepared and knowing what to expect on your first flight is half the battle. Just follow the advice given here, especially if you’ll be flying alone for the first time and you’ll be just fine!

Enjoy your journey!

Karee Blunt

Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.

• Karee Blunt https://ourwovenjourney.com/author/bluntpeeps/ A Close-up Look at Tulips (Like, Really Close Up) Plus Fun Facts You Probably Didn't Know
• Karee Blunt https://ourwovenjourney.com/author/bluntpeeps/ 15 Movies to Watch if You Loved "Eat, Pray, Love"
• Karee Blunt https://ourwovenjourney.com/author/bluntpeeps/ 15 Places You Need To Visit ASAP if You’re Into Wine Tasting
• Karee Blunt https://ourwovenjourney.com/author/bluntpeeps/ 15 Volcanoes Tourists Can Actually Visit

3 thoughts on “27 Best Tips for Flying for the First Time (2023)”

I will be traveling soon, September to be precise and this will be my first time boarding a plane, I’m kinda anxious cause I don’t know what to expect, I will be traveling from Nigeria to the Netherlands. I hope I get a smooth trip to my destination, after reading all the tips, I think I can do this

Hi Joy, how exciting that you’ll soon be taking your first flight! I truly hope you’re able to enjoy every minute of it. Try not to stress. You’re going on an adventure of a lifetime, but hopefully just the first of many more to come. 💗

Always eat food at the airport before you actually get onto the plane. There are so many cheap groundside restaurants at which you can order a meal from these days. Or merely take onboard your own free healthy snacks and things to do or stuff to read etc as well.

Consider audiobooks. You can find many different and cheap activity books located in the bookshops quite easily. Once on board the aircraft aim to spend the time flying in the air either drinking some white wine or reading/talking to the other travellers. I like to eat a dish of hot food beforehand.

Bring patience. You will need it for sure on route. Or take a shorter flight instead. Always a good idea. Research the hotels and activities at your destination carefully. Pick one that really appeals to you and also meets your needs. Good luck.

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20 Tips First-time Fliers Need to Know

Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, here's how to make your first flight more enjoyable.

Congratulations, you’ve booked your first flight! Pat yourself on the back, because there are only a few more steps between you and a seamless flying experience. If you’re like most people, exploring something new — like the cabin of an airplane — can be daunting. While not every first-time flier will mistake the emergency exit for the bathroom, there are some common errors newbie travelers frequently make. To help you have a smooth and stress-free journey, we've compiled 20 tips first-time fliers should know.

Book a specific seat.

If you prefer aisles or windows to middle seats, be sure to choose your seat early. Select your preferred option when booking your ticket or log onto the airline’s website before your flight. Many airlines list the airplane model on their ticketing page, but you can also use a third-party site like SeatGuru to view seat maps. Don’t see a spot you love? Sign up with the website ExpertFlyer , which alerts you when your seat of choice frees up and is available to book.

Download your airline's app.

Skip the long lines at the airport by using your airline's app to check in, grab your boarding pass, and head straight to security. You can also use the app to check your flight status, including delays, cancellations, or gate changes in real time. Many airlines let passengers access in-flight entertainment through their app, so download it in advance if you want to watch movies on your own device.

Buy travel insurance.

Even if you plan everything perfectly, things can go wrong when you travel, from flight delays to lost luggage. Travel insurance can compensate you for some of these expenses and, at the very least, provide you with peace of mind. Whether you're looking to purchase flight insurance or a comprehensive plan that covers medical expenses like emergency evacuation, plenty of options are available. Some credit cards offer some degree of protection, such as lost baggage or flight cancellation insurance, so it's worth checking your perks before your trip.

Pack light.

The general rule when you pack for a trip is that you don’t need as much as you think you do. Traveling with only a carry-on can save you time at the airport and help you avoid the hassle of lost luggage, but you'll want to pack efficiently to maximize space. We've got a handy-dandy carry-on packing list to make sure you don’t overthink it.

Make sure your carry-on is the right size.

Domestic and international travel each have a different set of rules when it comes to carry-on bag sizes. Before you head to the airport with your carefully packed bag, check your airline’s carry-on size restrictions and if you have an additional tote, make sure it qualifies as a personal item.

Avoid packing large liquids in your carry-on.

If you’re not checking a bag, remember that carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols have to be 3.4 fluid ounces or less and fit in a clear, quart-size bag. We recommend using a TSA-approved toiletry bottle set to transport your shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids without any issues.

Check your passport expiration date.

There is nothing quite like the panic that comes from booking a spontaneous vacation and realizing your passport is expired — or not realizing that you need a passport to visit Canada or Mexico. Adding to the challenge is that some countries won’t allow you to visit within six months of your passport’s expiration date in case you take an extra-long vacation. In short, it never hurts to check your passport’s expiration date and, if necessary, renew it before your next big trip. Also, if you're flying domestically, make sure your state-issued ID is valid for travel per TSA's identification rules .

Review your itinerary.

Traveling between time zones or around the world can be confusing. That’s why it always pays to take a tip from Santa Claus and make a list and check it twice. Go through your itinerary, confirm your airport (Did you book Heathrow or Gatwick? JFK or Newark?), your connection times (How long does it take to get to the train station? Which time zone is that?), and your plane tickets, including whether or not your name is spelled correctly on your documents.

While you’re working your way through the list, confirm your reservations for everything from hotels, flights, trains, buses, and tour groups.

Arrive at the airport early.

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before an international flight or two hours before a domestic flight. If you're a first-time flier, give yourself extra time, especially if you’re flying during the holidays, traveling with kids, or checking bags. You can speed up the process by checking in online, booking a business class ticket with priority check-in privileges, flying with a carry-on only, or signing up for TSA PreCheck or Clear , which allows you to get through security faster. 

Figure out your phone plan.

If you're flying out of the country, contact your service provider in advance to buy data roaming and an international calling plan. If you do not want to use your phone while traveling abroad but have it with you, shut off the data roaming on your device or risk a hefty phone bill. Download travel apps before your trip and use them when you’re on the hotel’s Wi-Fi or purchase a local SIM card so you text, call, and use data while abroad.

Be respectful of your fellow passengers.

Plane cabins are cramped spaces, so it's important to be mindful of how your actions impact the people around you. There are several unwritten rules of airplane etiquette, such as wearing headphones while listening to audio, avoiding smelly food and fragrances, and sticking to your assigned seat. Most of these are common sense, but it's a good idea to review some of the unspoken rules of air travel , especially if it's your first time flying.

Adjust to your new time zone as soon as possible.

If you're traveling across time zones, you'll likely experience jet lag. To quickly recover, get a head start on resetting your body's internal clock by adapting to your new time zone during the flight (or even a few days before you depart). On a long-haul flight, set your watch or phone's clock to the new time zone so you can sleep when it's nighttime in your destination and arrive feeling relatively refreshed. Plane cabins are notoriously dry environments, so staying hydrated and avoiding caffeine and alcohol while in the air can help you mitigate the effects of being at a high altitude.

Don't exchange too much money before you travel.

It’s a good idea to have some of the local currency on hand when you land, but don’t overdo it. Too much cash invites disaster if it’s stolen or lost. Figure out your budget and grab some cash at your bank or an airport ATM. If you do run out of cash, it’s easy to withdraw more at a local bank or ATM in most countries.

Alert your bank of your vacation plans.

There are few things more frustrating than having your credit card frozen when you’re on vacation because your bank thinks your card has been stolen. While most banks are now sophisticated enough to know when you're traveling based on your recent purchases (e.g., flights, hotel reservations, etc.), you may want to notify your credit card company’s fraud department that you’re leaving the country just in case.

While you’re on the phone with your credit card company, ask them to send you a credit card with a chip in it (if you don’t already have one). While most places can still swipe your card’s magnetic strip, many countries are relying on chip technology for things like train ticket machines, gas stations, and food purchases. Having a chip card option can make your life easier when you travel.

Bring backup entertainment.

Most airlines offer free onboard entertainment, including movies and TV shows you can watch on a seatback screen or your personal device. Some carriers have limited options, so it's a good idea to check your aircraft's amenities while booking your ticket. In any case, it's wise to bring a book, laptop, or tablet you can use in case the in-flight entertainment system isn't available. Make sure you pack your charger or a portable power bank in your carry-on and bring your own headphones for better sound quality.

Wear comfortable clothing.

Whether you're taking a red-eye or a shorter domestic flight, you'll want to dress comfortably for the journey. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing, including an extra layer in case you get cold on the plane, as well as shoes you can easily slip on and off while going through security. Vacation is not the time to break in a new pair of kicks, so make sure you wear a tried-and-true comfy pair to the airport.

Bring your own snacks.

Don’t wait until you get to the airport to buy snacks for your flight. The restaurants and stores after security are notoriously pricey and often have limited options. Instead, pack your favorite nibbles that comply with the TSA’s rules. Stick to solid food items that don’t require refrigeration, such as protein bars or dried fruit and nuts.

Schedule a recovery day.

Many of us have limited vacation days, meaning we have to cram a lot of sightseeing, culture, food, and relaxation into an incredibly short time span. While you might be tempted to hit the ground running as soon as you land, scheduling some downtime after your flight can help you fully recover from any fatigue or jet lag. The same goes for the flight home — if you can, take a day off to relax and unpack before diving back into your usual routine, or you might end up needing a vacation from your vacation.

Use credit cards for purchases.

Back in the day, travel lore was to stick to cold hard cash (or traveler’s checks) while abroad. These days, the best exchange rates are often found using your credit card. When the sales clerk asks if you want the charge in dollars or the local currency, always opt for the local money as you’ll usually end up with a better rate.

That said, check whether your credit card charges foreign transaction fees and, if it does, apply for a new one before your trip. Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Platinum American Express are just two options that don't charge these fees.

Don't panic if things go wrong.

Follow Douglas Adams' advice from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy : “The most important thing a traveler needs to remember whether making their way through time and space or simply to Cleveland is this: Don’t Panic.” Things happen both at home and on the road and while missed connections, lost train tickets, or disappearing hotel reservations can be incredibly frustrating, panicking helps nothing. Stay organized and keep a cool head. By the end of the trip, you’ll probably have a great story to tell.

First-Time Flyers: What to Expect on Your First Airplane Flight

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Nothing quite matches the excitement and apprehension of a first-time flyer. As you gear up for your maiden flight, you might find a whirlpool of questions swirling in your mind. From check-in protocols to the in-flight experience, it’s natural to wonder what to expect on your first airplane flight. Fret not! We’re here to guide you through every step.

• 89% of American adults have experienced air travel
• Commercial airplanes cruise at about 575 mph and can reach altitudes of 35,000-40,000 feet
• Preparation is key to a smooth first-time flying experience
• Understanding airline protocols and expectations can help reduce anxiety

Pre-Flight Preparations

Preparation is key when it comes to air travel . Ensure you pack according to airline guidelines and arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This gives you ample time for check-in and security procedures.

At the Airport

Once at the airport, you’ll need to check in for your flight . This can usually be done at airline counters or self-service kiosks. You’ll then proceed through security, where your carry-on luggage will be checked. You might also be subject to a pat-down or full-body scan. Keep your ID and boarding pass handy through this process.

Boarding the Aircraft

After passing security, you’ll head to your gate, where you’ll wait until your boarding group is called. It’s important to listen to airport announcements or keep an eye on the information screens. Once on the plane , the flight attendants will guide you to your seat.

During the Flight

A first flight can be thrilling and a tad daunting. Commercial airplanes cruise at about 575 mph at altitudes of 35,000-40,000 feet. While this might sound intimidating, remember that air travel is one of the safest forms of transportation. You’ll likely experience a few bumps (turbulence) during the flight, but these are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about .

The Takeoff and Landing

Takeoff is the most thrilling part of the flight for many first-time flyers. As the aircraft accelerates down the runway and ascends into the sky, you’ll feel a gentle push into your seat. Don’t worry, this is entirely normal and part of the adventure! Upon reaching cruising altitude, the plane usually levels off for the majority of the journey.

Landing, on the other hand, can feel a bit strange as the plane descends and your ears might pop due to changing air pressure. Chewing gum or swallowing can help relieve this sensation. You’ll know the plane is about to land when you feel a slight deceleration and see the landscape getting progressively larger.

Navigating the In-Flight Experience

Once in the air, you can use your electronic devices in airplane mode. Most airlines offer in-flight entertainment and serve food and beverages. To make the most of your first flight, bring a good book, download your favorite shows, or try the airline’s in-flight entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated and stretch your legs periodically on longer flights.

Remember Leonardo da Vinci’s words: “For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.” Here’s to a memorable and enjoyable first flight!

1. How early should I arrive at the airport?

Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

2. What happens during security?

Your carry-on luggage will be checked, and you might undergo a pat-down or full-body scan.

3. What is the cruising speed and altitude of a commercial airplane?

Commercial airplanes cruise at about 575 mph and can reach altitudes of 35,000-40,000 feet.

4. What should I do during takeoff and landing?

Simply sit back and enjoy the experience. If your ears pop due to changing pressure during landing, chewing gum or swallowing can help.

5. What can I do during the flight?

You can use electronic devices in airplane mode, enjoy the in-flight entertainment, read a book, or take a nap. It’s also important to stay hydrated and stretch on longer flights.

• YouGov. (2020). Survey of American Adults on Air Travel .
• FAA. (2021). Aircraft Speed and Altitude Facts .

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One response to “First-Time Flyers: What to Expect on Your First Airplane Flight”

Incredibly insightful post, Deborah! As a fellow hiker, I resonate deeply with your vivid descriptions of the Smoky Mountains. 🏞️ How did you manage to capture the essence of these enchanting terrains so eloquently? Have you ever tried backpacking in the Rockies? It’s a whole different experience worth exploring. I learned the valuable lesson of wildlife respect when I encountered a black bear there. 🐻 It was scary but exhilarating! Keep up the wonderful storytelling, can’t wait to read your next adventure. Let’s keep inspiring others to embrace the great outdoors!

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First-time Flying: 30 Must-Know Tips for First-time Flyers

Traveling for the first time? These tips for first-time flyers will guide you, from airport tips, how to deal with flying anxiety to all the necessary info .

We have all been first-time flyers at least once in our lives. The first time on a plane can be exciting but at times overwhelming as you don’t know what to expect or how to feel about the entire experience.

Normally as a first-time traveler, you have so many questions about traveling ranging from what to do at the airport , how to check-in at the airport, when to arrive at the airport, what the cabin luggage size should be, the carry on essentials you should pack or even how to book your hotel or air ticket in the first place plus all the necessary airport tips .

All these questions can be daunting if you don’t have where to get the answers from.

With this post, you’ll get all the necessary tips for first-time flyers from carry on luggage rules to how best you can handle flying anxiety.

So without any further ado, let’s look at the best things you should know if it’s your first time flying on a plane.

Related post: Important travel tips for first time travelers

First Time Flying Tips

Disclaimer* This post contains affiliate links and I might earn from qualifying sales.

Tips for first-time flyers before your travel date

You’re about to fly to a new country– yay congratulations!!  But before you experience your first time flying on a plane, there are some important things you should do before traveling .

These will determine whether you’ll get to the plane or your dreams will be crushed.

 Obtain a visa

The type of visa to be obtained will depend on the reason for traveling and where you’re traveling to.

The types of visas can range from a tourist visa, business, student, work, to many others.  To see the general visa requirements, check with you’re nearest consular of the country you’re traveling to.

But some of the common visa requirements for most embassies include;

• Proof of a booked air ticket; round trip . If you haven’t booked your flight ticket yet, compare the prices of different flights with Skyscanner to choose the best deal.
• Proof of hotel booking . The country you’re traveling to wants to be sure that you already have where to stay when you reach their country. Not sure where to stay while in an absolutely new country, book your ideal hotel with booking.com or Hotelscombined to enjoy endless deals on discounted hotel rooms.
• A copy of your bank statement . Are you able to take care of yourself while in a foreign country? The embassy will always require a bank statement to gauge whether you can actually survive in their country. The embassy usually states the minimum amount that should be on your bank account for a certain period of time to be eligible to enter their country. (Pease note that this depends on the passport you’re holding and where you’re traveling to).
• Yellow fever Card . Even though a yellow fever card is mandatory in some countries, some of them do not require it. So, again, check with the embassy requirements to see if it’s needed.

Make a research about the country you’re traveling to

The best way to know about the country you’re traveling to is by making extensive research. You don’t want to be shocked on the first day you land in a new country.

It is wise to at least know some of the basics of the country from their culture, dressing code, food to the cost of living.

If you’re a budget traveler, you may want to read this post that shows  how to travel on a budget .

Come up with an itinerary

I know some travelers are all about being spontaneous but having an itinerary can save you a lot of time and money by making you more organized.

Design an itinerary depending on your interests. This can be from visiting  Unesco World Heritage Sites , national parks to big European cities.

Not sure which activities to go for in a certain country,  click on this link  to select activities you want to do based on the area or country you’re traveling to.

Related posts:  Step by step guide to planning a trip Must have free travel apps that work offline

First time flying tips on your flight date

As a first time traveler, you might be asking yourself; how do I prepare for my first flight?

Some of the things to know when flying for the first time on your flight date are endless but we are going to look at the most important ones like when to arrive at the airport, airport check-in process, what to do when you get to the airport and all the general airport tips and hacks.

Packing tips

Don’t carry luggage that weighs more than what the airline allows unless you’re willing to pay for the extra kgs.

The accepted kgs of your luggage are always indicated on your ticket, so be sure to check it to avoid extra fees. You can buy this travel luggage scale to help you weigh your luggage before you go to the airport.

Also, find out what you can bring on a plane and all the hand luggage restrictions.

Every airline has different rules, so check with your airline to see what you can take in your hand luggage and the carry on luggage weight acceptable.

In that same manner, find out what you can take into a certain country and what you can’t. There are a number of packing lists online to help you know what to pack and below are some that you can check out.

• Packing list for Africa
• Packing list for Egypt + what to wear in Egypt
• Things to pack in your carry on
• Packing list for Paris in winter
• Ski trip packing list
• Europe in winter packing list
• Hostel packing list
• Beach packing list
• Packing list for a weekend getaway

What to wear on a plane

Wear comfortable clothes while flying. By comfortable, I don’t mean high heels or jungle boots but rather sweat pants, a comfortable pair of jeans, a t-shirt, or a really comfortable top are ideal.

Some of the comfortable clothes you can wear on a plane include;

• These kinds  of sweatpants
• Leggings – every girl traveler needs a pair of  these cute and comfortable leggings
• Warm and compression socks  – ones you can keep on during the flight if you choose to take off your shoes.
• A  warm fleece  and a  large scarf  – it gets cold in the plane.
• A pair of comfortable shoes –  this pair of sneakers  always does it for me.

Wear easy-to-remove shoes. As you go through the security check at the airport, you’re going to have to take off your shoes a couple of times.

So instead of wearing gladiator shoes will endless shoelaces to untie, opting for flip flops  or  sneakers  is a better choice.

Pro tip:  Make sure you don’t have smelly feet or shoes as you don’t want to be embarrassed at the airport when you take off your shoes. But if you do, worry not,  this fungus treatment  will heal the smelly feet before your big trip.

Forego the belt if you can or wear clothes that don’t require one. While going through security, you’re required to remove your belt every now and then. So, if you don’t want to be inconvenienced, just do away with it.

While still at the point of packing, there are some travel essentials you should not leave behind as you travel. Below are some of them.

Travel Essentials you should never leave home. –  A universal travel adapter : Since different countries use different adapters, I’d advise you to buy one universal travel adapter to cater for all regions. You can  buy one from here  if you don’t have it yet. –  A power Bank : One of the things you should never leave behind while traveling is the Powerbank! Phones have now become a great deal of our lives that we need to use them for so many important things. So take a power bank with you so that you don’t run out of battery.  This power bank   is small, light, and has the capability to charge your phone and other devices multiple times. – Microfibre travel towel  – I always opt for  this microfibre travel towel  because it is super lightweight, easy to wash, and dries easily. –  First Aid kit : Regardless of where you’re traveling to, you’ll need to pack a First Aid kit for emergencies that might arise while traveling. Remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure that the one you pack has all the essentials and that it is small and light enough to fit in any kind of suitcase/ backpack.  This first aid kit   actually fits all the qualities mentioned above plus it is really cheap for what it offers. –  Collapsible water bottle : I always prefer carrying a water bottle while traveling so that I can just refill it when I run out of water. It also helps be a responsible traveler since you won’t have to use tones of disposable plastic bottles which are not great for our environment. Any water bottle can work but I prefer  this collapsible one  as it doesn’t take a lot of space in my bag.

First time flyer Airport tips

•  Reach at the airport 2 hours before your flight time if it’s an international flight and 1 hour before if it’s a domestic one.  You’ve probably heard this countless times but it’s not just the excitement of a first flyer that should make you be at the airport early but also the fear of missing your flight.
• Check your ticket to confirm the terminal where your flight is to be. For big airports, make sure that your taxi driver drops you off at the exact terminal, or else you’re bound to waste a lot of time looking for your terminal or even “get lost” and eventually lose your flight.
• Be sure to have your passport, ticket, and all the necessary documents at all times. You can buy this this travel neck pouch to help you keep your travel documents organised.
•  Use the screens in the airport to locate your check-in point so that you don’t end up at the wrong counter when the check-in time reaches.
• Ask for help from the airport officials. If anything goes wrong or you’re not sure of where to go, don’t panic; politely ask the airport staff for help and they will be at your service.
• Reach the check-in point on time.
• Request for a window seat at check-in. (that is if you want to enjoy the outside views from the plane). While at check-in, you’re given an option to choose the seat you want (if the attendant is generous enough to ask).
• When you’re given your boarding pass, memorize the gate number you’ll use to access the plane.
• Head to your departure gate and keep an ear out for any announcements related to your flight.
• Be sure that the boarding pass is with you at all times as it’s what you’ll use to board the plane. You can check out more airport tips from here .

Related post: How to pack light when traveling

First time flight: Tips for when you board the airplane

• Only sit on the seat number allocated to you on your boarding pass. Seat numbers look like 35A, 1B, & 27C and they are always located on the overhead bin above the plane seats.
• Place your hand luggage in the overhead bin, if it’s a small handbag or purse, place it under the seat in front of you.  Now you can sit and get comfortable.
• Fasten your seat belt and wait for further instructions from the flight attendants.
• You will be given instructions on what to do in case of an emergency but don’t panic, that is the routine for all flights, not that something bad is anticipated to happen.
•  If you are a nervous flyer, I recommend you don’t look outside the window until you get comfortable otherwise you might get more nervous. Regardless of how fun flying on a plane is, I’ve found it a bit scary a couple of times to look outside the window.
• Flying can get boring, more so if the flight is for long hours, so don’t just sit there: you can read a book, watch a movie if the plane you’re in has that provision, write if you’re a writer or a blogger or just sleep to kill the boredom.
• Wake up to watch the sunrise. If you traveled in the wee hours of the night, wake up to see the sunrise. The sunrise on a plane is one of the best sunrises you’ll ever see, so if you’re up for it- don’t miss out on it.
•  Don’t be scared of Airplane Turbulence -“bumping of the airplane during the flight.” Chances are high that you’ll experience airplane turbulence but don’t freak out as this is absolutely normal especially when the weather is not so good. I have to be honest, I freaked out on my first flight because of this. However scary it might seem, you’re actually not in danger- you’re plane is not going down. Just tighten your seat belt if you had removed it before.

Even after following all those guidelines above, there are other unwritten airplane etiquettes that you should be aware of as a first-time flyer.

How do you calm your nerves when flying? 

• Try to fall asleep so that you don’t hear the bumping of the plane.
• Watch an interesting movie that takes away your concentration from the turbulence.
•  Don’t be uncomfortable in silence; the flight attendants are there to serve you, so if you have anything you want to know, just ask and help will be on its way.
• Chew gum or sweets. First-time flights can be exciting but complicated too. My first-time flight experience was rather painful as I had constant ear pain almost half the entire flight. What was the cause?  The difference between the air pressure inside the inner ear and the pressure outside. Normally, the pressure in the inside inner ear is equal to the outside pressure, but due to the rapid change of altitude while flying, there is an imbalance that causes ear pain. How do you make sure it doesn’t happen to you?  Chew gum. Chewing gum helps equalize the air pressure in the inside inner ear and that of the outside pressure.

Lastly, have fun.  Forget the anxiety and pain and enjoy the flight. You’re never gonna have another first-time flight experience, so forego all the distractions and enjoy all that comes with flying.

Related posts: Things not to do when you travel How to stay safe while traveling

First-time flyer: Tips for when you leave the plane.

• The first thing to do when you board off the plane is to locate where your baggage is being dropped. Chances are high that you don’t know where, so use the direction arrows and screens in the airport to locate the cargo drop-off area for your plane. Again if you can’t locate it, ask for help from the airport staff.
• After getting your luggage, locate the customs area to get the necessary stamps to let you enter and stay in their country.
• Get an airport cab if you didn’t arrange for airport pick up and begin your adventures.
• Have fun, loosen up, be smart, stay safe, enjoy your trip to a new country, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures.

Check out this post to discover more  travel tips and hacks  that will help you as a first-time traveler.

Are you planning to take your first trip overseas or it’s your first time flying, I hope these tips were helpful.

Did you have a fun or weird experience during your first time on a plane? I would love to read your experiences and don’t forget to share with others that may need these tips.

More travel tips to help you plan your trip

• Camping tips for beginners
• Hiking tips for beginners
• Backpacking tips for beginners
• Backpacking hacks you need to know

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31 First Time Flying Tips: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Flight [2024]

• Updated January 28, 2024
• Posted in Travel Planning
• Tagged as Airplane Travel , Travel Organization

Welcome! If you’re about to embark on your first-ever flight, congratulations! Air travel can be an exciting and rewarding experience, opening up a world of new possibilities.

It’s natural, however, to feel a little anxious or uncertain, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the ins and outs of flying.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve gathered 31 invaluable first time flying tips to help make your journey as smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable as possible!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links , which just means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!

Table of Contents

Planning Tips

Airport tips, money saving tips, entertainment tips, relaxation tips, our first time flying tips, 1. pack light.

We recommend weighing your checked luggage before leaving the house. Most airlines charge for any type of checked bag , and some airlines even charge for carry-on luggage.

It’s best to head over to the airline’s specific website to check the weight and size restrictions. When checking luggage, it’s very important to make sure you don’t exceed the weight restriction.

• Weigh your bag at home (or even while on vacation) using a luggage scale ( we prefer digital )!!
• Tip: If your bag exceeds the weight limit, redistribute some of the items between your checked and carry-on luggage.

2. Check the TSA Guidelines

• Check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for what is allowed in your carry-on luggage.
• Know what you can check vs carry on the airplane
• Pack your carry-on with extra clothing, toiletries, and medications (in case luggage is lost)
• Know the liquid restrictions: all liquids must be packaged in a 3.4oz container inside a quart-sized bag.

Knowing the TSA guidelines will save you time and prevent any unnecessary hold-ups at security.

3. Avoid Black Luggage

We’ve found that more colorful bags are, not only unique, but easier to recognize and keep track of in the airport.

For bags that you plan on checking, traveling is much simpler when your bags aren’t easily confused with other similar looking luggage. And most checked bags, from our experience, seem to be a darker color.

Don’t own colorful luggage? There are some ways to make your black bag stand out!

• Try using a brightly colored luggage strap
• Tie a colored ribbon to the handle

4. Choose Your Seat Wisely

If you choose the wrong seat, your flight may not be as enjoyable. Deciding on a seat where you can catch beautiful scenic views or one where you can stretch your legs can have a huge impact on your trip.

• For a short flight: choose the window seat for the views!
• For a longer flight: choose an aisle seat for that extra leg room!

5. Research Your Airline’s Policies

Every airline has their own set of rules and policies regarding baggage fees, flight changes, and cancellations. Become familiar with these so you aren’t surprised at the airport by any unexpected expenses.

Here are some things (not an exhaustive list) that you can research beforehand:

• Baggage Allowance (Number of bags, size restrictions, baggage fees)
• Check-in options
• Boarding zones/processes
• Security guidelines by TSA
• Complimentary services provided by airline (meals, entertainment, Wi-Fi)

6. Consider Wearing Compression Socks

Compression socks are designed to improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. This is done by applying gradual pressure to your legs and helping to move blood back up to your heart.

During a flight, the reduced air pressure and limited mobility can cause blood to pool in your legs, leading to swelling and discomfort. I’ve found that wearing compression socks (particularly on longer flights > 5 hours) makes a big difference in how my legs feel.

You most likely can find the compression socks you need online or at your local pharmacy. If you have any circulatory disorder, however, we recommend consulting with your doctor first!

7. Pack Valuables/Essentials in Carry-On Luggage

We always keep our passport, ID, travel documents, medicine, electronics, an extra pair of clothes, and any valuable items in our carry-on.

In case our checked baggage gets lost or delayed (which rarely happens, but you never know), having these essentials with us means we can still carry on without much hassle.

It’ll make your trip much more enjoyable!

8. Keep Your Passport, ID, and Boarding Pass Readily Accessible

It’s really important to keep your passport, ID, and boarding pass readily accessible to ensure a smooth check-in process .

Having these documents close by also allows for a quick response to unexpected situations and easy proof of identity and travel authorization .

I found these super cute passport holders that I carry with us whenever we travel! I love how they have a place to hold our COVID-19 vaccinations card as well.

9. Keep Track of Lost Luggage

Consider investing in an AirTag if loosing luggage is a fear of yours.

What is an AirTag?

• Small tracking device developed by Apple that you can attach to your luggage to keep track of its location
• The Find My app on your iPhone or iPad can be used to locate the AirTag on your luggage
• Lost Mode can be enabled in the Find My app, allowing you to see the last known location of your AirTag on a map and receive alerts when its location is updated
• If your lost luggage with AirTag is found, the AirTag can be scanned with an iPhone or NFC-enabled device to view your contact information

10. Arrive Early

If it’s your first time flying, arriving early at the airport can help reduce any stress and anxiety. Unexpected delays, like long lines for check-in or security, can occur, so it’s wise to give yourself extra time to handle them without worrying about missing your flight.

• Arrive at least 1-2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights.
• Arrive 3 hours before your scheduled departure time for international flights.
• Airlines start boarding about 30 minutes before departure.

By arriving early, you’ll give yourself enough time to navigate the airport, find your gate, and get settled before boarding begins.

11. Check in Online

Checking in online before your first flight can help make the check-in process at the airport smoother and less stressful. When you check in online, you can usually select your seat and print your boarding pass ahead of time , which can save you time and hassle at the airport.

Typically, you can check in starting 24 hours before boarding time. Go to the specific airline’s website and follow the prompts. It will guide you through the process! To save time, check in online!

If you choose to check in online, you should still be early for your flight. You don’t want to risk missing your departure time!

12. Use the Restroom before Boarding

We strongly recommend that you use the restroom prior to boarding.

This is something that we do before all flights, even if we don’t have to go to the bathroom at that time. Since you’re going to want to stay hydrated on your flight, using the bathroom prior to boarding may help lessen the number of times you have to go in flight.

If your flight is short, you may be in luck and not even have to use the plane’s restroom.

If you do need to go on board, you won’t be able to use the restroom immediately. You’ll have to wait until the plane has taken off, leveled off, and the pilot has turned of the seat belt sign.

13. Sign Up For Frequent Flyer Programs

Signing up for frequent flyer programs is a great idea, especially since it’s usually a free perk!

Frequent Flyer Program Perks:

• Earn points or miles for flights and redeem them for free travel or upgrades
• Priority services
• Access to airport lounges
• Special promotions

If you’re a loyal customer, you can quickly earn points or miles towards your next flight. If you tend to price shop, it’ll take a bit longer to redeem points for any travel upgrades.

14. Book Flights in Advance

The earlier you book your flights, the cheaper they tend to be. We also like to book our trips earlier so we can secure our preferred travel dates and destinations.

While we book our trips over a year in advance, we recommend booking any domestic flight 2-3 months in advance and any international trips 6 months in advance to get the best deals.

15. Use Price Comparison Websites

When we’re looking for the best deals on flights, hotels, and other travel services, we find using price comparison websites extremely helpful.

These websites gather information from different airlines, hotels, and travel agencies, making it easy for us to compare prices and find the most affordable options . It saves us a lot of time and effort , as we can quickly see the prices from multiple sources all in one place!

They also offer additional features like flexible date searches and fare alerts , which are really useful when we’re trying to find the best deals.

Price Comparison Websites To Try:

16. Fly Budget Airlines

Opting to fly with budget airlines, such as JetBlue, Southwest, or Spirit Airlines can be a smart choice if you’re looking to save money.

• More affordable ticket prices
• Customizable ticket options
• Fewer in-flight amenities
• Reduced legroom
• Stricter baggage allowance
• Additional fees may apply for services like seat selection or checked baggage

For short flights, flying budget airlines may be a good choice . For longer trips, you may want to opt for an airline that offers some more amenities and better leg room.

17. Pack Snacks

Bringing your own snacks on board a plane can help you save money, ensure that you have access to food that you like, and make your flight more comfortable and enjoyable.

Depending on the airline and the length of your flight, options for in-flight meals and snacks can be limited . Airline food is also not the healthiest . The food can be high in salt, sugar, and preservatives.

Lastly, food in the airport and in-flight can be pricey . If you’re looking for a budget-friendly travel tip, we recommend packing your own snacks and not purchasing the over priced airport food.

In-flight Snack Options:

• Granola bars
• Dried fruit
• Food without nuts (Passengers on-board may have a nut allergy)

18. Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card

When you use a travel rewards credit card for your flight purchases, you can e arn points, miles, or cash back that can be redeemed for various travel-related expenses . By using the card for everyday expenses and paying off the balance in full each month, you can accumulate rewards quickly.

Before choosing a travel rewards credit card, compare the available options and consider factors such as annual fees, interest rates, rewards programs, and any additional perks offered.

Look for cards that align with your travel preferences and offer rewards that are valuable to you.

19. Use Points to Pay for Your Flight

Many airlines and credit card companies offer reward programs that allow you to accumulate points or miles based on your spending or travel activities. These points can then be redeemed to cover the cost of your flight.

Before booking your flight, check if you have any accumulated points or miles that can be used towards the ticket price . Most airlines have loyalty programs that offer various benefits, including the ability to use points for flights. You can also explore credit cards that offer travel rewards and sign-up bonuses, which can help you earn points more quickly.

Using points to pay for your flight can save you a significant amount of money , especially if you’ve been accumulating points over time.

20. Bring a Book or E-Reader

Bringing a book or e-reader on your flight is a good way to keep yourself entertained and makes time go by faster. It’s also a great way to take your mind off of any nervousness you might feel about flying.

If you forget your favorite novel, you can probably buy a magazine or book from one of the shops in the airport (unless you’re flying at odd hours) .

If you’re looking to save money, bringing your own book is the way to go!

21. Download Movies and/or TV Shows Before Your Flight

Many airlines offer in-flight entertainment, but it’s always a good idea to have backup entertainment options.

Before your trip, use streaming platforms like Netflix , Amazon Prime Video , or Disney+ to download your favorite movies or TV shows onto your device. This way, you won’t have to rely on an internet connection or the in-flight entertainment system to enjoy your preferred content.

Remember to charge your device fully before the flight and bring any necessary chargers or power banks to keep your device powered throughout the journey!

22. Listen to Music or Podcasts

Before your flight, create a playlist of your favorite songs or podcasts that you’ve been wanting to listen to. Music can be uplifting and help relax your mind, while podcasts can be informative or entertaining.

Using your own headphones , you can escape into the world of music or immerse yourself in interesting podcast episodes.

It’s a great way to engage yourself during the flight and distract from any nervousness or anxiety you may have about flying.

23. Bring Your Own Headphones

Most airlines provide headphones for in-flight entertainment, but they may not be the most comfortable or have the best sound quality. By bringing your own headphones, you can enjoy your favorite music, movies, or shows with better sound clarity and a more personalized experience.

If possible, I recommend using over-ear or noise-canceling headphones . They can help block out the noise of the aircraft and create a more immersive and enjoyable audio experience. If you prefer earbuds, make sure they fit well and provide good sound quality.

• Be prepared for the two-pin socket utilized by most aircrafts . For this reason, you’ll probably need to invest in a converter if you plan to using your own headphones with the aircraft’s inflight entertainment system.

24. Avoid Ear Pain

The change in air pressure can cause pressure to build up in the ears, resulting in discomfort or even pain.

Ways to relieve ear discomfort:

• Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can really help.
• Yawn or swallow frequently during takeoff and landing to keep the Eustachian tubes open and release the pressure
• Valsalva maneuver : Pinch your nostrils and gently blow air through your nose
• Earplugs designed for flying that can help regulate the air pressure in your ears
• Stay hydrated to prevent dryness and ear discomfort

25. Combat Anxiety

If you’re feeling anxious about flying, you’re not alone! Do some relaxation exercises before flying to help yourself feel calmer.

• Deep breathing
• Visualization exercises as a form of meditation
• Distraction techniques – reading a book, listening to music, watching a moving during the flight

If your anxiety is more severe, you may want to consider talking to your doctor or a mental health professional about therapy and/or medication options.

26. Know The Trick to Jet Lag

Jet lag occurs when you quickly travel to a new time zone, causing fatigue and insomnia. Nothing is worse than getting to your destination and being completely exhausted.

When traveling to new time zones, our internal clocks get mixed up, partially due to a difference in the exposure of light. One way to alleviate this is by getting outside soon after flying.

Exposure to daylight reduces melatonin that is produced, a natural hormone that makes you sleepy when released. By effecting the release of melatonin, sunlight exposure can help you stick to the schedule in your new time zone.

There are also melatonin products that you can help to help you sleep if you’re struggling to do so.

Also, it’s important to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make jet lag worse!

27. Dress Comfortably

It’s very rare that I “dress to impress” when flying. Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes can greatly enhance your travel experience.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing so you can easily move around and get comfortable on the plane
• Wear comfortable shoes ! You’ll need a pair of shoes that can easily be taken on and off to go through security, but you should also be prepared to walk long distances through the airport
• And layer! The temperature on airplanes always vary. Be sure to carry a lightweight jacket in case you’re cold.

28. Stay Hydrated

Airplanes can be dehydrating, so be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Whenever we fly, I like to bring an empty water bottle with me. Once we get through the security line, I can fill up my bottle at the next water fountain.

Not only will this save you money in the airport, but it will also come in handy when cruising and just traveling in general. I’ve trialed several types of water bottles and have found ones that are lighter weight , can be clipped or attached , and portable the most convenient for vacations. I even found one that is collapsible and will easily fit inside of book bags and purses!

Travel tip: Bring an empty water bottle to fill up once you pass security.

29. Listen to the Safety Briefing

Listening to the safety briefing on the airplane can help calm your nerves during a flight, especially if this is your first time flying!

When the flight attendants begin the briefing, make a conscious effort to pay attention and follow along. They will provide important information about the safety features of the aircraft and the procedures to follow in case of an emergency.

By familiarizing yourself with these details, you’ll gain a better understanding of the safety measures in place, which can help alleviate any anxiety or fear you may have.

30. Use a Calming App

If you’re flying for the first time and are experiencing some anxiety, you can try downloading a calming app to your phone to promote relaxation. The apps offer guided meditations, soothing sounds, and/or breathing exercises that are designed specifically for stress reduction.

Some apps you can download are:

• Flying with Claustrophobia

31. Bring a Neck Pillow and Blanket

There’s nothing worse than being cold or uncomfortable on a flight. A good idea is to bring some versatile pieces, like a sarong , that can be used as a blanket and re-worn outdoors.

An extra pair of socks is also nice to have. In addition to the compression socks, why not bring some big and fluffy socks to keep your toes warm?! This is especially helpful on those really long flights!

We hope these first time flying tips will relieve any anxiety and nervous energy you may be experiencing. Have fun and safe travels!

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And please do me a little favor and share this article with others, for there’s a good chance that it will help them with their travels !

First Time Flying Tips FAQ’s

What must you do 30 minutes before a flight.

Before a flight, there are important tasks to complete around 30 minutes prior to departure. Check-in, go through security, keep your boarding pass and ID accessible, arrive at the boarding gate, inquire about seat availability, prepare your carry-on items, and stay updated on any announcements.

Arriving early and allowing extra time is crucial for a smooth travel experience.

Do I really need to arrive 2 hours before a flight?

The recommended arrival time before a flight is generally at least 1-2 hours before the scheduled departure time. While it may not always be necessary to arrive a full 2 hours before, it’s still important to allow enough time for check-in, security screening, and potential unforeseen circumstances.

Do I need to print my boarding pass?

Printing your boarding pass is not always necessary. Many airlines now offer electronic boarding passes, which can be accessed and displayed on your smartphone or mobile device. These electronic boarding passes usually include a barcode or QR code that can be scanned at various checkpoints throughout your journey, including security and boarding gates.

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47 First Time Flying Tips: Complete Steps for A Smooth Trip

• 47 First Time Flying Tips:…

Flying for the first time might seem intimidating, but it is not as complicated as it might seem. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tips for first-time travelers to make your experience stress-free and comfortable.

Let’s begin the first time flying tips!

We’ve broken them down into four traveling sections; before your flight, at the airport, in the plane, and after landing, to help you understand each stage of your flight. And now we are ‘ready for take-off!’.

Table of Contents

Before your flight:

1. add your flight to your calendar..

Set the alarm for your flight and include the flight details on your smartphone. Make sure you have the correct date, time, and departure gate. Let others know you will be flying and give all the flight information in case of an emergency. If you book your own flight, make sure to know when to find cheap flights .

2. Create a checklist.

Give yourself some peace of mind and make a checklist of things indispensable for your trip, like chargers, medication, and passports, and a checklist of things you must do at home before leaving, like; closing the garage door, turning off the stove, and taking out the trash.

3. Know your cancelation and travel rights.

Assuming you already purchased your ticket from the best flight booking sites , learn about their cancelation rights, compensation for lost luggage and delays, and moving flight dates. This will come in handy if there are any issues during your flight, be it with your baggage or connecting flight.

4. Check-In from home.

Before the pandemic, check-in at home was optional. Now, most airlines charge a check-in fee if you don’t check-in 24 hours before your flight. In addition, print or take a screenshot to have with you and present at the check-in counter.

5. Baggage requirements.

Know the difference between a personal bag, a carry-on bag, and a check-in bag. A personal bag is like a purse, a carry-on bag is small and fits in the plane’s overhead compartment, and luggage is the heaviest bag that has to be checked in. If you’re traveling with a car seat or a stroller , make sure to check the airline’s policy about it.

6. Weigh your bag.

Each airline has slightly different weight limits on their check-in bags. Know what the limit is with your airline. If you have a connecting flight with another airline, check their bag weight limits too. You might have to pay a price difference at some point during your connection flight if there are any differences in weight limits. You must know what is included in your tickets.

7. Plan for the worst.

Load your carry-on with a change of clothes, medication, supplements, makeup, chargers, items essential for your trip, and priceless possessions in case the airline misplaces or losses your checked-in bag.

8. Pack smart.

Know what is and isn’t allowed on to avoid any issues during the security screening at the airport. For example can you bring a razor on a plane ? Check the TSA list of permitted items on a carry-on and a check-in bag. This list will help you determine what to bring and leave behind and will make the security screening process faster and without incident.

9. Arrive with time to spare.

Allocate enough time for travel and traffic from home to the airport. If traveling internationally, arrive two or three hours before your flight check-in. If you are traveling nationally, an hour or two is enough before check-in. Remember that summer is the busiest traveling time; consider this if you are traveling to a popular destination, and add an hour or two to your check-in time to avoid losing your time while waiting in line.

10. Wear comfy clothes.

Don’t hold up the line at security screenings; keep it minimal and practical by wearing comfortable clothing. Things like necklaces, lace-up boots, fashion statements, excessive jewelry, and complicated outfits will delay you and others at the security screening points.

11. Secure your travel documents.

Pack the pertinent travel documentation and ensure all your traveling documents are in order before leaving your house. Use a passport and travel organizer to secure essential documents in one place. Keep it attached to your carry-on bag.

12. Snacks for the trip.

Pack sealed snacks such as chips, baked goods, bread, solid homemade meals, and fruits. Here is s list of foods acceptable on a plane. Be mindful of others and bring food that is not smelly or messy, like tuna or soups. Keep your snacks simple.

13. Items to declare.

If you travel from abroad into the U.S.A. or the other way around, you will be provided a customs declaration form. You must fill out a declaration form and provide it at customs. Because all airports and aircraft are different, ask an airport staff or a police guard to point you in the right direction. These include baby carriers, baby formula, car seats, golf tour bags, snowboards, technical instruments, cash, and expensive gifts, among other things.

14. Carry an empty water bottle.

Water bottles with water are not acceptable through the security screening checkpoint; however, you can always refill them once inside the airport gates.

15. Choose a ride to the airport.

Plan your ride to the airport ahead of time. If you take a car, keep the parking ticket somewhere you will remember. Also, allocate time for the shuttle bus to take you to your gate since it can take time from your flight check-in. If hiring a car service, ensure rides are available close to your location.

16. Mark your bags.

Add tags, stickers, or anything else you can use to identify your travel bag at the conveyor belt and avoid mistakenly taking the wrong bag. If you want to tighten the privacy of your things, add a key or combination lock to your check-in bag.

17. Bring your entertainment.

Examples of things to pack are an e-reader, card game, notepad and pen, downloaded movies, laptop, tablet, or anything else you use to stay distracted. Charge your electronics before your flight to use them throughout your flight.

18. Get comfy.

Planes are uncomfortable. If you are going on a long flight, bring a neck pillow, blanket, blindfold, warm socks, or anything that helps you sleep and relax. The traveling process is already stressful, so it’s good to catch a few hours of sleep while you can.

19. Don’t overpack.

You are responsible for bringing back everything you pack. So do yourself a favor and pack the absolutely necessary and leave space for souvenirs and anything else you buy along your trip.

20. Anxiety, medication, and cabin pressure.

If you take anxiety medication, keep your prescription with you and any other medication you need. In addition, drink water, chew gum, or swallow saliva constantly to avoid the effects of cabin pressure on your ears. If you feel sick, let the airplane staff know, they will help you nurse your flying symptoms.

21. Check pandemic requirements.

While most countries have returned to somewhat normal activities, it’s essential to be informed of the COVID-19 restrictions of the country you are departing from and arriving. In addition, the airline you are traveling with should have information on their website about the requirements of the country you are traveling to.

At the airport:

22. find your check-in counter..

Check-in your bags and find your gate. The airline staff will point you to your gate and give you any information you need for your trip. If you have questions about your trip, COVID-19 restrictions, or connecting flight, this is the right place to ask them. If you’re flying with a lap infant , you might be able to ask the staff for a seat with empty seat next to it.

23. Keep your things with you at all times.

Don’t leave your things, bags, or documents unattended or trust them to others. On that same note, don’t lend your things or hold items for people you don’t know. Finally, if you find unattended bags or suspicious-looking items left behind, don’t pick them up. Instead, report them to the airport staff.

24. Not the place for jokes.

Don’t make inappropriate jokes about the safety of the plane, airport, or your fellow passengers while at the airport or during security screening. No matter how well-meaning you think you are, airport security takes any mention of compromised security seriously.

25. Be ready for the security screening.

When you approach the security screening line, pay attention to the instructions from the staff. Be cooperative. This is why dressing comfortably is practical and packing only the essentials is important, so you don’t take a long time and hogg the line.

Once done, ensure all your belongings and travel documents are in your possession from the trays. Then, make an inventory of the things you took off and the things you got back. If something is missing is probably being inspected by the security staff. You might be pulled to the side and asked questions about it. This is part of the security screening procedures.

26. Find your gate.

If you arrive early, your gate might still need to be announced. Keep an eye on the monitors inside the airport to find the right gate using your flight code. As soon as your gate is announced, head that way. Stay within your gate area and check the flight monitor regularly to see if the gate designated for your flight has changed last minute.

27. Fill up your water bottle.

Once you pass the security screening and are closer to your gate, find a water fountain to fill up your drink.

28. Take a bathroom break.

Airplane bathrooms are small and uncomfortable. Instead, use the restroom at the airport before your flight.

29. Charge your electronics.

Most airplanes have weak power charging stations. So save your battery for the flight or charge your electronics while you wait for your flight at airport charging stations.

30. Last chance to shop.

Ideally, you would get all your snacks outside the airport since it’s more expensive once inside. But things happen, so this will be your last chance to buy snacks, coffee, gum, books, or magazines or check out the duty-free area.

In the plane:

31. board with your zone..

Wait until your boarding zone is announced to get in line to board. The boarding zone will be printed on your ticket. There is an order of things that flows easily if everyone follows the instructions. Avoid waiting in the wrong line by paying attention to the instructions from the flight attendants at the check-in counter.

32. Find your seat.

Make sure you find the right seat. If you didn’t buy a seat with your ticket, you will be given a randomly assigned seat. Ask the flight attendants to help determine if you have a window, middle, or hallway seat.

Some facts about seats for your next trip: economy class usually has 31 in seat pitch, premium economy offers 38 in, and business class boasts 55 in. More about this in our articles:

• Economy vs Premium Economy
• Business Class vs Premium Economy

33. Emergency seats.

If you are assigned a door seat, you need to be mentally and physically capable of following through with the emergency procedures. If you are not ready to assume these responsibilities, let the stewardess know immediately before the flight.

34. Stow away your carry-on bag.

No matter how compact your carry-on is, it has to be in your overhead compartment. Be mindful when loading your things to avoid hitting anyone with your bag when pulling it up or bringing it down. If you see a person struggling to get their bags in the compartment, offer help, this will help the line move along faster.

35. Personal bags go under the seat.

Keep your personal bag under the seat in front of you and keep the walkway tidy for your fellow passengers.

36. Listen to the safety talk.

The stewardess will give a safety talk showing you what to do in an emergency. You must understand the information that she is providing. Read the safety sheet on the backrest before you and obey the seat belt signs.

37. Practice plane etiquette.

Your seat is your personal space. Keep your space tidy. Make conversation if the person next to you is willing to talk. Wear headphones or earbuds to listen to music or watch a movie. Turn off your light at night. If you are traveling with kids, watch them and ensure they don’t physically invade the space of passengers around them.

38. Stretch often.

Keep your blood pumping by doing proper stretches on your seat or walking around the plane every hour if it’s a long flight. You can do many exercises that don’t require you to move from your seat.

39. Recline with caution.

Be mindful of you the person behind you. Even though seats are meant to recline, some people may physically struggle, and having a person recline might confine them to their chair. If you decide to recline up or down, take a moment to look back at the person behind you and do so slowly to give them time to prepare.

40. Alcohol consumption.

The airplane staff will closely monitor those who drink to ensure they don’t disrupt other passengers, start conflict, or create an unsafe environment. Then, the airplane staff can decide if they will stop serving you alcohol and if any other safety measure needs to be taken. Know your limits if you are going to indulge in a drink. Don’t be the drunk passenger on the plane.

41. Respect the flight attendants.

Flight attendants are professionally trained to keep passengers comfortable and safe, among other tasks. They are not maids; treat them with respect.

After landing:

42. don’t leave anything behind..

Do an inventory of your things to ensure you take all your belongings. If you leave any items behind, contact your flight’s airline to report the missing items. The airline will work with you to help you recover them.

43. Don’t push and shove.

The plane disembarks by zones; wait until it’s your turn to get out. Let the ones ahead of you come out before pushing your way through the line. Remember to hold your bags in front of you as you exit the plane to avoid those who are sitting hitting others with them.

44. Connecting flights.

If you have a connecting flight, look at the flight monitors and find your next gate. If you are having issues finding your way ask the airport staff or find your airline’s customer service desk so they can help you be on your way. If an issue with your flight causes you to be late for your connecting flight, go to the airline’s counter, and they will help you fix your problem. This is where your travel insurance and knowing your travel come in handy.

45. Go to baggage claim.

If it’s a national flight, pick up your bags at baggage claim and exit the airport to your destination. However, if it’s an international flight, you must claim your baggage, stop at customs, return the customs declaration forms, and then cross the last baggage check-up.

46. Double check you have the right bag.

Don’t make the mistake of picking up someone else’s bag. Instead, look for the tags you used to identify your bags. If you happen to take someone else’s bag, report it to the airline and return it. If the airline losses or delays your bag, report it at the baggage claim office.

47. Remove airplane tags.

This is the last tip that will prepare you for your next flight but remove any airplane tags from your bags to avoid confusion on your next trip.

In conclusion

Remember, everyone had to fly for the first time at some point, and you might be one of many doing so that day. It will be nerve-wracking and stressful, no matter how prepared you are.

Embrace the challenge, stick to these tips, ask for help if you need to and consider that you are one of many traveling somewhere unknown for the first time; you are not alone.

Related Articles

• Airport Check In: Your 38 Most Asked Questions Answered
• Getting Your Luggage During a Layover: Here’s How
• Business Class vs Premium Economy: Worth The Cost?
• When to Find Cheap Flights – 18 Tips to Get Cheap Tickets
• 12 Best Booking Sites for Flights: Kiwi, Skyscanner, & More

Author:  Arietza Contreras

Arietza C. Camargo was born in Mexico, lived in Houston, TX, and currently resides in Split, Croatia. Arie has a degree in Occupational Safety and Hygiene but discovered her love for writing soon after working in that field. She founded her current blog (Arietza.com) and began a career as a content writer. Today, she is a lifestyle and travel blogger and content writer.

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41 Useful First Time Flyers Tips: How to be Prepared (2023)

Whether you’re flying for the first time with your family, friends, or solo, navigating an airport can be both incredibly exciting and stressful-inducing. However, the most important thing to remember is that we’ve all been there at some point in our lives and it’s going to be okay! To make sure your experience is as smooth as possible, here are my 41 best first time flyers tips for everything from searching for flights to getting off the plane at your final destination .

Table of Contents

• Travel Essentials to Pack

What to Do the Day Before Departure

Tsa tips for first time flyers, what should a beginner do at the airport.

• How to Board the Plane

What to Expect Flying for the First Time

Is flying for the first time scary.

• Tips for First Time Flyers With Anxiety

What to Do When the Plane Lands

• Wrap-Up: Best First Time Flyers Tips (2023)

Traveling Soon? Here Are the Travel Resources I Use!

🏡 Accommodations: I always use Booking.com and Hostelworld ✈️ Flights: I find the best deals on StudentUniverse & Skyscanner 🗺️ Travel Insurance: I suggest Safetywing as an affordable option 🤿 Tours & Experiences: I love to use Viator 🚗 Car Rentals : I recommend DiscoverCars for all your rental car needs! 📱 E-Sim: The company I’ve had the most positive experiences with is Airalo Use code ‘KRISTI7012’ for extra $3 off your ESIM from Airalo!

41 Useful First Time Flyers Tips (2023)

The first step of every airport journey is booking your flight. Two flight search engines I highly recommend are Skyscanner and StudentUniverse . If you haven’t heard of StudentUniverse, you can read my in-depth review of StudentUniverse to help you decide whether you want to use them.

1. Check Airline Luggage Restrictions

As you shop around for the best flight tickets, it’s important to always check the airline’s luggage policies. Being aware of the restrictions and ensuring your luggage is compliant both in terms of size dimensions and weight limitations will help you avoid any unwanted surprises or fees. The first time I solo-traveled, I didn’t think to do this because I genuinely thought that there were universal sizes for carry-on and checked suitcases. I mean, you think this would be the case!? Unfortunately, I found out by way of a surprise $100 added fee that this was not the case. Thus, do yourself a favor and check luggage restrictions and weigh your bag at home! Trust me, it’s better to spend a few minutes searching for a tape measure and scale in the back drawer than handing airport staff your credit card 🙃

PRO TIP: If you’re flying with more than one airline, be sure to check the luggage policies of each airline! Budget airlines are notoriously strict!

Quick Guide to Luggage Sizes

• Personal bag or item: Typically a small purse, handbag, or school-size backpack that can be stored underneath the seat in front of you. There is no weight limit for your personal bag, unless otherwise specified by the airline.
• Carry-on bag or hand baggage: A smaller suitcase or duffel bag that can be stored in the overhead bins near your seat. Some airlines have no weight restrictions for carry-on bags, while others have strict limits. The main thing to remember is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin by yourself.
• Checked baggage or hold baggage: Large suitcases or pieces of luggage that must be weighed and checked in by airport staff. You won’t have access to checked luggage throughout the flight nor will you take checked bags with you through airport security. Most airlines have a weight restriction of 23 kg or 50 lbs for checked luggage.

2. Make Your Luggage Identifiable

On your carry-on bag and any checked bags, I recommend attaching a luggage tag that has your contact information. These are helpful if you get separated from your luggage and can be great identifiers when you’re picking up your checked bag from baggage claim. With all the madness in the travel industry, a little travel hack is to place an Apple Air Tag inside your checked bag. Airports have been in absolute chaos as of late, so this is one way to get the most up-to-date information on your bag’s whereabouts. Plus, if the airport claims to have lost your checked luggage, you can show them your bag’s location using the Apple air tag, and this can expedite the retrieval process.

If you don’t have a dedicated luggage tag or Apple air tag and don’t plan on buying one, I suggest putting a piece of paper with your contact info inside your luggage.

3. Place Important Travel Documents in Folder

One travel tip that I wish I had discovered back when I was a first time flyer is to use a school folder to keep all my important documents together. I always print and place my housing accommodations paperwork, travel insurance papers, flight info, and any other documents in a nice folder. While it may seem silly to do this when we have smartphones, your phone can be unreliable when you’re in a foreign country and don’t have stable Wi-fi. Furthermore, being organized and knowing where things are is one of the best things you can do to alleviate any airport anxiety. Remember, success favors the prepared…and organize d!

4. Exchange Currency in Advance

If you are traveling abroad to a location with a currency different from your home currency, I strongly recommend exchanging currency at least 3 weeks before your trip. This is because foreign exchange rates at airports and abroad are typically worse than your local home bank. And even in the age of travel credit cards, it’s always a good idea to carry a little bit of cash on you in case of emergencies. Plus, small vendors and taxi drivers oftentimes only accept cash. In general, I recommend getting $100 USD worth of foreign currency per week you’re traveling. When you request money from your bank, it usually takes anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks to arrive via mail. Thus, make sure you give yourself ample time!

First Time Flyers Tips: Travel Essentials to Pack

When it’s a couple of days before your trip, it’s time to start packing! Here are some travel essentials I bring every time I fly and encourage you to as well.

5. Bring a Portable Luggage Scale

In this day and age, it’s all too easy to accidentally overpack or bring a few too many travel souvenirs home. Something that’s been absolutely life-changing for my travels is carrying a portable electric luggage scale. They are super light, easy to use, and help keep you in check. I find them to be especially worth it if you plan on traveling to several destinations in a single trip. Gone are the days of added fees because of overweight bags.

👉 Click to buy the $12 portable electric luggage scale I love to use and highly recommend.

6. Stay Hygienic

With COVID-19 and new variants cropping up seemingly every 6 months, it’s better to be safe than sorry. I recommend bringing a small travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer as well as a pack of anti-bacterial wipes . Airports and planes are quite dirty with the amount of foot traffic they get. Therefore, I like giving myself a little bit of peace of mind by wiping down the seat tray before I set anything that’s mine on it. Furthermore, hand sanitizer is a way to clean up if you have a window seat and don’t want to disturb your seatmates to get to the bathroom.

7. Pack a Portable Battery

One thing that I have found to be incredibly useful over the years is a portable battery for my phone. There have been so many times when I’ve shown up at the airport, and the outlets don’t work. In turn, I spend the entire time trying my best to save my phone’s battery. Plus, some airplanes don’t provide you with outlets, such as those running shorter flights. The worst thing is arriving at a foreign destination and not being sure if you’ll have enough battery power to last until you reach your housing accommodations. Remove the added stress and anxiety of low batteries by investing in a good portable battery.

👉 Buy the same portable battery that I use and recommend. You get two for the price of one, so it’s a steal in my humble opinion 🤠

8. Invest in a Travel Pillow

For those longer flights, or really any flight that you might fall asleep on, it’s so worth investing in a travel pillow. I used to do 10-hour flights without a travel pillow, and even when I had a window seat, I would wake up feeling like death. Sometimes, my neck would be in pain for a couple of days after the flight due to my head whiplashing forward so many times. The lesson learned is to save yourself the pain and get a travel pillow. Your neck will thank you later, and you can use it for car rides, train rides, or pretty much anywhere you might fall asleep.

9. Pack a Light Jacket

Even if you’re headed to a hot and sunny destination, I recommend always carrying a light jacket in your personal bag or backpack. Airplanes get pretty chilly if they’re blasting the air conditioner. If nothing else, they make a decent pillow if you don’t have a proper travel pillow. That being said, your jacket likely can’t keep you warm and serve as a comfortable pillow.

10. Bring Headphones

One of my most valuable first time flyers tips is to always bring headphones or earplugs. If you have noise-canceling headphones, that’s even better. On nearly every flight, there is inevitably always at least one screaming child who makes sleeping a struggle. It’s during times like these you’ll want something to dim the noise, especially if you’re already anxious about flying. Recently, I was on a flight where I kid you not, there were 30 children under the age of 5 on the flight. Literally over a fourth of the passengers on the flight were small children. Never in my life had I been so grateful to have canceling headphones. Even when I’m not trying to sleep, having headphones to block out the external noise from the airplane itself makes the flight experience more enjoyable. Thus, I strongly recommend packing something to help block out the noises.

11. Stay Hydrated

A must-bring item is a reusable water bottle. One of the effects of flying and being at a high altitude is dehydration. Thus, it’s crucial to make an effort to stay hydrated. You can’t go through security with any liquids in your water bottle, so make sure you drink everything or empty it before you head inside the airport. After going through security, I recommend immediately finding a water fountain to refill your bottle up. This way, you won’t forget to do it later and can relax once you reach your boarding gate.

12. Bring Snacks for Provisions

Another tip for first time flyers is to bring a couple of snacks. For example, I always try to pack a few granola bars, a sleeve of crackers, and some mint mentos to chew on. Having snacks also come in handy if your flight is delayed, and you don’t want to pay for overpriced airport food! Just keep in mind that if you’re flying internationally, you may have to declare some food items. If you bring anything that isn’t allowed into the country, like fresh fruits, border control will likely have you throw them out.

NOTE: Don’t forget to pack some gum to help pop your ears during the flight!

13. Personal Entertainment

Since not all flights provide in-flight entertainment, I recommend bringing something to help you pass time. For instance, I like to download 5 or 6 shows from Netflix as well as an audiobook onto my phone at home. Don’t rely on airport Wi-fi to download large files because airport Wi-fi is often slow or has a time limit before they ask you to pay. The worst is when you can connect to the Wi-fi but don’t have internet access, so it feels like quite the tease. To avoid the struggles of airport Wi-fi, just assume that there is none, and that way you’ll be pleasantly surprised if it actually works!

When it’s the day before your flight, I have four first time flyers tips to ensure everything is ready to go!

14. Check-in Online in Advance

A couple of days before your flight departs, your flight provider will often send you an email reminder or two. At this time, I recommend setting some sort of alarm or reminder on your calendar to go off exactly 24 hours before your flight departs. 24 hours before your flight takes off is when most airlines allow you to check-in , and you definitely want to check in as soon as possible. There are three possible benefits of doing this: First, you will receive a move favorable boarding time. Typically, passengers are assigned boarding groups (or zones) based on rewards status and check-in time. The earlier you check-in, the earlier you get to board.

An earlier boarding time also means you’ll have an easier time getting settled in your seat and finding space in the overhead bins for your carry-on bags . If you’re in one of the last boarding groups, overhead bin space becomes limited and you may be forced to store your carry-on bag somewhere far from your seat. In turn, retrieving your carry-on bag can be a massive hassle and take more time.

The last and best reason to check in early is that you may be able to select your seat preference at no additional cost . Normally, you have to pay extra if you want a specific seat. However, a little travel hack is that if you check in immediately, some airlines let passengers without seat preferences pick their desired seat. Knowing where you’ll be sitting can help reduce stress and anxiety, especially if you’re someone who knows they want an aisle or window seat.

15. Send Flight Information to Family

After you check in, it’s always a good idea to send your flight information to a trusted family member or friend. This way someone outside your travel group knows what your general travel plans are and approximately where you are supposed to be at certain times. For example, I always email my parents my flight number and flight departure/arrival time for every flight I take. Even though there is nothing they can really do if something unexpected happens, at least they can track the flight and stay informed. Plus, It can just add an extra layer of peace knowing someone is looking out for you.

✈️ PROTIP: I highly recommend the app Notion for trip planning as it allows you to seamlessly share your travel information with trusted people. Additionally, the app updates in real-time, so all parties can see any changes made to your itinerary.

16. Take a Screenshot of the Ticket

Another first time flyers tip is to always take a screenshot of your ticket. If the airline sends you your boarding pass online, be sure to take a screenshot to ensure that you have it handy in the event you can’t load your email. Remember that airport Wi-fi can be finicky, and you don’t want to accidentally hold up any lines.

17. Know Your Backup Plan

The last thing you should do the day before leaving is make a backup plan. In the hopefully unlikely event something happens, such as your flight being canceled or heavily delayed after you’ve arrived at the airport, come up with a plan of action. It can be anything as simple as making a note on your phone of the customer service number or deciding to hunker down at the airport. Merely knowing what the first step is in the event something unexpected happens will help you remain calm as you evaluate your next step.

Part of the airport security process is having your body checked as well as examining the items in your carry-on bag and personal bag. In my opinion, this is the most dreaded and stressful part of flying. There are usually lots of people, TSA agents are often yelling, and I just want to get through as fast as possible. To make sure you’re prepared and minimize the chances of being yelled at by TSA agents, here are a few first time flyers tips on things you should do before you leave for the airport.

18. Wear a Comfortable Outfit

First, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing something that is comfortable to wear for the duration of your flight. Whether this means jeans, shorts, or sweats, the main thing is that you feel good in them, especially if you have a long-haul flight. No one likes to sit in the same position for long periods of time while wearing restrictive clothes. And if you want to dress to impress someone waiting for you on the other side, remember that you can always change in a bathroom immediately after deplaning at your destination.

Another thing to consider is that the more accessories you wear, the longer it will take for you to go through the TSA security checkpoint. I usually keep it simple and opt to wear some sweats, a regular t-shirt, and a light jacket.

19. Easy to Remove Shoes

Similar to the point above, it’s recommended you wear shoes that are easy to remove. At nearly every airport I’ve been to, TSA staff will ask you to remove your shoes before you walk through their giant scanners. You don’t want to get flustered because people behind you are getting impatient while waiting for you to remove your shoes.

I also highly suggest wearing socks with whatever shoes you pick. If you wear sandals, just know you’ll have to walk around barefoot, and airport floors are absolutely disgusting. Additionally, there’s a good chance your shoes will get stepped on or rolled across by at least one person’s luggage, so bear that in mind as well if you choose to wear your best sneakers.

20. Place Liquids in a Plastic Bag

Part of TSA guidelines is that any liquids, such as shampoo, lotion, and contact solution, must fit in a quart-sized plastic bag. In addition, each individual item can’t be more than 3.4 fluid ounces or 100mL. To expedite the process, I recommend putting all your liquids in a clear quart-sized plastic bag before you leave for the airport. If you wait until to do this at the airport, you run the risk of having anything that doesn’t fit in the bag thrown away or confiscated. I also suggest storing your liquid bag near the top of your personal bag. You don’t want to have to unpack everything in your carry-on or spend excessive time searching for your liquid bag.

👉 PRO TIP: I highly recommend using TSA-compliant reusable travel bottles to store your shampoo, conditioner, and cleansers. They help reduce plastic waste and are awesome!

21. Check TSA Guidelines

Double-check that you aren’t accidentally bringing something onto the plane that isn’t allowed. If you do, your bag is isolated from the rest of the bags and inspected by a TSA agent. Depending on how busy the airport is, this can take up quite a bit of time. It’s always better to just show up prepared and get through security as fast as possible. If you aren’t sure if your bags are TSA compliant, check TSA’s hefty list of what is and isn’t allowed .

22. Place Valuables in Personal Bag

One of the last things to do before heading to the airport is to make sure you put all your valuables in your personal bag. For example, I keep my laptop, wallet, phone, tablet, camera, chargers, and liquids bag in my personal backpack. Your personal bag is the safest spot for your valuables because it’ll likely never leave your sight.

23. Keep Your ID Handy but Safe

At the airport, you’re typically asked to present your ID and passport (if traveling internationally) at least three times. Two first time flyers tips that will save time and help you be prepared are keeping your ID in an easily accessible location and a safe spot. What I mean by this is placing these important items in a pocket that is only accessible from within your personal bag. This way, you’ll always know where your ID and passport are and don’t have to awkwardly spend time in line rummaging around in your bag for your stuff. Similarly, you don’t want to store anything of great value in a small pocket on the outside of your bag that can be easily opened by someone standing behind you. As someone who had her wallet stolen in Paris, always be vigilant of airport thieves and people trying to pickpocket.

24. Arrive Early

Finally, it’s time to head to the airport! Give yourself ample time to go through the airport process and security, especially if you’re flying out of a large airport. The general rule is to arrive 2 hours early if you’re flying domestically and 3 hours if you’re flying internationally.

Upon arrival at the airport…

If you are checking in a large piece of luggage, look for the check-in counter that corresponds to the airline that you are flying with. Head over there so they can weigh your bag, check your passport and ticket, and check in your bag. From there, or if you aren’t traveling with a checked bag, head in the direction of the airport security checkpoint. There are usually large signs indicating where to go, but when in doubt, just ask airport staff. They’re there to help you, so don’t be afraid! When you get to the security checkpoint, there’s always an agent checking your ticket and ID (or passport). As mentioned before, TSA agents will ask you to remove any liquids and large electronics, such as a laptop or tablet, from your bags. You’ll also be asked to remove your shoes, belts, and hats. Pretty much remove everything until you just have a shirt, bottoms, and socks — or a single layer of clothes.

25. Check Flight Departure Board

When you have gone through security and have all your items packed safely in your bags again, check the flight departure board. This will give you the most up-to-date information on your flight and tell you which gate to wait at. Afterward, just follow the signage to your gate and look for a water fountain to refill your water bottle! Once you’ve found your gate, make sure you continue to frequently check your flight status. Sometimes, your gate number will change at the last minute. Most of the time, they’ll make an announcement if this happens, but not always.

NOTE: Make sure you know your flight number.

26. Use the restroom before boarding

About 20 minutes before boarding, I recommend going to the bathroom before boarding your flight. You definitely want to avoid having to use the cramped bathroom on the plane, especially toward the end of a long flight. To put it lightly, they can become less than ideal after 50+ people have used them. Plus, you don’t want to have to disturb the other people in your row if they’re sleeping.

First Time Flyers Tips: How to Board the Plane

27. listen for announcements.

Approximately an hour before your flight departure, start listening for boarding announcements. The exact time they begin boarding should be listed on your ticket, but depending on if there are any delays, this time may change.

28. Get Out Boarding Pass

When you start to hear announcements, this is a good time to get out your boarding pass and ID (or passport). Make sure you know your boarding group or zone number. Airport gate agents will start to call boarding groups or zones to the front. If you line up out of order, they’ll tell you to step aside or go to the back.

29. Carry-on bag in Overhead Bin

When you board the plane, set your personal item in your seat first before trying to put your carry-on bag in the overhead bin. This will hopefully prevent you from accidentally bumping into the people around you with your personal bag. Afterward, store your carry-on bag in a manner that takes up the least amount of space. This usually means wheels first and making sure the upright handle faces you.

30. Personal Bag Under Seat

Once you’ve taken care of your carry-on bag, place your personal bag under the seat in front. Sometimes people are able to bring a purse and a small backpack as their “one” personal item. If you do, make sure both of them fit underneath the seat in front. You don’t want anything loose in your lap during take-off because it’s a safety hazard.

31. Phone on Airplane Mode

After the doors close and the plane begins to move, put your phone in airplane mode. This is done as a safety precaution since our phones emit electronic signals that interfere with the plane. Furthermore, airplane mode helps to save your phone’s battery life, which is always a good thing! From there, follow the instructions of your flight crew as they explain all the safety measures in place.

32. Proper Airport and Travel Etiquette

As a general reminder, throughout the entire airport process, it’s important to be respectful of other people’s spaces. Everyone is feeling all kinds of emotions, so just be mindful of people’s personal space bubbles. For example, share the armrests and try to keep your body parts contained in your seat space. For anyone with long hair, make sure your hair doesn’t block the screen on the back of your chair. Essentially, just be courteous and kind.

Aside from what I’ve already mentioned, there are a couple of things you can expect during take-off and your actual flight. When the doors close, the cabin crew will walk the aisle closing overhead bins, checking everything is stored away properly, and making sure passenger seatbelts are buckled. The pilot and co-pilot will simultaneously introduce themselves and give you some general flight information.

Time for Take-off

Then, as the plane heads towards the runway, the plane will turn off any main lights and eventually announce, “prepare for take-off.” When this happens, there’s usually a loud rumble from the engines firing up. After a few moments, the plane will rapidly accelerate and begin to lift into the air. Your ears may become plugged, and you might feel slightly pushed back into your seat.

Cruising Altitude

When the plane reaches its cruising altitude, the pilot will make a few announcements, and shortly thereafter, cabin crew attendants will begin offering drinks and a small snack. Depending on how long your flight is, you may receive a meal or two. The general rule is that if you’re on a long-haul flight (6 or more hours), a meal is included. If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to make a meal request in your flight portal on the airline’s website beforehand. This will give the airline time to prepare you a special meal.

Another thing to note is that there may be light or even a decent amount of turbulence during the flight. This is 100% normal and happens on nearly every flight. The turbulence is caused by the plane encountering strong, irregular wind currents. Do your best to remain calm and make sure your seat belt is buckled.

Prepare for Landing

About 45 minutes before the plane lands, the pilot typically makes an announcement to, “prepare for landing.” At this time, you put your seats back in their upright position, fold up your trays, and store away any large electronics. In terms of feelings, there may be occasional but short stomach drop moments during the plane’s descent. Also, your ears may also become plugged again. As the plane lands, the plane may skip along the runway and shake a little bit. However, this should only last for a few seconds as the plane will rapidly decelerate. Upon landing, the plane will slowly make its way to your arrival gate.

Unfortunately, the answer to this question completely depends on the type of person you are. Some people find the experience to be thrilling as they think of where they’re headed, while others hate the concept of flying in a metal tube. I will say that even after visiting 20+ countries and taking 50+ flights, I still get anxious about going through the airport process. I hate being yelled at or accidentally doing something wrong, so it can be stressful navigating an airport in a foreign country. That being said, I don’t think the physical act of flying is scary. The one thing to know is that you’ll likely be feeling all kinds of emotions and however you feel is totally okay.

5 Tips for First Time Flyers With Anxiety

If you are feeling especially anxious, here are 5 first time flyers tips to cope with the anxiety.

33. Simple Reminders

When you start to panic or feel stressed, try to remind yourself of simple facts. For example, the pilots are incredibly well-trained and quite literally have gone through over ten thousand hours of training. If something unexpected happens, they are trained to assess the situation and respond appropriately. Similarly, the plane itself and its equipment is regularly inspected. You have no reason not to trust the equipment Finally, remind yourself that flying is the safest mode of transportation. You are safer in the hands of these amazing pilots than driving to the grocery store in your own car or traveling by public transportation.

34. Listen to Music

As I mentioned earlier, one way I like to calm myself during flights is by listening to music. Blocking out the external noises on the plane with headphones is a powerful tool to distract your mind. Escape into the world of music and focus on the lyrics of a song instead of your surrounding environment.

35. Read a Book

Alternatively, I also recommend listening to an audiobook or reading a physical book. Both of these things can distract your mind by getting you to think about the information at hand rather than where you presently are.

36. Talk with your Neighbor

If you would rather not be alone with your thoughts, try striking up a conversation with your seat neighbor. Focus on them instead of yourself and what’s going on in your head. Plus, you already know that you have at least one thing in common with them: you’re both headed to the same destination! Ask them why they’re flying there or where their final destination is if they are connecting to another flight. Nine times out of 10, people love talking about themselves, and if you put yourself out there, you give yourself the chance to connect with so many wonderful people.

37. Ask for Help

If you feel sick or like you can’t control your anxiety, don’t hesitate to ask for help. People are often good and want to see you doing well. Remember, the flight attendants are trained to support you in any way they can and have likely assisted lots of passengers who have anxiety flying. You can trust them to support you if you find yourself panicking or struggling.

After the plane safely lands and starts heading to your arrival gate, the pilot will make some final announcements about your arrival destination. These are a few tips everyone should remember, not just first time flyers.

38. Remain Seated

When the plane reaches your arrival gate, the seat belt sign will turn off, indicating it’s safe to unbuckle your seat belt. As this happens, I urge you to remain seated. You will likely see lots of people around you immediately standing up and starting to retrieve their carry-on bags from the overhead bins. Please don’t do this. It slows down the deplaning process, and you will likely be told to sit down by the flight crew. During this waiting period, airport grounds staff are safely attaching the plane to the tunnel that connects the plane to the airport.

39. Turn off Airplane Mode only if…

While you wait, you can turn off airplane mode on your phone if you’re traveling domestically. In the event you’re traveling internationally, I recommend waiting until you can switch to stable wifi before turning off airplane mode. The reason is that your phone will immediately begin searching for signal and wifi networks to connect to. As it does this, it uses up cellular data. If you’re in a foreign country, there’s a good chance you’ll be charged extra for using data abroad. For example, I know that my phone plan charges $40 per day I use any cellular data internationally. This obviously can become expensive quickly, so exercise caution. There are only two times I recommend turning off airplane mode while you’re sitting on the plane in a foreign country. First, if you know your phone plan includes international data or you can afford international data with your cellular plan. The second case is if you have obtained a special sim card meant for the foreign country or countries you’re visiting.

40. Wait to Grab Your Bags

Normally, the flight crew doesn’t make any announcements over the loudspeaker about when to start grabbing your bags. Instead, they just inform the first couple of rows when it’s okay. From there, the immediate row behind the front few will follow suit and slowly retrieve their bags. This process continues until the back of the plane. I suggest waiting until it’s your row’s turn to exit the plane to retrieve your bag. If you try and get it earlier, you run the risk of accidentally bumping someone with your bag. Just try to be patient and remember to be especially aware of your surroundings.

41. Know Where to Go

After exiting the plane, you might be unsure where to go. Don’t worry, I’ve been there as well. Here are a few first time flyers tips to help guide you. First, when in doubt, refer to your trip itinerary to see which of the following situations applies to you.

Connecting Flight

For connecting flights, look at a nearby flight departure board to figure out which gate you need to head to next. If your flight was delayed or you aren’t sure which direction to go, ask airport staff for help. Again, they’re there to help you, so remember to be kind and patient!

NOTE: In the event you’re crossing international borders, such as flying from the US, connecting in Canada, and flying to Paris, you may have to go through another security checkpoint.

Domestic Flights

If you have flown domestically and are at your final destination, follow the signs to baggage claim to pick up your checked luggage. There is often a sign that reads flight numbers and indicates which conveyor belt corresponds to which flight. After you pick up your checked bag, or if you don’t have one, you’re all set to leave the airport!

International Flights

If you were on an international flight, you’ll have to go through immigration and customs before reaching baggage claim. Immigration and customs vary slightly from country to country, but this is how they both generally work. Immigration concerns people moving between countries. An immigration officer checks your passport, asks a couple of questions concerning the details of your trip, and may possibly ask you to fill out some forms. Think of it as a mini-interview with an extremely high chance of being successful. Contrastingly, customs is all about the items you’re transporting. You will state what you’ve brought into the country and answer a few questions. Depending on the country’s rules, you’ll be able to carry on your merry way, or customs officers may ask you to fill out additional forms to declare some goods. Upon completing immigration and customs, you can head over to the baggage claim area to retrieve your checked luggage. Afterward, or if you didn’t check any luggage, breathe a sigh of relief that you made it and can finally exit the airport! YAY!

Wrap-Up: First Time Flyers Tips (2023)

I know figuring out the whole airport process can be overwhelming and scary at times, but with my abundance of first time flyers tips, you will hopefully be able to fly with confidence. Remember that you got this and success favors the prepared. When in doubt, simply ask for help because that’s what airport staff is there for. With that, I wish you a smooth airport journey and safe travels!

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

Simple Flying

First time flying: what to know before you go.

With some knowledge and preparedness, one can breeze through the airport check-in, security, and boarding.

Boarding an aircraft for the first time can be nerve-wracking, particularly for people who fear flying. The best remedy for that is to become knowledgeable of the process at the airport. Simple Flying has put together a brief guide for first-time fliers.

What and how to pack?

While most domestic flights only allow a carry-on bag and a small personal item, travelers often like checking their luggage, particularly those with multiple layovers. Packing the hand luggage with items necessary for the trip is essential. Examples may include a set of clothes, a cozy pair of socks, travel-sized toiletries, a snack or two, and personal belongings, including jewelry, electronic gadgets, and chargers.

Read our list of essentials for your hand luggage here: The 5 Most Essential Things To Pack In Your Hand Luggage

Ensure that the carry-on does not contain any prohibited items, such as liquids or firearms. If little travelers accompany you, pack enough food, snacks, and travel toys for the flight. Having a couple of empty paper bags in your carry-on is always a good idea. All non-essential items must go into the checked luggage (if you pack one). Before your travel, check the baggage requirements (bag dimensions, weight allowance, and prohibitions).

Checking in at the airport

With air travel on the rise worldwide, it is essential to allow plenty of time to go through the check-in, security, and onto the boarding gate. Arriving early at the airport means the check-in counter is not busy, and you have plenty of time to present documents, request or confirm your seat assignments, and check in your luggage.

The Transport Security Administration ( TSA ) recommends checking in at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and three hours prior to an international flight. Prepare all required documents (passports, visas, vaccine cards, etc.) for check-in. Collect your boarding passes, luggage tags, and original documents before leaving the counter.

It is important to skim through the boarding pass to ensure the details are correct and that you can identify the boarding time, departure gate, and boarding zone. In case of any confusion, inquire with the check-in agent before proceeding to the security.

Breezing through the security

Most travelers get anxious about going through airport security . The number one reason for such anxiety is the lack of preparedness. Ensure no metals are in your clothes (belts, jewelry, keys, etc.). Wearing slip-on shoes is always recommended should you be asked to take them off for the X-ray. Liquids and aerosols must be limited to 3.4-ounce (100 ml) bottles in a one-quart transparent zipper bag.

The TSA advises travelers to pack their carry-on bags relatively neatly. That will save time should the airport security personnel need to perform a random check of the bag. Keep a close ear to the instructions from the security personnel.

Interested in similar guides? Check out our complete guides section here.

Getting to the departure gate

Irrespective of the time until boarding, finding and knowing the departure gate without unnecessary delay is always a good idea. The gate information and boarding time are printed on the boarding pass. Additionally, terminals have plenty of monitors that reflect gate information and update any last-minute changes. Follow the signs to your terminal, concourse, or gate, and arrive before the boarding time.

What are your thoughts on packing, check-in, and security guidelines for first-time travelers? If we missed any vital information, feel free to tell us in the comments section.

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Flying for the first time – a complete guide

A guide for first time flyers on a plane, with the tips and advice you need, so you can fly stress-free and avoid common mistakes on your flight.

• Post date November 12, 2018
• Post categories In Trip Planning

Flying on an airplane for the first time is an exciting experience, but it can also be daunting for some. How can you prepare for your first flight?

This step by step guide for first time flyers includes all the tips, recommendations and instructions you need, so you can fly stress-free and avoid all sorts of common mistakes.

How to book a flight

To find the best flight deals, you want to look at several flight search engines that compare prices for you.

Here’s how you do it:

Searching for the best flight

You enter your dates and destination, and within moments, get results from different airlines on your screen.

In the past you had to search each airline separately, but today the process is much quicker.

which flight search engines should you use?

SkyScanner  has always been my favourite flight search engine, because it’s so user friendly. That’s where I search first.

To make sure you’re getting the best prices, you want to look at results from a couple of sites.

You want to book your flights as early as possible to get the best prices. Normally, a couple of months in advance is good practice, as the prices goes up the closer you are to the flight date.

You can also find last minute deals, but that’s never guaranteed.

One more tip that’s important to know: You can fly out with one airline and return with another.

No need to book both flights with the same airline. Sometimes it make more sense financially, but often it doesn’t. When you search, select “one way” to see if you can get a better price that way.

For more detailed info, read my complete  guide to booking flights.

How to check in, choose a seat and receive your boarding pass

Online check in for your flight

Checking in online will save you time and stress at the airport.

The airline will normally email you with a link to check in. Click the link and complete the check in process.

If the airline doesn’t send you that email, just go to their website and check-in there.

When you check in online and you’re planning to travel with hand luggage only , this means that you won’t have to stand in line at the airport to check any luggage.

Otherwise, if you do travel with more than hand luggage, checking in online means you can drop off your luggage at the airport without waiting in the check-in line.

Choosing your seat on the plane in advance

During the check-in process, you may be able to choose your seat . This changes depending on which airline you fly with.

Low cost airlines will typically charge you for this. If you don’t choose a seat, it will be allocated for you.

You may prefer an aisle (useful if you want to use the toilets without waking up the person next to you) or a window seat (gorgeous views!). The middle seats are usually less convenient.

You can use sites like SeatLink and Seat Guru to look at seat maps of different airplanes. ExpertFlyer will notify you when the seat you want becomes available.

Your boarding pass

After you’ve completed the online check-in, you’ll get your boarding pass emailed to you. This is the document you need to present at the airport. It contains all the details about your flight.

Some airlines and airports allow digital boarding passes, meaning you don’t have to print out the document, just save it on your phone. In some cases you’ll be issued a paper boarding pass at the airport.

I suggest you download the PDF document containing the boarding pass that’s attached to the email from the airline to your phone. I also normally save a backup copy to Dropbox and make it available offline.

Later, at the airport, all you have to do is scan the code on the boarding pass, both at security and at the gate just before you board the plane.

If the scanning doesn’t work, enlarge the code on the screen, that usually does the trick.

Food on flights – special meals, airplane food and your own snacks

Many flights include meals, but not all of them.

Low cost airlines would often charge you for food on board. Long haul flights normally have meals included in the ticket price.

In any case, you need to check if your specific flight includes meals.

If it doesn’t, then you’re allowed to bring your own food on board. That’s something that many people do. I recommend bringing sandwiches, snacks and fruits.

You can also buy food on the plane. Each airline has its own menu. They’re normally not terribly expensive, but you will have limited choice.

If your flight does include meals and you have specific dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, kosher etc.) then you will need to order a special meal.

You can do that on the airline website. If you don’t see the option there, it’s best to contact their customer service as early as you can (no later than 24 hours before the flight) and ask for a special meal.

The wonderful veg*n travel guide Happy Cow has a full guide to airline meals for vegans and vegetarians . Generally, if you want to order a vegan meal, the code is VGML and the airlines call it a vegetarian meal, though it’s actually vegan.

Airplane food is notorious, generally speaking. It doesn’t mean it’s always bad, it just means if it isn’t bad, that’s pretty impressive 😉

That’s why even on flights on which food is served, there will be passengers who prefer to bring their own food and pass on the airline meal…

One thing you can do is ask in advance on travel Facebook groups  or on TripAdvisor’s Air Travel Forum about the meals at your specific airline. People are happy to share their opinions.

How to prepare before your first flight

Passport and visa.

Make sure your passport is valid and that it won’t expire at least six month after your flight.

Some countries require a visa from visitors. You can check visa requirement for the country you’re about to travel to.

The best way to do that is to contact its embassy in your country and ask them for official instructions.

Note that asking on Facebook or even just Googling the question will not necessarily give you the correct answer.

Foreign currency

You can either bring foreign currency with you or take money out at an ATM after you arrive.

In some cases you can also convert currency at your destination.

It all depends on which country you’re flying to, so do a bit of online research to find out what would be the best practice and how to minimise fees.

Arrange airport transfer at your destination

It’s a good idea to find out in advance what kind of transportation you can take from the airport into the city after you land.

You want to do this before the flight, so you can relax and not worry about it .

Arriving at a new country may be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t know the local language, so you want your airport experience to be as easy as possible.

In some cities, you’ll find efficient public transport links between the airport and the city, but that’s not always the case unfortunately.

The airport website should have details on your different options.

It will most likely save you money if you check your options in advance. In London, for example, there’s such a range of airport transfer options that you can take a bus for £2 or a train for £18 from the same airport!

Also note that in some cases you will get the best price when you book way ahead of time, because the prices go up closer to the date.

Here are some services you can use to book your airport transfer in advance:

• SunTransfers
• Shuttle Finder
• Taxi2Airport

Always beware of taxi touts. They are pretty common at many airports and will take advantage of confused tourists who arrive at a new country unprepared.

How to pack for your first flight

Different airlines have different rules about luggage.

You will need to check your airline’s  size and weight limits  for luggage.

Sometimes there are fees for luggage that doesn’t conform with those limits. Other times, the airline staff might ignore those limits at the airport, but why take the risk.

I recommend you fly only with hand luggage , if you can.

Then the first decision you want to make is between travelling with a carry on suitcase or with a carry on backpack.

I personally travel with a backpack ( this one ), as it’s more comfortable and efficient for my needs, though it can also be carries as a suitcase thanks to a double handle.

Many airlines let you add a smaller bag as well, like a laptop bag, often referred to as a “personal item”.

flying only with hand luggage has many advantages:

• Low cost airlines normally charge for checking extra luggage and their fees can be ridiculously high sometimes.
• When you fly only with a carry on bag, you save yourself time at the airport, both at the luggage drop-off before boarding and at the luggage pick up after landing.
• If you do check luggage, you have to wait by the luggage belt for your bags to arrive after landing.
• I also like having all of my things with me throughout the flight, rather than worry that the airline might lose my bags, or that something might be broken or even stolen.

That’s why I always fly with a carry-on bag.

What you pack in your carry-on bag is up to you, depending on your travel destination.

One of the best tricks if you want to travel light is to pack clothes for a week (even if you’re going to travel longer) and do your laundry once a week.

Make sure you don’t carry liquids over 100ml in your carry on bag or use solid toiletries to avoid travelling with liquids.

Also, have a look at the list of banned items on your airline’s website; it includes some everyday items like scissors and matches.

What to wear for a flight

You want to wear comfortable clothes when you fly. Wear something loose and don’t worry too much about how you look.

You’ll be sitting down in a pretty tight space for a long time, so do dress as comfortably as you can.

It sometimes gets cold on a plane. On some airplanes you will be given a blanket, but bring an extra warm layer with you just in case.

This is what I wear on all my flights:

• A comfortable t-shirt
• A fleece jacket
• A scarf with a hidden pocket for my passport

Things to bring on a flight to make it more comfortable

Sleeping during a flight is a wonderful thing, if you can manage to fall asleep.

It’s not always easy…. There’s noise, light, smells, sometimes  the seats are uncomfortable.

So what can you do?

1 – Use noise cancelling headphones – They will keep your environment quiet and let you sleep peacefully.

2 – Use an eye mask – They block the light, obviously, and some say they improve sleep quality. Plus, they take up minimal space in your luggage.

3 – Use a travel pillow – Flight cushions can really make a difference as to whether or not you’ll manage to fall asleep on a flight. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about supporting your neck.

At the airport – arrival, security, boarding

Arriving at the airport.

You want to find out in advance what’s the best way to get to the airport on time. Is it a bus, a train, a taxi , your own car, a lift with a friend?

Depending on the airport and the flight, you will need to be at the airport a certain number of hours before the the flight is due to take off. Find out from your airline when you should arrive at the airport .

Then work out how long it would take to get to the airport, taking traffic and rush hour into account.

If you drive your own car, consider the time it would take to find parking.

This way you’ll know when to leave home and not stress out about running late.

Check or drop-off luggage

When you arrive at the airport, look at the electronic Departures board and find your flight number. The board will tell you which check in desk to go to.

If you travel only with a carry-on, then you will save yourself time at the airport – you can skip the check in / drop off stage and go straight to security.

Airport security

Next is airport security. At this stage you will have your carry-on luggage scanned by an x-ray machine.

You will walk through a metal detector and you need to present your passport and boarding pass.

The whole process should just take a few moments, but the line might be long… Sometimes very long…

Some simple rules to remember about passing through security:

There are bins that roll underneath the x-ray machine conveyor belt. When it’s your turn, take one of these bins and put your carry on bag in it.

If you have a laptop with you, take it out of its bag and sleeve and put it in a separate bin.

Before going through the metal detector, consider taking off shoes, belts and jewelry, and check for coins or keys in your pockets.

Place liquids and creams in small containers of up to 100 ml inside a clear plastic bag. Security staff will through away any liquids or creams you have, that do not comply with the rules.

To come prepared, get yourself some leak-proof travel bottles for toiletries .

You want to make sure you don’t get dehydrated on the plane, but if you have a water bottle with you, you have to drink it before you reach security.

The best solution I’ve found is to use a simple, collapsible water bottle that doesn’t raise suspicion during security checks.

I can easily refill it once I’m done with security at a drinking water fountain. If there are no fountains at the airport, I ask at a cafe or restaurant if they’d refill my bottle with tap water. This way you never have to buy bottled water, and that’s an added advantage.

Security should go smoothly, but once in a while security staff may ask you to open your bag so they can have a look inside.

If you haven’t brought anything you shouldn’t bring on a flight, you should be fine. Last time I was asked to open my bag, it was due to a pack of chocolate that for some reason looked suspicious in the x-ray machine…

Once the security check is over, pick up your belongings. You’ll see the list of departures on the electronic screen and it will tell you the number of the gate to go to in order to board the plane.

Boarding the plane

Before you reach your gate, there will be plenty of shops and restaurants on the way, depending on how big the airport is.

The gate area is basically a waiting area where you spend some time before boarding.

Each flight has its own gate, of course, so check the screen next to the gate to make sure you’re in the right place – it will have the name of the airline, the flight number and the boarding time.

The boarding time on the screen will tell you if a flight is late.

The boarding gate might change, so listen out for announcements.

Shortly before boarding, line up with the other passengers. Depending on the flight and airplane, you may have different lines for different sections or rows.

Some airlines have a separate line for passengers with a priority boarding ticket, who can board faster.

To know which line you should be in, just have a look at your boarding pass and in case of doubt, ask a member of staff.

Congrats! It’s your turn to board! Have your passport and your boarding pass ready to show the staff and…. Get on the plane!

Sometimes you’ll have a bus taking you from the gate to the airplane, and in other cases there will be a jet bridge connecting the airport gate directly to the airplane.

Once on the plane, the flight attendant will check your boarding pass one last time and then you can go find your seat.

Stow your luggage above your seat. If there’s not enough room, try to find space nearby.

During the flight

Before take off, you will get full safety instructions from the flight attendants.

As long as the seat belt sign above your seat is lit, you should remain seated.

Obviously, you should be sitting down during take off, but there may be other occasions during the flight when you will be instructed to remain seated: Turbulence happens sometimes during flights and the crew will announce it and ask you to sit down and fasten your seat belt.

Things to do during a flight

Entertainment on a flight.

Some flights have in-flight entertainment – Movies, TV shows, radio shows and the in-flight magazine (those magazines are usually quite a good read!)

Not all flights have entertainment though and some may show a movie you don’t want to watch, so it’s best to bring your own.

Make sure your phone, tablet or laptop are fully charged and prepare some movies, TV shows, podcasts or reading materials in advance, taking into account the length of the flight.

I always take two power banks with me on a flight, so I don’t have to worry about watching videos that might drain the battery.

The last thing I need is to find I’ve run out of battery just as I arrive at a new city and need to navigate. It’s always a good idea to have a good spare battery.

You can also get wifi access on some planes, so you can be really productive.

I personally prefer not to do any work on flights, but just distract myself with a funny movie…

Also, a flight is a great opportunity to read that book you never had time to read in your daily busy life 😉

Sleeping on flights

Relaxing and falling asleep on a flight is a wonderful way to pass the time and arrive at your destination more refreshed.

It may be hard to fall asleep though. As I mentioned earlier, you want to pack an eye mask , noise cancelling headphones and a pillow for your neck to help you fall asleep more easily.

How to feel less nervous on a flight

If you feel nervous on your first flight and you’re flying on your own, perhaps try chatting with the person sitting next to you. It’s a good way to relieve some tension.

It is also a good idea to pass on alcohol, even if it is offered on board. It might make you anxious or just enhance any negative feelings you already have.

Sleeping is a good way to pass the time if you feel nervous. Try your best to fall asleep so you will spend less time worrying.

Another thing to do when you feel nervous is simply to remind yourself how rarely accidents occur in reality. You are highly unlikely to encounter an emergency situation on a plane.

The crew will let you know when to sit down and fasten your seat belt again, shortly before landing.

Landing should go smoothly, and if you feel a few bumps, it’s a normal thing. If you feel unwell, call one of the flight attendants, they are trained in handling these situations.

Looking out of the window during landing and taking pictures is good fun! Have a look at these fantastic pictures taken from the window seat .

After landing

That’s it! Once the plane hits the ground, the pilot drives it to the gate and after a short while you can get off the plane.

From there, just follow the signs at the airport.

There may be a passport check (depending on where you’re going).

If you travel with hand luggage only, you don’t have to wait for your bags, just go towards the exit and start your new adventure!

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very nice travel guides. Thanks a lot for sharing..!!

Hi tal, This is one of the Ultimate travel guides i’ve ever read. Thanks a lot for sharing..!! Love your blog and reading you here, so keep up the great work..!! and happy travel always

Thank you Laura, glad you enjoyed it 🙂

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Part of the fear of flying is actually a fear of the unknown. If you are flying for the first time—whether for business or pleasure—this includes not knowing what to expect at the airport or while you are in the air.

This step-by-guide spells out everything the nervous first-time flyer needs to know, from booking the flight to navigating the airport to getting situated onto the plane. 

We've packed in our best travel tips for first-time flyers based on the collective experience of our staff, so climb aboard and let's get you ready for the flight!

These flight tips cover most major airlines like American, United, Delta, Southwest, etc. For budget airlines like Frontier or Allegiant, you'll see some variance in items like luggage fees, in-flight accommodations, etc. 

Boarding procedures, safety instructions, and other instructions as they relate to the safety of staff and the passengers remain relatively standard. 

Booking the Flight

The first step in the flying process is purchasing tickets. To book the flight, most people purchase their tickets online through airline or travel sites or their mobile apps. The only thing you have to fear in this step is expensive ticket prices. Otherwise, it is a relatively easy process that you can handle yourself.

Directly through the Airline

In terms of convenience, booking directly through an airline's website is the easiest route. If there are any ticket price changes between the time you book and the time your flight departs, you can usually have that difference refunded with a quick call to customer service.

It's also easier to get better seats and address flight delays, changes, or cancellations when booking direct. Otherwise, you might be referred back to your travel agency, which is another cumbersome step to have to take when you're having problems with your flight. 

It's a little extra work on the front end, but for first-time flyers, this gives you added flexibility just in case something were to go wrong. 

PRO-TIP: Add your airline's phone number to your contacts and jot down important info like flight numbers, confirmation numbers, etc. in the notes app on your phone.

Just in case something does go wrong, having all of this info readily available will help solve problems faster.

Through a Travel Agency

There are some instances where booking through a travel agency is the better option. Specifically, if you are planning an international trip or one that is more complex than a week-long vacation in the United States, a travel agency can be a big help. 

OTA's, that's Online Travel Agencies, are sites like Orbitz, Trivago, Kayak, Booking.com, Expedia, and others. 

What's the difference between them? 

Spoiler alert - not much. In fact, the majority of these sites are all owned by four or so big players. 

Why use an online travel agency? 

• One-Stop-Shop, flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
• Good first-time user offers
• Helps to save time and money
• Quick and easy comparison of different airfares and schedules
• See reviews and recommendations from people who have taken the same trip before.

For the most part, they wrap up all of your trip into a single package and help manage the booking and getting you to your destination. All you have to do is pay and print out the trip details. 

If problems do arise on your trip, a customer service representative is only a phone call away to get you the help you need. 

Direct Flights

Whenever possible, get a direct flight. Layovers only add the potential for more problems. You want the journey to be as simple as possible, and when you only have to board and exit a single plane, you lessen the chance for delays, cancellations, and missed connecting flights. 

Layovers and Connecting Flights

If you can't find a direct flight, it's not the end of the world. A connecting flight is where you will travel to one airport to join a different flight that will take you to your end destination. Sometimes you may have multiple stops, but for most domestic flights, it's common only to have one.

A layover is a time in between these connecting flights. For example, if you fly from New York to Los Angeles, you may only fly halfway to Chicago. There you will exit the plane and wait in another concourse until your next flight is ready to depart for Los Angeles.

This can be a quick turnaround or several hours long; it all depends on the flight schedule.

If you must choose a layover, pick one that is at least 2 hours between the time the plane is scheduled to land and when the next one is scheduled to depart. Any less time may result in a missed connecting flight. 

What often happens is the plane's wheels will touch down at, say, 10:41 AM. However, the plane won't make it to the concourse for 'x' reason (jetway unavailable, lots of traffic, etc.) until 11:30 PM. By the time you're off the plane, it's almost 12:00 PM, and you're rushing to get to your next flight.  

When booking your flight, remember:

• Book a direct flight whenever possible, even if it costs a little more.
• Give yourself at least a 2-hour layover between connecting flights.
• Add more time to your layover if you want to eat, freshen up in the bathroom, etc. 
• Red-eye flights are often cheaper but at the expense of traveling at night.

RED-EYE FLIGHTS: You might see a "+1" on some flights, or see flights that fly overnight. These are referred to as "red-eye flights." Any flight that travels through the night is a red-eye.

The downside is obvious; however, these flights are typically cheaper if you can deal with not sleeping well.

Types of Tickets

You may see different ticket types available for purchase. The main differences you're likely to see include the ability to make flight adjustments after purchase, refundability, carry on allowance, seat selection, or boarding group. 

Be sure to carefully read the fine print of the ticket you are purchasing. Most airlines will be somewhat flexible on some of these policies. For example, if you need to change your flight weeks or months for departure, most customer service agents are happy to make that adjustment. 

Always, always, pack the night before! Get your laundry done a day or two before and make sure all of your electronics are fully charged. You will also want to pack some specific documents and ensure you have the right luggage. 

Important Documents

Be sure to have a valid form of ID, such as your driver's license and your passport if you are traveling internationally. The TSA has an article outlining other forms of acceptable IDs, if you are not using something typical, like your driver's license, military ID, or passport. 

Starting on October 1, 2020, all travelers in the US, over 18 yrs old, will be required to have a REAL ID-Compliant Driver's License or another form of acceptable identification.

More on the REAL ID can be found on the TSA website . 

Even if you plan on using a digital boarding pass on your phone, it may be helpful to print it from your home computer or at the airline's kiosk. 

An example of a boarding pass for an American Airlines flight printed at the airport.

Carry On Luggage

Carry on luggage refers to the larger suitcase or bag that you can bring on the plane with you and store in the overhead compartment.

There are restrictions to the size of the carry on you can bring; however, most bags from known brands like Chester, TravelPro, Delsey, and others are compliant for most domestic flights. 

International flights have slightly stricter standards, and are the requirements are only slightly smaller than domestic flights. Be sure to check the website of your airline for specific requirements.

If your bag is larger than specified measurements, you will be required to 'check' your luggage, which incurs around a $25-$30 fee.

BE AWARE: Don't go by your luggage manufacturer's advertised dimensions. Some manufacturers will not include the wheels or handles in their product listings. Airlines do take these into account.

If your luggage is questionable, you may be required to place it in this module to check its measurements.

Checked Luggage

If you are traveling for longer than 4-5 days, you'll likely pack a larger suitcase, which you will be required to check-in prior to going through security. These bags have weight limit restrictions, but as long as you're only packing usual items like clothes, shoes, etc. you won't even come near that limit.

There is a $25 to $30 fee for each way when checking your luggage. After checking your luggage, you will not have any access to your bag until you pick it up from the baggage claim at your destination.

TSA has specific restrictions on what you can and can't pack in both your checked and carry-on luggage. Each airline may have additional restrictions on what you can and can't pack. 

Personal Items

In addition to your carry-on, you are also allowed to bring on a 'personal item' onto the plane. This has to fit under the seat in front of you and is commonly a purse, small/medium backpack, or diaper bag of sorts.

These bags are subject to the same restrictions as your carry on and also have varying size requirements. It is best to pack items that will be accessed during the flight like snacks, headphones, laptops, power banks, etc. 

To summarize, remember:

• Make sure your ID is compliant and up to date
• Your carry on and personal item meet your airline's requirements
• If you are checking luggage, it also meets your airline's checked luggage regulations

Checking In

Before the flight, you are also required to "check-in," which just acknowledges you are still planning to make the trip. If you booked online, you could follow the instructions you get from the airline — you'll get an email or text prompting you to sign in. 

This is usually about 24 hours before your flight. If you didn't do so during the booking process, you can usually choose a seat during the check-in process, or pay for your checked bags (if applicable). 

Almost all major airlines allow you to perform all of these actions from the app. 

As part of this process, you receive a boarding pass—a document that proves that you have purchased a ticket and contains information about you and your trip. 

After checking in, your boarding pass is available through the app and can be added to your digital wallet. 

You can also print your boarding pass from a desktop computer or at the kiosk at the airport. It's highly recommended to do this just in case your phone dies or has technical issues at the gate. 

Arriving at the Airport

How early should i arrive for my flight.

Most airlines and travel experts recommend arriving two ahead of the scheduled departure time for any domestic flight. For International flights, plan for around 3-4 hours ahead of time.

If you are traveling during the peak holiday season, aka Thanksgiving and Christmas, it's advised to add an extra hour or two onto those times because of the influx of families, children, etc. 

Remember, you need to account for factors you can't control like traffic, security checkpoint wait times, etc.

PRO-TIP: Signing up for TSA Pre-check, Global Entry (for international travelers), or CLEAR, can save you TONS of time and hassle going through security.

It's basically like getting to go through the VIP line, which is always shorter.

If you are not being dropped off, you will need to pay for parking. You should check the rates and available lots at the airport you'll be departing from. Larger airports usually have 2, sometimes 3, different lots for travelers. 

One lot is designated as "daily," for travelers who will not be leaving their car overnight. This gives them a better rate than the "long-term lot," which is specifically for flyers who will be gone for more than a day. 

If you are gone for multiple days, park in the long-term lot, or else you'll be paying a lot more money to stay in the daily lot. 

When you pull into the lot, you'll likely pass through a gate where you'll receive a ticket about the size of a business card. Put this in your glove box as you'll need it to leave the lot. After coming back from your trip, you'll put the card into the machine on the way out and pay the parking fees. 

Lastly, for some major international airports, you may have to ride a shuttle from the parking lot or garage to the gates. It's recommended to tip these shuttle drivers a few dollars as they will typically help you with your luggage. 

PRO-TIP: If using an iPhone, drop a pin on the location for where you've parked your car and save it. Otherwise, make a note on your phone on the section, lot number, etc. of where your car is parked. This will make it much easier to find once you get back.

It's recommended to always print out a paper copy of your boarding pass and tickets, just in case the digital copies on your phone become inaccessible. 

You can print these out on your computer at home, or you can retrieve them from the kiosk at the airport. If the kiosks are not available or you are having trouble with them, you can talk with one of the airline's representatives to help you. 

You will receive all of the tickets and boarding passes for the first part of your flight, so be sure to place them somewhere where they can't be lost. The front pocket of a backpack, wallet, or purse is a good idea. You will want to be able to access them quickly, but keep them secure. 

Walk up to a kiosk or customer service rep to check into your flight.

Checking Luggage

If you plan on checking your luggage in, you can do that from the kiosk or by speaking with a representative. 

If done from the kiosk, it will print out a long sticker that you will wrap around the smaller, non-extending handle on your suitcase. You will remove the backing to expose the adhesive, wrap it around, and then connect the two adhesive sides together to form a loop. 

You'll then need to wait in line until you reach the check-in desk to hand off your bag. Sometimes the representative will be printing out the sticker and putting it on your bag. 

After you have landed at your destination, remove the sticker and throw it away before heading home. Having multiple labels on your luggage only increases its chances of getting lost. 

Getting Through Security

Depending on the airport, there may be a central security checkpoint for all gates—like in the Atlanta airport—or there may be separate checkpoints for each set of gates, like in the Tampa airport. 

Airport personnel can help you find the checkpoint, and there is generally ample signage to point you in the right direction. Regardless, all passengers must go through security, including children. 

When you reach the security area, you'll generally wait in line anywhere from no time to an hour or more. Once you get to an agent, they will check your boarding pass and ID to ensure they match. 

You will need a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, and as already mentioned above, starting October 1, 2020, it will need to be REAL-ID compliant. If your ID is compliant, you will not be allowed to pass security or board the plane.

If you become a frequent flyer, we recommend that you check out our CLEAR airport security review as a way to gain access and move through life more quickly and easily.

Be Aware: While waiting in line, you may be subject to a random screening. For example, while the author of this article was in Washington DC, his hands were dusted for any remnants of bomb-making materials. Unless you have recently been to a shooting range, near any gun powder, or fireworks, you will not have anything to worry about.

The Screening Process

Next, you will place your personal belongings and any carry-on bag (the one(s) you will keep with you on the plane) in bins that roll along a conveyor belt and under the x-ray machine.

This is the what security screening looks like after you have walked through and gathered your items.

BE AWARE: While waiting in line, you may be subject to a random screening. For example, while the author of this article was in Washington DC, his hands were dusted for any remnants of bomb-making materials. Unless you have recently been to a shooting range, near any gun powder, or fireworks, you will not have anything to worry about.

BE AWARE: The body scanner is a very sensitive machine. Something so much as your boarding pass or a stick of gum can show up on the screen.

Keep in mind this machine will not show any images of what is underneath your clothing - only if a foreign object appears on the outline of your body.

Any electronic larger than a cell phone needs to be removed from your bag(s) and placed in one of the containers. This includes laptops, tablets, and cameras. Be sure to have these items easily accessible and not buried deep within your bags. 

After that, you collect your belongings from the bin, put your shoes back on, and head to your gate area.

A Better Solution: CLEAR

If you would like to avoid most of the security screening, consider signing up for CLEAR and check out the review here. With CLEAR, you will only need to walk through a metal detector; all your belongings can stay in their respective bags — no removal of shoes, shorter lines, and less hassle.

Prohibited Items & the 3-1-1 Rule

Airports have strict requirements regarding what you are allowed to have on your person and in your carry-on bag. To find out what personal items you can bring with you on the flight, consult the resources below.

For a guide on permitted and prohibited items, visit this Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website page .

For information about the "3-1-1″ rule pertaining to liquids, visit this TSA webpage .

Finding the Concourse Gate

The "gate" is the area where you wait until time to board a plane. Each concourse in an airport houses several gates. A concourse resembles the wing of the mall in that it usually contains restaurants and gift shops. Any food or merchandise you buy in the concourse area is fine to take on the plane with you.

A terminal is the large main building of a section of the airport. The terminal houses several concourses. Imagine it like a large tree. A terminal is the trunk of the tree with large branches coming off the trunk, these are your terminals. Finally, there are small branches off of those larger ones called gates, where the planes are docked for the next flight.

It goes Terminal > Concourse > Gate, so in the picture the gate is L8. This is gate 8, in concourse L. According to this map of Chicago O'Hare Airport, concourse L is in Terminal 3. Large international airports have multiple terminals, but generally will not reuse concourse letters. 

When at the gate, you are free to sit wherever you please. When it is time to board, passengers line up and present their boarding documents to a gate agent. 

If you are using a digital boarding pass, it is scanned straight from your phone. Just ensure your brightness is high enough and have your paper one ready in case your phone has trouble scanning. 

You will then walk through a "jetway," or "jet bridge" which connects the gate to the outside of the plane.

A jet bridge waiting for an airplane to dock on a sunny day.

An airplane that has been docked to the jetway on a rainy day.

Valet Checking your Carry On

For smaller aircraft, typically ones flying in or out of small regional airports, you may be required to 'valet check' your luggage. Don't worry, this doesn't cost you any money, and is a common practice. 

Usually, an attendant will walk around the gate area, passing out small red or yellow tags that will attach to the top of your luggage. This will vary from airline to airline, but generally, if it has wheels, you will valet it.

After scanning your boarding pass, you'll leave your carry-on at the top of the jetway where it will be stored in the belly of the aircraft for that flight only. You will still take your personal item with you to your seat. 

After the flight lands, your bag will be waiting for you at the top of the jetway. It may take a few minutes for the crew to unload all the bags and make them accessible.

Boarding the Plane

Passengers board the plane according to the group number on their ticket. Different airlines have different ways of doing this, but for most first time flyers, you will be the last to the second-to-last group.

Once you make your way onto the plane, read the seating labels found around eye level just below where the handle is for the overhead storage compartments. You'll see row numbers, often with letters indicating the seat number. 

If you are having trouble getting your bag into the storage area or can't find your seat, flight attendants will be standing by to assist.

There will also be an icon indicating the window or aisle for you to determine which seat is yours. 

Planes have markers at about eye level so passengers know which letter on their boarding pass refers to which seat.

After locating your seat, place your luggage in the overhead compartment, ideally wheels first. You can take your backpack, purse, or whatever your personal item is with you to your seat. It will need to be placed under the seat in front of you for takeoff and landing. 

For those sitting in the front-most seat of economy you will not have a seat in front of you. Instead, look for the overhead compartments that are reserved for your personal items. 

Pre-Flight Procedures

Now for the fun part, the flying itself. For some people, this is where the fear and anxiety begins setting in. But if you know what to expect when you fly, you will hopefully be able to better manage the fear before you are in the air.

Passengers board the plane, find their seats, and store any carry on baggage in the storage bins above the seats. 

The crew relays safety instructions (or they are presented in a video on screens behind each seat), and the Captain gives a brief message to passengers along the lines of the weather in your destination city, any expected weather or turbulence issues expected and how long the flight is expected to take.

A safety card is in the seat in front of you to let you know what you need to do in the rare event of an emergency.

People that are already experiencing fear and anxiety when they fly tend to fear the worst during safety instructions. This is something you can learn to overcome by educating yourself on flight safety statistics and recognizing that the fear is irrational.

Accidents are very rare, so safety measures are seldom needed; the crew addresses them in the unlikely event they are necessary. If an emergency does occur, the crew is well-trained and equipped to assist passengers.

The Takeoff

The Captain then "drives" the aircraft on the ground to get in position for takeoff. Before takeoff, passengers must fasten their seat belts and remain seated until instructed otherwise. 

When the pilot gets the clearance to take off, the plane will begin accelerating along the runway before becoming airborne. This is the part some passengers dislike because the plane is leaving the ground, and the body is angled upward. 

Others have a feeling of exhilaration as the plane accelerates into the air. The acceleration and takeoff are likely to be a little bumpy as you move across the runway.

During the Flight

When the plane reaches a certain altitude, passengers are free to move about in the cabin and use the restrooms. Many planes have a video screen on the back of each seat with on-demand music, TV programs, and movies for entertainment. Wi-Fi is usually available as well, so you can take care of personal or business-related tasks.

The crew will also serve snacks and drinks. Depending on your ticket, food and drinks may be complimentary. 

If you're in the coach section (typically the cheapest) section, you'll generally get a snack like pretzels or cookies and sodas or water. You can still buy additional food items or alcoholic beverages if you prefer.

If there is turbulence and moving around is not safe while in the air, the crew will instruct passengers to remain seated until notified otherwise. Turbulence is nothing to fear—it is caused by fluctuating air pressures and is a normal experience of flying.

The Landing

Likewise, when you are close to landing, the crew will require that passengers be seated and buckled in. 

Some people fear this part of the journey because the plane will often slightly roll (turn) and change altitudes in preparation to descend and land on the airport runway assigned to the flight. 

When the plane lands, the Captain drives to the gate, where passengers use the jetway to exit the aircraft and enter the destination airport.

Post Flight Procedures

Exiting the plane.

Similar to how you boarded. Exiting the plane is essentially the same but in reverse. 

After the plane has exited the runway, there may be a wait until a gate is available for the plane to dock. This is dependent on whether or not flights are running behind and the availability of a jetway. 

You should remain buckled until the crew gives you the okay to unbuckle. If sitting near the rear of the plane, you will be better off staying in your seat as it will take a while for everyone ahead of you to get off the plane. 

Be courteous to other passengers and help when needed. 

Baggage Claim

If you checked any luggage, you would then head to the baggage claim area. Airport signage will direct you to baggage claim, or you can get assistance from airport staff. Shortly after landing, luggage is placed on a carousel for passengers to pick up.

Final Thoughts

Once you have experienced the air travel process for the first time, you will at least have addressed the fear of the unknown, and hopefully will enjoy any future flights. Good luck, and if you are interested in reading some additional tips for first-time flyers, click here .

First Time Flying | Resources

• Airport Terminals
• Fear of Flying Statistics

Written by Fly Fright Staff , Staff Writer

Fact Checked

Our team of writers and editors rigorously evaluate each article to ensure the information is accurate and exclusively cites reputable sources.

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Here's what you should know about booking a flight for the first time

Ever since I graduated college in May, learning to be an adult has come with many firsts, to say the least.

I spent the beginning of my summer frantically running around the streets of Manhattan filling out applications with New York City landlords and brokers as I looked for my first apartment in the city. Then, I started my new job here at TPG in July. Slowly but surely, I'm starting to settle into this new chapter of my life.

However, since I began working at TPG, I haven't booked a trip fully on my own. The idea of booking a flight seemed so nerve-wracking and time-consuming. From figuring out the best dates to needing to wait until a certain day of the week to snag the cheapest fares, I didn't want to deal with such a seemingly extensive process. After all, post-graduation life is already full of so many growing pains, including the need to pay rent on time each month and learn the ropes of living on your own.

Now that I'm covering travel for a living, though, I've been itching to head somewhere for a quick getaway. So, I decided to face one of those many adult tasks head-on and book a flight — completely by myself — for the first time this October.

New to points and miles? Learn the ropes with the free TPG App !

Choosing a city

Most of my trips in the past have been family vacations. My first time truly flying alone was to Denver this past summer, but it was for a conference where I was essentially confined to a hotel for three days with hundreds of other journalists. For my first solo trip, I wanted to take a domestic trip that was far — but not too far — and to see somewhere I'd never been before.

So, I got to work figuring out where to go.

After extensive deliberation, I narrowed down my list of contenders to Austin and New Orleans. I had always wanted to visit the two cities, as each offers a vibrant food scene and a distinct culture.

Deciding between the two was difficult, but ultimately, I set my sights on New Orleans.

Now seemed like a good time to experience the city without the chaos of Mardi Gras or the hordes of tourists that come in spring and early summer. Another plus for New Orleans: There were more flight options from New York — and they were shorter, too.

Deciding on dates and times

For my first flight, I aimed for a short, overnight trip. I booked three weeks out — enough time to find lower fares and figure out where to stay after I finalized my flights.

I turned to Google Flights to see what fares looked like for the week of Oct. 24, the travel window I finally settled on.

I was happy to see that fares seemed low during the second half of October. So, I settled on an itinerary departing on Wednesday, Oct. 26, and returning on Thursday, Oct. 27. It gave me 36 hours to spend in the city — just enough time to get an overview of the Big Easy.

With the dates settled, I zeroed in on picking my exact flights.

Narrowing down airports

Now that I live in New York City, I have three airports to choose from every time I fly: LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

LaGuardia is closest to my apartment, but the airport offered the fewest nonstop flights to New Orleans. As a result, I decided to focus on finding a flight from one of the latter two airports despite knowing there'd be a lengthier commute.

Picking an airline

I thought choosing a city was hard, but deciding on an airline was even harder. Since this was my first time booking by myself, I didn't necessarily have a particular airline I was loyal to.

I grew up near Newark's airport and had almost always exclusively flown from there on United Airlines for family vacations. I opened a United MileagePlus account last summer after flying to Denver, so the possibility of stacking up miles in that account was a consideration for me.

However, I didn't want to limit myself either, so I cast my net across all the major airlines to see what was available.

Besides the potential for earning miles, I considered factors like whether the fares were for basic economy or regular economy, if there were additional fees for luggage or carry-on bags, how convenient the flight times were and if nonstop options were available.

I looked at six different airlines: Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. I used Google Flights to get a general overview of pricing for my search (conducted the week of Sept. 26), but I then visited each airline's website to look at my booking options.

Spirit, which claims to offer the cheapest possible fares, was on the more expensive end once I factored in all of the add-on fees.

While fares to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) totaled $94, fees for "perks" like a carry-on bag and seat selection caused the total price for a round-trip flight to jump to $322.

On Spirit's website, some of the fares from Newark were astonishingly low, starting at $27 one-way. However, the single $27 fare available left Newark at 5:45 a.m., and I didn't want to deal with the hassle of getting to the airport two hours earlier, at 3:45 a.m.

The trips returning to Newark were more expensive, and some had such cumbersome connections — including one with an overnight layover — so they weren't realistic considerations.

Since I had never flown with Spirit before, I was hesitant to go for the airline's "Saver" option. It required buying a membership, and I didn't want to sign myself up for something if I wasn't sure I'd use it again.

In the end, the low fares felt a little misleading. Spirit tacked on additional fees to every other aspect of the flight, from the carry-ons to the seat selection. I didn't need to check a bag for such a short trip, but I wanted the option of bringing a carry-on for my flight. Without any of these perks, I'd be limited to just a personal item that would have to fit under the seat in front of me.

What shocked me the most about this process was how expensive the fees were for carry-ons. A carry-on cost $64 each way, which felt a bit unreasonable to me.

On top of it all, the seats were expensive. For the returning flights, the cheapest seats available for advance purchase were $6, but the cost of the cheapest possible seats differed for all four flights — I would have ended up spending an additional $101 on seat selection.

The total cost of a round-trip itinerary from Newark to New Orleans came out to $322 — a whopping markup from the $94 base fare that initially drew me in. That felt too expensive for an airline that has always been known for its cheap prices. The fares were low, but the additional fees weren't worth it to me. I'd rather pay a more expensive fare that included seat selection and a carry-on than spend an additional $228 for what I considered to be basic comfort.

Of all the airlines, JetBlue surprised me the most. The airline's "Blue" option offered fares at reasonable prices from JFK, with the added bonus of a carry-on. JetBlue has a "Blue Basic" option that had even cheaper fares, but because it didn't allow me to bring a carry-on, I ruled out the basic economy option.

With the "Blue" option, the total price of the flight came in around $197. I didn't have to pay extra for the seat or carry-on since both were already included in the fare.

JetBlue also had additional fees for perks like priority check-in and checked baggage, but since I only needed a carry-on, I didn't feel a need to purchase any of the extra perks.

Considering that I didn't have to pay extra for add-ons because I chose an economy fare, JetBlue became a strong contender. The airline's numerous nonstop flights to New Orleans were another plus, as they'd save me from transiting through another city as I would on have on other carriers' connecting itineraries.

With JetBlue, the option that made the most sense was a flight that would take off from JFK at 2:59 p.m. and land at 5:19 p.m. on Oct. 18. My return flight would leave New Orleans at 6:20 p.m., giving me a whole day in the city. While the timing was not perfect, both flights were nonstop and would still give me sufficient time to explore New Orleans during a quick trip.

Delta offered some cheap fares, with some as low as $190.

Even though Delta has a basic economy option that allows for a carry-on, I opted for the "Main" option, which cost $250. That's only $60 more than basic economy, and it allowed for seat selection without any additional charges, which seemed like a good value to me.

The $250 price tag was a little more expensive compared to JetBlue, but it didn't strike me as shocking since there weren't any extra fees tacked onto the fare.

Of the options available, the most appealing was an early morning flight at 8:20 a.m. and a nonstop return flight at night the next day. By flying Delta, I would have the better part of two days for exploring New Orleans.

While other airlines had later options, they either caused the fare to spike or created unreasonable travel times because of connections. That was hard to justify for such a short trip.

Compared to other carriers I considered, American did not have as many nonstop flights to New Orleans. Additionally, many of the direct flights from JFK no longer had a basic economy option, so I had no choice but to consider the "Main" option.

Luckily, I was able to find a nonstop round-trip flight with American. The main cabin fares totaled $198, which I found reasonable, and the itinerary would give me sufficient time to spend in the city.

Since JetBlue was the carrier operating these flights due to its Northeast Alliance with American, the round-trip itinerary's prices and times were the same as the JetBlue option I had been considering.

Given that JetBlue was operating the two flights, American did not have seat selection available on its website.

Southwest was one of the more inconvenient options I looked at, in part because of the carrier's relatively limited presence in New York. The airline had numerous itineraries, but many were sold out or had limited availability.

I favored the 2:55 p.m. flight from LaGuardia to New Orleans' airport, which was only $74 one-way. Luckily, it was one of the few time slots that didn't seem like it was going to sell out immediately.

For the return trip, there were even fewer options. I focused on the last flight leaving New Orleans at 4:50 p.m., but it would include a stop at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

With Southwest, I opted for the "Wanna Get Away" fare for the extra flexibility. The total came out to $221, which was reasonable. However, other than Spirit, Southwest was the only other carrier with an itinerary that included a stop.

Because only one flight was nonstop — not to mention the higher fare — I felt less inclined to book with Southwest. Additionally, I wasn't the biggest fan of the times — I only had a day to spend in New Orleans, and these flights did not maximize my time on the ground.

There was also nothing on seat selection in the booking process, so the process of choosing a seat was unclear to me as a newer traveler. I later learned that the reason for this was because of Southwest's open seating policy, which allows all passengers to pick their seats as they board instead of choosing a seat assignment in advance.

United was the airline I grew up flying with, so I felt like I already knew what to expect from a United flight.

My search priced a United round trip in economy on my preferred dates at $208. I favored economy over basic economy (which cost $148) because United's basic economy option does not allow for carry-on bags. Compared to my experience with Spirit, a $208 round-trip flight seemed like a deal.

By opting for the 7:45 a.m. flight, I could have most of the day in New Orleans after arriving at 9:57 a.m. United also offered the most direct flights compared to the other airlines, which was perhaps no surprise given its large hub in Newark. Additionally, the return flight the next day was at 7:53 p.m., allowing me to maximize my limited time in New Orleans.

Since the regular economy fare included seat selection and was available for both departing and returning flights, I ended up not spending extra money on what the airline considers to be preferred seats — like those in the exit row or closer to the front of the plane.

Even with an upgrade from basic economy, my United flight was cheaper than other options like those with Spirit. Plus, I felt like I would get more flexibility from an economy fare while avoiding incurring additional charges for bare minimum necessities that help make a flight comfortable.

Earning miles in the United MileagePlus program was appealing, too, even though my ticket would earn fewer than 1,000 miles for the total trip. Because of this, the earning potential didn't end up swaying me much.

The final verdict

I expected Spirit and Southwest to be cheaper given their reputations as discount carriers, but both ended up being either equally as expensive or more expensive than the others, so I crossed them off the list.

Of the six airlines I researched, Spirit disappointed me the most with its many fees, and I was surprised at the fact that it ended up being my most expensive option. Southwest's fares were on par with United, JetBlue, American and Delta, but my main issue was that my returning flight had a stop. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the available times for Southwest — I chose a 2:55 p.m. flight to New Orleans because it was the cheapest option, but my preference was for something earlier in the day.

Delta was one of the more expensive options as well. A $250 round-trip flight to New Orleans wasn't unreasonable for the week of Oct. 24, but was more than I wanted to pay — especially given the other choices.

I ended up sticking to what I know and chose United. JetBlue and American were the cheapest of the six, but in the end, United was close in price and I knew what to expect since most of my flying experience has been with the carrier.

But, above all, it was the schedule that really sold me. The ability to leave New York for New Orleans early and return late at night the next day would give me about 36 hours to explore New Orleans. JetBlue and American were cheaper, but since I'd depart from JFK in the afternoon and then take an evening flight from MSY the next day, I'd only have around 24 hours in the Big Easy.

Cheap fares were important, but so was the ability to pack as much as possible into an overnight trip — and I feel like I got that with my United itinerary. A reasonable fare, a good flight schedule and now the chance to see someplace new all came with United.

It took a little effort, but I feel as if my research paid off. Now, I'm looking forward to seeing the sights of New Orleans — and to making my first solo getaway as a young adult.

There were some big lessons I picked up along the way. The fares changed frequently during my search. Plus, I never realized just how important good flight times were to maximizing my trip. Matching those ideal times to low fares was a bit of extra work, but worth the effort. And, beware of fees! Some of my original top choices nearly doubled in price once I accounted for those — a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way after you've already booked.

The process was a little intimidating and at times tedious, but in the end, I found what I was looking for. So, if you're like me, stick with it and see what's out there. Before long, you might be on a fun trip of your own.

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Advice for First Time Travelers Part 1.

Even if you’re a frequent flyer, the screening process can be overwhelming at times. For the uninitiated first-time traveler, it can be even worse.  Follow along in our short blog series where we will share tips for first time flyers, frequent travelers and people who just want to get through security more efficiently!  

Suitcases and Carry-Ons.

Let’s start with the basics:  personal/carry-on bags and checked bags. Carry-on bags (or personal baggage, depending on the airlines) are any bags you are planning to carry with you on the plane, while checked bags are those destined for the cargo hold of the plane. When it comes to the size and weight of your bags, policies vary from airline to airline. The airlines also make the rules on which bags count towards your carry-on allowance and which will incur checked baggage fees. So before your scheduled flight, make sure to check your airline’s policy and guidelines page.

Oh, and if you think TSA officers only screen your carry-on bags then you are mistaken. TSA officers screen all bags – including checked bags – before your flight takes off. So be sure to pack smart and check your bags thoroughly for prohibited items before you arrive to the airport. For the best resource to understand what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on or checked bag, check out the What Can I Bring ? tool on the TSA website.

Pack like a Pro.

When packing your carry-on bag, organization is key! Keep your large electronics – like computers, tablets and video game consoles –  as well as your travel liquids bag at the top of your bag for easy accessibility. This will make your screening experience smoother when you’re asked to pull these items out of your bags and place them in bin for screening. Have additional questions on how to best prepare your carry-on bags for security screening? Check out this video to learn more.

TSA’s Liquids Rule.

How familiar are you with TSA’s liquids rule? And why do we have specific guidelines for liquids? Liquid explosives still pose a threat to aviation, so allowing passengers to carry their liquids, gels and aerosols in smaller containers lessens that risk. So what qualifies a liquid? Here’s an easy way to think about that: if you can spread it, smear it, pump it or spray it, it is considered a liquid. Watch this video to learn more on how to best travel with your liquids.

Heading to the Airport

Don’t forget your mask and give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the airport early. Running to your gate in a face mask doesn’t sound like much fun to us! We also recommend wearing easily removable shoes (and socks) to make the screening process a little bit smoother for you! Again, don’t forget your mask!

A Final Travel Tip (for now)

Download the MyTSA app ! The MyTSA app provides passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device. Check delay information and current weather conditions at your favorite airports nationwide. You can also use the “What Can I Bring?” tool right in the app to know if an item can be packed in your carry-on or checked bag before arriving at the airport.

About This Blog

The purpose of this blog is to share the latest news and helpful information with the public. If you have questions about TSA or the information presented here, please contact our AskTSA customer care team on Twitter  or Facebook .

TSA is committed to protecting privacy and securing personal information. For details, see our website Privacy Policy .

Stay informed on our latest news!

19+ Super Helpful First Time Flying Tips

If you’ve never flown on a plane before and have only done road trips , thinking about it can be both exciting and nervewracking.

You’re not sure what to expect of the process or the actual experience.

But flying is often the key you need to get to faraway places or go traveling further than outside your own bubble.

In this list of first time flying tips, we’ll go over what you should do to prepare yourself and what to expect on your first flight.

These differ slightly based on whether it’s a long haul flight or a short hop, but the basics of your first time flying apply to any destination.

First Time Flying Tips Before You Get to the Airport

1. Book a Flight on a Less Crowded Travel Day or Time

If you’re taking your first flight, try to book on a random weekday or at a time that most people wouldn’t be interested in, like an early morning or a late night flight.

This might inconvenience you a bit more when it comes to traveling, but it will probably mean less people on your flight which gives you a bit more space and time to get used to flying without dealing with the chaos of a completely full flight.

2. Pay to Choose Seats if You Think You’ll be Nervous

If you feel as though you’ll have anxiety about flying , you don’t want to add to it by not knowing what seats you’ll get.

Paying for your seat choice is often an extra cost in flying nowadays on carriers like Spirit and Frontier , but you should go ahead and pay this if you want things to go as smoothly as possible.

The other thing that can happen if you don’t book seats is that you and the others in your party get split up – it doesn’t happen often, but if it does, you’ll regret it as you’ll want to be with your people!

This is especially important for families traveling with small children; you’ll definitely want to make sure you and your kids get seated together!

Note: As we mention in this Southwest airlines review , you cannot choose your seat ahead of time on Southwest. All you can do is try to get a high boarding number so you have first choice when boarding. This might impact your choice of airline if this makes you anxious.

3. Make Sure to Read All Rules About Baggage

Luggage requirements are always changing among airlines, and they’re not always consistent between connecting flights – especially if you’re taking a domestic flight and connecting to an international flight.

Be sure you have read and printed out all of the information about your baggage allowance before packing or getting to the airport.

You should always plan on the safe side, so consider buying a scale to weigh your luggage at home so you don’t have to ditch anything in the trash in the airport.

And make sure you’re aware of the actual size of the bags you’re allowed to bring!

Often, there is a weight restriction for carry-on bags as well, so be sure to check this.

This tends to be a carry-on that can go on most airlines without an extra charge.

4. Note Check-In Rules to Find Out When and How to Check-In

Some airlines require you to check-in online beforehand or you pay an extra fee – this is particularly true for budget airlines like Spirit airlines .

Others offer apps for mobile check-in, or checking in at a kiosk or counter once you get to the airport.

Find out the rules for our airline, and also make sure to see when you can check-in.

Most airlines allow you to check in 24 hours in advance, and we recommend doing it as close to that point as possible.

This way, you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you get to the airport!

5. Leave Yourself an Hour Extra than the Recommended Airport Arrival Time

When it comes time to get to the airport, take the amount of time the airline says to arrive at the airport early, and then go ahead and add an hour to that.

So if it’s a domestic flight and they say to be there 2 hours before takeoff, add an extra hour.

If it’s 3 hours for an international flight, make it 4 hours.

If it’s your very first flight, which is probably is if you’re reading these first time flying tips, then you’re going to want to give yourself as much time as possible to get through security and get to your gate in a relaxed way as you start to learn how the process works.

If you get there and locate your gate and realize you’ve got a ton of free time, check out the shopping and dining options at the airport, or plan on bringing a book to read!

What to Expect for your First Time Flying at the Airport

6. watch what the people in security ahead of you are doing.

Going through security is one of the most stressful things for many people at the airport, even if they’re a frequent flyer.

The rules seem to change frequently and vary based on each airport and their scanning equipment.

You don’t always have to take your shoes off now, and sometimes they ask you to take your food/laptop/electronics out of your bags, while other times you can keep them in.

As you weave your way through the security line, keep an eye on what’s happening in front of you with security and what the security workers are asking of passengers – if you see everyone taking their shoes off, plan to take yours off, too.

Whatever you can do to be alert and be aware of what’s expected of you will make it much easier.

You can also prepare in advance by already having your electronics in a separate bag in case you do need to take them out of your luggage.

If you’re traveling with medication, be sure to have any necessary notes from your doctor in case security needs proof of your prescription.

7. Keep Your Passport/License and Boarding Pass Handy at All Times

You’ll need your passport or license and boarding pass when you go through security, as well as when you drop off luggage if you have any to be checked in, and again at the gate when boarding.

Make sure that you have a special compartment for these items so you’re not digging through your bags every time you need them.

Getting a passport holder like this is a great idea.

8. Don’t Get Fancy With Your Clothes

While some people might want to already be dressed for their destination when arriving at an airport, most travelers these days have prioritized comfort over fashion.

You don’t want to have to unbuckle 86 things to get your shoes off for security, or be constrained by really tight jeans while sitting in your tiny seat for hours.

You can feel put together and wear what makes you feel confident about yourself, but try to go for clothes that don’t have too many bells and whistles involved.

Simple is better.

9. Go Directly to Your Gate When You Get to the Airport

We recommend always going directly to your gate once you get through security, even if you’re really early.

This ensures that you’ll know where you need to be when it comes time to board.

If it’s completely empty and no one is at the desk, you know that you have quite a bit of time to kill before you need to go back and get ready.

Sometimes, they may even still be boarding from another flight that’s using the gate before your flight!

If it’s not too busy, feel free to approach the desk or counter and ask what time you should be prepared to board.

Then, you can set out to explore the rest of the airport for a little while – just be sure not to wander too far or lose track of time!

But if there’s a flurry of activity, you may want to find a spot to sit and see what’s going on before going off to the bathroom or to get food.

For example, sometimes there may be an issue with limited room for carry-on bags, and the flight attendants might be asking people to volunteer to check their luggage in order to ensure space.

10. Prepare for Airport Food Prices and Pack Your Own

Airport food is incredibly expensive with such a captive audience, and in-flight meals aren’t exactly known for being particularly impressive.

You can pack your own food in a fun bento box like this and take it through security with you.

This is a great idea if you want to have something familiar and affordable to eat while at the airport or on the flight (as opposed to a $10 bottle of water).

11. Go to the Bathroom Right Before Boarding

When they start to call boarding groups, unless you are someone who needs to be pre-boarded (like a family with young kids, or someone with a mental or physical condition that means you need to be on the plane first), you’ve got some time before your boarding group will be called.

This is an opportunity to quickly go to the bathroom before your boarding group is called, as there’s nothing worse than needing to go during take-off when you’re not allowed!

First Time Flying Tips for the Flight and Arrival

12. tell the flight attendant you’re nervous if you are.

If you’re nervous about your first time flying, tell a flight attendant!

This is such second nature for them, and they see new flyers all the time.

If they have a moment, they’re usually happy to chat through any fears with you and reassure you about how long they’ve been flying and how normal it is.

They might also check on you during the flight to see how you’re doing.

13. Wait for Your Boarding Group to Be Called and Go Directly to Your Seat

There is a term for people who hang around the gate waiting for their boarding group to be called, and it’s “gate lice”.

You don’t need to be one of them, especially early in the boarding process.

Wait until your boarding group is called, then get in line and proceed onto the plane.

When on the plane, find your seat and stow your luggage in the overhead bin if you have any that can’t go under the seat in front of you, and sit down.

The quicker people sit down, the less there will be a chance of delays with the take-off.

14. Try to Use the Overhead Bin Above Your Own Seat

If you have luggage that needs to go in the overhead bin above your head, do so as close to your seat as possible, if not directly above it.

You don’t want to be putting your luggage to any old bin you can find, as that’s not the proper plane etiquette.

If you have problems finding space for your luggage, don’t panic!

Ask a flight attendant where there might be room, as they are usually monitoring these things to help you out.

Sometimes, they might need you to store your carry-ons further away from your seat – just remember what section of the plane they’re on and don’t forget them when the flight is over!

15. Prepare to Put Your Electronics Away when Requested

At a certain point before take-off, you’ll be instructed to put certain electronics away and switch your phone to airplane mode .

This is for safety, because the signals from your phone can potentially interfere with the plane’s navigation and other important systems.

The plane can not take off if the pilots hear from the flight attendants that people are not following these rules!

We recommend finishing up any texts or emails at the gate, and going into airplane mode while you’re still in line for boarding.

16. Understand the Noises You’ll Hear in Flight

Planes make some funny noises while in flight that are completely normal, but might sound alarming to those of us who are usually on the ground!

This could be anything from the sound of the engines, to the wing flaps and slats, to the wheels going up and down.

If you anticipate being nervous about noises during the flight, make sure to bring ear plugs or some headphones to play your favorite music through.

You can also watch YouTube videos about planes ahead of time that take you through these noises so you know what to expect.

17. Leave Your Phone Charger Out if You’re Using it in Flight

Some flights, especially those used for international travel, have USB outlets in the backs of the seats for charging.

This is essential if you’re going to use your phone during the flight to play music, games, podcasts, or take notes on or take pictures with.

Don’t pack your charger too far into your luggage or in your checked bag, as you’ll want to be able to use it to charge your phone during the flight!

18. Don’t Be Afraid of Turbulence

Turbulence is one of the most natural parts of flying, and can often feel like brief bumps in the road or full out shaking depending on what type of turbulence you’re flying through.

Familiarize yourself with why it happens and what it is so it doesn’t take you by surprise.

Some flights will be incredibly calm, while others may have you shaking the entire 10-hour flight.

Pilots won’t keep you in situations that are unsafe, and they have so many ways of forecasting turbulence and flying around it if possible, so put your trust in the people up front who also really want to get to your destination and don’t be worried by turbulence!

19. Have the Phone Number of Your Ride Written Down for When You Arrive

You’ve done it!

You’ve arrived!

When you’re exiting the plane into the airport, the next steps will be to figure out how you’re getting home or to your hotel or friend’s house.

And if your phone did run out of battery during the flight, you’re going to be thankful you’ve written down either your friends phone number or the instructions on how to take public transportation to get where you needed to go.

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What to Expect Your First Time Flying

It’s normal to feel anxious the first time you fly, but to help ease the nerves it’s good to know what you can expect at the airport, on the plane, and after getting off the plane.

In this article, we cover everything you can expect your first time flying, airport procedures to be aware of, and statistics that show just how safe air travel is to put your mind at ease.

The following step-by-step guide will be particularly useful.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Before the Flight
• 1.2 At Check-in
• 1.3 At Airport Security
• 1.4 After Airport Security
• 1.5 On the Plane
• 1.6 After the Flight
• 2 Make Sure to Bring the Correct ID
• 3 Pay Attention to Carry on and Checked Luggage Restrictions
• 4 Make Sure You Bring These Essential Items
• 5 Don’t Worry: Flying is Exceptionally Safe
• 6 It’s Normal to Feel Some Nerves When Flying For the First Time
• 7 Turbulence Can Be Scary, But Isn’t Actually Dangerous
• 8 You May Experience Airplane Ear

Before the Flight

• Assuming you have already booked your ticket, double-check the flight time and luggage restrictions, including the maximum weight and size of bags allowed.
• If it makes you more comfortable, consider paying extra to sit by the window or aisle.
• Make sure you don’t pack any liquids, gels, or aerosols larger than 3.4oz/100ml in your carry on because they will be confiscated at airport security if you do.
• Place your liquids, gels, and aerosols that are within the regulations inside a clear, resealable 1-quart sized bag.
• Place a TSA-approved lock on your checked bag because if they want to take a look inside your bag, they’re getting inside through any means necessary.
• Make sure you travel with one of the acceptable forms of ID the TSA requires for flying. Note that a passport is required for all international flights , though not necessary for domestic flights.
• Dress comfortably, with many passengers preferring loose-fitting clothing.
• Plan to get to the airport 2 hours before your domestic flight and 3 hours if flying internationally .
• You may want to get to the airport even earlier, as it will be your first time flying.
• It’s a good idea to check how long it will take to get to the airport through Google Maps or a similar service.

At Check-in

• When you get to the airport, what you need to do next will either depend on if you have checked in online and/or you need to check in a bag.
• If you have checked in online and only have a carry-on, you can immediately go to airport security.
• If you haven’t checked in online and/or need to check in a bag, you need to go to the airline’s check-in counter at the airport.
• You will know which counter to go to by the screen that will show the airline’s logo behind the counters.
• If in doubt, you can always ask one of the passengers in the queue if this is the check-in for your airline.
• At the check-in counter, you will be asked for your ID, which you will hand over to the agent, who will then enter your details and print your boarding pass.
• You will also be asked if you need to check in bag.
• Once you have your boarding pass, it’s time to go through airport security.

At Airport Security

• Going through airport security can be nerve wracking, as there are usually queues, so you might be nervous about holding people up, but there isn’t much to worry about.
• Place your carry on bag along with the clear, resealable bag that contains your toiletries in a security bin.
• Empty your pockets, take off your jacket, hat as well as any other items that might set off the airport body scanner and place them in the security bin. You will probably need to take off your shoes, too.
• If you’re traveling with a laptop or tablet, these will need to be placed in a separate screening bin.
• If in doubt, look at what the people ahead of you are doing.
• Hopefully, your bag passed through the scanner without any problems, but in some instances, a TSA agent may want to take a closer look at your bag.
• Once your bag has been cleared, it’s time to place the items you took out of your bag and pockets and place them back inside your bag and pockets.

After Airport Security

• After you have passed airport security, take a look at one of the many screens that will inform you of the gate you need to be for your flight, as well as the time the plane will board. Your boarding pass will also display gate information.
• Note that the boarding time might not immediately be available.
• You’ll probably have time to kill, so do some shopping, or grab a drink or bite to eat while you wait to board.
• It can also be a good idea to go to the bathroom before your flight, so you won’t have to use those tiny airplane bathrooms.
• Go to the gate, where you will find other passengers waiting to board the aircraft.
• Depending on the airline, you may be asked to board depending on whether you are sitting at the front, middle or back of the plane.
• Once your seating section is called, it’s time to board the plane, at which point a flight attendant at the desk will want to scan your boarding pass and may ask for your ID.

On the Plane

• Once you have stepped onto the plane, a friendly flight attendant will inform you where your seat is, according to what is printed on your boarding pass. If you have a middle seat, follow our guide to How to Survive the Middle Seat on a Plane.
• Find your seat and place your carry on in one of the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you if it fits.
• Take your seat, put on your seatbelt, put your phone in airplane mode, and get ready for takeoff. If you’re overweight, you may have to ask for a seatbelt extender or bring your own, the best of which is the Mirone Adjustable Airplane Seat Belt Extender .
• Remember to stay hydrated due to the lower air pressure and humidity level on a plane. The Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) recommends drinking about 0.25 liters (or 8 ounces) of water per hour while on an airplane.
• Your ears might feel a little weird due to the change in air pressure when on a plane, but this is nothing to worry about and will pass.
• Your feet may swell if you have a long flight and you stayed seated for the duration of your flight.

After the Flight

• Once you have landed, there will be a short delay before you are allowed to get off the plane.
• Once you get off the plane, you may need to go to the baggage carousel if you checked in a bag and/or customs if you are flying internationally.

Make Sure to Bring the Correct ID

If you’re flying for the first time, it can be confusing to know what ID is necessary.

If you’re flying domestically, you need a form of ID that is recognized by the TSA , with most people using their driver’s license.

If you’re flying internationally, a passport is the only acceptable form of ID.

Related: What Do You Need to Fly Domestic ?

Pay Attention to Carry on and Checked Luggage Restrictions

It’s important to be aware of the carry on and checked luggage size and weight restrictions, so you won’t be in for any costly surprises at the airport.

While it can differ by airline:

• Carry on items must generally be no larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high. A specific weight limit is typically not stated.
• If a bag is larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high, it will be considered a checked bag. Checked bags have a maximum weight restriction of 50 lbs (23 kg).
• Personal items have a size restriction of 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high, and must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.

As mentioned earlier, any liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers larger than 3.4oz/100ml should only be packed in your checked bag.

Make Sure You Bring These Essential Items

Essential items may include prescription medicine, contacts, contact lens solution , glasses, cash and credit cards, your phone etc.

You will want to make sure that these items are either kept on you or in your carry on in the unlikely event that your bag gets lost while in transit.

Don’t Worry: Flying is Exceptionally Safe

Knowing just how remarkably safe commercial air travel is can help put your mind at ease.

According to Arnold Barnett , who has calculated the chances of a plane crashing, and is an expert in the field of aviation safety and risk and Professor of Statistics at MIT:

“If you take one flight a day, you would on average need to fly every day for 55,000 years before being involved in a fatal crash.”

Additionally, it has currently never been safer to fly on commercial airlines when we consider that airline passenger fatalities have fallen significantly compared to the previous decade.

In other words, the chances of a plane crashing is the lowest it has ever been in the history of commercial aviation.

Traveling by car is in order of magnitudes more dangerous than flying, but you probably don’t worry every time you get into a car.

So there certainly isn’t anything to worry about when flying, even if it is your first time flying.

It’s Normal to Feel Some Nerves When Flying For the First Time

It’s natural to feel nervous when flying for the first time, so there are a few things we recommend to ease the nerves.

• Arrive at the airport early
• Before your flight, eat a light meal, stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol
• If possible, travel with a friend or family member
• Familiarize yourself with the noises of an airplane, so you know what to expect
• Inform a flight attendant that it is your first time flying
• Pay attention to the safety instructions before takeoff
• Bring a book, listen to music, watch a movie, or connect to the plane’s Wi-Fi service if available to keep your mind occupied
• Picture your destination and how worth it will all be
• Be proud of yourself that you are taking on your fears instead of letting them dictate your life
• Sit near by an exit row if it helps calm your nerves, though exit row seats may not recline , and not everyone can sit in the exit row.
• Remember just how incredibly safe air travel is
• It may help to look at how calm the other passengers are to remind you that there is a good reason why they are so calm when flying.  Flying is completely safe and there really isn’t anything to worry about!
• Remember to take some deep breaths

Turbulence Can Be Scary, But Isn’t Actually Dangerous

Anyone who has flown enough times has likely experienced turbulence at some point.

While turbulence can feel scary in the moment, you should know that turbulence isn’t dangerous and is perfectly safe and completely normal.

Airplanes are designed to withstand even the most severe of turbulence (1.5x force on their airframes, in fact), as well as changes in atmospheric conditions. 

You May Experience Airplane Ear

When flying, it’s quite likely that you will experience airplane air, which is caused by the changes in air pressure inside the cabin, resulting in discomfort inside your ear.

There are several ways to deal with this, including yawning, chewing hard candy or gum, and wearing ear plugs.

We go into more detail in our 8 Proven Ways to Pop Your Ears After a Flight article.

Ella Dunham

Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.

Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.

Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).

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Ten Tips for Your First Time Flying: An Air Travel Guide

Posted by Meghan Ochs | Dec 12, 2018 | Air Travel , Intel | 0 |

Learn the best ways to prepare for your first time flying.

If you’re someone who hasn’t flown anywhere before, you might feel some hesitations about your first plane ride. Many people experience anxieties when they’re preparing to take a flight to new destinations around the world. Those with fears of flying might remain nervous about sitting inside a plane for an extended period of time. Others may not be afraid to fly, but still require some advice to help them prepare for the trip. Even if you’re excited to journey through the sky, you’ll probably want to receive a bit of flying guidance. Accordingly, we’ve created a list of ten tips for your first time flying. These items will assist you in your pre-flight preparations, so you can alleviate any possible travel worries. Check out our article below to discover our ultimate guide for first time flyers.

Things to Consider Before You Fly

Length of flight.

When you’re preparing to go on a flight, you should definitely consider how long you’ll be flying. The length of the flight can affect your flying experience, so you should prepare accordingly. For instance, longer flights will mean you may need to bring more items along with you. Things like items for sleeping, snacks, and other belongings might become necessary on a lengthy trip. At the same time, a quick flight will mean you don’t need to carry as many items. This ensures you won’t have to slug along an inordinate number of belongings on your plane ride. Similarly, if you know how long the flight will be, you can prepare by wearing the right gear. You’ll want to dress comfortably when sitting in one place for a significant amount of time. Thus, knowing the extent of the flight will assist you in preparing your belongings and travel gear. Travelers will find their first time flying experience much more enjoyable if they consider these factors.

Flight Regulations

Different airlines have differing regulations. As such, travelers should be aware of these varying rules before they embark on their flight. Your first time flying might bring a lot of uncertainties, including those concerning flight rules. This means travelers may want to learn all about their specific flight and the regulations for it. You’ll be able to rest easy when you know what you can and can’t do while on the plane. If you’re unsure how to pack lightly for a flight, staying aware of the flight’s rules will assist in that regard. Travelers can figure out the carry-on regulations for their plane and thus know exactly how to pack their belongings. Any rules about what you can’t bring along on the flight will also help travelers if they’re struggling to pack. Those who think they might get hungry may need to know what food they can bring along. Additionally, figuring out other luggage regulations will make it easier to board the flights when you get to the airport.

Before you board a flight, you should think about the kind of climates you will be traveling to and from. The types of weather you might encounter can affect how you react to your flight. Those preparing to have a first time flying experience may want to consider weather conditions before boarding. Travelers might be starting in a cold location, and end up in an extremely warm place. This means they’ll have to think about the clothes they wear while traveling. You’ll probably need to think about wearing layers that you can shed during your flight. Any travelers who often feel cold should bring warmer outer layers to wear if they get chilly on the plane. In a similar manner, those who might grow hot should wear clothes that feel breathable and airy. You’ll have a comfortable trip while flying if you consider the climates and your own personal travel needs.

Once you board your flight, you won’t have to worry about knowing the exact directions taken by the plane. You can sit back and relax while enjoying your first time flying. However, before you can get on the plane, you’ll have to arrive at the airport and find your flight. Finding your way to the airport might be a first hurtle travelers must overcome. This means looking up the directions to the airport far in advance, as this will ensure you don’t get lost. Similarly, airports themselves can be extremely confusing. When you arrive, you might have no idea where to go in order to find your flight. In this manner, travelers may want to research how to navigate their designated airport. You can discover your particular boarding location and thus alleviate any concerns about making your flight in time. Information about the airport will also assist you in finding things like restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and souvenir shops. Overall, travelers can experience greater relaxation when they fly for the first time by researching navigation to and within airports.

Here are our top ten tips for your first time flying.

1. double-check required travel documents.

If you’re planning to fly for the first time, you’ll need to produce the necessary documents to travel by plane. Those leaving the country must retain a passport in order to leave the U.S . This means you’ll have to plan much in advance in order to have your passport prepared in time. Some travelers might have passports ready, but realize that the identification has expired. As such, you should make certain that your identification remains usable before flying. Additionally, things like driver’s licenses, plane tickets, and other forms of identification should all be accounted for. You don’t want to leave your house, only to arrive at the airport with a missing ticket. Accordingly, your first time flying will go smoothly if you double-check every necessary travel document.

2. Organize your luggage

Sometimes, packing bags before going on a journey can be a challenge. You might not know exactly what to bring, especially if you’re visiting a new location. Travelers might pack too much or too little when they have uncertainties about what to bring. Those embarking on their first flights will definitely want to organize luggage properly before arriving at airports. Since every flight has specific regulations about luggage, you’ll need to know how many items you can bring. Don’t overstuff your bags, or else you might have to pay extra in checked luggage fees. At the same time, certain airlines may allow you to bring one checked bag free of charge. Knowing the airline’s rules about luggage will help you organize your belongings according to flight standards.

3. Keep important items close

Since moving through airports can be a stressful activity, travelers should always keep specific items handy. Things like passports, driver’s licenses, credit cards, and plane tickets remain essential belongings when flying. Thus, travelers will want to carry these items in an accessible spot. This will translate to diminished stress, as you won’t have to rifle through belongings to find necessary items. You’ll also be able to get through security and other lines more efficiently. In this manner, your first time flying can be a calm experience if you keep important belongings within reach.

4. Wear comfortable clothing

Flights can be long and uncomfortable. Travelers journeying halfway across the world may have to deal with flights that last for hours and hours. Those boarding flights with limited space might also experience greater levels of discomfort after sitting for short periods. Congruently, travelers should make their first time flying as comfortable as possible by wearing cozy clothing. Consider wearing stretchy, soft clothes, and bringing layers in case you get too cold or hot. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that come off your feet easily as well.

5. Arrive a few hours early

Boarding a flight involves a lot of waiting around and worrying about getting to specific locations on time. Security lines may be lengthy, and delays or changes in departure times can occur randomly. For your first time flying, we recommend arriving at airports at least two hours before your scheduled flight. This ensures you’ll have enough time to get through security and reach your boarding location prior to your departure. In addition, arriving early means you’ll also remain up-to-date on any changes to departure times or locations. You can avoid running through the airport in a flurry by simply arriving earlier.

6. Pack noise-cancelling headphones

Those who haven’t flown before may not know the kinds of environments they might experience on planes. With many people all in one place, the plane can easily become noisy and overwhelming for some. This can prove frustrating or induce anxiety in those who need to calm down while getting ready to fly. Travelers hoping to accomplish work tasks or sleep may also find the noise disturbing. Planes themselves already produce their own level of noise as well. As such, travelers should definitely bring a pair of top-notch noise-cancelling headphones . If you have these devices, you’ll be able to calm down and accomplish whatever in-flight work goals you might have.

7. Bring some snacks

As mentioned previously, flights may last for many hours depending on your destination. This means that travelers will most likely grow hungry at some point during their journey. If you don’t purchase seats that provide multiple meals to passengers, you’ll have to bring your own sustenance. Even though you might have eaten before flying, you should carry a few snacks just in case. Your first time flying will not be as fun if you’re feeling hungry the entire time. Travelers should also know the kinds of foods airlines allow passengers to bring. Some airlines may not allow specific types of snacks, so be wary of those policies beforehand.  

8. Book a specific seat

Any travelers with a fear of flying may find it desirable to book a specific seat when buying plane tickets. Some may find aisle seats more comfortable, allowing them to feel secure in the middle of the plane. Others might remain at ease in a window seat, with views of the sky to calm them. A few might just like having control over where they sit, since finding a seat while boarding may be nerve-racking. If any of these scenarios applies to you, consider booking a specific seat before your first time flying. You can eliminate many anxieties about your in-flight experience by simply planning seating arrangements ahead of time.

9. Create a travel itinerary

This article previously discussed the difficulties of navigating to and within airports. Since travelers may have never been to a specific airport before, knowing directions to the location remains essential. At the same time, when you arrive at the airport, you might find yourself overwhelmed by layout and various sites. Airports can be extremely confusing to navigate, so creating a travel itinerary prior to arrival will alleviate those confusions. If you know exactly where to go, you won’t have to worry about arriving late anywhere. Your first time flying can be stress-free when you research how to navigate the airport.

10. Remain calm

Overall, your first time flying can be an overwhelming experience. Due to long airport security lines, confusing layouts, and noisy environments, you might feel extremely anxious when preparing to fly. Delays and changes in departure locations may cause you stress and worries about making your flight on time. Concerns about the flight itself could even keep you from enjoying your travel experience. However, traveling by plane can be an exciting and rewarding adventure. As such, travelers should remain calm when preparing to take a flight to a new destination. In the end, everything will work itself out, even if things don’t always go according to plan.

Enjoy a worry-free first time flying experience.

When you’re going to journey by plane for the first time, the travel experience can be a little nerve-racking. Most travelers will experience some pre-flight jitters due to the unknowns involved with flying. This can mean that those travelers may not get to enjoy their flights, as they might feel extremely anxious. However, if preparations can be made prior to taking a flight, travelers will feel more at ease when they travel. That’s why we’ve crafted a list of ten tips for first time flying. With our guide, you can learn everything you need to know in order to prepare for a flight. Instead of feeling nervous, travelers will remain calm and collected after learning various flying tips. Book a flight today and start a whole new adventure.

Related Article:  7 Best Earplugs for Sleeping During Your Flight

About The Author

Meghan Ochs

Meghan loves writing in all forms. In her free time, she alternates between reading and daydreaming about publishing her own novels someday. While she’s only visited two countries, she wants to travel around the world, with France and Spain the first sites on her list. Before that happens, though, she plans on adopting at least one dog from a local animal shelter.

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Conquer the Skies: Ultimate Airplane First-Time Flyer Tips

In the wise words of Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger , retired airline pilot and aviation safety expert, "The best tip for first-time flyers is to be prepared. Know what to expect, plan ahead, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it."

Ready for a smooth flight? Strap in, folks - this journey begins now.

• Preparation is key for first-time flyers
• Strategies to reduce flight anxiety
• Navigating airports and in-flight etiquette
• Packing tips for an easy journey
• Advice for making the most of your flying experience

Also check out: Airplane layover tips

Fly Right: Conquer Pre-Flight Preparation

Before you sprint towards the gate, preparation begins at home.

Tip 1: Document Check

Keep your ID, passport, and boarding pass handy. Many airlines offer digital boarding passes, eco-friendly and difficult to misplace.

Tip 2: Pack Smart

Avoid checked luggage fees and save time by packing carry-on only. Pack essentials in a clear, plastic bag for quick security checks.

Smooth Sailing: Navigating the Airport Maze

Airports can be overwhelming, but with these tips, you'll glide through with ease.

Tip 1: Early Bird Gets the Flight

Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic, and 3 hours for international flights. This accounts for any unexpected delays.

Tip 2: TSA PreCheck is Your Friend

To expedite security checks, consider applying for TSA PreCheck. It's a game-changer!

Sky High: Mastering In-Flight Etiquette

Airplane etiquette is crucial to ensure a pleasant flight for everyone on board.

Tip 1: Be Mindful of Shared Space

From armrests to lavatories, remember that you're sharing a space. Keep your area clean and respect others' personal space.

Tip 2: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

The cabin's dry air can dehydrate you quickly. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.

The Sky's the Limit: Making the Most of Your First Flight

Your first flight doesn't have to be a nerve-racking experience. Enjoy the journey!

Tip 1: Entertainment at 30,000 Feet

Airlines often provide in-flight entertainment. But don't rely on it solely, bring a book or download movies on your device.

Tip 2: Jet Lag is Real

For long haul flights, adjust your sleeping and eating schedule to the destination time zone before you travel.

Now you're ready to face your first flight with confidence. Don't forget to savor the experience. After all, you only have one first flight. Soar high, travelers!

What can I bring on my first flight?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific rules for what can be brought onto a plane. This includes restrictions on liquids and certain items. Check the TSA website for a detailed list.

How early should I arrive for my flight?

For domestic flights, aim to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, make it 3 hours.

How can I overcome my fear of flying?

Understanding the basics of how planes work and the safety measures in place can help. Also, employing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or listening to calming music can alleviate anxiety.

What should I do during a long flight?

Stay hydrated, get up and move around periodically, and bring entertainment like books or downloaded movies.

What's the best way to deal with jet lag?

Adjusting your schedule to the destination's time zone a few days before your flight can help. Also, make sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Can I bring my own food on a flight?

Yes, you can! Airlines usually allow passengers to bring their own food, but it's advisable to avoid anything too messy or with strong odors out of respect for your fellow passengers.

How should I dress for a flight?

Opt for comfort over style. Wear layers to adjust to varying cabin temperatures, and choose shoes that are easy to remove during security checks and comfortable for walking long airport distances.

What if I feel sick during the flight?

Air sickness is a common issue, especially for first-time flyers. If you're prone to motion sickness, consider over-the-counter medications. In flight, closing your eyes, looking at the horizon, or lying back can help. Don't hesitate to inform a flight attendant if you're feeling unwell; they're trained to assist you.

What is the procedure for connecting flights?

If you have a connecting flight, upon landing at your layover airport, you'll need to check the departure screens for the gate number of your next flight. Ensure you have enough time to reach the gate, which might involve another security check.

Any secret tips for enjoying a flight?

Absolutely! First, choose your seat wisely. Aisle seats are great for easy restroom access, while window seats offer great views and a wall to lean on for sleep. Also, bring noise-cancelling headphones for a peaceful journey, and consider bringing your own food and snacks for healthier and often tastier options.

Check out more of our useful tips: Best airplane snacks

• "Can I Bring It on an Airplane?" Transportation Security Administration. 
• "Top 10 Tips to Beat Motion Sickness." WebMD. 

A travel & food blog

15 Essential Tips for First-Time International Flyers

If it’s your first time to get on an international flight, you might be feeling worried and stressed. Don’t worry – this is perfectly normal! Flying internationally can be daunting, but as with everything else, it gets easy with once you’re used to it. Here we’ve compiled the best tips for first-time international flyers you should read before your trip!

P.S. Make sure to book your tickets early! You can get cheap flights by booking months ahead or during off-season travel. If you’re willing to travel at night, red-eye flights are also much cheaper compared to regular-hour flights.

Other immigration requirements

2. keep a screenshot of everything, 3. get to the airport early, 4. inform your banks where you are going, 5. pack your essentials in your carry-on, 6. dress comfortably, 7. bring your book/kindle/movie, 8. stay hydrated, 9. choose a good seat, 10. sleep well in flight, 11. be smart in handling conversations, 12. pay attention to arrowheads and signs, 13. check what you can and can’t bring to your destination, 14. plan for leaving the airport after arrival, 15. have fun, 1. prepare your travel documents.

The documents you should bring at the airport are: ID, passport and visa (if required), itinerary, and other pandemic-related paperwork if necessary. A travel wallet comes in handy for organizing and packing your documents in one place.

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Many countries require a passport with 6 months validity. If you’ve had your passport for a while, check that it still passes this requirement. Otherwise, you may need to schedule for a renewal ASAP.

This might seem like an obvious tip, but it’s not uncommon for people to overlook this and only realize they are holding an outdated passport at the airport.

Countries have different visa requirements. Some will require you to get a visa in advance, and some countries offer visa upon arrival.

If you’re living in the Philippines, take note that ASEAN countries are usually visa-free for the first 30 days. Other Asian countries like South Korea and Japan will require you to process your visa weeks in advance.

Many countries require proof of onward or return flight. Some may also ask for proof of hotel booking and itinerary. It’s easy to find this information in tourism websites and even social media.

With the pandemic, some countries have put up additional requirements , such as proof of vaccination and/or declaration via a health application.

Keep a digital copy of your important documents such as passport and visa, so you have a back-up in case your papers get lost. Screenshots of your hotel bookings and itinerary are also helpful in case you find yourself without online connection.

For international flights, you should be at the airport at least 3 hours before your check in. If you’re traveling on holidays and peak season, you may need to arrive at least 4-5 hours earlier because of long queues.

The Philippines immigration is particularly strict on first-timer flyers doing leisure travel, so it’s best to give time allowance in case you are held up in the immigration office.

Tell your banks where you are going (dates and country) to ensure your credit cards and debit cards will still work to get out cash. Finding yourself with declined transactions and no cash in hand can be a hassle.

Your documents, money, and other essentials such as phone, powerbank, and charger should be packed in your carry-on. A set of overnight clothes and toiletries also come in handy in case you get stranded. If you have multiple connections, a pair of extra underwear and socks will help you feel fresh and clean on arrival.

Another thing that you should remember to pack is any necessary medication you might need.

There is no dress code at the airport so you can dress comfortably, but it’s also good sense not to wear anything too revealing, which airport security might find issue with. There had been instances of women wearing small tops that were not allowed to get on the flight.

Bringing a shawl or jacket or dressing in layers are also recommended since most airports are chilly.

There’s a lot of waiting in airports. Having a good book or movie in your phone or laptop makes a lot of difference when you’re waiting at the boarding area and during your flight. Oftentimes, flights get delayed and those extra hours will be more tolerable if you have entertainment at hand.

Bring an empty water bottle with you and refill it inside the airport, so you can avoid expensive water bottles at the airport shops.

It’s best to choose either the window seat or the aisle seat. The middle seat is usually cramped, which can be uncomfortable especially in long flights. Choose the aisle seat if you’re someone who needs to go to the toilet a lot.

If you have pre-booked your seats, make sure they are not located in front of emergency exits because those seats do not recline.

Eye mask, earplugs, and neck pillows are great for sleeping during your flight. Having a neck pillow is particularly useful because it offers support and it prevents your head from flopping around while you sleep.

Be polite with the airport and immigration staff, they can make the airport experience easier or harder for you.

Feel free to make small talk with people; maybe you’ll even meet a new travel acquaintance! But stop talking if they appear disinterested. If the person comes across as suspicious or creepy, be smart — do not answer personal questions, such as where you are staying in your next destination, and firmly cut off the conversation.

If you’re uncomfortable with a fellow passenger and you believe your concerns are right and valid, the flight attendants are your friend. Flag one down and let them know your situation. They may be able to help you find another seat depending on the seat capacity.

On the other hand, it’s equally valid to avoid conversations if you do not want to talk to other people. Keep your headphones on and do your own thing.

International airports can be disorienting. If you’re arriving on a non-English-speaking country, you don’t have to worry. Almost always there are English signs and arrowheads to help you get your bearing. Most are positioned overhead, while some may be obscured behind columns.

If you still get lost, don’t be afraid to approach airport employees for help.

Do your homework and check what items you can and can’t bring to your destination. For instance, Maldives is a popular tropical destination but what most people don’t know is that it’s a Muslim country , so items like alcohol and idols of worship are not allowed into the country. These items will be confiscated and given back on your departure date.

It’s a good idea to be familiar with the various transport services available in the airport so you can get to your hotel or resort. Even if something goes wrong with our pre-arranged pick-up, you know what your options are. Research about the taxi services, public bus routes and schedules, and availability of riding apps such as Grab.

Going on an international flight for the first time can be daunting, but try not to worry too much and don’t forget to enjoy your trip!

That ends our list of essential tips for first-time international flyers! Do you have anything to add? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

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How to Prepare for Your First International Flight

Last Updated: January 23, 2024 Approved

Gathering Documents

Arriving at the airport, packing list for international flights, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Amy Tan . Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 93% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 264,207 times.

Even if you've flown before, preparing for an international flight is an entirely separate experience. You will need to secure documents and make preparations at home that you wouldn't need when flying within your country. Some international trips will require weeks or months of planning beforehand to make sure you have everything you need for the flight.

• Some countries require passports to have at least six months of validity remaining. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it at least one to two months before you travel. [1] X Research source

• If you're traveling for leisure purposes, verify whether getting a visa is even necessary - many countries have policies for passport-holders of certain countries where the visa requirement is waived if your whole trip is shorter than a certain amount of time, while others have visa-on-arrival policies where a visa can be purchased at the airport you arrive at for a fee just before the immigration checkpoint.
• Depending on the country, you can submit your application via mail or online. After the information has been reviewed, you may need to attend an interview with a consular officer.
• Plan ahead. A visa application can take anywhere from several weeks to a month to fill out.
• If your visa is rejected, ask for an appeal. Check the consular website of your intended country for information on appeals.

• You can also withdraw currency at ATMs all around the world, but this often comes at a high fee. [6] X Research source

• Some immunizations require multiple shots and may need to be started weeks in advance.
• Remember to fill your prescriptions before you pack so you have the medication you need while traveling.

• Put all your valuables in your carry-on to avoid them being damaged or stolen.
• Some passengers like to bring a first aid kit, just in case any emergencies happen on the plane. Painkillers, anti-nausea medicines, earplugs, and tissues are all great items to bring.

• Roll your clothes to avoid awkward wrinkling and have more space.
• If you can wear it on the flight, do so instead of wasting luggage space. Dress in layers so you can bring more. Wear your jacket or sweatshirt onto the plane to avoid getting charged for the extra weight.

• Different airlines have different allowances or restrictions. Even if you've traveled before, you'll want to contact the specific airline for up-to-date policies.

• If your flight is especially long, consider packing a pair of sweats for your flight in your carry-on. Change back into your original clothes for the landing.

• If car storage isn't an affordable option for you, use a shuttle service, hire a taxi, or ask a friend/family member to drive you there.

• Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before and during your flight, as both can lead to dehydration.

• Some countries require a customs form for each person traveling while others require one per family. Check beforehand to know which forms you must fill out.
• Most countries require declaration of: alcoholic drinks, tobacco, animals, seeds, soils, medication, and animal products.

• Be courteous to flight attendants while you board the plan. You are going to be sharing space with them for a long time on board, and they deserve your respect no matter how fatigued you are. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
• Make arrangements for a house or pet sitter if you'll be out of the country for more than a few days. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2
• If you have trouble with tinnitus or don't like noise, bring a pair of air-cancelling earphones. During long international flights, you'll appreciate the silence. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1

• Be very serious when dealing with airport security and staff. Jokes about terrorism or explosives are not tolerated, and they can lead to your arrest. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid advertising your international trip publicly on social media. Strangers may find your house and rob it while you're gone. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.uspassporthelpguide.com/six-months-validity-rule/
• ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/03/how-to-get-a-visa_n_4373745.html
• ↑ http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/06/do-you-need-travel-insurance/index.htm
• ↑ https://bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com/en/saving-budgeting/travel-checklist
• ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/exchange-currency-paying-huge-fees/
• ↑ http://travelupdate.boardingarea.com/best-way-get-foreign-currency/
• ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/features/vaccines-travel/index.html
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_qCppTlZpI
• ↑ http://www.tsatraveltips.us/can-i-bring-it-on-an-airplane/

About This Article

To prepare for your first international flight, make sure to pack your carry-on with everything you’ll need, such as your passport, medicines, and electronics, in case you lose your checked luggage. Additionally, pack lightly so you can meet the weight requirements to avoid extra fees and have plenty of room for souvenirs. On the day of your flight, dress in loose, comfortable clothes since you’ll be on the plane for a long time. Then, plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight so you can go through security and board the plane on time. For more advice, including how to make sure you have the right documents for your international flight, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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The world's first doggy jet service will cost you $6K for a one-way ticket

Dogs will soon be able to experience their own “ fur st” class flight with the launch of the world’s first jet charter company specifically designed for man’s best friend. 

BARK, the dog toy company that coordinates the popular treat subscription BarkBox, is partnering with a jet charter service to take away the challenges of long-distance traveling with dogs, according to a press release. BARK Air, as the company calls it, offers the “white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches.”

Taking dogs on airplanes is, typically, a stressful endeavor with different airlines having different policies for pet travel. For example, American Airlines allows small dogs in a carrier to be placed under the seat in front, but larger dogs are put in the cargo space, which has been found to be stressful for the pet. For United Airlines , pets can fly in the cabin if there’s enough space, but they must fit in a carrier under the seat in front.

“We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies,” said Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at BARK, in a statement. 

First-time Fido's taking to the sky? Here are tips from my flight with a dog

Learn more: Best travel insurance

However, you’ll need to pay a hefty fee for the dog-friendly flight. For now, a ticket for just one dog and one human will run you at least $6,000 one way. 

The first BARK Air flights will take off on May 23, and so far, there are only two flight routes available, both from New York’s Westchester County Airport. From New York to London’s Stansted Airport, it’ll cost $8,000 one-way and to Los Angeles’s Van Nuys Airport will cost $6,000 one-way. Tickets are available for purchase on April 11.

Not only does BARK Air allow dogs, it also focuses on the furry friends by treating them like VIPs, the press release said. BARK Air passengers can skip TSA checkpoints and screenings and instead experience a simple check-in process where they can meet the other dogs on the flight and the humans are served a meal cooked by on-site chefs. 

When boarding, a BARK Air concierge is on-hand to ensure the dogs are socializing and adjusting to the environment well. 

Each flight will undergo “Dogs Fly First” flight prep that includes “calming pheromones, music, and colors that pups prefer.” To make the flying experience easier and more enjoyable, dogs have access to various aids such as calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, and calming jackets.

During takeoff and descent, dogs are given a beverage of their choice to help their ears adjust to cabin pressurization. Of course, there will be plenty of treats on the flight.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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Air Travel Consumer Report: January 2024 Numbers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of January 2024 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. 

DOT expects that airlines will operate flights as scheduled and that when they do not, airlines will provide consumers the services consumers have been promised when a flight is canceled or delayed because of an airline issue. After a two-year DOT push to improve the passenger experience, the 10 largest airlines now guarantee meals and free rebooking on the same airline and nine guarantee hotel accommodations. Consumer-friendly information regarding airline commitments to their customers is available on the Department’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard at FlightRights.Gov. DOT also pushed airlines to provide fee-free family seating and rolled out a new family seating dashboard that highlights the airlines that guarantee fee-free family seating, and those of the 10 largest that do not, making it easier for parents to avoid paying junk fees to sit with their children when they fly.

In addition, DOT is improving transportation for individuals with disabilities. In July 2023, DOT finalized a rule which requires airlines to make lavatories on new, single-aisle aircraft more accessible. Then, in February 2024, DOT issued a proposal to address other barriers that Americans who use a wheelchair encounter when it comes to air travel by, among other things, mandating enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passenger with disabilities and handle passengers’ wheelchairs.

Further, when necessary, DOT takes enforcement action against airlines and ticket agents that fail to comply with the Department’s aviation consumer protection requirements. In 2023, DOT issued the largest fines in the history of the consumer protection office. This includes a $140 million penalty against Southwest Airlines for failing passengers during the 2022 holiday meltdown. That penalty, which was in addition to over $600 million DOT already ensured was refunded by Southwest to passengers, requires Southwest to establish a $90 million compensation system for future passengers affected by significant delays and cancellations. DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds to travelers since the pandemic began.

Flight Operations

The 560,352 flights operated in January 2024 were 99.56% of the 562,845 flights operated in January 2023. Operated flights in January 2024 were down 0.44% year-over-year from the 562,845 flights operated in January 2023 and down 7.18% month-over-month from 603,756 flights operated in December 2023. 

In January 2024, the 10 marketing network carriers reported 582,425 scheduled domestic flights, 22,073 (3.8%) of which were canceled. In December 2023, airlines scheduled 606,218 domestic flights, 2,462 (1.3%) of which were canceled. In January 2023, airlines scheduled 573,877 domestic flights, 11,032 (1.9%) of which were canceled.

On January 6, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered the grounding of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with a mid-cabin door plug installed operated by U.S. airlines or in U.S. territory. On January 24, 2024, FAA cleared all such aircraft to return to service after each aircraft operator successfully completed a new inspection process approved by the FAA. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have informed the DOT that the grounding of the 737 MAX9 aircraft with the mid-cabin door plug installed has impacted their on-time statistics during this reporting period.

January 2024 On-Time Arrival

In January 2024, reporting marketing carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 72.8%, down from both 83.9% in December 2023 and from 76.2% in January 2023.

Highest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates January 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

• Delta Airlines Network – 77.8%
• Allegiant Air – 75.6%
• Southwest Airlines – 73.9% 

Lowest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates January 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

• Alaska Airlines Network – 64.7%
• JetBlue Airways – 69.5%
• American Airlines Network – 70.5%

January 2024 Flight Cancellations

In January 2024, reporting marketing carriers canceled 3.8% of their scheduled domestic flights, higher than both the rate of 0.4% in December 2023 and the rate of 1.9% in January 2023. 

Lowest Marketing Carrier Rates of Canceled Flights January 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

• Hawaiian Airlines – 1.5%  
• Spirit Airlines – 1.5%   
• JetBlue Airways – 1.7%    

Highest Marketing Carrier Rates of Canceled Flights January 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

• Alaska Airlines Network – 11.9%    
• United Airlines Network – 6.9%    
• Southwest Airlines – 3.1%    

Complaints About Airline Service

The release of air travel service complaint data in the Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) has been delayed primarily because of the continued high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints. The Department is investing in modernizing its system for handling consumer complaints with the support of a Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) investment to improve the customer experience for the tens of thousands of consumers who use the system each year and enable OACP to more effectively engage in oversight of the airline industry. 

As DOT modernizes its system, given the continued high volume of air travel service complaints concerning airlines and ticket agents, DOT has revised how it processes consumer complaints received after June 1, 2023. From June 2023 until the date its system is modernized, DOT intends to revise the ATCR to display consumer submissions (complaints, inquiries, and opinions) as opposed to complaints for this period. The Department will continue to display civil rights complaints in the ATCR in a similar manner as before and anticipates publishing submission and civil rights complaint numbers in spring.

Tarmac Delays

In January 2024, airlines reported 71 tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights, compared to five tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights reported in December 2023. In January 2024, airlines reported six tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights, compared to zero tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights reported in December 2023. 

Airlines are required to have and adhere to assurances that they will not allow aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights without providing passengers the option to deplane, subject to exceptions related to safety, security, and Air Traffic Control related reasons. An exception also exists for departure delays if the airline begins to return the aircraft to a suitable disembarkation point to deplane passengers by those times.

The Department investigates extended tarmac delays.

Mishandled Baggage

In January 2024, reporting marketing carriers handled 37.4 million bags and posted a mishandled baggage rate of 0.75%, higher than both the rate of 0.50% in December 2023 and the rate of 0.73% in January 2023.

The Department began displaying the mishandled baggage data as a percentage (i.e., per 100 bags enplaned) in January 2022. This is consistent with the manner that the mishandled wheelchairs and scooters rate is calculated and displayed.     In the prior three calendar year reports (2019 to 2021), the Department calculated the mishandled baggage rate based on the number of mishandled bags per 1,000 checked bags. 

Mishandled Wheelchairs and Scooters

In January 2024, reporting marketing carriers reported checking 56,659 wheelchairs and scooters and mishandling 836 for a rate of 1.48% mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, higher than the rate of 1.39% mishandled in December 2023 and lower than the rate of 1.47% mishandled in January 2023.

As described earlier, in February 2024, the Department announced its proposal to strengthen its rule implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to address the serious problems that individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs and scooters face when traveling by air that impact their safety and dignity, including mishandled wheelchairs and scooters and improper transfers to and from aircraft seats, aisle chairs, and personal wheelchairs. The proposed rule would require that airlines meet strict standards in accommodating passengers with disabilities by setting new standards for prompt, safe, and dignified assistance, mandating enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with disabilities and handle passengers’ wheelchairs, and outlining actions that airlines must take to protect passengers when a wheelchair is damaged during transport. The proposed rule also clarifies that damaging or delaying the return of a wheelchair is an automatic violation of the ACAA.

Bumping/Oversales

Bumping/oversales data, unlike other air carrier data, are reported quarterly rather than monthly. For the fourth quarter of 2023, the 10 U.S. reporting marketing carriers posted an involuntary denied boarding, or bumping, rate of 0.20 per 10,000 passengers, lower than both the rate of 0.35 in the third quarter of 2023 and the rate of 0.30 in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Incidents Involving Animals

As part of its IT modernization, DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) is improving the options for covered carriers to submit their monthly and annual Reports on Incidents Involving Animals During Air Transport. While the new system is being developed, OACP is permitting covered carriers to delay submission of reports on incidents involving animals during air transport. Annual data on such incidents will be published when DOT receives carriers’ complete submissions of the 2023 data. 

In January 2024, carriers reported zero incidents involving the death, injury, or loss of an animal while traveling by air, equal to the zero reports filed in both December 2023 and in January 2023.

Consumers may file air travel consumer or civil rights complaints online at   https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint , or they may mail a complaint to the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, C-70, W96-432, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590.

The ATCR and other aviation consumer matters of interest to the public can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

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What is the best day to book flights?

Fares can change as many as 49 times between the first published price and the departure date!

• Jennifer Graham Kizer
• April 16, 2024

Let’s just say it: Buying airline tickets can be maddening. The same seat on the same flight often costs a different price on Tuesday than it does on Wednesday. Both prices will change depending on the month or season. And if you add in a few other factors (like how many stops and what class you’re flying), the prices change yet again.

Most frustrating of all? The cost varies based on when you buy the ticket. It’s not unusual for fares to seesaw up and down from the moment a price is first published until your departure date, changing as many as 49 times . How can you know which day the airline will offer the lowest price?

You can’t know for sure. But you can keep up with the latest airfare studies — in which travel experts crunch the numbers from past flights, looking for trends and patterns. Read on for some tips on when to purchase tickets this year.

Best day to book domestic flights

About 10 years ago, when online flight booking was still new, airlines would post their latest fares and special deals at the end of the day on Tuesday. In many cases, airlines would match one another’s discount fares. Travel experts passed this information on to consumers, and people came to think of late Tuesday and early Wednesday as the best times to buy tickets.

These days, airlines update their fares all the time, and price matching is less prevalent. So the traditional advice to purchase tickets midweek no longer applies .

Research from Expedia shows that nowadays, Sunday is the best day to book a flight, while fares are most expensive on Friday. The data suggests that if you book on Sunday instead of Friday, you can save around 5% on an economy class ticket and 7% on a business class ticket.

Best day to book international flights

Sunday is also the best day to book international flights. If you choose to buy tickets on Sunday instead of Friday, you can save around 5% on an economy class ticket and 24% for a business class ticket. While the amount of savings has varied, Expedia found that Sunday has been the low price winner for the last three years running .

Cheapest days to fly domestically

In a study by CheapAir.com , travel experts found that Wednesday is the least expensive day to fly domestically, and Sunday is the most expensive. Choosing Wednesday to travel will save you an average of $102 versus traveling on Sunday. The next cheapest option is Tuesday, which will save you an average of $99 versus traveling on Sunday.

MORE: Train vs. plane: Which is the better way to travel?

Cheapest days to fly internationally

If you’re flying overseas, aim to travel mid-week. “For international trips, depart on a Thursday to save as much as 6%, or $60, per round trip ticket,” Hayley Berg, lead economist for travel deals app Hopper, told “Reader’s Digest. ”

Meanwhile, CheapAir.com found that the best days to travel internationally were Tuesday or Wednesday , depending on the continent.

Best months to fly

Lots of people take vacations in the summer, which drives the prices up in May, June and July. And the fall and winter holidays lead to higher prices in November and December. So, if you have a bit of flexibility in your travel dates, you can save money by flying in January, February, September or October.

Berg told “Reader’s Digest” that air passengers can get a discount of over $100 off domestic airfare by traveling during less popular months.

Best time of day to fly

Because fewer people want to take early morning flights, they tend to be a bit cheaper. According to Trip.com , if you opt for a flight that leaves before 9 a.m., the price could be as much as 15% less expensive. You’ll also get a cleaner, possibly less-crowded plane.

MORE: This easy iPhone trick lets you track flight info without an app

How far in advance to book flights

Buying your airline tickets as early as possible doesn’t mean you’ll get the best deal. “Booking more than six months ahead can cost you, since airlines set their initial prices conservatively,” Hopper’s Chief Data Scientist Patrick Surry told Travel & Leisure . But if you wait too long, you might end up paying an inflated price.

According to CheapAir.com, the best day to buy a plane ticket this year is 42 days before your departure. The prime booking window to buy a cheap flight is 74 to 21 days in advance. Outside of that window, the rates will probably be higher. But seasonal changes and holidays can alter the pricing, and where you’re flying comes into play, too.

To be better informed about your specific pricing window, you can use CheapAir’s tool to find the best time to buy flights, based on data compiled from over 8,000 markets and over 1.3 billion airfares. You can plug in departure and arrival cities, hit “Get Info,” and this tool will tell you the prime booking window for your flight. For example, if you’re flying from Atlanta to San Diego this year, CheapAir.com suggests you book between 29 and 72 days in advance.

Buying plane tickets would be a lot less stressful if the prices didn’t change so frequently. But the task is easier when you have these basic tips in your back pocket!

MORE: These are the 20 cheapest places to travel in 2024

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