Airports in India handled almost 117 million passengers in 2017, with almost 100 flights taking off every hour.
With airline ticket prices going down each day, the popularity of travelling by an airplane is at an all-time high and many people are willing to try it.
But navigating through an airport, getting through security and travelling at 30000 feet in the air can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you’re flying for the first time.
So, if you’re a first time flyer and aren’t really sure about what to do, here’s a step by step guide for you to follow the next time you fly.
Booking Your Ticket
The first step in an air travellers journey is booking a flight ticket!
With the help of online travel portals such as MakeMyTrip, GoIbibo & Expedia, you can compare ticket prices for different airlines travelling to your destination.
It’s a relatively easy process which you can handle by yourself.
Once you buy your ticket, you will get a confirmation email and an e-ticket. Make sure you carry a print out of these when you leave for the airport.
In case you don’t have access to an online facility, you can always get in touch with a travel agent in your area.
*PRO TRAVEL TIP – Airlines also give you an option to choose your seat. This process is known as ‘Online Check-In’. Airlines usually open online check-in 48 to 72 hours before the departure time. Choose your seat the night before the departure date and fly comfortably.
Packing
Airlines have kept a limit on the weight and number of bags you can carry with you!
So before you start to pack for your trip, visit your airline’s website to review luggage size and weight restrictions, as well as extra baggage fees.
If your trip is short or are travelling alone, carry a small suitcase or bag pack with you. You won’t have to go through the hassle of getting your bag checked-in with the airline.
However, if you are going on a long trip or are travelling with your family, try to pack according to the limits set by the airline.
If you feel that your luggage exceeds that limit, carry some extra cash with you.
Learn more about “Airline Baggage Rules In India”
Travel Documents
Apart from your e-ticket printouts, you will need to carry an identification proof with you.
If you’re travelling on a domestic route your driver’s license or your Aadhaar card is sufficient, but if you’re travelling abroad you’ll need a passport.
Make sure your passport is updated and is valid at least 6 months from your date of travel.
Arriving At The Airport
No matter what time of the day you’re travelling, arrive at least 2 hours before your flights departure time.
This gives you plenty of time to deal with security, find your gate, and get everything ready for your flight.
You don’t want to add the stress of being late if you’re travelling by air for the first time.
We would recommend you to take an Ola/ Uber to travel since you can calculate the time it would take to reach your terminal and they will drop you off right in front of the airport entrance.
Dropping off Luggage/Collecting Boarding Pass
If you haven’t booked a seat online or have to get your luggage checked-in, you will have to go to the airline counter once you enter the airport.
There will be enough signs at the airport to guide you to the airline counter, but if you can’t find it by yourself, ask the security personnel at the entrance and he/she will be more than happy to guide you.
Once you reach the airline counter collect your boarding pass/check-in your luggage and head for security check.
Security
Most first time flyers get nervous when they hear the word ‘Airport Security’!
Don’t worry! they’re just making sure that you have a safe flight. Follow whatever instructions the security personnel is giving you and you’ll be fine.
Keep your personal items such as laptops, cell phones or wallets in the containers provided, along with your carry-on bag for inspection.
After this, you’ll go through a metal detector and the security personnel will give you a quick frisk.
Before you know it, your bags will be stamped and your security check would be complete.
It’s that simple!
Finding Your Boarding Gate
The airport offers no shortage of information on anything!
From large screens to friendly staff, there’s always someone who can help you figure things out if you get lost.
After security, you will be able to see airline schedule boards with a list different arrival and departure flights. They display the flight number, arrival or departure time and the boarding gate number for different airlines.
Just cross check that information in case your ticket doesn’t list the gate number or simply to reassure yourself.
If you’re still not sure, they have attendants sitting at desks in every terminal who are always ready to help you.
When it’s time to board, passengers line up and present their boarding pass to a gate agent. Once the agent is done checking your bag for the stamp and the boarding pass, you can either directly walk through a ‘Jetway’ to board your flight or a bus will take to you and your fellow passengers to your airplane.
The Airplane Journey
Now for the fun part, the flying itself!
Board the airplane, find your seat and put your carry-on bags in the overhead bin. Once everyone is seated, the crew will give you safety instructions and soon after that, the airplane will take off.
While flying if you feel turbulence, don’t worry. Its caused by fluctuating air pressures and all airplanes experience it. The occurrence of an accident is very rare and in case of an emergency, the crew is well trained and equipped to handle the situation.
Read more about “Why Flying Is The Safest Way To Travel”
Collecting Your Bags
Once you’ve made it through your first ever successful flight, head down to baggage claim to pick up your check-in bags.
It takes time for the crew to unload the bags onto the baggage conveyor belt, so be patient and wait for your bag.
In case you only have a carry-on bag, you don’t need to go to the baggage claim and can straight away head for the exit.
Another way in which you can make your first flight comfortable is by downloading the AirWhizz App. Get all the information about your airline and airport along with real-time flight updates on your fingertips to plan your trip on the move.
Have a great flight & Fly Stress-Free!
