Top 10 tips for first-time flyers

Well hello to you my reader chums! Whether you're a teen or young adult, going on a flight for the first time can be a new and exciting experience. If you're a first-time traveller and unsure of the airport system, what to pack or where to even begin planning the flying process, I'm going to share my tips I've learnt over the past few years of travelling.

Here are my 10 top tips for first time flyers...

Top 10 tips for first time flyers


Search for the best deals - The first step of the flying experience is booking your flight, and finding the best flight time for you. You can go directly on airlines websites, however I find it easier to use Skyscanner. This website compares all flight times and prices for your dates, and shows the best deals. You can also alter the times of your flight once you've clicked on a deal, which usually increases the cost a little more, however it's a useful tool. Once you've chosen your flight, it'll take you directly to the airline's website where you'll pay and fill in your details.

See when you're able to check in - Checking into a flight is pretty important, and can usually be done between a few days to a month before. Most airlines allow you to check in around 48 hours before, however EasyJet for instance lets you check in up to a month before which is very useful. 

When you've checked in you'll need to get your boarding pass - you can either print it out, or download the airline's mobile app and have it on there to scan at the airport.

Buy travel insurance - One of the most important things to consider when flying is travel insurance. If your flight is delayed or cancelled completely, travel insurance will allow you to get your money back and rebook. It's also helpful if you fall ill, or lose your luggage at the airport.

Hand luggage rules - Whether you're having a cabin case as your only luggage or travelling with a handbag, it's useful to know the hand luggage rules. The three main things to consider are the size of your bag, liquids and what you can't bring in your hand luggage.

Each airline will have a limit on how large the cabin bag can be, and before your flight I'd recommend having a quick Google of your chosen airline to find this out, otherwise they may make you put it with the main luggage and you'll have to pay an additional fee. When it comes to liquids, every individual liquid has to be under 100ml and fit in one 20 x 20cm bag. They provide these plastic bags at the airport, however I like to use a see through makeup bag when I travel because I can pack it before I go and it saves a lot of hassle at the airport. You can buy clear bags in places like Superdrug or Boots - mine was from Boots and only cost £4. Apart from obvious things not to bring in your luggage including sharp objects, one thing many people forget is you can't bring aerosols - so if you've got deodorant, either buy a roll-on or pack it in your hold on luggage.

Weigh your baggage - If you're going on a longer trip or simply pack a lot, make sure to weigh your suitcase (hold luggage) before you leave home. Before the suitcase goes onto the plane, it'll be weighed and if it's over the limit for that flight, you usually have to pay a certain fee for every added kilo. Each airline will have a different weight limit for their hold luggage so again, research this before you pack.

Keep all documents in one place - When you travel, you'll have a few important documents with you including your passport, insurance, boarding passports, accommodation information and any other important bits, so it's handy to have them all in once place. I'd recommend bringing a see through wallet file to put it all in so you're able to carry it around together, and if you need an important file, can take the designated folder out without having to search your handbag.

Bring things to do - It may go without saying but whether it's a short or long flight, it's good to keep occupied. On a longer flight, entertainment is sorted with the complimentary TVs, however on a shorter flight, you'll need to bring the entertainment. There's plenty of things you can do: read a book, colour in, write a story, listen to music, a podcast, or simply have a nap. But make sure you don't miss your first ever landing - always keep your eyes peels once the pilot has announced landing.

Keep hydrated - Flights can be pretty draining and dehydrating. You're essentially sat down for several hours without much movement and that's bound to make you tired. The best things to do is keep hydrated and eat so when you get off the flight you don't feel too groggy.

Bring a travel pillow - If you want a nap or not, a travel pillow is a massive life saver on a flight. After a while, seats can get a little uncomfortable, however with a travel pillow in tow, it'll add a little comfort back into your flight experience - and plus it makes for a better sleep position than the dangling head.

Enjoy it - Last but not least, enjoy your first flight experience! It's new and exciting, and hopefully the start to even more adventures around the globe. The world is your oyster - go and explore it.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What tips do you have for first-time flyers?

Thank you for reading <3

11 comments

  1. Loved this! I've never been on a plane myself so this will be super useful when i get on one hopefully this year

    xx

    thedecemberdame.com

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    1. Thank you so much lovely! Ah can't believe you've never been on a plane - hope you get to go on one soon xx

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  2. I haven't travelled by plane yet so these tips are amazing! Lovely blog post, Della!😊

    Xoxo
    Shirley | https://shirleycupers.blogspot.be

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    1. Thank you lovely - aww I hope you get to go on one soon and these tips help xx

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  3. This is great Information, thank you for sharing! My husband and I are new to flying (as adults, that is. I flew as a child but don't really remember) so it's good know What we need before hand!

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  6. I loved this post! I especially love the ‘enjoy your flight’ I love flying and I’d hate to think how awful it would be to be panicking the whole time! Great idea for a post lovely x

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  7. Never been on a plane before. Ivery bookmarked this post because I think it's really relevant.
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