Traveling by plane is a challenge for those who have not done it yet. If this is your case, this article is for you.
Getting on a commercial flight, knowing what to do at the airport and above all, not losing your cool, is essential for a safe and uncomplicated trip.
That is why we have for you the 50 most reliable tips to travel by plane of all and recommendations for traveling by plane for the first time.
Your first plane trip will surely be a challenge because it is something you have not done yet. Many do not know what to do at the airport, which gate to go to, or where to sit.
The first tips on the list are dedicated to these passengers.
1. Get to the airport early
The first thing you will do is arrive at least 1 or 2 hours before the airport, if your flight is national or international, respectively.
The queues for the respective controls will surely be long, so long that they could cause you to miss your flight. That is why it is important to arrive at the airport very early.
2. Don't lose sight of your luggage
Don't lose sight of your luggage or leave it to strangers. Do not carry or take care of other people's luggage either. In the worst case, they can accuse you of theft, drug trafficking or other illegal material.
3. Check-in
Check-in is an important and essential stage of the flight, in which the passenger confirms to the airline their presence on it. This guarantees your boarding pass and occasionally allows you to choose a window or aisle seat.
Check-in can be done up to 48 hours before flight departure and there are several ways to do it:
1. The most traditional: arrive at the airport 2 hours before the flight and go to the ticket office of your airline, where they will confirm your data, identity documents and you will register and deliver your luggage. Once the process is complete, the airline will give you your boarding pass.
2. Check-in online through the airline's page: this way you will save time and not go through long lines at the airport. You will also have the option to choose the first seats.
4. Go to the security check. Pay attention here!
When you have your boarding pass, the next thing will be to go through the security controls where they will check your luggage and they will check you, so you should not carry flammable or sharp objects. After passing this check, you will enter the departure lounge.
The ideal thing at this point is that while you are in queue you take off your belt, chains, watches and any other metal garment. We recommend that you take a coat with pockets with you and put everything you take off. Thus, when going through the scanner, you remove your coat and that's it.
With this method you will save time and reduce the risk of losing personal items and in the worst case, your passport.
5. Enter the boarding area and complete all the procedures with migration
Once you enter the boarding area you will not be able to go back outside. If you need to wait for someone, it is best to do so outside of this area.
Go to migration as soon as you enter the boarding area, just in case your trip is outside the country. There you will do the relevant procedures to leave the territory such as passport check, boarding pass, digital photo, fingerprints, statement of travel reasons, among other requirements.
6. Travel by plane for the first time national
If you don't fly out of the country, you don't have to go through the migration zone. Sit back, relax and wait for your flight call.
7. Locate your boarding gate
Normally, the boarding gate is indicated on the boarding pass. If not, go with your ticket to the screens of the place and check which is the boarding gate of your flight.
When locating her, stay close to her.
Do not rule out that it is at the other end of the airport, especially in the large ones, so you could miss your flight if you delay in finding or reaching it.
8. Take a walk around the departure lounge
Once you have located your boarding gate and only if you have time, you can visit Dutty Free, the airport stores where you can buy perfumes, alcoholic beverages, food and clothing, without taxes.
9. Not everything that is tax-free is cheaper
Some things at Dutty Free are not cheaper because they are tax exempt. Better check the prices in local stores first.
Don't buy a lot either because to board the plane they will only allow you one hand luggage and at most, 2 Dutty Free bags.
10. Take into account the VIP lounges
Flights are often delayed. Some with more than 12 hours and even a day late, so you must be prepared for this non-rulable possibility.
A good option for this and for an additional cost, are the private lounges of the departure lounges. These have fewer passengers than ordinary ones, solitary bathrooms, Wi-Fi, comfortable seats and refreshments.
11. Attentive when you get up from your seat
Passengers often lose their belongings in the departure lounge. Our recommendation, verify that you have not left anything when you get up from your seat.
Recommendations for traveling by plane for the first time
Let's find out what to do on our first plane flight.
12. What seat to choose?
Choosing the seat on the plane is always an issue, but "the best seat" will depend on your needs.
If you don't want to be surrounded by so many passengers, choose the queue of the plane, an area that is usually alone when flights are not full. If you are lucky you could even use 2 or 3 seats to yourself.
If you want to take advantage of a little more space to stretch your legs, we recommend the seats next to the emergency exit. These rows are usually a little further apart than all the others.
The window seat is great for sleeping and relaxing, also for first-time fliers.
If you suffer from circulation problems and you know that you will need to get up to stretch your legs, the ideal is that you choose the aisle seat.
13. Locate your seat
The time has come to board the plane. As you do so, the hostesses and flight attendants will tell you the seat you have chosen. However, in case you don't have help, under the luggage compartments are the numbers and letters of each seat.
14. Relate to your environment
Once you find your place, identify and if possible, meet your seatmates. It will serve to relate a little and make your flight a more pleasant experience.
15. Make sure everything works
Once the seat is found, store the carry-on luggage in the nearest compartment. Make sure the seat belt, custom air ducts, and lights are working. If there is a problem, please notify the staff in charge.
16. Get comfortable for take off
It's just a short time before the plane takes off, so relax, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the experience.
17. Attentive when filling out the immigration card
Staff on international flights often give passengers an immigration card during the trip. Enter in it all the pertinent data such as passport number, reason for the trip, return date and any object that requires a prior declaration.
Be sincere when filling it out because if not, you could have problems entering your destination country.
What is it like to travel by plane for the first time?
Despite the nerve that you will feel when flying for the first time, you do not have to worry. To give you more confidence we will describe what you will hear and possibly feel as the plane takes off.
The first thing the plane will do is line up on the runway. The captain will start the engines and begin to advance rapidly. At this point you will feel a force that will push you back and after a few seconds, the plane will begin to rise. At this point you will feel a feeling of emptiness followed by a softer one, as if you were floating. Once the aircraft is stabilized, you will only have to enjoy your flight.
18. Even if it scares a little, enjoy the takeoff
Even if it's a bit scary, try to enjoy the takeoff It is an inexplicable and unique feeling.
19. Chew gum
During takeoff and landing, you will be exposed to pressure changes that cause dizziness and plugged ears. To avoid this, we recommend chewing gum during both situations.
20. Don't read during takeoff or landing
Reading, plus the feeling of emptiness and the change in pressure, can be a negative combination for your senses. It may cause you to feel dizzy and feel like vomiting. Do not do it.
21. Watch for the landing and again… enjoy it.
It is important that you are sitting in your seat before the plane lands, fold the tray again, fasten your seat belt and of course, enjoy the arrival.
22. Have your purchase invoices handy
You must carry the invoices for the items you bought at Dutty Free with you and at hand, both when boarding the plane and when entering your destination country. They will ask for them in security checks.
23. Buy some snacks at Dutty Free
An advantage of traveling by air is the refreshments that most airlines offer. But sometimes this is not enough, especially on long flights. What we recommend is that you buy sandwiches at Dutty Free to fill your stomach.
24. Avoid drinking coffee or alcohol before boarding
Avoid alcoholic beverages or caffeine that can cause discomfort during the flight. Try to drink water and stay hydrated, so the trip will be more pleasant.
25. Take advantage of your hand luggage
On each flight and depending on the airline, they allow you a certain amount of luggage and weight in them. Overweight will cost you to pay for being overweight and we don't want that for you.
The secret is to get the most out of your hand luggage because it will not be heavy at any time. You can put in it all those things that are essential for your trip, but without it looking like a big bag.
26. Always have your passport at hand
The passport is the most important thing during your entire flight. Make sure you keep it in a separate pocket and always at hand.
27. Wrap your luggage in plastic
Suitcases are not well treated at airports, at least not as they should. One way to protect them is by wrapping them in plastic in a machine at the airport. With this you will also further prevent your things from being opened and stolen.
28. Protect your most valuable objects
Wrap your most fragile items like perfumes and other glass bottles in clothing to protect them from the handling of luggage at the airport.
29. Plan your entertainment
Although some airlines offer movies, television series and music that the passenger prefers, especially on long flights, it is worth taking a book, wraparound headphones or your personal computer to carry out work. Take what you need to make the hours go by faster.
30. Take advantage of the trip to regain sleep
Sleeping during the flight will give you the feeling that it lasts less time. Do not hesitate to take advantage of the hours to recover a little sleep.
31. What to do if you don't want to talk to your seatmate?
An intense seatmate who won't stop talking is uncomfortable. A good strategy to get rid of this is to be busy or wear headphones, even if you don't hear anything.
32. Take ear plugs
A pair of earplugs will help you sleep on a noisy plane.
33. Take a travel cushion or pillow with you
Since airplane seats are not very comfortable, it will be essential that you bring a travel cushion or pillow, especially on a long flight.
34. Don't forget a sleep mask
Like the ear plugs and cushion, an eye mask will allow you to sleep more comfortably.
35. Get up to stretch your legs
Other important tips for traveling by plane, especially on flights of more than 4 hours. Stopping for an occasional walk through the corridors of the plane, in addition to stretching your legs, will allow you to maintain good circulation in them.
36. Check your seat before getting off
Airlines often find items left by passengers in seats or luggage compartments. Make sure you have your things before you get off the plane.
37. Always travel with an antibacterial lotion or cream
Dozens of people have already sat in the seat you will be sitting on. Take an antibacterial lotion or cream with you to avoid any type of contagion.
How to dress to travel by plane?
Here's what you need to know about what to wear to travel.
38. Never go in flip flops!
Bring closed and comfortable shoes. Never flip flops!
39. Bring a long-sleeved jacket or shirt on hand
We recommend that you wear a coat or long-sleeved shirt to avoid a cold before boarding, during and after the flight.
40. If the trip is long, avoid jeans
Loose, comfortable clothing is a favorite for long flights. Avoid jeans.
41. Put on stockings or socks
The cold is first felt in the extremities and having frozen feet during a plane trip is very unpleasant. Wear socks or socks thick enough to protect you from the cold.
42. Comfort over glamor
It is best to wear comfortable clothes and not glamorous. We do not ask you to travel in pajamas, but to wear loose fitting flannels and pants made of flexible fabrics, such as linen or cotton. Don't forget the coat.
43. Avoid add-ons
Wearing a lot of jewelry will be a problem when going through the checkpoints. They can also be uncomfortable during the flight. Avoid them like scarves or hats.
Tips for traveling by plane pregnant
Flying pregnant involves some extra considerations and for this are the following tips for traveling by plane.
44. Notify your doctor of the intention to travel
The most responsible thing will be that you notify your doctor that you intend to travel, especially if you are in the last trimester of your pregnancy, which implies a greater risk of an early delivery.
45. Take your medical certificate with you
At checkpoints they usually ask pregnant women for a medical certificate. In addition, at the time of boarding or at check-in, the airport will request that you sign terms of responsibility for pregnant passengers, so that the trip is safer and with the intention of being more effective in the face of possible inconveniences.
46. Comfortable clothes before everything
If for common passengers we recommend the use of comfortable clothing, for pregnant women this is an essential requirement.
47. Find more space
The front seats always have a little more room to stretch your legs. But if you can buy two seats, it will be better. In your case, comfort has much more value.
48. Get up for a walk
During pregnancy the accumulation of fluids and poor circulation in our limbs becomes common. So do not hesitate to stop for a little walk in the corridors to stretch your legs and avoid inflammation and / or cramps.
49. Stay hydrated
Drink water whenever you can. It is one of the best advice we can give you.
50. Lie down on the left side when relaxing
By leaning on the left side, we leave the vena cava free and without pressure, facilitating the circulation of blood to the brain and the rest of our organs.
We're done.
These were the 50 most useful tips to travel by plane of all, with which you can start your day from the airport to reach your destination, without problems.
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