Tips For First Time Flyers

Is this your first time boarding an aeroplane? If yes, then here are some flying tips and tricks that you should always keep in mind to ensure that your journey is smooth and pleasant. 

 

Travelling for the first time on a plane can be quite stressful for some individuals. However, truth be told, if you have all the right documents and you follow all the necessary guidelines, then you can actually enjoy the journey instead of losing sleep over this. On that note, mentioned below are some tips for first-time flyers. 

Step 1 – Booking tickets

The first and foremost step for first-time flying is to book your tickets properly.  Booking tickets for your destination can seem like a task, especially when you see several options like in-flight insurance, type of seat required, which class, etc. However, it is not at all that difficult if you know the purpose behind the options. In fact, in this era of digitization, with so many innovations happening across the globe, booking tickets has become quite easy and convenient. There are many options available, from different travel agents to online websites, where you can find some of the most affordable tickets for your journey. Online platforms offer easy explanations to the tickets and the add-ons that you might want to purchase. Travel agents can guide you through the process.

It might seem confusing for some people; therefore, it is always recommended to keep enough time at hand and not rely on the last minute for booking the tickets. 

Step 2 – Packing right

After booking the tickets, the next step of first time flying is to decide what you are going to carry to your destination. Avoid packing unnecessary items for your journey, and try to keep your baggage light. Based on the weather of your destination, you can pack accordingly. For example, if you are travelling to a city with a chilly temperature, ensure that you have packed all the required warm clothes and garments. 

 

Additionally, you can also create a list of all the items you need for your journey and then match them with the ones you have loaded in your suitcase. This is a much more efficient and organised way of packing right and light. 

It is also crucial to know the different guidelines about packaging set by your chosen airline. There are various airlines available, each with its own individual requirements for domestic and international routes. Therefore, before you start packing, just go through their website and search for the maximum allowance on luggage offered. In this manner, you can avoid paying extra money for exceeding the limit stated on that particular airline's website. 

 

Packing also includes carrying the right documents. Especially when you are travelling via plane, your passport is one of the most important documents you must keep handy all the time. Make sure that your passport is properly up-to-date and has a minimum of 6 months period before its expiry. This is extremely crucial, especially for those who are going on an international trip. 

 

Since most airlines nowadays issue e-tickets, you no longer need to carry a paper ticket when you arrive at the airport. You can simply use your electronic device, such as your cell phone, to get access to the confirmation mail that will be sent directly to you, either by the airline itself or by a third party. 

Step 3 – Getting to the airport.

So you have packed all your essentials and checked your passport; now what? It is time for you to get to the airport. It is always advisable to keep some extra time at hand in case of delays due to traffic on the road or a car breakdown. The ideal time to reach the airport for a domestic flight is generally 1 hour in advance. For international flights, you should always arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your boarding time. 

 

If you are going via cab, make sure that you inform your driver of the exact terminal at which your flight is scheduled. Once you have reached it, you can explore the airport as you have some time left. You can engage in various fun activities, such as shopping and browsing, as you wait for your plan. What's more, most airlines nowadays also offer lounges to their customers, where they can sit and relax before boarding their planes. 

Step 4 – Once you reach the airport.

Once you have reached the airport, here are a few steps that every first-time flyer should remember to keep any kind of confusion and stress at bay. 

 

• Always keep your ticket handy since it will tell you the exact terminal where you need to be. 

• Following this, put your luggage on a trolley, which is usually available near the departure entrance. 

• Apart from your ticket, you also need to carry your I-card, which you will need to get in. 

• After you have successfully entered, you can now head toward your airline destination. 

• It is now time for your check-in bag to get scanned. 

• Carry only the essentials that you might require for your flight and on landing. 

• You can now approach the check-in counter and collect your boarding pass.

• Measure the weight of your checked-in luggage at the counter and get it tagged to be sent off to the aeroplane. 

• It is now time for you to go to your designated terminal, as mentioned in the boarding pass. 

• Once you have found your terminal, you have to cross through the security process, which basically involves passing through a metal detector and getting an X-ray of your handbag. 

• After you have cleared this step, head to your departure point and wait patiently for announcements related to your flight. 

Step 5 –You're on the plane! Now what?

Once you have checked all these boxes successfully, it is now time for you to board the plane. Look for your seat number that is mentioned in the boarding pass, and find your seat accordingly. In case you have difficulty finding your seat number, don't panic. You can simply approach any cabin crew member, and they will be happy to guide you to your proper seat number. Place your hand luggage on the cubicle located on top of your seat, and keep your handbag anywhere safe, such as under the seat that is in front of you. Don't forget to fasten your seat belts and turn off your cell phone.

 

Carefully listen to all the safety instructions given by the flight attendant. It is a simple daily routine, so you don't need to worry at all. You will learn about the correct way to fasten your seat belt, what exactly the different lights denote, and things of similar nature. 

Step 6 – Be prepared for your destination.

Once you have reached your destination, it is now time for you to explore the new environment and just bask in the fresh air that this new city has to offer. Also, there are plenty of applications available on your device that you can easily download in case of need. Some of them might include directions around the city, currency conversion, and translation apps, among others.

Hopefully, this has cleared all your doubts about your first-time flight travel. Simply follow all these flying tips to ensure a smooth and peaceful onboarding process. If you are still in doubt, you always have the opportunity to opt for a travel insurance policy. There are many such available in the current market. However, if you are looking for some of the best budget-friendly travel insurance policies, don't forget to check out the Bajaj Markets website. You will get all the necessary information about some of the most affordable and beneficial policies on this site.