Exactly what do I need to know before flying for the first time, that is the question any new “plane journeyperson “will get hit by sooner or later. But the answer is hardly something anyone can explain in one or two lines.
It can be overwhelming! We understand. The exhilaration and frightening imaginations that pop up in minds of some people are nerve-wracking. And so, being a little aware of what to expect on a flight, might bring a little bit of peace before and during the big event. That’s what we feel.
So, let’s help you with that today! By going through matters, a first-time flight taker should be aware.
Most Important Thing You Need to Know Before Flying for the First Time !
Having an ample idea of the airport procedure is by far the most important thing to know for a first-time flyer. Airlines keep changing their rules and regulations. For example, the covid caused a great number of rule changes.
And so, you must be fully aware of all those flight-relevant regulations to not be panicking in unknowingness on the flight day.
Go through the travel restrictions of the destination. Make sure you have the special documentation if your airline demands one on board. And things like that.
1. Check-in Online
There are several confusion on first time flying how to check-in procedure. Make sure you check whether your airline allows online check-in.
And in that case, you will need to use the mobile app or website of the specific airline. If such a method is not applicable, you will need to go through the check-in queues. And also face the security. Both would take quite a bit of time.
2. Cannot Be Late
You need to go through check-in. Then there’s also the process of dropping checked baggage. And so many other things. Airports are not very predictable areas.
And so, you definitely want to arrive having enough time at hand. So, there’s no scope for one to even consider being late as an option. And since this is your first time, you probably will require more than the usual period to get through all the procedures.
So, plan to not be late at all costs, and in fact, have extra time in hand.
3. Baggage Weighing at Home
This is severely important for those who are first time flying internationally alone. The additional weight of your baggage, discovered at the airport will suck a nasty amount of fee that you’ll feel awful paying.
And if you don’t want to spend the amount they charge for the baggage fee, you’ll have to leave all that thing back. That’s equally painful.
So, make sure you save yourself from such happening. And simply weigh those bags to make sure you are not going overboard.
4. Make First Time Flying Checklist
- Bring the important travel documents that will be necessary on the flight.
- Double-check that you have your required visa, ID card, Passport, and similar must-have documents with you.
- In case of online check-in, you need to have the printed boarding pass, never misplace it.
- In case of check-in at the airport, you need to provide the agent with your PNR number.
5. Wear Comfortable Clothing
You basically have no idea what is it like to fly on a plane for the first time. It can be uncomfortable; you may feel weird breathing as some experience flying for the first time with anxiety.
And so many other things can happen. No way you want to spend all those discomforts with a tight-fitting dress that makes it even worse.
So, you want to be extra attentive to your airport wear. Let it be something that is breathable, gives you enough room to stretch your body parts, and is also nice on the skin.
6. Try Different Fun Activities
There are literally so many mobile games that you can play to easily pass several hours. Of course, if you are a person who enjoys games. If video or mobile gaming is not your thing, you can simply bring some classic games to play manually with your travelling partner. For example:
- Cards.
- Monopoly.
- Yahtzee.
- Scrabble.
- Puzzle Book
You Can Also Jam to Your Favorite Music! Especially if you are flying for the first time by yourself. Get a flight playlist ready and just listen to it. The good thing is you can combine another activity with it such as reading a book or simply watching outside the window.
Or perhaps, keep an audiobook downloaded on a topic of your preference and simply listen to it throughout the flight. It could be fictional or even better, non-fictional.
If you are a bookworm then this could be your chance to easily get some good readout of your saved for later books. You can read autobiographies, go with classic novels or simply learn fascinating information from self-help style books. A kindle will make a good investment in this case.
You can also do some self-pampering like taking short naps. And if sleep is not the way you prefer to give your body some rest, maybe your dry skin can get little oomph of moisture.
Apply moisturizer, do a little sheet mask, and put on a cute shade of nail polish are all valid options that can be wonderful self-pampering things to try. And a good few hours shall easily pass.
Wrapping Up
So, anyone asking, what do I need to know before flying for the first time or perhaps the first time in a long while, hopefully, you got some idea on the answer.
It’s definitely quite stressful. But at the same time, the thing is a life-changing experience. With a lot of excitement and mixed joy feelings.
Our advice would be to take it simply. You’ll do just fine! Just make sure you are well prepared, well aware, and sorted-minded. Everything else will fall into its place.