I have travelled a lot. A LOT. Currently on my fourth passport, I feel as though flying has become an almost routine part of my life. It was only a couple of days ago that someone asked me for advice about flying, and for an overview of what it's like, that I started to think about how scary it must be to travel on your own for the first time. I decided then that this would be my gift to all the newbie flyers out there this summer: my personalized rules/tips/steps to surviving your first flight.
1. When you are packing, keep in mind that you will probably bring back more than you've taken.
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I know, I know. I used to pack books, lots of drawing paper, nearly all my art supplies, and a teddy–for the off chance that I would get lonely and wish to speak to someone besides myself. Resist the urge to pack everything in sight. Trust me, leave some room for any splurges you may take during your vacation. You will be happy you did so, and you won't have to worry about paying for extra baggage on the way back!
2. You may wish to travel in light clothing, but think twice.
Over my last so many years of traveling, I have seen a lot of people get on the flight wearing shorts and tank tops. This is fine. This is also something I don't, and have never done, for the following reasons: not only can you save a lot of packing space when you wear your heaviest items of clothing and footwear during the flight, but also you can protect yourself from the insanely cold in-flight air conditioning.
3. Double check your hand baggage. Make sure you don't have any scissors, nail files, etc.
Remember how I said I used to take all my art supplies with me? *cough* Well, on a flight to Sri Lanka in 2008, I was pulled aside for having giant scissors in my hand baggage. It was actually quite terrifying. I must have looked like a right mastermind, plotting to destroy all of humankind with my arts and crafts. Anyway, put it away in your checked baggage, and you will be just fine.
4. Give yourself plenty of time.
If you are traveling internationally, I advise you make it to the airport three hours before the set time of departure. With domestic flights on the other hand, you will be safe to be there an hour beforehand. My ENTJ mother would of course advise that you be there at the crack of dawn on the day before your flight leaves, just so you can be absolutely certain that you will make it on time.
5. Check in beforehand to avoid the long lines.
You can check into your flight as early as 24 hours before departure. If you have any bags that you need to check in, you can pay for those online even before you get to the airport. Doing this beforehand will save you from having to wait–for as long–in the check in lines, for you can go straight to the baggage drop and be on your way!
6. I would advise against excessive wandering in the airport.
Airports are great. Airports are so great. It is so tempting to go in and visit every other shop, but be sure to keep an eye on the clock while you do so. You can take your time getting to your gate, maybe grab yourself some souvenirs on the way.
7. If for some awful reason you discover that you are in the wrong terminal, go to the nearest help desk and ask for assistance.
I wouldn't say I am an introvert, but I am terribly afraid of people– especially people who are supposed to look after me. I feel like an intruder when I require people to do their job. It's absurd, yes I know. The sequence of events that I normally follow in this situation goes something like this: I have a panic attack, I find the determination to figure it out on my own, I walk into every bathroom in sight so that I can hide in a stall and look online to see if I am walking in the right direction, I give up and ask someone for help. You don't have to do it my way, I say skip right to that last part and you will be just fine.
8. If you can manage to do so, eat at the gate.
The bar is really cool, but you know what's even cooler? Boarding your flight on time. Grab a sandwich, or your preferred sustenance, and head to your gate.
9. Be attentive to boarding calls/the display screen with departure times.
I have lost track of the number of times that I have nearly missed a flight because I have been too engrossed in the book I was reading, too in love with the sandwich in my hand, too into the music blasting through my earphones, you name it. Boarding calls can be muffled, and whilst some airports will call your name if you haven't come to the gate, not all of them do so. Pay attention, keep an eye on the display screen, and be alert for announcements.
10. Be a cool flying buddy.
If you're one of those "needs to pee at the wrong time" kind of humans, it would be best to take a trip to the loo before you get on that flight. Let's not test the patience of our aisle flyers. Once you're on the plane and sitting next to another flyer, it's important to respect their space, and to be a good neighbor. People you meet on the plane tend to hold some of the most fascinating conversations!
11. Once you've landed, listen for announcements and check display screens for which carousel your checked in bagged will be unloaded at.
Unless you're taking a connecting flight, it's safe to follow the general crowd at this point– most of them will be heading to the baggage carousels. Grab your bag, double check to make sure it's your bag, and you are on your way!
12. Have an awesome-possum time! But only after you call your people and let them know you've landed.
I'm not kidding. My mom would be sick with worry at this point. Despite tracking my flight the entire time. I can't imagine what she would be like if it were my first time flying.
