You have booked your international air ticket. You are all excited to spend an exotic holiday. But, you are flying for the first time and you have no clue what's involved to reach the airport, what to pack, documents to take, check in for your flight, get through security and embarkation form.
Now you do not need to worry as we have put together some helpful air travel tips to provide you with a handy information to go through various formalities at the airport. Also, remember as each state has their own local airport where things like parking garages and their daily rates, the airport services, restaurants and stores, will be very different. So before you are flying for the first time follow these tips to be well prepared.
Documents Required
Make sure you have your ticket, as it provides significant information about your flight. To be on board you require a boarding pass. You even have an option to check online and print your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport. On the other hand your boarding pass will be issued at the airport in the check-in desk. If you have an e-ticket your boarding pass will be issued. On the other hand international traveler requires a passport.
Confirmation of Flight If you have chosen to fly through major airlines such as US carriers, you don't have to worry about confirming your flight. If any delay they would inform you. But if you choose to fly by less-known carrier, its better to confirm at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure.
Time to Arrive at Airport
It is always better to arrive at the airport two hours in advance. If you are travelling for the first time and are nervous about the procedures involved, arriving earlier can help ease your mind. If you are flying on a weekend, arrive earlier to avoid the long lines and delays.
Checking In
If you have made your decision to check-in your bags, proceed to the check-in counter. Provide your airport ID at the counter and get your boarding pass issued, along with a baggage tag receipt. Make sure your bag is unlocked or ask the person at the counter to put a safety-checked, the sticker with the luggage and take a receipt of your checked-in luggage. If you have any flight change ask for transit details. You will get an embarkation form, fill it carefully. In case of any confusion you can take an assistance from the airline staff. Now proceed towards security checkpoint and on to your departure gate.
Immigration Counter
At this counter the immigration officer will ask for your various documents that include boarding pass, passport, ticket, and the embarkation form. Also he might ask few questions about your real purpose of the visit etc., so be prepared. Once the process in completed at the immigration counter proceed to the custom counter. If you have any expensive items with you such as jewelry you can declare it. Then the customs officer will stamp your boarding pass.
Security check
Get an X-ray of your luggage that you are taking inside the flight. It can be your handbag, or anything that you are carrying in your hand. For personal security you have to pass through a metal detector. After that the officer will put a "security checked" stamp on your boarding pass. Then after the entire procedure, collect your stuff to proceed further.
Ready to board the plane
Now you are all set to board the plane. Proceed to the departure gate and look for the number written on your boarding pass. Once you are on the flight, look for the seat number mentioned on your boarding pass. You can also consult the cabin crew to help you load the baggage in the overhead bins. After taking your respected place fasten your seatbelt for security's sake. The flight attendant will show a video explaining the safety features of the aircraft before flying. On the plane enjoy food, snacks, drinks from time to time.
Arriving at Your Destination
When you reach your destination airport and once you have landed, follow the signs to claim your baggage. To do that look for a monitor to find the carousel that corresponds to your flight number. After finding your baggage, pass your luggage tags to any security personnel and proceed towards the taxi stand for onward destination.
Flying tips offered above hopes to clear all the doubts of the first time flyer. It is advised, before choosing a destination to travel, book low cost air tickets. It would save enough money for a traveler that can be utilized in shopping stuff for your close friends. To get the best deal on international flight tickets do a thorough research on the internet. Book air tickets online and enjoy discounts on airfare.
Deepshikha Justa Mehra is an enthusiast travel writer from India. Her other area of expertise lies in creating blogs on
Air Travel, handling SMO, and writing press release on
Low cost air tickets. She has done post graduation in Journalism and Mass communication, from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.
