The first flight in an airplane: tips for those who fly for the first time

Luggage and hand luggage: what to do before the flight

On the plane, passengers can carry luggage, which is placed in the luggage compartment, and hand luggage, which they take with them to the cabin. Following the baggage and carry-on baggage rules will save you from unnecessary stress before departure.

Each airline sets its own requirements for the weight and dimensions of baggage and hand luggage. It is better to specify these parameters in advance on the carrier's official website, in its mobile application or by phone. This way you will avoid unpleasant situations at the reception and additional costs.

What not to take on board

There are strict rules on the contents of hand luggage. You can not bring it into the salon:

• liquids and gels in containers of more than 100 ml (for example, shampoos, perfumes, creams);
• piercing and cutting objects (scissors, knives, stationery knives);
• aerosols and pressure cans;
• alcoholic beverages.

These items can be checked into the main baggage. We advise you to pack the prohibited items in advance in a suitcase, which is sent to the luggage compartment. Otherwise, you will be asked to throw them away at the inspection stage.

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What can I take to the cabin of an airplane

It is allowed to carry in hand luggage:

• electronics (gadgets, chargers);
• small amounts of liquids (such as hand lotion or toothpaste), but only in containers up to 100 ml;
• documents, money and valuables;
• medications, if you need them on the flight (it is advisable to have a prescription or a doctor's certificate).

Liquids up to 100 ml should be placed in a transparent bag with a zipper. The total volume of all containers should not exceed 1 liter .

Batteries and batteries (powerbanks, laptops, phones) should only be in hand luggage.

All these items should be packed in such a way that it is easy for you to get them during the inspection.

How to calculate the arrival time at the airport before the first flight on the plane

To avoid haste, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. If you're flying abroad, it's better to travel three days. This is enough time to safely go through all the stages at the airport before the flight.

If you plan to travel by private car, please specify in advance where you can park and what rules apply in airport parking. Some terminals offer short-term and long-term parking areas, convenient for those who leave their car for a few days.

The main rule is not to delay arrival at the airport until the last moment. Arrive in advance to have enough time for accidental delays: traffic jams, queues at check-in or screening. In addition, you will have time to buy water or have a snack in the waiting area.

Check-in: what to do before the flight

Check-in allows the airline to know how many passengers are departing and record your details. The procedure is simple and can be performed both at the airport and online.

Check-in at the airport

Follow the following steps before the flight if you have selected check-in at the airport:

• Find the flight schedule board. The check-In desk number will be indicated in the section opposite your flight (usually designated Check-In).
• Go to the reception desk. Show your passport to be included in the passenger list. Your boarding pass will be printed out and your luggage will be accepted.
• Follow the instructions of the staff. They will tell you where to go next to pass the pre-flight inspection.

What is important to know before your first flight on an airplane: check-in desks usually open 2-3 hours before departure and close 40-60 minutes before departure.

Online registration

This method is convenient because it allows you to save time at the airport. Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure and is available on the airline's website or mobile app. It can be either paid or free for different carriers. Information about this is indicated on the airline's website in the section on flight rules.

• Go to the website or application and find the "Registration" section.
• Enter your booking details or ticket number. You will be able to choose a seat on board.
• Get an electronic boarding pass, which you need to print out or save to your phone.

If you have checked in online and are flying with hand luggage only, head straight to the preflight screening area. If you have luggage, you will still need to go to the check-in desk to check it in.

Pre-flight airport screening stages

Before the flight, it is necessary to go through several stages of security screening at the airport.

Preflight inspection

It is used to check hand luggage and personal belongings of passengers. This is a standard procedure at any airport, which is carried out for security purposes.

What you need to do before the flight to pass the inspection without problems:

1. Show your passport and boarding pass at the entrance to the security area.
   
   
2. Take a special basket for your belongings. Put in it:
   
- Hand luggage;
- Outerwear, belt and shoes;
- All gadgets (laptop, tablet, phone) — they are laid out separately.


3. Put the baskets of things on the tape for X-ray inspection.
   
   
4. Go through the metal detector frame. If the frame beeps, the staff will ask you to undergo an additional inspection.

If any items seem suspicious, airport staff may ask you to open the bag for a more detailed inspection. This is a normal practice, so don't panic. Forbidden items, if found, will have to be thrown away.

How to pass the preflight inspection quickly

• Prepare in advance: take off your belt, outerwear, and watch before you approach the frame.
• Take out your laptop and other large gadgets from your bag.
• Put all the small items in one basket so as not to stretch the process.
• Follow the staff's instructions — this will save you time and allow other passengers to move faster.

Knowing these flight rules on an airplane and following the instructions will significantly speed up the screening procedure.

For international flights: passport control on the first flight in an airplane

If the flight is international, passport control must be completed after the inspection. Your documents will be checked here and stamped to leave the country.

• Hand over your passport to the border guard and look directly at it. This is necessary so that he can compare the photo in the document with your face.
• You may be asked standard questions: where are you going, the purpose of the trip, where will you stay. This is a formality, don't worry if the questions seem strange — they are needed to verify your identity.

Sometimes border guards ask, at first glance, unusual questions. For example, your date of birth or patronymic, although this information is indicated in the passport. They do this in order to make sure that the document really belongs to you, and you confidently answer basic questions.

After your passport is stamped, go to the boarding waiting area.

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Departure and boarding area: how it all happens

Wait for the start of boarding

After the inspection, you will find yourself in the departure waiting area. Here you need to find the gate — the number of your boarding gate. It will be indicated on your boarding pass and on the flight board. It is better to position yourself next to this exit to be ready for the start of boarding. Boarding usually starts 30-40 minutes before departure, but sometimes it can be delayed — this is standard practice, do not worry.

In the departure area you can have a snack, buy water or other necessary small things. Everything you have purchased here can be taken with you to the cabin of the aircraft.

When boarding begins, this will be announced via speakerphone, information will be displayed on the scoreboard, and a queue will appear at the gate. The flight attendants will check the boarding passes, after which passengers will go either to the bus that will take them to the plane, or via a teletrap directly to the entrance on board.

Boarding the plane

When you get on the plane, take out in advance from your carry-on luggage what you may need on the flight: a book, headphones, gadgets, clothes or water. Put the rest of the items on the shelf above the seat or under the chair in front of you so as not to clutter up the space.

It is important to remember that all electronic devices must be switched to airplane mode before takeoff. This rule is followed by most airlines. If this is your first time on board and you do not know what to do when flying on an airplane, do not hesitate to ask the flight attendant, she is always ready to help.

Now you can relax — your flight begins!

On board: airplane flight rules

To make your flight comfortable, follow simple guidelines.

• Take-off and landing. At these moments, there may be slight shaking, and some passengers experience a feeling of weightlessness. This does not pose a threat and is associated with an altitude gain or a decrease in cabin pressure.
• When you can get up. After the "fasten your seat belts" sign goes off, you can leave your seat and go to the bathroom. Keep in mind that movement in the cabin is limited during turbulence.
• Food and drinks. Flight attendants begin to deliver food after climbing, if your fare or flight provides for this. You can check the menu in advance with the flight attendants or when booking a ticket.
• Turbulence. Minor vibrations of the aircraft are a normal phenomenon. It gets into air streams of different densities, which does not affect safety. Stay buckled up when the "fasten seat belts" display is on.
• Puts his ears back. To get rid of the discomfort, try swallowing, using chewing gum, or sucking on lollipops.
• Skin care. The air in the cabin is dry, so some passengers feel dry skin. If this is critical, take a moisturizer with you. Also, try to drink more water to avoid dehydration.
• Water and snacks. You can ask the flight attendants for water at any time. As a rule, it is provided free of charge. Drinks and additional meals that are not included in your rate can most often be purchased for money.

A tip for those who are flying on an airplane for the first time. If you don't know how to turn on the lights, where to find the toilet, or how to fasten your seat belt properly, don't hesitate to ask the flight attendants. They are specially trained to help passengers and provide comfort on board.

The first time on a plane is often uncomfortable. But don't worry: air transport is considered one of the safest. According to statistics, the probability of an air accident is extremely low — no more than one case per million flights. This indicator includes all types of aircraft, not just passenger ones. Therefore, most fears about flying have no basis.

If you are flying with a transfer or a connection

A connecting flight may seem difficult, especially if this is your first flight on an airplane. But in fact, there is nothing difficult here. Ask the airline in advance if you need to pick up your luggage at an intermediate airport or if it will be automatically sent to the destination.

At the transfer airport, keep a close eye on the scoreboard to find the gate number for your next flight. Sometimes it may change, so check the current information. If you don't have much time between flights, find out in advance which terminal the next boarding will be at to save precious minutes.

Do not forget that for international flights you may need to go through passport control, and when connecting in another country, you may need to go through the security check again.

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What to do after landing

Upon arrival

There are several simple steps waiting for you. If the flight was international, go to passport control first. Here, the border guards will check your passport and stamp your entry into the country. To make everything go faster, prepare answers to possible travel questions in advance: where are you going, why, and for how long. If you are not sure of your language skills, it is better to learn a few standard phrases in English.

Find your luggage

The next step is baggage collection. Follow the signs to the pick-up area, where you will find baggage belts. The tape number for your flight will be shown on the board next to it. Be prepared to wait a bit: baggage collection can take up to an hour.

If your suitcase has not arrived, contact the Lost&Found counter, which is usually located in the pick-up area. Show the staff your baggage pass, and they will help you find the missing item or file a wanted list.

Recover

If you are tired of flying, consider spending the night at a hotel near the airport. This is especially convenient for late arrivals or early departures the next day. Such hotels often provide a free shuttle service to the terminal and all the conditions for a comfortable stay: comfortable rooms, breakfast and the opportunity to relax after a trip. On the website accor.ru You can pick up a hotel at the airport you need to recuperate, get a good night's sleep, enjoy a delicious breakfast and continue your journey with renewed vigor.

Your first airplane flight will be easy and stress-free if you follow these simple tips.