15 Travel Tips For First-Time Flyers

As an experienced flyer, I’m very excited to share what I’ve learned over the years so that your experience as a first-time flyer or an infrequent flyer is better than average. Flying is a multi-layer commitment, and it’s important to be as prepared as you can be, whether it’s flying domestically or internationally. I’ve seen many things while at the airport and on flights. And when I see agitated people, it completely makes the experience a worse one. It’s not easy to fly these days. There are many rules that you may or may not be aware of. And then there’s the issue of dealing with other people around you.

The only person you can control is yourself, so I’m here to help you with making your experience as easeful as possible, though I will say that there are often hiccups that happen outside of your control. This is simply part of life, and we are all doing this life for the first time each day. With my expertise, I’ll help you at least do flying a bit better, so let’s see what I can offer to you.

Up in the Air

My preferred method of travel is typically by plane. The second method is by train. Traveling by plane is something I’ve been doing practically my whole life. Although much of my younger years were spent in the back of a van or the like, driving across the country. I believe those trips wore me out for life. And being a road warrior is no longer my interest. These days, I’d much prefer to get on a plane and fly to whatever the destination of choice is. I get to either sleep or work or be entertained with a movie while I’m there, and I don’t have to worry about seeing road kill along the way. There are many advantages to flying. And if you’re navigating this for the first time, it can absolutely be overwhelming. Here I’m going to help alleviate some of this with as many of my insights as I can give. Ready for takeoff? I thought so.

1. Book Your Flight ASAP

When booking your flight, the best idea is to book relatively early. Depending on domestic or international, you’ll want a couple of months before to get your tickets secured. You’ll ensure yourself the best price and your pick of the seats. Some people only want a window seat; some people (like me) only want an aisle seat. If you’ve chosen to go with the most basic seats that don’t get assigned until the day of the flight, be warned that if you’re with your small kids and you get separated, many passengers who’ve paid more want their seats and will not give it up to accommodate your needs. Some will, but some won’t. Booking earlier gives you the chance to get decent prices and secured seats.

2. Check In Online

Airlines will send you the ability to check-in 24 hours before your flight departs. The reason it’s important to do this, even when you’ve secured your preferred seat, is that it notifies the airline that you’re confirming. It’s similar to a restaurant confirming your reservation. You’ll have your boarding pass on your phone, which will reduce your stress. Even if you’re checking in bags, it will save time with the gate agent or at the kiosk. Do make the effort to go through the online check-in process when you get the email the day before.

3. To Carry on or Check a Bag?

I’m team carry on bag for many reasons. First because I’m rather impatient, particularly when I’m going to my destination. Second because I’ve had my luggage lost and it was a mess. There are many ways you can fit everything you need into a carry on bag, and one of them is compression packing cubes. Another would be vacuum sealed methods, one of which is this company that gets rave reviews. I’ve been able to pack in carry on only for 2 weeks in the winter. And while it’s not easy, it’s doable.

If you’re going to go with a checked bag, know that you’ll need more time on the front and back ends of the airport experience. You’ll also want to be mindful with the size and weight of the checked luggage. So you may want to buy a little scale so you don’t get hit with a big fee. And don’t forget to label your luggage.

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Packing Cubes

4. SECURITY!

Security is where things can go sideways. If you’re in the camp of having no TSA pre-check or no CLEAR, you are going to have to accept that lines are abundant and likely going to happen if you’re traveling domestically. Many credit cards will reimburse you for anything from Global Entry to TSA pre-check, and I’d recommend looking into getting them, even if you don’t fly that often. CLEAR is more expensive because it’s a private company, but TSA pre-check and Global Entry are a one-time fee that lasts 5 years. Worth it, if you ask me. If you’re in line, no matter what you have or don’t have, please remain calm. Everyone is there together with the same goal of getting through.

5. Bring Snacks

I will not eat plane food under almost any circumstances, so I take my own food with me. Trader Joe’s and I have a nice visit together before my trips. Some of the items I like to take with me involve protein, like turkey jerky, and some involve sweets, like chocolate. I’ll also take pretzels with me because they’re good. Peruse the aisles, don’t take too much junk food, and definitely have a snack bag. For international flights, I make a peanut butter sandwich and eat it at my layover so I can brush my teeth right before the long flight and sleep peacefully until I’m at my destination. In a similar camp, I would encourage you to take an empty reusable water bottle that you can fill up after you get through security. 

6. Entertain Me

Don’t forget to download some entertainment, which could be a book you rent through the online library database or Netflix shows you’re planning to binge. Whatever your poison, choose it. I’ve been on flights where my little TV doesn’t work, and there’s not a thing the flight attendants can do about it. Learning this early will alleviate aggravation and frustration, and you won’t depend solely on the airline to show up with the entertainment. Spend a few minutes doing this for yourself - it will be worth it. 

Airport Lounge Before Flight

7. Arrival Time

I’m going to tell you to do as I say and not as I do. I’ve got every clearance I can get, so I don’t typically have to wait in lines at the airport. I also have it down pat of how to get through security. Being that this could be your first time flying, you might want to arrive at the airport two hours before your domestic departure time and three hours for international. For seasoned travelers like myself, you can slide in a little later, especially if you’re not checking a bag. To play it safe for first time flyers, and I would play it safe for your first go round, a few hours early would be prudent and wise.

8. Check for Your Departure Gate

Something I find myself doing a bit compulsively is reading the board at the airport for departure time or checking my airline app. Gates frequently change, and you don’t want to rely on your paper ticket for this information. It’s expected that the airlines get shuffled around as things naturally change, so be on the lookout for where to depart. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Most people are willing to help.

9. Entering the Aircraft

Recently I decided to bring a little treat to the airline attendants. I don’t bring enough for all because I have no idea how many people are on board, but I bring some, and they’ve expressed gratitude. If this isn’t your thing or you don’t want to do it, at the very least bring a smile and greet them as you walk onto their turf. It’ll make for a much nicer experience for all of you, and they appreciate warmth and kindness, as many passengers can lose their minds for one reason or another. Drunkenness is one of those reasons, and I’ll address that.

My Favorite Neck Pillow 

10. Be a Considerate Seat Mate

There are so many unwritten rules about sitting next to someone on a plane. I’m a small (petite) woman and don’t take up a lot of space, but that does not give a larger person authority to take up the space I am not taking up. Be sure to stay in your own seat and space - it’s a really big deal for people who are made uncomfortable by another person’s body being so close. Additionally, the armrests are for the middle person first, then you might be able to share them. I’ve had men take up my space plus the armrests. It’s absolutely miserable and I would totally file a complaint if I could. Since we are all just trying to get to our destination, it’s important to be as kind and considerate as possible.

11. Sanitize Your Area

I’ve been sanitizing my area in the plane for decades. Covid did not make me start doing it; I did it long before that. I’ve never liked other people’s germs, though I am not a complete germaphobe. I just know what happens on planes and the small amount of time they have to clean it up. Someone could’ve absolutely thrown up on your seatbelt and you wouldn’t know it. I take sanitizing wipes and wipe down my seatbelt, the tray, the tv, and my head rest to at least give myself a greater chance at not getting sick. It’s my personal recommendation, and you can do with it what you want.

12. Hydrate with Water

Yes, I know it’s tempting to get the vacation started with booze, but if you’re going to be on a plane, you’re automatically getting dehydrated by being on there. With your reusable water bottle I told you to bring with you, I recommend drinking from it throughout the flight, particularly going abroad. I will not drink alcohol when I’m on a plane most of the time, and I’m never jet lagged. I’ve got a whole method to that madness, and alcohol deletion is one of my tips. Drink water, not soda or booze, and you’ll be a much more pleasant person on the flip side.

Flying Over London

13. Plane Accoutrements

What do I mean by this? There are several items that I pack with me for my comfort. They could be part of my weekend trip packing list or my favorite items for a long haul flight. Some of these include a blanket, a pillow, snacks (as mentioned), and my entertainment systems. Included would be all the chargers and batteries needed for my electronics so I can land with full power. The planes have outlets, whether regular outlets or USB outlets, and you can get your phone or computer charged up so you don’t have to worry about that when landing.

14. If You’re Traveling Internationally…

When you get off of the plane, you’ll have to go through immigration. You will need to have your passport out and ready to be checked by an immigration officer or go through a scanning system as Europe has. Getting off the plane as quickly as possible is the name of the game for me, which is why I like to pick a seat in front of the plane if I can. Not waiting to use the bathroom when you land so you can get to that stop faster than the others is also a good idea. This is one of the benefits of solo travel - I can move as quickly as possible without having to wait on any slow pokes. It will take 30 minutes or more to go through this, so bring your patience.

15. Know How You’re Getting to Your Destination 

I’m assuming you’ll go straight to your hotel to drop off your bags, so decide if you’re going to take an Uber or a taxi. If it’s an Uber, make sure to have the app downloaded with a credit card installed and you’re ready to roll. Taxis are always parked at airports. If you need more specialized ground transportation, make sure to arrange it. Public transportation is sometimes more difficult to navigate if it’s your first time in the country, so be mindful if you think you can handle it or not. I do both taxis and public transport, but I travel enough to be comfortable, and I do my research ahead of time.

What an exciting and exhilarating prospect of flying for the first time! I remember when I flew for the first time when I was a kid, and I couldn’t believe I got to do it. I’ve been hooked ever since, and every time I get on a plane I marvel at the idea that I’m on it. Being first time fliers is something that you only do once in your life, and the rest of the time you’re old hat. I hope this helps you have a smooth experience, and I hope you have the best flight ever. Patience, kindness, and consideration will serve you well, and please, have a safe flight.

If you liked this blog, here is my list of essential items for traveling on a plane.

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