If you hadn’t flown in a while due to the pandemic or are flying for the first time, you might be excited and nervous about boarding the flight. However, travelling on a plane isn’t as stressful as it sounds or as you might have heard. 

All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your favorite movie while munching on some snacks that the airline provides. With that being said, we do understand you might have several questions in your mind if you’re flying for the first time.

Rest assured, these tips will get you through your first trip quite smoothly. It’ll help you prepare for your flight the right way and ensure there are no surprises as you take off. 

Learn the Airport Rules and Procedures

Before taking a flight, as a first-time flyer, you should familiarize yourself with the airport protocols. Amid the COVID situation, many rules have been updated. Some of the airport processes may have been altered slightly due to this.

For example, some airlines require special documentation for certain destinations during check-in. You can learn all the guidelines from the customer center to ensure you have all the required documentation and don’t have to rush here and there at the last moment. Keep in mind that wearing a face mask has also been made compulsory in the airport at all times.

Check-In Online

Many airlines allow passengers to check-in for flights online. You can check-in for your flight and print your boarding pass from the comfort of your own home using your airline’s mobile app or website.

This helps you save a lot of time as you don’t have to stand in long queues for check-in and go straight to the security check. 

Arrive Well Before Time

Make sure you arrive well before time to give yourself enough time to complete all of the necessary airport processes. This is especially crucial if you haven’t checked in online and need to do that at the airport.

Airports are unpredictable. It’s impossible to predict how long the security check will take or how busy it will be.  It’s better to visit the airport well before time if you’re travelling for the first time so that not only do you have ample time for check-ins and security checks, but you can also move around, have something to eat, or go shopping.

Look for when the check-in counter opens, and then plan your arrival accordingly. Usually, it opens about three-four hours before the flight, so that’s the perfect time for your arrival.

Learn About the Different Types of Luggage And The Laws That Apply To Them

Personal items, checked baggage, and carry-on baggage – If you’ve never flown before, you should familiarize yourself with the various types of luggage and the items you’re permitted to bring. Here’s a brief guide.

• Checked baggage, often known as hold baggage, is luggage placed in the aircraft’s hold and cannot be accessible during the journey. Checked baggage has a larger weight and size allowance than personal items or carry-on baggage.
• There are comparatively fewer restrictions on what you can bring in a checked bag. Checked luggage must be weighed and handed off at the check-in counter at the airport for your airline. 

• Carry-on baggage, often known as hand luggage, is the one you can carry with you on the plane and have access to it throughout your journey.  The weight and size allowance for carry-on baggage is usually smaller than the checked baggage. It is usually half of what is allowed in the checked baggage but is more than the personal item limit.
• Carry-on luggage must go through security. Several items cannot be stored in carry-on luggage and transported on the plane with you. For example, beverages more than 100mL or things that can be used as a weapon are not allowed in handbags. 

• A personal item is a tiny piece of luggage, such as a purse, laptop computer, or small backpack. A personal item, like carry-on baggage, is carried on the person during the trip and is subject to the same security requirements as carry-on baggage.
• A personal item’s weight and size allowance is substantially smaller than that of a carry-on and checked bag. However, not all airlines allow you to carry personal and carry-on bags separately. Some just allow a carry-on where you can keep your personal items as well.

Weigh Your Baggage At Home

To avoid a hefty airport ticket, take out the scales and weigh your luggage at home. You’ll be charged an excess baggage fee if your luggage exceeds the airline’s allowable weight limit, which can sometimes be more than the cost of checking the bag.

Mark Your Bags in an Easily Identifiable Way

You can wrap a colored cloth, belt, or ribbon around your luggage to identify your bags from the lot. This will make identifying your bags very easy and save time as you won’t have to check piece after piece of baggage off the conveyor belt to see if it’s yours. It’s a smart move that’ll make your airport trip hassle-free.

If you’re looking for airport taxi services in Southampton, consider Go Comfort and book any of our executive taxis.

We have professionally trained drivers and luxury taxis that can make your journey relaxing and smooth. Our airport and cruise transfers have made lives easier for travellers.

Whether you’re travelling for the first time or with kids, our expert drivers and executive cars can make your travelling experience more fun and comfortable.

Contact us now for reservation or book our taxis online and have a stress-free ride wherever you go.