Advice for a first time traveller....?

Question

I am 24 and going on an Aeroplane for the first time this year - alone.

This sounds really dumb and thats why i am asking here and not anyone i know.

What do you do when you get to an airport? and what do you do the other end? i am going to the US.

thanks

Em

Answer 1

When you get to the departure's look at the information screens to see what check in desk you need to go to.
When you get to the check in desk you will need your flight tickets or if its a ticket less flight you will need your reference number plus your passport.
At check in they will give you a boarding card and tell you what gate number your flight will be leaving from and possible the time to go to the gate, if not the gate number will appear on the information screens in the departure lounge it will say wait in lounge or now boarding.the next thing you will have to go through security
you will again need your passport and your boarding ticket
you should put all lose change, glasses ,watches etc, in your hand luggage or coat pocket so they can x ray them they may also ask you to take your shoes off(slip ons are handy)
You will now be in the departure lounge remember to check the screens for gate and boarding time.
When you get to America the immigration service are very serious about security so don't say any jokes or be flippant they will take your photo and iris-recognition its all for our own safety ignore them if you think their out of order in their manner.
After that your on your way don't get panicky or stressed thousands of passengers are going through the same routine every day
have a great holiday

Answer 2

Check the tv screens to see which check in desk for your flight. At the checkin you will be asked for your passport, if anyone has given you anything to take etc.Your luggage will be weighed & providing you have no excess baggage you will be given your boarding pass. This boarding pass will have your departure gate & the latest time you need to be there as well as your seat number on the plane. You normally need to check in around 2hrs before your flight is due to leave. At the other end you will need to show your passport at the entry point then check the screens to see which luggage area to collect your case from. Once you have your luggage you are free to go and explore your destination. Dont feel dumb, everyone has to go for the first time at some point, Just enjoy the whole trip. Have a great time

Answer 3

Have passport and tickets handy. You need to check with your travel agent or the airport which terminal your flight goes from. Go there and find the airline desks. There'll be a few so look for your flight number and the economy or business class check in (whichever you have). You will need to show your tickets and your bags will be weighed and disappear on a conveyor belt to be loaded having been tagged. You'll then have to go through passport control which is when you'll have to say bye to anyone seeing you off. Passport checks then through to duty free area. Depending on airport you can do a bit of shopping or grab something to eat. There should be plenty of time to get to your gate but check the screens to see which gate your flight goes from and check which direction the gate is in so you can relax. Boarding for your flight will be called over a tannoy and then you can wander on down to the gate. Relax and enjoy. You'll have great fun. Expect to be questioned about whether you packed your own bags and if you left them unattended - it's all routine. Enjoy!

Answer 4

If you have an eticket take your flight itinerary and just make sure you know the terminal you are departing from and go to the airline you are flying with check in desk. They will ask to see your passport and eticket itinerary or paper ticket. Your suitcase will be checked in. You will then be given your boarding pass, and will then pass through security where your bags will be screened, and your boarding pass checked.
Then just waste time browsing the shops until you are due to board the flight (check the big screens to see what gate your flight is leaving from). When the screens say that your flight is boarding go to the gate area and have your boarding pass ready to be checked.
Once you land go through immigration and collect your suitcases. If you are unsure where to pick up your suitcase just follow other people from your flight, or ask someone at the airport.
Then go enjoy your holiday by getting a taxi to your hotel.

Answer 5

I don't know where you're flying from but if it's Heathrow then you will need to know which terminal you will depart from. Ask your travel agent to check for you so you don't go to the wrong terminal, otherwise that will be your first big mistake that could cost you time, and you may lose your flight.
Once there find the check in desk of the company you are flying with, and when you check in ask them to advise you what to do next, don't ask any smarta.......d people here, half of them are not serious.
At the other end (US)Look for a cab, they know everything. I presume you're not staying alone...well I hope not as if you are not sure about travelling alone then you shouldn't have chosen the US for a first time visit....it's a pretty fast moving place.But terrific experience. Good luck

Answer 6

Got check in at the counter, they will instruct you how to get to the gate and where to take your bag. (go through security) Usually I just follow the flow. Go through customs the same way... On the way back just go to the ticket counter and the same process again. On international flights 2-3 hours before the flight for out going flights. Also make sure what you can take on the plane and keep yourself busy. Always ask questions if you need too. Have a safe trip!

Answer 7

At an airport there is a check in desk. Take your luggage, ticket and passport here. check in your baggage except for your hand baggage. Go through customs. (show your passport and boarding pass). You get to a tax free shopping area full of bars and shops. you normally wait here for a few hours. eat, shop dn't drink too much alcohol!
there are tv screens everywhere showing departure times and departure gates. keep an eye on these. when your flight is about to board it will tell you what gate to go to. go to it. board the plane.
after your flioght you have to wait to collect your luggage. again check the numerous tv screens to see where your luggage will be. pass through customs again. passport required. will have to answer q's on the purpose of your visit. leave airport. xx

Answer 8

Before you leave your home, remember the basic rules - tickets, passport, money - make sure you have them all.
Pack your belongings securely - don't take too much stuff.
Go to the airport - make sure you arrive at least 2 hours before your flight time.
Just inside the door you will see a TV screen telling you where to check in. Then follow the signs.

Answer 9

You go to the counter of the airline you are supposed to travel with, check in (give your passport, suitcases etc.) then you go through the Passport Control to the Duty Free area where everybody waits for their flights, you go to the gate designated to your flight and wait to be called. Very easy, no hassle.

Answer 10

Don't be scared to ask questions when you get to the airport and also make sure not to bring anything sharp or anything else that could be considered a weapon...they'll hold you for a long time. Good luck!