Your first flight – what do you need to know?
Every year the network of air connections expands to include new destinations. At a bargain price, you can fly not only to most European countries, but also to the farthest corners of the world. It is no surprise, then, that more and more people are deciding to take their first flight. Such a trip can be an exciting experience, but it can also stir up worries. For that reason, it is important to prepare for it properly. It is worth knowing what to do to make the journey pleasant and trouble-free.
Your first flight – how to prepare?
The "check-in" causes a lot of anxiety. What should you pack and take with you? How do you prepare for your first flight? Choosing the right luggage is by no means insignificant. It will affect not only how quickly you check in, but also the comfort of your journey. If we check in online and choose carry-on luggage, we can go straight to the security control gates. With low-cost airlines, bringing more than a handbag or a backpack on board involves an extra charge. The amount of the fee depends on the carrier's price list. If we decide to travel with checked luggage, we have to drop it off at the appropriate check-in desk.
Packing for a flight may seem like a trivial matter, but in reality it can lead to complications or even legal problems. What can you take with you and what should you avoid? Carry-on luggage may contain liquids in containers of max 100 ml. It is forbidden to bring on board, among other things, scissors and sharp tools, hazardous substances, and any items that endanger the health or life of passengers. Remember to take with you the necessary documents, such as: an ID card or passport, a boarding pass, and a visa (if required).
Flying for the first time is usually full of impressions. It is worth opting for full comfort and dressing casually. During a flight, sporty clothing and sneaker-type shoes will certainly come in handy.
Before arriving at the airport
Before we appear at the airport, let's check in online. Especially when we are planning to travel with carry-on luggage only. This way we can save a lot of time. You should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure. If your journey starts from Warsaw, it is worth leaving your car at a trusted car park located near Chopin Airport. After arriving at the terminal, it is worth looking for up-to-date information about your flight.
At the airport: your first flight – what and how?
The standard ticket and baggage check-in involves a number of formalities. At the check-in desk you will be asked for the necessary documents. If we are dropping off checked luggage, it will be weighed and checked in to the hold. We will also receive a boarding pass, which entitles us to board the plane.
After the ticket and baggage check-in, we should head to the appropriate gate. First, however, we have to pass through security control, where it is necessary, among other things, to place your outer garment, keys, electrical devices, or belt in a tray. While waiting in the departure hall, we can relax, for example by listening to music.
Boarding and getting on board
The boarding time is indicated on the ticket (boarding pass). The airport staff announce when boarding begins. As passengers are let on board, they check boarding passes and identity documents. Once you are on the plane, all that remains is to find your seat. It is also worth familiarising yourself with the safety instructions and listening to the crew's instructions. Phones should be switched to airplane mode. It is also best to follow all the steward's or stewardess's tips on how to act in emergency situations.
During the flight
Positive thinking is invaluable. It is worth being aware that the plane is considered one of the safest means of transport. Moreover, it significantly shortens travel even to distant corners of the world. During the flight, we can take advantage of paid or free catering. The cabin crew serve drinks, food, and snacks. It is also possible to use the toilet, but of course smoking is not allowed. Passengers may experience some discomfort, for example a feeling of blocked ears during take-off and landing. How can you deal with it? Chewing gum or sucking on a sweet usually helps. In most cases, using earplugs does the trick.
Landing and the plane's descent
In the final minutes of the journey, the plane lowers its cruising altitude. It gradually begins to descend. The landing process requires precision and coordinated work by the crew. It comprises several stages and ends the moment the plane comes to a stop on the runway. Once the flight is over, you need to make your way to the arrivals hall, where you can collect your luggage. If we are travelling to a country outside the Schengen area, we first have to go through passport control. What are the most common problems during your first flight? What is worth knowing? During the journey, discomfort caused by the change in cabin pressure often appears. The symptoms of mucous membrane swelling frequently intensify. That is why it is worth avoiding travel during periods of severe respiratory infections.
How to survive your first flight?
How do you cope with stress? We can take our minds off the circumstances of the journey by holding a conversation or playing a game with our travel companion. In many cases, relaxation exercises also work well. Considerable inconvenience should be expected especially by parents taking their child on their first flight. To look after the little one's well-being, it is worth preparing tasty snacks or taking along a favourite cuddly toy. This can greatly liven up the journey and allow both children and adults to enjoy the flight.
