Are you planning your first flight and want some expert guidance? Click here for 10 must-know flying tips ever first-time passenger should know.
If you’re preparing to take your very first flight, you might be feeling a little bit anxious about it.
This is perfectly normal. Studies have shown that about 25 percent of Americans experience some jitters when they fly, even when they’ve been on flights before.
But you don’t have to let your nerves get the best of you during your first flight. There are flying tips for first-time passengers that will make your maiden voyage in the sky a total success.
Take a look at 10 flying tips below that should help you calm down prior to your first flight.
- Look For a Great Deal on Your First Flight
If you’ve never purchased an airline ticket before, you might not know where to begin. There are lots of people who overpay for their first flight simply because they don’t know any better.
There are so many different places online to book cheap flights. And when you get a great deal on a flight, you’ll feel good about it right from the very beginning.
- Try Not to Over Pack
Airlines have started to charge more and more money for checked bags. So if you can avoid checking a bag for your first flight, then, by all means, please do it!
If you absolutely have to check a bag, though, it’s a good idea for you to find out what the weight limit for checked luggage is on your specific airline. You’re going to want to stay well under that limit to avoid extra charges.
- Arrive at the Airport Well Ahead of Schedule
For years, airlines advised their passengers to try and arrive at the airport about two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights.
These days, there is a lot of controversy swirling around about exactly how early you should show up at an airport for a flight. But if you’re taking your very first flight, you should err on the side of caution and get to the airport as early as you can.
Arriving early will give you a chance to park your car, check your bag, go through security, and find your gate with plenty of time to spare. It’ll also give you a chance to figure out other options if you discover that your flight has been delayed or canceled.
Your options could include finding another flight or canceling your trip and using Travel Refund to get a refund.
- Bring a Carry-On With Things to Keep You Occupied
Most airports will have at least a few things for you to do while you wait for your flight. You can browse through racks of magazines, watch TV, or grab a bite to eat.
But if you’re going to be sitting around for a couple of hours waiting for a flight, it helps to have some activities to do. Bring a carry-on bag with you that contains your laptop, your tablet, a good book, and whatever else you need to stay busy.
- Make Sure Your ID Is Easily Accessible at All Times
You’re going to need to show your ID several times throughout the course of your trip to the airport. You’ll need it while checking a bag, going through security, and boarding a plane.
Make sure you have your ID handy at all times. You want to be able to present it quickly when you’re working your way through the different lines at an airport.
- Dress as Comfortably as You Can
If you’re on your way to a big business meeting, you might be forced to throw on a suit for it. But if you’re taking a trip to see your sister in California or jet-setting to a tropical vacation, you don’t have to get dressed up for your first flight.
Try not to just throw on whatever was laying on the floor next to your bed when you woke up. But a pair of sweatpants, a hoodie, and some comfortable shoes will definitely do the trick and keep you comfy on the plane.
- Find Your Gate Right After Going Through Security
It’s easy to get lost inside some airports. So once you’re finished going through security, it’s good to make your way right over to your gate.
In some cases, it might be just a few steps away. In others, you might still have a hike ahead of you.
Regardless, you should find your gate so you know where it’s at. You can go explore the airport once you’ve located your gate and know where you’ll need to go for your flight.
- Stay Away From the Airport Bar!
If you’re feeling especially nervous prior to your first flight, you might be tempted to head over to the airport bar for a quick drink (and maybe a quick shot!). This is usually not a good idea.
If you end up drinking too much, you might not be allowed on your flight. And even if you are allowed to board the plane, you might not feel your best once you make it there.
Ordering a single drink on the flight once you get up into the air wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. But you should steer clear of the airport bar at all costs if you can.
- Meditate For a Few Minutes Before Your Flight Takes Off
Once you board a plane for the first time, your nerves are really going to kick in. Your heart is going to beat a little bit faster, and your blood pressure is going to go up.
Close your eyes and meditate for a few minutes to try and regain your composure. You should be able to slow down your breathing and your heart rate through meditation.
- Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy Your First Flight
At this point, you should be in your seat with your seat belt on awaiting takeoff. The only thing left to do is to sit back and relax while enjoying your very first flight.
If you need anything to make your experience more enjoyable, feel free to call on an airline attendant for assistance. They’ll usually be more than happy to bring you a drink, a pillow, or whatever else you might need.
Put These Flying Tips to Good Use Today
Flying for the first time can be a little bit intimidating for some people. It can feel like everyone else in the airport knows what they’re doing…except you!
Keep the flying tips you learned today in mind and put them to good use early and often. They’ll make flying a breeze and reduce your nervousness along the way.
Want to make sure your home stays safe while you’re flying to your final destination? Read more of our blog to find essential tips for keeping your home secure while on vacation.
