Got no idea what to do at the airport?

Question

I'm about to leave to Hong Kong, and have never flown by an airplane. Actuallly, I don't know (precisley) what to do (and by which order), before departure, and later, after arrival:))

Answer 1

Get to the airport early and get your boarding pass (ticket).

Go to security and get passed the metal detectors and go to your gate. DO NOT take anything metal other than your keys with you. No nail clippers, files, screwdrivers, tools, knives, etc. Don't take a GPS (unless it is in your phone) or any other "suspicious" gadgets. Expect your laptop to be examined carefully if you take it. Cameras the same way.

Once past security go to your gate and make sure that it is the RIGHT gate. (About 1/3 the time I find they have moved the gate or some change has been made. Sometime slight, other times more so.)

They usually board the elderly, first class, and those with kids first. They will likely check your photo ID several times. You will show your boarding pass and ID to the ticket agent before going down the gang way to the plane. Be nice and smile to the flight attendants and pilots. (I do this and get extra snacks and drinks as they remember this.) If you are carrying on luggage, stow it above your assigned seat. Try to get everything out of the way ahead of time. Do take reading material if that is what you want. I prefer to listen to the pilots on the entertainment system. (But I am a private pilot and love listening to the pilots and various centers converse.)

Get in your seat and buckle up. Pull belt snug. Again flight attendants will be checking this later and if you are professional, you will be much better off.

Read the safety manual in the seat back in front of you. If this is your first time on a plane it will help take the "jitters" off.

There will be various noises to be made aware of. While on the ground the plane is usually connected to a ground service system to keep the plane cool and confortable inside. The AC will be running and the vents above you will be under your control. Adjust as needed. Just before taxi they will shut the doors and you will note a pressure change. Same thing as they disconnect the ground service. Eventually you will notice the whine of turbine engines as the Auxillary Power Unit (found in the tail) and jets are started. (I mention the APU as many planes have wing mounted engines and to hear noises coming from behind the plane may be startling if you are not aware of them.)

They will then "push back" the plane with a tug. A plane taxiing on the ground seems to rock a bit. This is very normal. After taxiing the plane will line up on the runway. Depending on the load of the plane, runway length etc. one of two things will happen. When the plane is on the runway the engines will spool up to full speed and the plane will just sit there as the engines come up to full power. This will be noisy but is normal. Then the pilot will release the brakes. Or the pilot may bring up the engines and the plane starts moving immediately. You will feel a push back into your seat, the plane will move very fast (well over 100 MPH) and the unstable feeling on the ground will increase. Suddenly there will be a slight "nose up" of the plane and all sense of motion will smooth out. You won't likely be able to tell you are now moving well over 150 MPH. Expect to hear a bunch of banging and griding under the plane. This is normal and is only the landing gear being tucked out of the way to reduce drag.

Planes turn in the air by banking. This is a "tilt" from side to side. Perfectly normal. You may hear and see panels on the wing moving. These will be speed brakes, flaps, ailerons, slots, etc. These are the control surfaces that control the plane. You will see them move. If you look at the wing tips you may see "smoke" come off them. This is condensation and is again normal. As you climb to altitude you may go through an overcast. This does not hurt the plane and is completely normal. Pilots don't look out the window that often while in climb out and cruise and rely on RADAR and air controllers to avoid other aircraft. Coulds are not a factor.

When you level off it will likely be somewhere bewteen 35,000 and 45,000 feet. Look outside. Just beyond that little window it will be -45 degrees F. Inside you will be nice and warm. You may notice ice forming on the glass or in between. Again normal.

Pilots TRY and find a smooth altitude but this is not always possible. You will likely encounter a big CAT while flying. By CAT I mean Clear Air Turbulence. The entire plane will shake and rattle and flex. Luggage may shift above you. Ever drive over rail road tracks? Same type of feeling. This big CAT may can come in perfectly clear skies.

If there are storms you will VERY likely get turbulence. Planes are designed to handle this and they don't fall out of the sky from this. It will make people sick. If you are one of these there will be an "air sick" bag in front of you in the seat back. Know where it is beforehand just in case you need it.

While you CAN take your seatbelt off while in level fight, don't. This added bit of safety is worth it. When landing the pilot will instruct people to remain seated until the plane is fully stopped. I have yet to be on a flight where everyone follows these directions. I have no idea why after waiting an hour in the airport, taking a 2 to 6 hour flight, that the extra 5 minutes they "save" by standing up before the plane stops is worth it. Remain seated and wait.

Gather your property and get off the plane when you can. If you checked luggage you follow the instrutions in the destination airport to where the checked luggage is delivered to claim your bags.

Answer 2

I travel so much. I go to Florida every year and just came back from Canada. I also have gone to England. But never mind that. Arrive three hours early if it's your first time. That way you have an hour to screw up. No matter what advice you get, you will still screw up.
Get there early and in front should be places to check in. Going to Hong Kong sounds like you might what to check in. But if you don't have more than two things to go on the plane, don't worry about it. (checking in is getting rid of suitcases you don't need, just for the plane trip. you get them back at the end.)

The second thing is you should get your boarding passes printed if they aren't already. You will need them to go through security. If your passes aren't printed get them printed!!!

You should find security pretty easily. They set up airports for newcomers. If you can't find it then just ask a guy/lady who looks like he works there or the lady/man who helps you check in.

Going through security is easy. They shout directions everywhere. Just remember to take of your coat/jacket and keys/cell phone/anything metal. Shoes included.

After that just go to your gate and read a nice book. Buy a pretzel and relaex. When they start boarding your zone then get settled and enjoy the flight. It will be a long flight so they will probably show a movie. If it's crappy then be prepared. The airline has to consider all age groups.
The bathrooms are also crappy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just to warn you.

When you land gather your things quickly so you are prepared. Families that will take a lot of time, might let you by if they see you're ready. Once you're off find your baggage by following the signs. The airport will have many translations if you cannot speak Chiense. Once you're there meet whoever or rent a car or grab a taxi.
Have fun in Hong Kong!!!!

Answer 3

First of all get to the Airport and your airline's counter at least 2 hrs before departure. Check in any baggage (if you have any) and get your boarding pass.

Depending upon your country of departure, you may have to pay a departure tax, unless it is included in your ticket. Also, in some countries, you need to go through Passport Control (Emmigration). None of thse apply in the US, though.

Then Security (Xray, etc). From there go to your departure gate. If you are early, you may have time to get a snack and use the toilets before departure. Be at your gate atleast 30-45 minutes before departure and board the plane.

Bon Voyage!

Answer 4

maybe you should ask the security what you should do and if you have the ticket just go along the line and have people scan you luggage and stuff until you get to the place where your plane is and just wait till' they call your name to board the plane

Answer 5

Take a book. Airport food is a little expensive so take cash or some snacks.

Answer 6

Buy a book of crossword puzzles at the newsstand - and a pencil

Answer 7

If you bought your ticket from a travel agent contact them if you bought it online contact the airline company

Answer 8

international flights you need to be there earlier they have more security and dont forget your pass port. most of the time someone is around to help just ask. dont be late

Answer 9

I have never been in the plan
but i know that every one is near to God in the sky
e-mail [e-mail]

Answer 10

ask security!