My son flies home from college in a couple weeks, and I wrote this first time air travel guide for him. While this won’t be his first air travel, he has always had his marvelous mom to take care of the important safety and airport navigation issues. If you’re new to air travel or simply don’t like air travel but must do it now and then, maybe this first time air travel guide will help you, too.
Those traveling for the first time over Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, especially the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after should check local airport recommendations for arrival recommendations. Air travel means going through long lines and holiday lines are longer! We generally arrive three hours ahead of our flight when traveling on busy days (though, really, we try to avoid holiday air travel altogether)!
First time air travel guide:
Pack Light. The less you take, the less you must manage. The less you have to manage, the easier it is to travel. Common sense, right? To accomplish this, simplify your wardrobe, including shoes. When you think you’ve minimized as much as possible, edit again. Take only what you need. Most air travelers can get shampoo, hair product, sunscreen and other items at their destination. Traveling over the holidays, you can mail gifts ahead (or shop online and have them shipped to family or friends at your destination). Before leaving for the airport, count all your bags to know exactly how many you have: camera bag, purse, computer, and luggage.
Check in online. Most airlines allow online-checkin up to 24 hours before the flight. When you check in online, print the e-ticket that appears and take it with you. This saves you from having to stand in line to check in at the airport. If you will be checking luggage (that means luggage too large to carry on the plane with you), you will still have to go through the ticket line but you will still save time checking in online. A special note to Southwest Airlines travelers: check in 24 hours ahead of your flight to get the best seats, but if you’re traveling with kids under five or someone with special needs, you’ll still get priority boarding.
Prepare yourself for the security check: To get through security quickly, have your ticket and ID readily available. Wear slip-on shoes which are easier to take off and put on while handling bags. Computers must be removed from their case and placed in their own bucket for screening, so be sure your computer is easily accessible without spilling everything else out of the bag. Finally, make sure you understand rules about liquids. If you check luggage, you can avoid having to deal with this by packing liquids in ziploc bags in the checked luggage. If you must carry liquids, follow TSA rules. Remember: Toothpaste IS a liquid according to the TSA!
Navigate the airport with confidence. First time air travelers often look confused, a signal to pickpockets and thieves. Simple packing (the first tip) helps here, because with less to manage, you’ll be less overwhelmed. Beyond that, walk confidently. If you do need help, ask airport staff for assistance. NEVER leave your luggage! When I travel, I use a laptop messenger bag instead of a purse. My electronics fit, and I have a slide-in pocket for my airline ticket and ID. I use backpack style luggage, so that it’s easy to carry through crowds. Be aware. Be aware. Be aware!
Double check location for connecting flights. Airports regularly move flights around, so while you may expect your connecting flight to be at one gate, it might move. After disembarkation, confirm the location of your connecting flight before you head there. If possible, skip the restroom when you first disembark — it will be most crowded. Go to the next gate area for fewer lines. At your second gate, confirm flight departure time by consulting the screens in that area.
Relax about getting your checked luggage. First time travelers often rush to baggage claim to retrieve luggage, but it takes time for luggage to be off-loaded from the plane and brought to baggage claim. There’s no need to stress out; you’ll probably beat your luggage to baggage claim! When you pull your luggage from the carousel, double-check that it’s yours before you leave. If you are one of the unlucky few whose luggage is lost, report it calmly. Lost luggage employees take the blame, but remember, they did not lose your luggage. A little kindness toward them goes a long way! Before you leave the airport, count all your bags to make sure you have the same number of bags that you brought.
Relax. Be aware of your surroundings. Pack light. Arrive early. Follow this simple first time air travel guide and travel with confidence!
Thanks Karen for the information – always good to review. My nervousness is more the air sickness (I take ginger, which helps) and just flying in general – for which I have to put my trust in God and loose myself in a good book….LOL. I’ll be flying out of Newark, so I will definately arrive “early” as going through security is crazy. Usually Randy and I tag team, since we both have hip replacements, but since I will be going solo – the “packing light” is a must. I have a 2 hour layover in Denver – so plenty of time to get to where I need to be, before my final flight into Laramie, WY. (Small jet….augh!!!) Anyway – I appreciate you helpful tips.
Sue,
I’m doing some research on flight anxiety, particularly during turbulence, but I’m waiting on some clarification before I post it. There’s lots of great info out there to help ease anxiety! And prayer, too, of course. I’m just thankful you get to go home and see family. Before air travel, that was not an easy thing to do!
Love,
Karen
Oh these are such fabulous points…. I can’t remember the very first time I ever traveled by air but I am sure it involved an air sickness bag or twelve. I love watching people who have never traveled before. You can pick them out immediately!!!
Hopefully with this article, they’ll be less obvious! 😉
I have never flown before so this is a great help. Thank you. I’ll keep it tucked away in case I ever do fly anywhere.
Miranda,
Until I flew to China (24 hours plus from where I live), I flew white-knuckled and nauseous. I usually left bruises on my husband’s thigh from squeezing so hard during take-off and landing! True story!!! But now that I understand flying a little better, I actually look forward to it. I hope you get the chance to “jet off” someplace. It’s fun!
Karen
Excellent Karen! Can I add another for first timers….eat well before leaving so you’re not trying to carry food & drinks onto the plane. I once watched a mom with 3 bags slung over her shoulders, baby in arms, holding a cup of soda trying to hand her tickets to the gate agent. Something dropped and as she bent down to pick it up,still holding baby, the drink spilled…it was a mess. Your new site is looking great!
Thanks, Nan. Great advice!
And thanks for the compliment. I love the new site more each day 🙂
Good list- number one rule is leave plenty of time. This comes after almost getting stranded in the Miami airport because it is a maze and very confusing.
My son has to fly through Atlanta — huge and confusing and constantly changing departure gates. It seems we always underestimate time needed. Thanks for your comment, Gina. Happy travels!
Karen… your blog is my absolute favorite travel blog!! This is such a great little article with fabulous advise. Having been a travel agent at one point (two actually) I absolutely LOVE your insightful advise to the less experienced, as well as showing seasoned travelers new tricks! Keep up the FABULOUS job! Grace, peace and many blessings, Carla
Carla,
If you were a travel agent at one time… or twice…. why haven’t you submitted a guest post??? Darling…. PLEASE! 🙂
Thanks for the compliment.
Such a great post. I’m a long-time flyer but after the birth of my first, became absolutely terrified (ok, that change + a ridiculously turbulent flight did me in). I do find that the more organized/prepared I am, the better I do.
Thank you. Organization helps all aspects of air travel and it doesn’t take long, just a bit of practical thinking during packing. I’m working on a post about turbulence… perhaps it will comfort you when it’s up.