What to Know the First Time You Fly on a Plane

Flying can be a great adventure! It can also be genuinely scary if you’ve never flown before. But don’t be anxious – as stressful as it might seem, it’s really quite easy. Here are the things you should know when flying for the first time.

What You Need

The key is to neither under-pack nor over-pack. Many first-time fliers pack way too much, being paranoid about needing something that they probably won’t. But being too relaxed about what you bring might land you in a hard situation if you find yourself needing something you don’t usually use. The key is to bring items that could be useful for an emergency (inhalers, EpiPens, etc.) even if you don’t normally use them. Plan ahead for your trip! Pack the amount and kind of clothes according to where you’ll be and how long, with one unusual outfit just in case. For example, you may want to bring a jacket to the tropics, just in case you’re somewhere uncharacteristically chilly. And most of all, bring the essential items – a passport, an ID, a credit card, cash, etc. – that will enable you to actually travel.

Understand Airline Policies

This one is also very important and can be tricky because each airline has a different policy. However, there are usually a few common standards that you can expect. Many airlines will charge for bags that weigh more than 50 pounds. Weigh your bags beforehand to make sure you’re not overweight. Check to see how many carry-ons, personal items, and checked bags you are allowed for free. Some might cost you a fee. The length of your trip will determine what is or isn’t worth bringing. Don’t bring anything explosive, dangerous, or illegal (this might just include some foreign foods or substances, so be careful to research.) Read your airline’s complete list of rules and regulations online.

Be Prepared – But Relax!

Once you research a bit about your airline, your destination, and you’ve properly packed up everything at home, there shouldn’t be any reason to worry. Make sure to arrive at least two hours in advance, make sure your home is secure, and make sure the important stuff you carry is in a safe place – but then, don’t stress! Try and enjoy your first flight. Statistically, flying is a lot safer than driving.

Flying can be fun, and stressful, and both. Read up a little bit about experiences from frequent flyers. They’ll supply you with tips about how to avoid the inconveniences that sometimes can crop up. But if you’re well-prepared, you won’t have anything to worry about.

Check out this article on what you need before your winter travel plans!