help! I've never been on an airplane before?

Question

I'm taking a trip, and I have to fly. What are the steps I should take when I get there? I know which terminal to go to, and the departure time, but that's about it. Please help me!!!

Answer 1

It's a very simple procedure. Turn up at the airport and find your check in desk (they'll have signs above them like Pan Am, United, British Airways etc). Your passport will be checked, your luggage weighed then taken from you (to be loaded into the cargo hold).

You'll be issued with a boarding pass. Make your way to the gate your plane is leaving from (monitors throughout the airport will tell you the gate number). Before reaching the gate you'll be screened and hand luggage will be searched and / or x-rayed.

When it's time to board you may have your luggage searched again, tell the airline crew which seat number you're in and they'll direct you to your seat.

You can't really go wrong because movement in an airport is carefully controlled so as long as you start from the right place you just keep moving forward with everyone else.

If you're flying long-haul most planes have individual video screens where you can choose from a whole range of movies and TV shows. You might want to take something to read on board (because it's hand luggage you may need to buy it at the airport shop after you've been checked in, depends on the airline and what restrictions are in place when you fly). Drinks will be served on all but the shortest of flights and regular meals on long flights. If you're thirsty just ask the cabin crew for a drink (useful to drink plenty of water). Most long-haul flights provide a pillow and blanket so you can get some rest. It's a good idea to get up and walk around every so often to keep the circulation going.

When you arrive you'll be guided to the arrivals desk - usually there's desks for national citizens and international citizens. At the desk they'll check your passport and visas / immunity certificates / permits as applicable. Once cleared you make your way to the baggage carousel where all the luggage from the plane is offloaded and you just wait for your baggage to come around and grab it. Then you dash out of the airport as quickly as possible and grab a taxi before everyone else does.

That's all there is to it. Might sound complicated but you just follow everyone else. Useful tip - some airports don't have many baggage trolleys so grab one as soon as you see one and don't forget to buy your duty frees. Allow plenty of time for check in - the ticket issuer can advise how much time you need.

Answer 2

Make sure you are there at least an hour before your departure, and if it is a big airport give yourself two hours. Keep your ID out you will use it more then once. Take gum on the plane in case your ears start popping, and something to read to keep your mind off of the flight time. Good luck!

Answer 3

Which country are you in and where are you flying to?

With the new security check ins I'd get to the airport at least 3 hours in advance if not four. Check on your airline's web site what they are allowing you to take in your carry on. If it was me I'd put my eyes, wallet and travellers cheques and medications in their original bottles with your name on them in a large clear ziplock freezer bag. That way you can just put it through the xray machine and they can see what it is.
I don't think they're allowing books or magazines or food or liquids on planes yet. Hopefully if it's a long flight they will feed you.

All that being said, flying is fun. There are movies and or music for you to listen to.

If your ears crack on ascent and descent, just swallow hard a few times. Normally I 'd take some hard lemon candies with me but that's not allowed anymore.

Be vigiliant , stay calm , let the steward or stewardess know that this is your first flight and you are a bit nervous.

But really you'll be fine. Bon voyage!

Answer 4

Are you old enough to drink? have a coctail when you get on the plane it will relax you. also bring headphones for the in plane movie and your cd/ i pod player. bring a good book or magazine.
also I like to get some sleep on the plane, so dont sleep the night before. it will make your plane ride shorter. but in reality you probably wont get much sleep if youve never been on a plane before.
Remember to relax. dont be ugly to the staff or security,
and understand that you will not DIE. your plane WILL land safely
and you Will be fine.
if anything try and have fun, talk to the friendly people around you and dont talk to the creepy ones (youll know who they are)
oh and go potty before you get on the plane.
Good Luck

Answer 5

Leave yourself plenty of time, before hand to check in and get your baggage checked. Call ahead to the airport and ask what wait times are like. When you get there you will check in for your flight and check your bags. Drink plenty of water, planes will dehydrate you. Make sure you relax and breathe. The extra time you allow will make things go smoother.

Answer 6

if you can, bring gum on the plane. when u get up in the sky your ears will most likely pop like crazy. it's very annoying! for some reason the gum kinda tones the popping down.

Answer 7

Hold your nose and blow to clear the pressure in your ears, when the plane starts to descend. My first plane trip was very painful until I learned to do this simple action.

Answer 8

bring a pair of slippers or fuzzy socks to wear on the flight. be sure to get a blanket and pillow when you first get on. bring a book, magazine, or ipod to entertain yourself in case if the movie is :(

Answer 9

show your ticket to the gate person and you'll be led to a linear hallway that leads to the plane take your seat where your ticket states

Answer 10

chew gum, that always helps. and try to take a nap. you will then feel a little bit better. remeber, flight attendants will assist you with anything you need.