Flying for the first time may be exciting, but sometimes also anxious. To get you “travel ready” as much as possible, we wrote down a few tips on how not only to survive your travel experience, but also make the best of it.
First of all, it is good to mention that travelling by air is made of different parts. In this article, we will get you through a first-time traveller dictionary which includes the most using words before and during the flight and, at the end, some tips of what to pack 🧳
So what should you know before you even go to the airport?
You will see word “Check-in” every single time you fly. Check-in needs to be done prior to your departure. Thanks to that, you can see where your seat is on the plane 💺 If you want to pick your seat, you will be charged extra (the price is between €5 - €15). However, in case you don't really care about your seat, you can check in only 24 - 48 hours free of charge.
Don’t forget to do your check-in at home. Low-cost airlines charge check-in fees at the airport between €45 - €70, while doing it at home is free of charge.
“Priority” means that you can board a plane before other people and take your suitcase with you. Without priority, you are allowed to get only one backpack 🎒
Check restrictions regarding the size of your suitcase on the airline website prior to departure. The luggage size differs at any airline, and you can also be charged additionally or fined at the airport. The price differs, but the additional fee is usually €40. Backpack size is usually less than 46 x 36 x 20 cm.
Do you wonder what the difference is between “checked luggage” and “carry-on luggage”? Checked-in luggage is the luggage you leave with the airport staff prior to your security control. This luggage is stored in the hold of the aircraft and can’t be accessed during the flight. This luggage may contain liquids with more than 100 ml, scissors and other prohibited items from carry-on luggage. On the other hand, carry-on luggage is usually up to 10 kg, and you take it on board with you.
Remember, carry-on baggage is not a backpack and usually needs to be bought extra with a flight ticket 🎟
“Arriving time” at the airport. Please allow yourself to arrive at the airport at least 2 - 3 hours before departure time. Time you need to arrive at the airport differs as some airports are bigger or busier. Always check recommendations on the airline website. Don’t forget that you need to pass through security control, which may take time. Mainly these days, when airlines are staff shortage.
When you arrive at the airport, you should check from which gate you are flying 🛫 Then you can go to the security control. To check the gate before passing security control is not necessary as you need to go through security control anyway.
“Security control” is pretty easy. There are a few rules you need to comply with. However, the most important thing is liquid restriction. You can't take liquids with more than 100 ml. When you go through security, you need to take off the bag of all liquids, electronic devices and medicine into the box intended for that 🧴💊💻
You need to pack all the liquids under 100 ml into a transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre (10 x 100 ml) and measures around 20 x 20 cm.
“Gate” is the area where passengers board the aircraft. So once you find out from which gate you are flying to, you will go there. Airline staff will check your ticket and allow you to board an aircraft 👩✈️
When you are finally on the plane, just enjoy your flight. We highly recommend packing:
- Book, downloaded film or music, and a portable charger to prevent being bored,
- Earplugs, eye mask, and comfy hoodie in case you would like to sleep,
- Chewing gum to stop your ears from popping in the aircraft,
- Hand sanitizer and tissues to clean your hands and tray table on your seat (this is a must-have! These tables carry more bacteria than a toilet flush, so first things first, wipe it out!),
- Comfortable shoes and clothes,
- Ladies - to get more comfortable, don’t forget hair bands,
- And of course a passport and a flight ticket.
Interesting info at the end:
Did you know that the air inside a plane is drier than the air in the Sahara Desert? The low humidity in aircraft can cause skin dryness and discomfort in sensitive areas like your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Hydrate yourself with water 💦 (around 2 l during 3 hours flight). It is always cheaper to buy a bottle of water at the airport than in the aircraft. To help your skin, you can pack hydrating face mist (don’t forget, only up to 100 ml).
In case you have some unanswered questions, or you have some tips for travellers, start following us on our Instagram account and get in touch 📱