Are you lying on the bed with your face up thinking of what your first local on international flight experience would be like? Do not worry, we are here to tell you what to expect. That way, it would look like you’ve been flying from childhood.
The anticipation of a first flight is usually on a high level. You worry about many things at the same time — the travel preparation, the boarding and checking process, and even the flight itself.
In all of these, the most important concern is whether the flight will be a stressful or stress-free experience. This is a real concern with about 33% of travellers having profound anxiety when it comes to flying.
Of course, many first-time flyers find the experience stressful. But it’s not the same for everybody. You certainly do not have to experience the stress they experienced if you work with a reliable travel agency like Every Moment Travels and Tours.
Knowing what to do at the right time will determine if you will have a pleasant first-flight experience or not. So, right here are five important things you should know before you board the plane.
Setting the Tone for a Great First Flight Experience
Before you even get to the day of the flight, there are important considerations to take note of. For instance, how did you book your flight ticket?
If you booked your ticket yourself, go through the website of the airline to understand all their terms and conditions. If you don’t have time for that, see if you can hire a travel agent to help you simplify the process.
Your travel documents are another critical aspect you must take care of before coming to the airport. Try as much as possible to gather the necessary travel documents you need for the trip, especially if you are making an international trip.
The airline you’re using will typically request your ID, your visa, your passport, and your flight ticket which often contains your PNR. Your PNR — Passenger Name Record — is a code that contains all your personal flight details.
You’ll need it to do your online check-in without going to the airport. When you have your flight ticket and other essential documents ready, you have done half of the hard work.
Essential Information You Should Know for a Smooth First Flight Experience
Here are five things you should know to have a stress-free first flight experience.
1. All passengers go through a check-in process
Most airlines encourage passengers to book their flights on time. But it doesn’t end there. Whether you purchase your ticket months or weeks before, you must have to go through a check-in process.
At the check-in, you will present your ticket and the required travel documents. With this document, the airline will then create a boarding pass for you. The check-in process is a step you must not skip. If you do, you may not be allowed to board the plane.
Currently, many airlines offer online check-in. That’s a big advantage. With this, you input your ticket details and get a boarding pass on your phone. If for any reason, the airline does not provide an online means, you can use the traditional check-in method.
But the general advice is to use the online method — it can save you so much time and you won’t have to go through the manual check-in over the counter at the airport.
It’s best to do your online checking between 24 to 48 hours before your departure date. When you do this and get your boarding pass sent to you, endeavour to print it at home, then take the printed copy with you to the airport.
2. Punctuality matters a lot
Punctuality is the soul of every business. Nothing embodies the true meaning of this saying like airports and air travel.
On the day of your flight, you may be tempted to underestimate the amount of time it takes to go through check-in, security, locating your gates, and boarding the plane. Don’t fall for it.
Airport procedures take time and coming hours ahead can be the difference between successfully boarding a plane and missing your flight. Imagine arriving late for your flight, you might likely forget one important travel document or the other because you are in a hurry.
Let’s not mention that you may miss the flight altogether. It’s painful to picture but it’s a possibility, one you don’t want to give a second thought.
The advice here is to arrive at the airport at least 3 to 4 hours before your departure time. This way, you get to go through the boarding processes without much pressure.
Plus, you can also get to look around the airport and take in the sights. Since it’s your first time, make every experience count.
3. You will go through security checks
In previous times, security checks were not a big deal. But right now, you must be ready to face detailed security checkpoints.
After your check-in, you will be directed to the security area where the items in your bags will be scanned for metal. Your bags will also be passed through an x-ray machine that detects if you have any materials you should not get into the aircraft with.
Here, the airport staff will also weigh your luggage to be sure it meets the airline’s specifications. Usually, you are allowed to carry two carry-on items and one checked suitcase.
The first carry-on may be a full-size bag (or a small suitcase) that can fit under the seat in front of you. The second is usually a smaller bag — it could be a backpack, a handbag, or a purse. The airline will not charge you for both carry-ons.
But if you have extra luggage like one or more suitcases that weigh below 22 kg each, the airline will charge you an extra fee for them.
Consider putting your liquids, gels, and aerosols in 100 milliliters or 3.4-ounce containers. Afterwards place them in a clear plastic bag. The airport staff will check these too, including your laptop and all other electronic devices.
4. Boarding procedures are not as hard as you think
After the security checks, travellers will proceed to locate their gate and get to the boarding area. There are plenty of signages to point you in the right direction.
When you get to the boarding area, you’ll notice that everyone boards the plane in groups according to the section or flight class they booked.
Check your boarding pass to know your boarding group. Another thing you have to do is listen attentively to the announcements to hear when your group will be called. And while at it, hold your boarding pass and ID in your hand. The airport staff will inspect it as you board the plane.
On the plane, look for the seat number the airline assigned to you – your seat is usually assigned to you when you book your flight. Most times if you book on time, you can be allowed to pre-select a seat according to your seat preference.
As you take your seat, keep your carry-on in the overhead comportment. You can also keep it behind the seat in front of you — whichever works for you.
5. Prepare for some in-flight comfort
Whether you’re on a long or short flight, you have to keep yourself comfortable for the duration of the flight.
Carry your headphones, smartphones, and books along with you. You will need them to entertain yourself while you wait for the plane to land or to maintain calmness when the plane experiences take-off and landing turbulence.
Also, remember to bring along some comfort accessories like earplugs, a sleep mask, and a travel pillow. If you have peculiar dietary preferences, consider bringing your own food on board.
Finally, consider other people’s comfort as you pursue yours. Do not move your body into other passengers’ personal space. Respect the spaces of your fellow travellers, everyone deserves to be comfortable as they fly.
Fly With Confidence
Flying for the first time comes with a lot of preparations and anticipation, even though many travellers still meet unpleasant surprises at the airport.
Understandably, such first-time experiences are common in today’s world, but if you know what to expect and plan towards it, that knowledge can save the day.
So, what should you do? Read your airline’s travel policies carefully, read insightful resources like the ones on our blog, and implement everything outlined in them and you will earned yourself a smooth and successful travel experience.
If you need further help to understand airport requirements and procedures, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. I, Nneoma Ogbureke can help walk you through the process, simplifying the procedures for you.
