First Time Flying Tips
by: Tom Tessin

When flying for the first time, you will start to realize that there’s a lot to flying. You will start to ask yourself many questions like “What can’t I bring?” “Where do I go once I get there?” and the list goes on. Like anything, once you start to do something, it will become clockwork and there will be nothing to worry about.

When it’s your first time flying, there are a few very important factors when it comes down to getting to the airport. Since 9/11, there are a lot of items that can’t be brought on carry-on luggage anymore. Some of these include containers, weapons, and more. Please refer to the TSA.gov website to get all the specific details.

Don’t Pack Too Much

Depending on how long you’ll be gone, don’t overdo it. You’ll have to remember that you will be carrying these bags everywhere you go in the airport. If you’re only taking a weekend trip, it’s best to pack everything into one or two bags, so that you can carry the bags on the airplane. This will ensure you that you can keep your eyes on it at all times and won’t have to worry about the luggage getting lost.

Get To The Airport Early

When you see the word early, we really mean this. You will need to get to the airport at least two hours early. This will ensure you that the airlines know that you will be boarding and will also allow proper time for you to check through the security gates. If you fail to show up late, the airlines may think you’re not showing up and may sell off your seat to another customer, which happens quite often.

Know Where You’re Going

Once you’re at the airport, make sure you know exactly where you parked, if you drove. Write it down weather you took a parking company shuttle or you parked at the airport itself. After a week or so of vacation, you may come back and completely forget where you parked.

Besides parking, once inside the airport, you will receive your airline tickets with your gate number. Before you start walking about the airport, stop by the nearest map and map out your destination. Many airports are big and can require a lot of walking.

Be Prepared For Security

Once you receive your tickets, everyone is required to go through a security check. You will be required to take off your shoes and any belongings in your pockets. Bags and items will be placed in a box and will be pushed through an x-ray system. While your bags go through the system, you will proceed to walk through a metal detector that is closely monitored by the TSA officials.
Relax

There’s nothing to worry about when flying. Once you’re in the air, it feels as if you’re sitting in your own living room. Make sure you grab some sort of entertainment when you fly to make the time pass by. Some airlines will offer in house magazines or an in-flight movie. If your choice is to sleep, go for it! All airlines will provide you a blanket and pillow.

As we mentioned above, once you start flying, it will be like clockwork from there on out. Flying is a very easy way to get from point A to point B and once you start flying, you’ll find it hard to hop in that car and start traveling by car again!