AIRPORT ETIQUETTE FOR THE FIRST TIME TRAVELER

Things to know upon arrival at an airport for the first time.

Flying is a very stressful experience, and an airport is a quite frustrating and even intimidating place, especially for a first time flyer. The good news is that you are not alone. The statistics say that almost everyone is anxious and nervous before a trip by air, even those who travel a lot. Hopefully, the tips provided in this article will help to reduce your stress and make your first experience in the airport as smooth and painless as possible. So, here are a few recommendations on how to navigate airport rules and processes

Tip 1. Arrive at the airport early enough

Catching a plane is different from catching a bus – it takes much more time. Therefore, it is highly recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: at least two hours before domestic travel, and minimum of three hours before an international flight. These are unspoken airport rules existing everywhere. You will need all this time in order to check in the luggage, go through security and find your gate. There are also peak times when these procedures take more time than usual. Boarding the plane is not free-for-all either. Most airlines start boarding 30-40 minutes before departure and finish it 15 minutes prior to take-off.

Tip 2. Make sure your ID is at hand

As soon as you arrive at the airport, make sure that your ID (passport or driver’s license) is at hand. You will need at least three times: at the check-in counter, security check and at the gate during boarding. Thus, if you do not want to hold up the line while digging in your bag in the hope to find your ID, it is better to keep your ID handy

Tip 3. Wear the shoes that are easy to take off

Even experienced travelers would agree that going through airport security check is the most stressful part of being at the airport. According to airport rules, passengers have to remove all electronics from the bags, empty your pockets, get jewelry and other accessories off (including hats and sunglasses) and take shoes off as well. We recommend you to prepare for this and to wear a pair that easily slips on and off.

Tip 4. Check in your bags properly,

First of all, make sure that the suitcase is thoroughly packed for your vacation. Double check the baggage rules and restrictions of the airline company and use a weighing scale to make sure that there is no overweight. Most airlines are very strict and do not allow even one extra pound of overweight. If your luggage appears to be too heavy, you might end up paying extra money for overweight. Before checking in, do not forget to attach labels or tags to your suitcase with the following information: name, address, and telephone number.

Tip 5: Get to your gate on time

After you successfully went through the security check, it might be tempting to hang around duty shops, get some coffee, relax on a couch in one the cafes or restaurants and dream about your forthcoming vacation. However, it is extremely important to keep an eye on the time and be at your gate before boarding. Sometimes boarding might be much quicker than you expect, and the last thing you want is running to your gate late.

Tip 6. Keep an eye on your belongings

An airport is a public crowded place, where things get stolen very often. According to the statistics, the most common items stolen at airports are the following: money, phones, wallet/purse, sunglasses, cameras, laptops, carry-on luggage, jewelry, and travel documents. Therefore, you should never leave your stuff unattended. Wherever you go, make sure that you can see your items. If you are missing one of your items, report immediately to increase the chances to get an item back. Be especially careful by using ATM machine at airports: by withdrawing money be aware of people around you and make sure that your pin is hidden at all times.

Traveling by plane is not easy, especially if you are doing it for the first time in your life. It does not matter what the purpose of your travel – business, vacation or visiting a friend or family member – being at the airport for the first time might be frustrating and stressful. Hopefully, our guide with some useful tips will help you to get prepared for the first airport experience and enjoy it.