Things to know when boarding a plane for the first time….
7 Things To Do Before You Board Your International Flight 🔥🔥
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By Stella Owala
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This is essentially for first-time travellers on the International route. As schools abroad begin to welcome their international students, and as studies start, more and more people are travelling to resume classes in their respective destination countries.
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1. Ensure You Arrive Early At The Airport:
When you arrive early, you are able to spare yourself undue pressure, especially as a first-time traveller. It is advised to arrive at least 2-3 hours before your expected flight time. This is because of the check-in and boarding procedures you need to go through.
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2. Check in as soon as you arrive at the Airport:
One vital thing to do before flying is to check-in. Without checking in and getting a Boarding Pass, you will not be able to board the plane.
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You can check in online or at the airport. Checking in could start a day or two before your actual flight. The information will be communicated to you by your airline once the check-in procedure is opened.
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It is good to know the preferred check-in requirements of your airline. Some airlines demand that you check in online. And an extra fee is charged for airport check-in. This is majorly for domestic flights abroad.
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You not only check in your luggage but you are also allocated a seat number on the flight. At check-in, you might have a problem if you exceed the baggage limit of your airline.
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The baggage limit depends on your ticket and this varies from airline to airline.
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3. Security Checks:
Follow all the procedures like passing through the screen for checks, and surrendering your hand luggage for scanning at the customs section. It can be quite discomforting for travellers, especially for first-time travellers. However, this is standard procedure. Relax and do as others do. You will be done in the shortest possible time.
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4. Double check your flight details:
Before you arrive at the airport, double-check with your airline or with your booking agent to ensure there is no problem. This will ensure your check-in goes smoothly.
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5. Travel Light:
As a first-time traveller, try not to carry the whole world in your hands. While you are able to maximize the luggage limit for your flight, keep your hand luggage as light as possible. This will make you more mobile (if you have plans to walk around).
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6. Observe Your Environment:
For those of you too shy to ask questions, or too proud not to appear like a JJC at the airport, you may need to observe what people are doing around you. Observe what they do and how they do what they do.
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Look around for the digital monitor that bears the flight schedule. Some of them are as big as a flat-screen TV or the size of a computer monitor. Also, be on alert for any announcements from the information desk.
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Changes in flight schedules can occur abruptly and this is transmitted via announcements. But it pays to ask questions if confused. Feel free to walk up to the information desk and ask questions. They are ever ready to answer your questions and give you directions.
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7. Next Levels:
As the time for your departure approaches, your flight number will be called and passengers will begin to line up. You will be given your boarding pass at the end of the line. This is what you will use to board the plane. At this stage, you will even see your plane or aircraft outside, steaming and waiting for boarding.
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As you walk towards the door, leaving the airport building, following the guides and sauntering into the plane, you will be ushered in with the most heavenly smiles from some smartly dressed and beautiful hostesses/hosts aka the cabin crew.
Relax and enjoy your trip. Eat and drink what you can. The bill is already part of your flight ticket on international flights except if stated otherwise.
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PS: The photo was taken at the Frankfurt Airport, Germany.
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© Stella Owala
Founder and Admin, TAAC
