What to expect when you fly

Travel 101

What to Expect When You Fly

Getting ready to take your first flight, then we have some help. Here is a look at what to expect when you fly. Some of this came as a surprise on our first flight. We hope you can find some information to make your flight better.

Before your Flight

• Book your flight taking note of flight times, and layover times. Make sure you allow enough time during layovers. If you have questions about that reach out to a travel advisor, we can give you guidance.
• You can check-in to your flight 24 hours before scheduled time of take off. A few advantages with this is on some tickets you do not select seats until check-in.
• If you are going to be checking a bag, this is the time to do so. You can often save money on the checked bag fee.
• Each of your bags (checked and carry-on) needs to have a luggage tag on it (this should have your name, address, phone number).

Arriving at the airport

• Make sure you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours BEFORE your flights within the United States and 3 hours BEFORE your flights leaving the country.
• You’ll need to find the Airlines counter to drop off any checked bags that you are taking with you.     After you have dropped off your checked luggage then proceed toward security (you’ll see TSA checkpoint signs).
• Going through security – you will need to remove your shoes, belts, jackets and anything from your pockets.  You will put your belongings in the provided bins and push it on the conveyer belt towards the scanner.  As your bags are x-rayed you will step through the human scanner.  TSA staff will be there to direct you.  After you have been cleared then you will go collect your items once they come through the scanner.

• Next you will go to your gate.  Your gate number can be found on your boarding pass (either paper or e-ticket).  There will also be monitors in the airport – check these to make sure you do not have a gate change for your flight.  E-tickets will update with any gate changes.  When you reach your gate look for the digital sign that shows the next flight leaving.  It should match where you are going.  Closer to the time for the flight to start boarding there will also be a gate agent there.  He/she can help you with any questions.
• At the gate: Your flight will begin boarding approximately 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.  The flight will board by zone numbers/letters.  This will also be listed on your ticket.  When your zone is called then proceed toward the gate agent and scan your boarding pass.
• Once you have boarded the airplane: You will locate your seats (seat numbers are also on the ticket), stow your carry on either in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you, take your seat and fasten your seatbelt.  The flight attendants will answer any questions that you may have.  If you are nervous about the flight, you may want to let the flight attendant know that so they can pay you extra attention if needed.

During your Flight

• You may experience a “stomach drop” when you lift off – this is normal and will only last a moment
• Your ears my feel clogged as you gain altitude (usually yawning, swallowing, chewing gum etc will correct this as well).
• The wings on the plane are supposed to move (I didn’t know this on our first flight and it freaked me out a bit 😀)
• You’ll want to remain seated with your seatbelt on for most of your flight.  (unless going to the lavatory)
• In the air:  There could be turbulence during the flight.  When this happens you will feel a little shaking; a mild dip – don’t worry this is typical.  The captain will also let you know if he/she can forecast any turbulence.
• There are lavatories on the plane.  Typically you use the one located behind where you are seated.  There is usually a sign that lights up to let you know if it is occupied or vacant for use.
• The airline will have some snacks (cookies, pretzels, etc) and drinks (soda, water, coffee, etc) that are complimentary. The flight attendants will automatically serve everyone once you reach cruising altitude.  Meals will be available for purchase.  However, we’d suggest that you either eat dinner before arriving at the airport, eat dinner in the airport after you have cleared security, or buy snacks in the airport after you have cleared security.  Once you have cleared security, any food/beverage that you buy inside of the secure area of the airport can be taken onboard the plane with you.
• Bring stuff to keep yourself entertained – books, ipads, laptop, headphones, etc.  You may also want to bring a travel pillow or lumbar support travel pillow.  Dress comfortably and I’d suggest layers as temperatures in the airport and on the airplane can vary.
• We always pack wet wipes to clean hands, spills, etc in our carry on luggage.  We also take refillable water bottles (most airports, cruise ships, resorts, etc now provide filtered water stations.  Typically it is free of charge and there is a movement to reduce use of single use plastics.  I love to snack so we always take granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, candy, etc onboard.
• Preparing to land:  The flight attendant will make an announcement to stoy your tray tables, electronics and return your seat to the upright position.  You’ll hear/feel the landing gear being lowered and you’ll feel that you are descending.  Sometimes when the plane makes initial contact with the ground it can be a little wobbly.  Once the wheels are on the ground you will hear and feel the engines being reversed.
• Once you land: Passengers will leave the plane in order from front to back.  Make sure you gather all of your personal belongings (as you will not be allowed back on the plane once you leave).

Once On the Ground

• Next you will follow signs for baggage claim.  When you get to baggage claim go the carousel that your plane was assigned to.  Often, this is listed on a digital sign near the carousel.  Also, if you recognize anyone that flew with you then you can follow their lead (go to the same carousel).

If you have any questions not answered here please reach out and we would be glad to answer them.