You are flying for the first time. That’s exciting and a little frightening. There are so many things to stress about: wondering whether you’ve packed right and worrying about missing your flight.
Everything may seem complicated at first but once you understand the basics, the whole process becomes manageable.
As someone who’s traveled more than a few times, I’ve put together this simple list of the dos and don’ts of flying specifically for first-timers like you.
Let’s walk through this together so you can step on that plane feeling calm, and ready to enjoy the ride.
The Dos
We begin with the good stuff; the things you should do.
1. Book Early
One thing you’ll learn quickly about flying is that the early birds don’t catch the worm. Instead, they get cheaper tickets and better seats.
If you can, book your flight early (weeks or even months in advance). You’ll get more options to choose from– like a flight time that doesn’t involve waking up at 4 AM or the coveted window seat. The earlier you book, the better the chances you’ll snag a deal before prices creep up.
There’s no worse feeling than panic-booking a flight last minute and realizing the only option left is a middle seat. And not just flights; airport transfers, visa processing and even hotels. Planning ahead gives you a head start.
2. Pack Smart
Gents are not the best at packing. For us, it’s more of stuffing things into the suitcase. A trick that has helped me over the years is making a checklist before I start packing. I try to focus on what I actually need and not what I might possibly, maybe use if the weather is great.
My essentials (ID, passport, wallet, charger, meds and hand sanitizer) go to my carry-on where I can easily reach them. Experts also recommend rolling your clothes to save space.
The goal is to make my bag light enough that I can lift into the overhead bin on my own. If it won’t, I might consider checking it in.
3. Check Your Airline’s Baggage Policy
This one is easy to overlook yet it’s super important. Different airlines have different rules when it comes to luggage. Before you begin packing, take a moment to check your airline’s baggage policy.
Focus mostly on the weight limits. Most airlines allow up to 20 kg while some may do 23 kg. Anything above these means you’ll have to check your bag at the gate and pay for it.
4. Arrive Early
I cannot overemphasize this: get to the airport early, especially if it’s your first time flying. Airports are chaotic. Between security checks, long lines and figuring out where the heck everything is, times move really fast.
Aim to be at the airport at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.
Yes, it seems like overkill, but it’s way better to have time to breathe and chill a bit than sprint through the terminals and risk missing your flight.
5. Have Your Documents Ready
As I’ve said, I keep my essentials in my carry-on where I can easily reach them. That means passport, ID, boarding pass and visa among other travel papers. This is also where I keep my wallet and cash for taxi and buying anything I’ll need.
If you are using a digital pass, screenshot it just in case.
6. Follow TSA Guidelines
TSA (or your local airport security if you’re not in the U.S.) has rules, and they’re pretty strict about them.
At security, you’ll be asked to take out your laptop and tablet and maybe take off your belt, jacket or shoes depending on the airport. There’s nothing to be scared of, it’s part of the process.
There’s also the 3-1-1- rule for liquids. This means things like toothpaste, shampoo, perfume and lotion must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, all packed into one clear quart-sized zip bag, and one bag per person.
7. Dress Comfortably
Airports involve a lot of walking, sitting, waiting and the occasional rushing. So, it helps to wear something comfortable that doesn’t restrict you.
Go for soft fabrics and layers and skip anything that’s too tight or fussy. Since the temperatures in air are unpredictable, it’s wise to have a hoodie or jacket nearby.
8. Charge Your Devices
Don’t forget to fully charge your phone, laptop or tablet before you leave for the airport. This is about playing safe since you never really know when you’ll have access to a power outlet.
Even if you don’t plan on using your devices the entire flight, you may still need your phone to show your boarding pass, book a cab when you land or simply let someone know you’ve arrived safely.
9. Listen to the Flight Crew
As obvious as it may sound, it’s still worth reminding you to pay attention to the flight crew. These are folks trained for all sorts of situations and their main job is to keep you safe and comfortable.
As protocol, they’ll give instructions about electronics, seatbelts and what to do during turbulence. Try to watch and listen as it helps to know what to expect. Plus, a little kindness, given they deal with all sorts of people, goes a long way.
10. Use the Restroom Before Boarding
Like most people, I’m not a fan of public restrooms. So, I always make sure I have helped myself before leaving the house.
For those who can’t hold it that long , use the bathroom at the airport before you get on the plane. Even if you don’t feel like going, just try. Some flights take 10+ hours and airplane bathrooms aren’t the most glamorous.
11. Enjoy the View
If you’ve got a window seat, lucky you. Being 35,000 feet in the sky, above the clouds is one of the most spectacular feats of man. And the view from it is spectacular. Watching the ground disappear, seeing the clouds up close, and catching the sunrise from above the sky is magical.
If you are a little nervous (totally normal, by the way) watching the view can be calming. It’s one of those rare moments where you get to see the world from a whole new perspective.
The Don’ts
We’ve covered the things you should do. Now, let’s talk about a few things you’ll want to avoid.
1. Don’t Bring Prohibited Items
Do not pack anything you are not supposed to. Take a careful look at your airline’s list of restricted items. These normally include sharp objects, flammable items, weapons, explosives and certain liquids.
Carrying items like scissors and lighters are a usual no. If security finds something you’re not allowed to bring, they’ll make you toss it, or worse, call you aside for questioning.
2. Don’t Hold Anyone’s Luggage
Never agree to hold or watch someone else’s bag, especially if you don’t know them well (or at all). If someone asks you to carry something for them, however harmless it may seem, politely say no. Let them take it to the airport security, that’s why they are there.
This is not about being paranoid, it’s about protecting yourself. You are responsible for whatever is in your possession, and security takes this seriously.
If you didn’t pack it, do not carry it.
3. Don’t Recline Your Seat Without Checking
Your seat reclines; awesome, right? But before you lean back, take a quick look behind you. Is the person holding a baby? Using a laptop? Eating? It’s a small cabin that we share, and reclining suddenly can crush knees or ruin someone’s already tight space.
It’s totally okay to recline, just do it slowly and respectfully. Maybe even a heads up to the person behind. Social etiquette still counts 30,000 feet above the ground.
4. Don’t Panic During Turbulence
Turbulence can be unsettling. But it’s completely normal and there’s nothing to freak about.
Like bumps on the road, they are annoying, sure, but not dangerous. Planes are built to handle these and pilots expect them. Keep your seatbelt fastened and distract yourself with a movie or the outside view.
5. Don’t Hog the Armrest
Middle-seat plane journeys tend to be miserable. The universal rule is that the person in the middle seat gets dibs on the armrests.
Why? Because the aisle seat gets easy access to the bathroom and a bit of extra legroom and the window-seat passenger gets a view and a wall on which to lean. The middle seat gets nothing but torture.
The armrest is their redeeming quality. The least you could do is let them enjoy it.
6. Don’t Rush Off The Plane
Upon touch down, everyone wants to stretch their legs and head out. But there is a system in place. The crew has to first make sure everything is safe and organized before passengers can start disembarking.
At the end of the day, you’ll still be stuck in a long queue. Take your time to gather your things and let the line move naturally. You’ll get off soon enough. No need to rush.
Safe Travels
Take it easy, keep these tips in mind, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about anything. You’ve got this! Everyone was a first-time flyer once. It’s all about taking things one step at a time and enjoying the adventure ahead.
Wishing you safe and happy travels. Enjoy the ride!
