Step-by-Step First-Time Air Travel Guide

For the first-time flyer, air travel can seem like a daunting task. Where do you buy a ticket? What

happens when you get to the airport? Do you need identification? Although the options and

questions seem endless, there is no need to worry: as long as you can read and ask questions, you

can successfully fly. To make your first flight less stressful, it is helpful to have an idea of what

to expect.

Step 1

Purchase a ticket. The easiest way to search multiple dates and flight times is to search for

your flight ticket online. To get a broad idea of fares, use an airfare search engine like

Kayak or Expedia. Enter in your departure city, arrival city and dates, and the engine will

return a range of flights that fit your criteria. Select one to see times, connections and time

between flights. When you are ready to buy a flight, click on it to select and follow the

purchasing instructions. Usually, airlines will send you an email confirmation and e-ticket

number; write these numbers down for reference.

Step 2

Gather photo identification. If you are traveling within your home country, you will need a

photo identification card, such as a driver's license. If you are flying internationally, you

will need a passport, usually one that is valid for six months from the date of departure.

Step 3

Ensure that your luggage meets airline requirements. Most airlines allow passengers to

bring one carry-on item and one personal item, such as a laptop or purse. Check the

specifications for your airline by visiting its website and looking for a section about

baggage--on the American Airlines website, for example, "Baggage Information" is under

the "Travel Information" tab. Pay attention to fees for checked bags--most airlines charge

for each bag you check to be carried in the cargo area--and the weight limits, and be sure to

stay within them.

Step 4

Pack your carry-on bag carefully. In a bag you take on the plane, you are able to put

liquids in 100 mL (or less) containers as long as they fit in a single, quart-sized, sealable,

clear plastic bag. According to the Transportation Security Administration, "Consolidating

the bottles into one bag and X-raying them separately from the carry-on bag enables

security officers to quickly clear the items." Agents will confiscate any liquids or gels that

do not adhere to this policy.

Step 5

Arrive at the airport early. For your first time traveling on an airplane, allow extra time to

make it through the airport and familiarize yourself with the process. If you will be

parking, check into the long-term lot for multiday stays; for this option, some airports have

shuttles to the terminal if the lot is not within walking distance. To give yourself a buffer of

time, aim to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an

international flight

Step 6

Check in at the airline desk. Follow the signs to the check-in desks, and have your photo

identification ready to present to the agent. He will look up your reservation, print

boarding passes and collect any baggage fees for checked bags. If you have not selected

seats, you can also ask the agent for a window or aisle seat at this time. You will be asked to

place your checked bags on the scale next to the desk for weighing, and they will be tagged

and placed on a conveyor to be taken to the plane. Take your boarding passes and ID card

from the agent.

Step 7

Go through security. Follow the signs for security, and head to the line. At the security

checkpoint, you will be asked to show your identification and boarding pass. Once you are

at the screening machines, take off your shoes and jacket and place them into a plastic bin

with your clear plastic bag. If you are traveling with a laptop, place it into a separate bin,

and send it down the conveyor along with your carry-on bag. Wait for an agent to wave you

through the metal detector, and walk through. Retrieve your items.

Step 8

Find your gate. Your boarding pass should have a gate number on it; if not, check the

electronic displays to find your flight and gate number. Follow the signs to get to your gate,

and have a seat until a gate agent calls for boarding. Airlines generally board by row, so

don't approach the gate until your group is called. Find your seat by checking the numbers

above each row, and stow small bags under the seat in front of you and larger bags in the

overhead bins.

Step 9

Collect baggage. Once your flight lands, exit the airplane and follow signs for baggage

claim. Your flight number and departure city will be on an electronic display; wait with the

crowd until the conveyor starts moving and your bag arrives.

Flying for the First Time

If you have never flown before or are scared of flying, the idea of going on a flight to your holiday destination might seem a bit daunting. However, the whole airport and flight experience is much more straightforward and enjoyable than you might think. Having made the first step, many first-time fliers go on to fly time and time again and it often becomes their preferred method of travel, opening up new destinations and experiences that once seemed out of reach. Below is our step-by-step guide to help you know what to expect so that you can take that first flight or overcome a fear of flying.

Be Prepared

Woman putting her ticket in Hand Luggage

Before you go, make sure that you have sorted out all the necessaries such as passports and visas and travel health requirements. Good planning and preparation on this means that you won't have to worry about sorting things out at the last minute.

Aim to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare (including any transfers between the car park or bus station etc and the airport terminal). If you are arriving by car you can save time by booking your airport car parking in advance.

No matter how long your flight is, there may be some essentials such as tickets and medication that you need with you on the plane. Pack these in your hand luggage as you will not be able to get at your checked-in suitcases until you reach your arrival airport. It is also a good idea to have something to do or read with you, as you might not fancy the TV programme or film on offer (or there might not be TV screens at all). You might also like to take some sweets to suck, as the swallowing motion help your ears to deal with the changes in pressure on take-off and landing.

Checking in

Family at the check-in desk at the airport

Once inside the airport terminal, you first need to go to the check-in desk for your flight. However, you will only be able to do this once your flight is open - check the flight monitors or departure boards in the terminal to find out when and where you can check in. You will need to present your passport and tickets, as well as any hand baggage. This is also where you hand over your hold luggage. The check-in attendant will give you a boarding pass and receipt stubs for any bags that you have checked in.

After checking in you need to go through to the departure lounge - at most airports you will have to pass through security before you can do this. Security checks can take some time but are an essential part of flying safely. You may have to take off your coat and jewellery, so be prepared for this. You may also be asked to open your bag for inspection - this is normal, so don't let it alarm you.

Lounging Around

People relaxing before a flight in the airport lounge

When you are in the departure lounge you should have enough time to relax and grab a bite to eat or do a spot of duty-free shopping. It would also be a good idea to have something to do or read, as not all airports have very big departure lounges. However, make sure that you keep an eye on the flight monitor/departure board to see what time you need to go to your gate. When your gate is open, start making your way towards it. Bear in mind that at some airports it might be quite a walk or you might need to get on a shuttle, so leave enough time.

Once at the gate you should have a bit of time to sit down before boarding. Your flight number will be called by the flight attendants, then you will need to queue up to present your passport and boarding pass. After this you will be directed to the plane.

Taking to the Skies

Fly with Direct Holidays

As you board the plane you may be expected to show your boarding pass again, so don't put it away just yet. Take your seat and do up the buckle. The cabin crew will only close the doors when all passengers are on board, so you may be sitting there for a little while. They will then take you through a safety demonstration - don't let this worry you as it is a routine part of any flight. However, do take note of what they are telling you.

During preparation for take-off there will be increased noise in the cabin - this is normal. But if you are feeling a little queasy, a good way to help you keep calm during take-off is to open the cold air vent above your head. When the aircraft has reached a certain height, the captain will switch off the seatbelt signs, meaning that you are free to move around the cabin. However, there may be occasions mid-flight when the captain sees fit to turn the seatbelt signs back on. This is purely for safety reasons in case of turbulence.

Turbulence (invisble air movement) can cause some unsmooth motion of the aircraft, so could be the most feared aspect of a flight. It is caused by atmospheric conditions outside the aircraft and may result in a bumpy feeling. If worried about this, some people find it helpful to look out of the window at the wings of the plane, as the perception of motion inside the cabin can be much greater than it actually is.

Enjoying the Flight

Relax Onboard in the Premium Cabin

During the flight drink as much water as you can - not only will this keep you hydrated, but it will also mean a toilet break might be necessary, giving you a good reason to have a walk down the cabin and stretch your legs. You should also regularly do in-seat exercises, especially on long haul flights. If you are nervous about the flight, don't drink too much alcohol as this will dehydrate you and can also increase feelings of anxiety.

Depending on where you are going, at some stage during the flight the cabin crew might give you a landing card. Have a pen handy to fill this in, as you will need to present it on arrival. As you start on the descent to your arrival airport the seatbelt signs will be switched on again. This is a safety measure and does not necessarily mean that there will be turbulence. As you land there may be a jolt as the wheels touch the runway, then increased engine noise as the aircraft slows down.

The plane will then take you towards the airport terminal. You may have to get on a bus to take you up to the terminal. Once inside you will need to present your passport (and landing card if applicable) to the immigration authorities, then go through to reclaim your baggage. This should be clearly signposted but you can always ask an airport official if you're not sure where to go.