If you are a seasoned traveler, this section may seem redundant but don’t skip it, you might pick up some useful tips! Although this is mostly for the newbie flier that has questions about the entire process, all travelers can use a refresher. Flying alone for the first time can be an overwhelming, if not frightful, experience. These tips will help you get over the anxiety and enjoy the trip! Even if you have traveled abroad before, it was probably with family or friends, but not alone. So if you have never been on a plane or traveled by yourself, let alone traveled internationally, this can cause much anxiety. Plan ahead, pack carefully and learn all about your trip. The more at ease you are about what to expect, the better the trip. Don’t procrastinate in getting ready for the trip, pack a couple of days before and not the morning of! (Read the previous post about packing and you will be ready to go).
What can you do if you have never boarded a plane or traveled alone? Just simplify the steps and a dreaded flight can become an enjoyable experience!
- After you purchase your flight, download the apps that most airlines offer and fill all the information they request. The more information you complete online, the smoother your check in will be. Once you arrive to the airport, you will be easily checked in and on your way. This is no time to insert passport numbers or expiration dates on the kiosk that may or may not work properly.
- Try to check in online. If you have your airline app downloaded, they will send you an email 24 hours before the flight to check in. Go through the prompts and check in. You will receive an electronic boarding pass so you can look like a travel pro and use it at the airport. However, once you receive it, take a screen shot of it or print it! While you are at it, take a picture of your checked luggage (more on that later). You will have a backup of your boarding pass saved in your phone photo folder, or a paper copy, and you won’t panic if your app does not open when you need it. Online check-in is the way to go, but if it fails, you have your photo (or printed boarding pass handy).
- Get to the airport with plenty of time. Most airlines ask that you get there two hours before departure and with reason. Sometimes check-in lines are long and security lines even longer! If you have a friend or family member taking you to the airport, make sure they are prompt. This is no time to sprint through hallways looking for your departure gate. The more relaxed you are, the smoother your trip.
- What happens at the airport? Go to the section where your airline is located. Most will have a kiosk where you insert your passport, confirmation number and check in your bag. An assistant will weigh your bag and make sure you are not over the limit put the luggage tag on it and take it on its way. (Always look that the tag and verify that your final destination airport code is on it!). If no kiosk is available, go to the counter and check your bag. Extra tip: weigh your luggage before you go to the airport. If it is over their limit, you will be asked to either take some things out or pay the incredibly overinflated fee!
- Take your carry on and go to the security line. Present your passport and boarding pass again and once you are cleared, go to the conveyer belt. If you have followed my advice, you won’t have packed anything in your carry on that will delay this process. This means that you have a carry-on that fits your airlines’ size and weight restrictions (check their website). You do not pack aerosol or any flammable sprays, water bottles or any other liquid over 3 oz., large toothpaste tubes, pocket knives, or sharp instruments such as corkscrews in your carry-on. Even gel deodorant or perfume can be confiscated if it is over the size limit! Put your allowed liquids in a small zip lock bag. Take off belts, shoes, sweaters, scarves and hats. Empty all pockets, put your laptop in the containers provided. Don’t be alarmed if you are chosen for an extra check. This is usually random. Be patient and courteous, don’t make jokes about explosives or such, these people are there for your security, jokes are taken seriously!
- Go to your assigned gate. Your boarding pass has the number on it, the flight display boards have all gate assignments and the boarding gate will have a sign with your flight number. Check that you are in the proper gate, find a place to people watch and relax. You are almost there!
- Passengers are called in order. First passengers with small children or that need special assistance will board. Next are First class passengers and frequent flyer club members. Some airlines board by section or “zone” so check if you have one on your boarding pass. Your seat number is on the pass, locate your seat and place your hand luggage in the overhead compartment above your seat or in front of you under the seat. Turn off your phone or put it on “airplane mode”. Once all the passengers are seated in your row, fasten your seat belt.
- Safety instructions and other necessities. The flight attendants will give safety instructions, listen to them carefully but don’t panic. These are standard instructions that passengers should be aware of. Stay seated when the seatbelt sign is on, look for the nearest exit, etc. By the way, there are restrooms and first aid kits in every plane!
- Noises and bumps. This is what frightens most new travelers. What are those noises? Motors running, wheels doing what they need to do, gears working properly. Worry if you don’t hear noises, not when they are present! Turbulence and bumps are also normal. Picture yourself in a bus, do you hit bumps on the road? Do you panic? Well, then you should not panic in a plane that is so much safer than being on the road. Remember, noises are good, it means the motors are doing their work!
- Food and such. Short flights do not serve food but will serve drinks and the much-coveted minuscule peanut or pretzel bag. I always bring my own snack of choice so I don’t have to survive on the offerings. Longer flights will serve food, you will get the usual “chicken or pasta” choice unless you have requested (at least 24 hours ahead) a special meal on the airline website. Don’t be afraid to request this, there is no extra charge, and you can stay on whatever special diet you might need. Most likely than not you will have on board movies, music, T.V. shows available to you. Depending on the airline there may or may not be a charge for this.
- Transfer instructions. Once you arrive, the seat belt sign will turn off and you can get up, get your carryon luggage and get ready to disembark. If you have a connecting flight, you do not get your checked luggage(unless you are on your return trip back to the U.S.) it will follow you to your final destination. Follow the signs for transfers and find the corresponding gate for your next flight.
- Final destination. Here you are! You have finally arrived in your glorious destination. You will go through passport control and, depending on what country you are visiting, you will have a completed form (that you took care of on the flight) to present. Next, go to baggage claim and get your checked luggage. If, for any reason, your luggage does not arrive when all other passengers have claimed theirs, go to the baggage claim department (there is always an office next to baggage claim) and fill out the forms for lost baggage. This is when it’s important to have a photo of your bag (they will ask you what it looks like) and your destination address and phone numbers. The airline will do its best to get your luggage delivered to you as soon as they locate it but if you have read my “It’s all in the bag” section, you will have a change of clothing in your carry on to easily get you through the first couple of days.
- A word about returning home. On the return trip home, the same thing happens with one exception. You will claim your luggage in the first place you land in the U.S. This means that you check your luggage all the way to the final destination but claim your luggage at your fist place of entry, go through customs and re-check it before you transfer to your next flight.
Now that you know what to expect on your flight, you can enjoy the process, relax and have a great trip!
