Flying for the first time can give you butterflies in your stomach. After all, you are taking to the skies, and you have no idea what the flight is going to be like. And given that you might be taking a private charter flight, a regular passenger flight, or flying to dangerous airports, there are a range of considerations you need to take into stride to have a wonderful flying experience.

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Regular flights are not simply about being on an aircraft while it is off the ground. You have to watch out for airport etiquette well. You need to ensure that you have packed well enough and must have mentally mapped out how the security screening goes. All of these (and more) will give you a brief idea about how to make your first flight successful. So, in this article, we are going to take a look at the top 5 tips for first-time fliers.

Aircraft landing at sunset

Photo: Guido Benedetto I Shutterstock

1

Packing things properly

The 3-3-3 rule for carrying liquids and knowing about luggage requirements specific to airlines is a must

One of the easiest things to do in the world is to overpack. And this is what many first-time fliers do. You might want to avoid this to have seamless travel. While packing the most essential items remains necessary, you should prune items as well.

This is because different airlines have different limitations on checked and carry-on bags. If you have more than the airlines’ specified limit, you might end up paying for the additional luggage you have on board. The following table shows the different baggage limitations of a few airlines.

Carry-on luggage size Carry-on luggage weight maximum Personal item
Hawaiian Airlines 45 linear inches 25 pounds Needs to fit under the seat in front of you
Southwest Airlines 24 x 16 x 10 (inches) Not specified 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 (inches); needs to fit under the seat in front of you
Frontier Airlines 24x 16x 10 (inches) 35 pounds 8 x 18 x 14 (inches)
Passengers stand around a luggage carousel with many bags.

Photo: CatwalkPhotos | Shutterstock

Airlines also have different rules regarding how much liquid you can carry on board. Delhi Airport discusses the 3-3-3 rule for carrying liquid: “You are not allowed to carry more than 3 numbers and more than 3 fluid ounces.” Depending on airlines/airports, the rule might be subject to changes.

2

Arrive at the airport early

Arriving early gives you a feel of the airport, alongside ample time to complete security screening

TSA recommends arriving at the airport two hours before departure. This is because, unlike modes of land transport such as catching a bus or a train, traveling via a flight is a much longer process. Specifically, you need enough time for:

  • Getting a boarding pass
  • Getting your bags checked
  • Get a security screening before boarding your aircraft.

Boarding an aircraft itself takes 30 minutes or so.

Person pushing luggage trolley while walking after arrival at airport

Photo: DimaBerlin | Shutterstock

There are ways you can speed up your boarding process. To do that, you can opt for any of the following methods:

  • Flying with a carry-on only
  • Checking in online
  • Booking a ticket with priority check-in privileges,,
  • Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Clear,

If you are a first-time flier, arriving early can also give you a chance to get a feel of the airport. If you are heading out to Changi Airport in Singapore, you’ll feel that this nature-themed airport is a destination in its own right. The Vancouver International Airport is home to Indigenous (sculpture) works such as “The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe”, alongside aquariums, atriums, rivers and tidal pools.

3

Wear shoes that are easy to remove

It is not only shoes but laptops, purses, and other items that will have to be removed while going through the screening process

If you are a first-time flier, you should note that as a part of the boarding process, you will have to:

  • Remove your shoes (the rule is not applicable for flier under 12 and over 75 years).
  • Empty the contents of your pockets, alongside removing belt, wallet, hat, jacket, and bulky jewelry.
  • Remove any liquid you are carrying, and your laptop (and charger) from your bag.
  • Send your carry bag (and items above) through an X-ray machine.
  • Walk through a metal detector [a body scanner or a pat-down are the other options].
A Man Putting Shoes Into Tray For Airport Security Check

Photo: Monkey Business Images | Shutterstock

In light of such procedures you have to be a part of, wearing easy-to-remove shoes is something that will make your experience at the airport easier. You can eliminate some of these processes if you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

4

Learn about airlines with the best sustainable goals

Airlines offer you points for offsetting your carbon emissions

The aviation world is fighting against the global warming and carbon emissions. Many airlines have opted for carbon offsetting schemes through various projects such as plantation of trees in nations such as India and Nepal, while others have opted for the conservation of community forests. Brussels Airlines, on the other hand, offsets its carbon through the following schemes:

“Intercontinental flights: 10% of emissions are reduced through the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), while the 90% remaining is offset through climate protection projects that the airline is involved in,

“Flights in Europe: 20% of emissions are reduced through the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), while the 80% remaining is offset through climate protection projects that the airline is involved in.”

Turkish Airlines A321 biofuel

Photo: Turkish Airlines

If you are a first-time flier, you can choose to be aware of these initiatives from the start. Many airlines such as (but not limited to) Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines, also have their sights set on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. You can be mindful of such initiatives from the start of your flight journey.

5

Have a backup plan ready

In case of a cancelation or a delay, use the perks of travel insurance

Inclement weather, such as a thunderstorm, a traffic jam due to construction at certain places, etc., affects anyone’s flight, irrespective of whether you are a first-time traveler or not. So, there will always be chances of a delay or a cancelation. But what do you do in such a case?

Man in airport shutterstock_2466583543

Phioto: cunaplus | Shutterstock

  • Missing a flight because of unforeseen circumstances: Airlines generally put you on standby for the next flight without charging extra. However, to get rebooked for a different flight for free, you must notify the airline within a couple of hours of missing your flight.
  • Missing a connecting flight: Many airlines now offer a smartphone app to find out which gate your flight departs from or if you have missed your flight. If you have missed your connection because of the airline, the carrier allows you to rebook that flight free of charge.

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Finally, you can also opt to book flights using a credit card with travel insurance or by purchasing a travel insurance policy.

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