First time air traveler and tons of questions?

Question

Hi, this is my first time flying alone, I've flown with a couple buddies and family before. But this is the first time for me by myself. So I have a couple question.

I booked my flight online via Travelocity. I am told that I have to confirm 24 hours before my flight. Would I do that online, and then when I get to the airport, I have to check in at the airline check-in to check in my bags, get my boarding pass. Then, I would step to security gate, get screened, then head for my gate terminal for my flight?

Could someone explain to me the steps I have to go through if I missed anything or any things I should be aware of?
How do I know the number of the baggage claim area?
What steps would I follow to get a lost luggage(happened to a friend when we were on a trip)?
About checkin, I would only have to checkin online once, right?


Thanks!

Answer 1

Call the airline you're flying with a day before to know that your flight is on time. When arriving at the airport check in at your airline counter. Make sure you have anything that is not allowed in your suitcase, not your travel bag you can take with you.
You will get a boarding pass and they will tell you which gate to go to and at what time. When you get through security, make sure you take of your belt if you have a large belt buckle, remove your key etc out of your pockets and put in a tray. Your travel bag, coat etc will go through Xray, then you step through the gate and they will see if you set of any bells etc. Collect your carry on and proceed to the gate. When you arrive at your destination follow the sign Suitcases and go to the carousel, the carousels have the flight number and departure city signed, where you will collect your bag. Should your suitcase not arrive, you need to go to lost baggage claims, they will fill out a form for you, asking you the color and shape of your case and then you leave. If you're lucky you'll be getting the case the next day, if not it can take up to four days, therefore make sure you have at least 2 changes of clothes, underwear etc in your carry on. The baggage number will be a sticker at the back of your boarding pass, don't lose it, they'll need it for the lost baggage claim.
Bon voyage!

Answer 2

You can do a lot of the preliminary stuff on the internet if you want. I havent booked though Travelocity, but I assume they sent you an itinerary. Twenty four hours before you fly you can go to the web page of the airline you are flying. There will be a place to find your reservation. This is easier if you can find the record locator on your itinerary, but its not necessary if you cant find it.

You can check in for your flight and print your boarding passes at this point. Then when you go to the airport you just go to check your bags. You can also change your seat if you want.

If you dont want to check in online, you can call the airline to confirm your flight the day before. Then you go to the airport. I would suggest arriving at least an hour and a half early. If you are nervous, 2 hours is even better. Go to the airport counter or the kiosks, which are like ATMs and you can check in. They will take any checked baggage at this point.

Then you go to the security gate. You will show your boarding pass and ID at this point. Then you will pass through the metal detector and they will xray your carry ons. Then they will direct you to your gate. You are ready to go at this point. Wait until they call your seating group and board the plane. You dont have to check in again at the gate, unless its an international flight. Sometimes they will want to see your passport at that point.

Have a great trip!

Answer 3

You have a good idea what to expect, now just follow the flow and relax. I have never found it necessary to confirm my flight when flying domestically. However if you want to confirm you can go on line ( the airline website and check to see if the time or gate has changed. Usually the baggage claim area identifies which ramp to pickup your bags, just like the TV screens show the gate of the flight. Or just ask. My luggage has been left behind several times but it is go to the airline baggage window and place a trace on it. They will deliver it to your door the next day.
If you are checking bags, just check in at the same time if you do not want to use the Internet.

Answer 4

You definitely know what to do. However, if you check-in online (which you normally can do starting 24 hours before your flight) then you print out your boarding pass after you check-in. So when you get to the airport you only have to line up at the baggage check-in line--not the actual check-in line itself--unless they don't have those separate lines. So you technically check-in once for yourself and once for your baggages.

You'll know the number of the baggage claim area after landing at your destination. They'll have TV monitors around with those information. You won't have a problem spotting those.

If you lose a suitcase then proceed to the nearest help desk or the kiosk for your airline and they'll help you out. Sometimes it takes a while for them to come out of the plane so don't start panicking until everyone else is gone and you're still there waiting for your suitcase.

I hope I helped. I've been doing long-haul international flights (an entire day's worth...) by myself ever since I can remember and I've never had a problem. Airline and airport personnel are very friendly so don't hesitate to ask them for any assistance.

Answer 5

depends on what airline... but you would check in online and print your boarding pass then when you get ot the airport you can go to one of thos e do itiyourself things... then give the bags to the lady... go through security...and wait 4 your flight... very simple.... dont worry im only 14 and iv flown alone from Washington D.C to San Diego.... its a breeze

Answer 6

Assuming your ticket from travelocity is okay. As far as what to do at the airport, what you need is TIME. If you arrive early enough, everything can be figured out at your pace. No rush, no worries.