Travel Guides
The First-Time Flyer's Guide
A calm walkthrough of a first flight, from booking and check-in through security, boarding, the flight itself and arrival.
Flying is mostly a sequence of queues with clear signs between them. Knowing the order removes almost all of the stress.
Before you leave home
- Check that your passport or ID matches the name on the booking exactly.
- Check in online, usually 24 to 48 hours before departure.
- Weigh your bag at home rather than at the desk.
- Confirm the terminal, not just the airport.
At the airport
Arrive two hours before a short-haul flight and three before a long-haul one. Drop your checked bag if you have one, then go through security. Liquids in hand luggage may need to be in containers of 100ml or less in a clear bag, depending on the airport's scanning equipment.
After security you are in the departures area. Screens show your gate, and the gate number often appears later than the boarding time. See our guide on finding your gate.
Boarding and the flight
Boarding usually starts 30 to 40 minutes before departure and closes well before the departure time printed on your ticket. Have your boarding pass and passport ready.
On board, put anything you want during the flight in the seat pocket before stowing your bag. Keep your seatbelt loosely fastened whenever you are seated.
Ears blocking during descent is normal. Swallowing, yawning or chewing helps equalise the pressure.
Arrival
Follow signs for Arrivals, then immigration if you have crossed a border, then baggage reclaim, then customs. Green and red channels mean nothing to declare and something to declare respectively.
What people worry about unnecessarily
- Turbulence is uncomfortable, not dangerous.
- Cabin crew are asked things constantly; there is no bad question.
- Missing an announcement is fine. Screens repeat everything.
