We’re constantly bombarded with the latest airport news and guidelines, and for those who haven’t set foot on a plane before, this can be incredibly overwhelming. There could be any number of reasons why someone hasn’t flown – cost, domestic holiday preferences, fear – but whatever your experience or situation, there are some things you can do to alleviate those first-time flight nerves, from researching cheap airport parking to making full use of all those lovely facilities while you’re waiting to board…

What First Time Flyers Need to Know

Plan Well in Advance

This broad recommendation can apply to most of the points below, whether its deciding what to take in your hand luggage, organising how you’re going to get to the airport, double checking your paperwork before you leave, or even researching flight costs before you book. Heck, even reading this blog post can be put into this category. Whatever aspect of your flight and travel you’re organising, just make sure you leave yourself more than enough time to get it sorted and deal with any problems that might arise.

 

Put the Right Stuff in Your Hand Luggage

For nervous flyers, your hand luggage acts as a comfort blanket (sometimes containing an actual comfort blanket), with some of your most useful and loved items at your fingertips during the crucial period of flying, so if you’re boarding for the first time, make sure you get it right or it could needlessly add to your stress. The most important aspects of hand luggage preparation are to check airport and airline restrictions because you don’t want to have anything confiscated at security and keep weight in mind so you don’t have to pay any excess baggage charges. For more detailed info on smart hand luggage packing, have a read of our special hand luggage blog post and you can’t go wrong.

 

Leave Ample Time Before You Board

The very worst thing for a first time flyer is to have a panicked mad rush before you get on your plane. Sometimes this is unavoidable, if there’s heavy traffic or train delays for example, but always, ALWAYS refer back to the first point above and plan ahead as much as you can (check traffic reports etc) to minimise these risks. However, if you’re flying for the first time, it might be best to get rid of the problem of unreliable transport completely by driving your car to the airport. This involves booking your airport parking space in advance for the required period, and you can do this easily online, with airport parking discount codes offering the best value. For even more reassurance, you might even want to spend a few extra pounds and organise an airport meet and greet service too. This involves an airport parking representative meeting you at the terminal and driving your vehicle to its allotted space, and when you return from your trip, they will be there to meet (and greet) you too.

 

Decide on Your Check-In Preference

Now, even if you haven’t flown before, you might already be aware that you can organise your flight check in online before you even leave for the airport. When you book, your airline will tell you from when you’ll be able to check in and reserve your seat, and then you will have the option of printing out your boarding pass, or downloading it onto your phone. Be aware, some budget airlines actually charge for NOT checking in online beforehand. Once you’ve completed this process, all you then have to do if take your bags to the drop off point at the airport and continue on to security and your gate. However, all this might not be the most reassuring of procedures for first time flyers – you might have questions about baggage, boarding passes, where to go once you’ve checked in and plenty more. Sometimes there’s no substitute for checking in manually if you want that extra peace of mind, so consider which of these options might best suit your circumstances.

 

Don’t Go Overboard in the Departure Lounge

Duty free goods can be very good value for money, but don’t forget to follow the same rules you would if shopping in any sale – ask yourself if it’s really something you need before you part with your cash. Another rather important thing to remember is to change your currency before you get to the airport (planning ahead again). There will be exchange desks there, but the rates offered are going to be a lot less attractive that those from other sources well away from the terminal.

 

Yes, there are going to be lots of airport rules and regulations to follow and they can be daunting for a novice, but follow our tips and hopefully your first time flying won’t be too stressful.