Essential Air Travel Advice: Pre Flight to Post Arrival

Essential Air Travel Advice

Are you flying for the first time and carrying mixed emotions of excitement and nerves? Hold on, You're not alone. It’s a unique rite of passage for millions of people each year to take that first journey through the bustling airport terminals, clutching the boarding pass, and wondering about every little detail.

Consider your first flight as an untold adventure story. Yes there is a long way to go, from security checkpoints to boarding procedures, but it’s all that makes your journey exciting. If seasoned travelers glide through airports like a well rehearsed scene, you can also experience everything like a pro.

If you’re ready to turn those pre-flight butterflies into confident excitement, we are here with you. These nine essential tips for nervous first timers are promising them a safe, hassle free and smooth flight experience.

These are some of the most tried and true ways to get you on track to your journey as a pro so you can enjoy your aviation debut.

Take a deep breath before we start exploring these game changing tips. The first time you fly can be a bit daunting, but with a bit of preparation you'll be a natural and experienced traveler. We're gonna break down everything you need to know into something you can manage.

1. Download the Airline App: Your Digital Travel Assistant

Digital Travel Assistant

Your airline’s mobile app is just like your own travel caretaker. Many people find it much harder to just depend on paper documents and airport screens as it can be unnecessarily stressful. With the airline app you can get vital things right at your fingertips, just like real-time gate updates, mobile boarding passes, and much more.

Set up the app at least a day before your flight and turn on the notifications. You will receive immediate notifications about gate changes, delays or boarding times. On top of that, there are most airline apps that feature an easy to use user interface to check in, pick a seat and trace your bags.

Even some of them offer terminal maps and entertainment options. When you're rushing through an unfamiliar airport, this information is surely invaluable in your pocket.

2. Master the Luggage Game

Luggage policies

Most importantly you should have a clear understanding of your luggage policies as they can really make or break your travel budget. However each airline has its own particular requirements and they are very rigid about enforcing them. The majority permits one carry-on item generally 22 x 14 x 9 inches and one personal item like purse or laptop bag.

Before leaving home, weigh your bags as it will save you from paying overweight fees at the check in counter.

You can also learn to pack a small luggage scale because it is much more convenient while avoiding surprises on return flights when souvenirs make your bag mysteriously heavier.

3. Pack Your Carry-On Like a Pro

Think of your carry on as your survival kit for the trip

Think of your carry on as your survival kit for the trip. In case your luggage gets delayed, having key items in your carry would be a lifesaver. First of all, pack a change of clothes, if your checked bag heads off on an adventure of its own, you'll be glad.

Pack all medication you need in their original containers, basic toiletries, important documents, electronics and chargers and some snacks.

Pro tip: Take a light sweater, and bring an empty water bottle to fill after as planes can get chilly. Don’t pack valuables like jewelry or electronics with checked luggage. Also include some entertainment options: downloaded movies or books for potential delays.

4. Double-Check Your Travel Documents

Travel documents

Document uncertainty will just raise your anxiety and stress levels. You have often seen many people turning away at check in because of expired ID and they didn't even realize. For domestic flights, have a current government issued photo ID.

Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to leave the country for international adventures.

Have all your travel documents copied in digital form and stored in a safe cloud service. Have a printed copy also and keep it separate from your originals.

Before heading to the airport, create a simple checklist: ID or passport, boarding pass, travel insurance details and any visas that may be required.

That panicked rummaging through bags when you have to pull out documents at all sorts of checkpoints can be avoided if you have those documents organized in a travel wallet or dedicated pocket.

5. Navigate Phone Usage Abroad

Navigate Phone Usage Abroad

Receiving a bill on roaming charges that is higher than the amount you bargained for when visiting another country is usually a big problem. Before you go airborne, turn to your telephone company for an understanding of your overseas choices.

Most providers have what is known as temporary international plans, or you can always buy a SIM card at your travel destination.

Install any necessary applications and navigate any offline maps before leaving the house. Surprisingly, even such applications as Google Maps, currency converters, or translation applications function quite well when the device is offline.

One way to keep in touch with family without the use of cellular data is to get a medium such as WhatsApp or other messaging apps. And, of course, don’t forget to bring a universal socket as every country has its own type of plug.

6. Embrace Online Check-In

Online Check-In

The check in opens online, 24 hours before your flight, and it’s a game changer. People and especially newcomers have to spend an hour or more in the check in line? Don't panic, you can avoid it if you check in online, most of the time right when the check in starts for better seat options. It’s like going to a famous restaurant and skipping the line.

You can check in most airlines through their website or app. You’ll get your boarding pass electronically, so take a screenshot in case you lose internet connection. If you have checked bags, you can still use the 'bag only' counter at the airport, which is always much faster than the regular check in line.

And if you do the online check in, you generally get to choose or change your seat, so you'll get that window view you've always wanted.

7. Early Bird Gets the Stress-Free Flight

Stress-Free Flight

When should I arrive at the airport? It's the eternal question, and here's the truth: If it’s your first flight, give yourself extra time. For domestic flights, come at least two hours in advance, for international flights reach at least three hours earlier.

It might seem much but between checking bags, going through security, finding your gate, and maybe even grabbing a quick bite to eat, that time goes fast.

Many people find that mornings at airports are much less chaotic. If you have a choice, book an early flight as they will be less likely to have delays because, unlike others, you won't be held hostage to delayed air traffic.

If you have extra time, familiarize yourself with the airport layout, or relax with a coffee watching planes taking off.

8. Master the Boarding Process

Boarding Process

You might be surprised, but boarding can look chaotic at first, but there’s a method to sort it out. Airlines board in zones or groups, the zone or group you are in is written on your boarding pass. Don’t crowd the gate, wait till your zone is called as you are in a line; everyone is waiting for their turn to go and sit in their own seat.

You’ll need your boarding pass and ID again, so keep them handy. As you wait, make sure to check your phone’s charging and you've got some entertainment ready.

When on the plane, get to your seat quickly, store your carry-on in the overhead bin and keep essentials you will need on the flight under your seat in front of you.

9. Takeoff Time: Your First Flight Moment

Takeoff Time

Finally, this is when all the preparation must come to fruition. Just as for most activities, keep your seat belt on until the airplane is at cruising altitude, get comfortable and look around.

Find the safety card and read it, even if you are an experienced traveler this is very important. Watch how to do up and undo your seat belts, it’s easy but could be different from the one in your car.

There can be some ear pressure during takeoff, though. Yawning, swallowing or chewing gum may help to bring the pressure down to normal level.

If you have claustrophobia, try to take deep breaths, or try to make conversation with a stranger beside you. You will find that the majority of passengers would enjoy talking about their flying experiences.

Just do not forget that first feelings of shyness are the steps towards the real flight and there will be only unforgettable moments up in the clouds.

Your first flight is not just a flight, It's the remarkable start of numerous more flights waiting for you. Remembering these nine vital tips will help you get started with the world of air travel under your belt.

If you have a chance, go through these tips before your flight and you will be surprised at how quickly you get through the airport. The most important thing is the preparation, but try not to focus on all those preparations too closely, just look forward to the fun to be had during a trip.

Are you ready to spread your wings? With these tips a smooth and memorable flight is waiting for you.