i've never flown before how hard is it to use an airport?

Answer 1

Airports are pretty user friendly. They have instructions about when you should arrive based upon your flight, international or otherwise. There are screens that tell where your gate is and most airport personnel are very helpful and friendly.

Answer 2

I've flown in and out of one of the nation's largest airports, Chicago-O'Hare, on a regular basis, and I still think airports are a piece of cake.
It does to some degree depend on where you are travelling to/from, but even then there are always signs & the people are nice and will help you if you have a question.
I would agree that a first time flyer should probably arrive 2 hrs ahead of schedule. If you can avoid checking luggage (in other words, just have carry-on) it will be one less step to worry about. I also recommend getting an e-ticket so you can use the self-check in kiosks. Make sure you follow the instructions at security and TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES if they are anything other than flip-flops. It is a hassle when the line gets held up because someone didn't know to do this.
Make sure you keep your i.d. & your boarding pass handy but secure.
Connecting flights are usually the hardest part. If by some chance you have to worry about a connection, ask your stewardess to help you find the best route to your next gate. ALWAYS be nice to the airline employees. They know all the ins and outs of travelling by plane and are an invaluable resource that often gets treated like crap.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Flying can be a very daunting experience, but it is nothing to be worried about. Make sure you can get to the airport with plenty of time so you don't feel rushed. Most airlines reccommend 90 minutes.
There will be a lot of people running about and that can be upsetting. Think about those kids that skate around the ice-rink at 60 miles per hour when you are just trying to learn to stand up straight!! If you ignore them, you'll be fine.
When you are checking in, just let the agent know that you are a first timer, and they will be very helpful and take some extra time to make sure you know where you need to go. Also, anyone in a uniform will be more than willing to help direct you where you need to go.
If you forget any of the information you have been told, look for the TV monitors that will list the departing and arriving flights. Your flight should be listed on one of the screens and will tell you which gate you will need to go to.
Finally, if you are checked-in, the plane wont leave without you. At least, they will do their best to find you in the airport before the plane leaves. At the same time, if you give yourself plenty of time, you wont be late getting to the plane!
Have a great flight!!

Answer 4

Not difficult at all, but the secret to air travel is to travel light. You'll see first time travellers in the airport with bags and boxes and parcels and all kinds of stuff that they don't need on the plane (and probably don't even need on their trip or holiday, either!)
Keep your luggage light and down to one carry on bag, if you can. That way you don't have to worry about picking it up when you arrive at your destination.
Take a trial run to the airport before you take your trip, and take note of the size of bag you are allowed to take on the plane.
When you make your reservation, ask about the meals that will be served. Some airlines serve full meals, some serve snacks, some sell things to eat and drink. Know ahead of time so you have money ready if you need it.
Once upon a time, airlines used to provide magazines to read, but they no longer do that, so make sure you have a book with you. You will have some waiting time in the airport, but it's easier to get there well ahead of time, rather than cutting it close. Sometimes security lineups are very slow, and people have missed planes because they didn't leave themselves enough time to go through the lineups.
If you are travelling to a foreign country, you will have to pass through immigration and security, so have your passport ready. And, for security reasons, there are some things you can not take on the plane with you -- no pocket knives or scissors, no cigarette lighters or anything that might be used as a weapon -- there is a list of prohibited items at the airport, or you can phone the airport and ask what they are.
Most airports are clearly marked, for International or Domestic travel, and once you are in the proper terminal, simply search for your gate assignment. It doesn't look like a gate, it looks like a waiting room, but you will stay there for a while, then board the plane from there. That's why they call it a gate.
At the other end of your trip, you will deplane through an arrival lounge, then follow the signs that take you to the exit.
If you have only one carry on bag, you're ready to start your vacation. If you have more luggage, you will have to find the correct carousel to pick up your bags, then away you go.
Enjoy your trip!

Answer 5

I went on my first flight just recently myself. I was a little confused at first, but really if you know who your flight carrier is, it's rather easy. This is all dependent on the airport you are using, but a question here and there will help you out. I agree with the previous answer in that you should arrive there early. 2 hours is a little much, but if its a busy airport that might be good.

If you have any connection flights, always remember that layovers don't always last as long as they say they will... Sometimes they're longer, but mine seemed much shorter. I planned to get some food on an hour and a half layover and while I was waiting in line to get something, they started boarding the plane.

Enjoy the ride... a little nerve racking at first, but I had a blast once the plane started moving.

Answer 6

Going to an airport for the first time can be a little intimidating, since so many people are rushing around, but it's really not that scary if you prepare everything ahead of time. Buy your tickets at home, don't do it at the airport, and try to memorize your flight information such as gate number and such details. That way you can enter the airport and know exactly what you're doing and where you're going. Also, if you get lost or worried, don't be afraid to ask someone for help.

Flying it self is a little nerve racking, but as long as you bring gum to chew when taking off and magazines to read, you should be fine. Relax! You'll be fine.

Although I have been flying since I was three...

Answer 7

Pack lightly, make sure your bags are within the weight & size limits for your carrier. Keep your ID & ticket in an easily accessible pocket or special carrier you can wear around your neck - I love these! Use bags w/wheels, even for carry on bag. Call your carrier and see if they have curbside check in. If they do, have your id & ticket available. The skycap will check your bags in and issue you a boarding pass right there. Tip him a couple of dollars per bag - he just made your life a lot easier! If you have to go to the counter to check in, just stand in line - the clerk will check in your bag & issue a boarding pass. Ask where the security line is. When you get to the line, take off your shoes in one bin, coat in another, bag in another. Take off your belt and put it w/your bag and put all metal items (coins, jewelry, etc.) in the little tray they'll give you. Pass through the metal detector. They may choose you randomly for a body wanding. Follow any orders you are given by airport personnel. Get dressed, get all your stuff, and ask about your gate. Once you get to gate, it's all smooth flying (pardon the pun) from there.

Answer 8

If you follow the rules, it can be fairly simple. I travel a lot, so I enjoy going to the airport. Don't be nervous, it is fun and great for people-watching. Be sure to sign in at the counter and have all your documents, tickets (or e-tickets) and ID cards. That is really the main thing. Then you find your gate, sit and wait for a little bit, and then board your plane. That's about it.

Answer 9

even though most ppl get there like an hr and a half ahead, i would suggest around two hours if you are flying alone or with someone who has never flown. follow directions. and also watch, because at most major airports they have volunteers to assist you if you get lost or have any questions. watch your bags at ALL times. but have a wonderful time and don't freak out!

Answer 10

I've never flown either, but I heard its kinda like using the elevator for the first time. Should be easy, just ask around, follow directions and hopefully you will get on the right plane.