Flying on an airplane for the first time can be both exciting and scary. As you look forward to your maiden flight, you probably have a few questions about airplane etiquette and what to expect at the airport. In this article, we’re going to look at some first time flyer tips, so you can be well prepared for your upcoming flight.
Traveling With The Correct Documents
The first thing you’ll want to remember to bring with you to the airport is the correct documents that will get you through the airport security gate. If you don’t have these items, you may be turned away at the gate, and forced to take a lonely cab ride back home. The number one thing you don’t want to forget when traveling is your ID or passport.
Bringing Your Essentials
We all have those items that we use every day. Your toothbrush, your medication, your glasses, your wallet, and your cell phone are all things that you likely utilize on a regular basis. As you start to prepare items for your carry-on bag, be sure to pack these things. For liquids or facial moisturizers, you’ll need to keep the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) rules in mind. For example, you won’t be able to bring that full-size bottle of shampoo on the plane, but you can get away with bringing a 3.4-ounce bottle of that same shampoo on board with you.
Check Your Airline’s Baggage Policy
Since this will be your very first flight on an airplane, you’ll want to check your airline’s baggage policy before you start packing things for your trip. It’s very easy to overpack, so leave that extra winter coat at home, and make sure you review any luggage size and weight restrictions your airline might have in place. Most airlines will allow two carry-on items per person for free. One of these bags could be a rolling suitcase, while the other is a personal item, such as a backpack or satchel. If you need to check your suitcase because it is too large to bring with you on the plane, most airlines allow you to fly with a suitcase that weighs under 50 pounds for twenty-five dollars (if it weighs more, you’re subject to pay more).
Get To The Airport Two Hours Early
The TSA highly recommends that all travelers arrive at the airport two hours before their flight departure for domestic travel, and three hours for international travel. This will allow you and any friends or family members you’re traveling with plenty of time to check your bags, get through security, and make it to your gate before your plane starts boarding passengers. It’s important to note that most airlines have a hard-and-fast rule of when they’ll stop accepting passenger check-ins. This can be anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes before departure.
Bring Some Snacks To Munch On
Food at the airport can be expensive. A simple hamburger may cost you upwards of fifteen bucks, so you may want to consider packing some of your own snacks to munch on at the airport and during your flight. Consider bringing things like granola bars, fruit, or mixed nuts. If you’re traveling with small children, we recommend bringing some of your child’s favorite cereal in a ziplock bag that you can whip out of your bag at a moment’s notice.
Know What To Expect From Airport Security
Airport security may be one of the most stressful parts of traveling, but it doesn’t have to be if you know what to expect ahead of time. After you check in to your flight and obtain your boarding ticket, you’ll head towards the security area of the airport. Here, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes (assuming you’re not under the age of 12 or over the age of 75) and empty your pockets. You’ll need to remove anything that contains metal from your body, such as a belt, wallet, or jewelry. You may also be asked to remove your belt and a hat if you’re wearing one. If you’re traveling with large electronics such as a tablet or laptop, you’ll be asked to remove these items from your carry-on bag to be sent through the X-ray machine. You’ll then be asked to walk through a metal detector or body scanner before you can head to your flight’s gate.
Bring A Warm Sweater For The Plane
As a first-time flyer, you’ll want to bring a warm sweater with you in case the plane gets cold at 30,000 feet in the air. Some airlines will provide flyers with free blankets upon request, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Respect Your Neighbor’s Space On The Plane
Once you step on the airplane, you may be surprised by the close quarters of the vessel. As you walk sideways to your row and find your seat, it’s important to be respectful of your seat neighbors. If your coat accidentally falls over onto your neighbor’s lap, consider stowing it in one of the overhead compartments to make a little more space. It’s also important to consider the volume of your music when on a plane, as you don’t want to disrupt the person sleeping peacefully next to you.
Pack Some Disinfectant Wipes
Airports and airplanes are known for being notoriously dirty. That’s why it’s always wise to bring some disinfectant wipes with you when you travel. You can use these to wipe down your seat on the airplane, as well as your tray table, to ensure you don’t pick up any unwanted germs on the flight. If you use the airplane bathroom, consider wiping down the toilet seat with one of these wipes as well.
Do Your Best To Stay Hydrated
Traveling and flying can leave you feeling very dehydrated if you’re not careful. Make sure you drink plenty of water leading up to your trip, especially within the 24 hours before your flight. While you can’t walk through airport security with a full water bottle, you can bring your own empty water bottle to fill up at the airport after you make it past security.
Bring Some Noise Canceling Headphones
If you’re like most people, you probably love listening to music and watching your favorite shows online. Many people like to listen to their favorite jams or watch their favorite sitcoms while flying, so if you plan on bringing your smartphone, iPad, or tablet with you, consider bringing some noise canceling headphones as well. You’ll be glad you packed them if you end up sitting next to someone with a newborn.
We hope that you’ve learned some travel tips from this article that you can use on trips in the future. If you’re flying out of the Denver International Airport and you’re looking for close, affordable, and convenient airport parking options, reserve your parking space with ParkDIA today. We covered and uncovered airport parking options, and when you download our mobile app, you can book your space in minutes. With 7,500 airport parking spaces available in our lot, there is always one waiting for you when you need it. Our Denver airport parking lot is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Book your parking space today!
