By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: 5 Top Tips for First-Time Flyers
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Aviation > 5 Top Tips for First-Time Flyers
AviationTravel

5 Top Tips for First-Time Flyers

Jasmine Adjallah
Last updated: 20 December 2024 15:03
By Jasmine Adjallah 10 Min Read
Share
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft
| © moneysavirngexpert.com / Ryanair
SHARE

Getting on board an aircraft for the first time to fly to your destination of choice is certainly an exciting moment. But with the thrill that comes with a new experience, nerves can become an influential factor as you start to anticipate what’s to come. 

Summary
1. Check your airline’s luggage requirements 2. Arrive at the airport two hours early – at least!3. Have a backup plan ready 4. Prep for security proactively5. Keep hydrated 

The last thing you’d want to worry about is coming across as a rookie flyer, but the alternative world of the airport truly is an entirely new entity that does take some getting used to. 

Here are the top 5 tips for first-time flyers to ensure you’re packed full of useful knowledge and ready to board your flight. 

1. Check your airline’s luggage requirements 

Overpacking is easily done but can prove very costly when boarding a flight. Before your flight, make sure to familiarise yourself with the suitable luggage size and weight restrictions and pack accordingly. It is always tempting to overpack, it is also something often done by mistake. However, being diligent with your packing and having the materials to weigh your luggage will help you avoid being surprised by unexpected extra fees!

Additionally, ensure you have all necessary papers prepared, such as boarding passes, passports, and any required travel authorizations. You can also try tools for online design documents where you can easily create polished and professional travel checklists, itineraries, or packing guides. This not only ensures you’re well organized but also helps you stay stress-free during your trip.

Equally, if your carry-on bag is too heavy you may have to check it in with your other luggage. Ensuring it adheres to the required size and weight will avoid the extra faff and allow you to get on with your travels as scheduled. 

If you’re a new flyer, especially if you’re nervous about it, unexpected fees can throw a spanner in the works and cause additional stress. It is always best to avoid these kinds of little but costly surprises. 

passengers dropping off luggage at Zurich Airport
Heavy luggage goes under the plane in the baggage hold – they are called ‘checked luggage’. | © Zurich Airport / aviation24.be

2. Arrive at the airport two hours early – at least!

Unfortunately, getting on a plane to reach your destination is not as streamlined of a process as catching a bus is. Many underestimate how long it can take to get to the point where you board the aircraft, not only new flyers but regular veterans too.

Giving yourself enough time to check-in, go through security (and even do the leisurely bits and bobs like wandering through duty-free and grabbing a coffee) can make your entire travel experience much more enjoyable. Yes, checking in and getting through security can be as quick as 15 minutes, but it can also take much longer. Airports are unpredictable! But being prepared to ensure that you are not caught out by any curveballs will allow you to remain in holiday mode as soon as you step foot at the airport. 

Extra tip = many airlines allow you to check in online. By doing so, you can skip check-in queues and go straight through to security.

3. Have a backup plan ready 

A trip to the airport usually goes as smooth as anything but sometimes you can be unlucky. This year, travellers have unfortunately been caught out much more than normal because of the constant delays and cancellations faced by airlines and airports due to staff shortages, unprecedented demand and other factors. 

So now, more than ever, it is important to have a plan set for if you do miss your flight… just in case. 

It is crucial to be proactive – have your airline’s customer service phone number and email easily accessible, and be aware of where the customer service desk is at the airport.

Thankfully, airlines are legally required to help you out if you miss your flight for reasons out of your and their control such as cancellations, major delays, etc. The airline will typically put you on standby for the next available flight without you having to pay extra so long as you notify the airline with enough time for them to take action. 

Security lines at Denver International Airport during the Thanksgiving holiday in 2014
As of June 2022, London Heathrow Airport continues to be the busiest airport in the UK. | © Photo by RJ Sangosti / The Denver Post via Getty Images

If you think you’ll miss a connecting flight, double-check to ensure that you will actually miss it! In many cases, a connecting flight is delayed, giving you the chance to board. But if you do miss the connection and the first airline you were on was responsible, they will rebook your flight free of charge. 

Overall, your airline should help you out. Extenuating circumstances can catch you out, but it is important to remain calm, be proactive and remember that you will at some point make it to where you need to be! 

Extra tip = travel insurance is very important to sort out before you travel, especially for long trips away. It can also protect you if the airline you flying with goes bust while you’re away and can cover other frustrating travel disruptions, emergency medical expenses, lost or stolen baggage, and more.

4. Prep for security proactively

Going through airport security can be the most stressful part of flying but steps taken beforehand can make it much less taxing. 

Firstly, ensure that you are not accidentally carrying anything that will be flagged up by security. Before flying, the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) in the UK recommends that you read the latest security advice before boarding any flight from the UK. 

Simple things like wearing easy-to-remove shoes, and not carrying many items in your pockets can speed up the process. 

Ensuring you adhere to the rules can have you in and out of security as quickly as possible.

Extra tip = ensure that you have all relevant travel documents and ID with you. Research exactly everything you will need and remember to have it all easily accessible. 

An almost empty check-in area at London Gatwick Airport
As the pandemic dominated the country, Gatwick was the quietest it’s ever been. You will be greeted with a far more chaotic site if you travel to Gatwick now! | © REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

5. Keep hydrated 

Spending a decent to a long time in high altitude and low cabin humidity can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea if you are not used to it. This will especially be an issue for new flyers. 

The best way to combat feeling ill during the flight is by drinking lots of water before and during the flight. 

On your first flight especially, it is advisable to be wary of alcohol and coffee – especially if you are nervous about how you could react on your first flight to the altitude and turbulence. Alcohol and coffee can also make you more dehydrated the more you drink. 

Extra tip = you can overcome dry skin on a flight by taking a small moisturiser or facial spritz to apply when you need it. A lip balm can be helpful to combat dry lips, and a nasal spray can target dry and painful sinuses. 

Most importantly, try and relax and focus on the trip ahead! Whether you are flying for the first time for pleasure or business, it is practically guaranteed that it will be an exciting milestone. 

Are you planning to fly for the first time this year? Hopefully, these tips helped you out! We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. 

You Might Also Like

Air Canada flight attendants to end strike with the airline, after a tentative deal

Boeing in Talks with China with Potential for 500 Aircraft Sale

British Airways is set to offer new destinations for your next summer getaway

Air Canada Introduces Exceptional Disruption Policy for Customers After Strike Action

Getaways by Southwest: Southwest Airlines Announces new Vacation Package Program

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Jasmine Adjallah
By Jasmine Adjallah
Jr Reporter - Aspiring to work in a journalism, PR, Communications/media role, Jasmine is using her gap year as an opportunity to learn, gain experience and grow as a person. Interested in the sports, aviation and broadcasting world. At Travel Radar she is a Jr. Reporter working with the publication over Summer 2022.
Previous Article Malaysia Airlines aircraft Malaysia Airlines reinstates London pre-Pandemic schedule
Next Article Eurowings Eurowings to increase its fares by 10% amid industry struggles
24 Comments
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
24 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Dane Lutz
Dane Lutz
3 months ago

I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.

0
Reply
Erica Mills
Erica Mills
3 months ago

Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.

0
Reply
Jasmine Wilson
Jasmine Wilson
2 months ago

I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

0
Reply
Essence Roy
Essence Roy
2 months ago

I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles

0
Reply
personnaliser un lien url en ligne
personnaliser un lien url en ligne
2 months ago

Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.

0
Reply
Rylan Newton
Rylan Newton
2 months ago

There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made

0
Reply
Alexis Park
Alexis Park
2 months ago

This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.

0
Reply
Sofia Sharp
Sofia Sharp
2 months ago

I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav

0
Reply
Itzel Kerr
Itzel Kerr
2 months ago

Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing

0
Reply
Matias Valenzuela
Matias Valenzuela
2 months ago

very informative articles or reviews at this time.

0
Reply
Bronson Serrano
Bronson Serrano
2 months ago

Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated

0
Reply
Aliyah Cline
Aliyah Cline
2 months ago

Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.

0
Reply
Edwin Vaughan
Edwin Vaughan
2 months ago

Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.

0
Reply
Hailey Bender
Hailey Bender
2 months ago

This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place

0
Reply
Ally Parsons
Ally Parsons
2 months ago

This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.

0
Reply
Chad Smith
Chad Smith
2 months ago

Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites

0
Reply
Cherish Velez
Cherish Velez
2 months ago

I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.

0
Reply
Cody Hodges
Cody Hodges
2 months ago

I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great

0
Reply
halımatik
halımatik
1 month ago

For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.

0
Reply
Camryn Burton
Camryn Burton
1 month ago

I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great https://growgarden.pythonanywhere.com

0
Reply
Addisyn Bell
Addisyn Bell
1 month ago

This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place https://growgarden.pythonanywhere.com

0
Reply
proven tinnitus treatment
proven tinnitus treatment
20 days ago

Healthy breakfast ideas can transform your day. I started meal prepping oatmeal jars with chia seeds, almond butter, and berries. It’s quick, filling, and fuels me through long work hours. The best part is knowing I’m eating clean right from the start of the day—it sets the tone beautifully.

0
Reply
toto slot
toto slot
6 days ago

I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

0
Reply
situs slot
situs slot
6 days ago

Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.

0
Reply

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

Alaska Airlines aircraft in the sky
‘Atmos Rewards’: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Aim to Improve Loyalty Programmes
Airlines Points & Loyalty Travel
Suspended all-composite A350 XWB lower and upper wing covers in Airbus wing factory, Broughton, Wales, UK during Airbus UK workers strike 2025, highlighting Airbus industrial action across UK sites amid Airbus pay dispute, part of ongoing Airbus strike affecting UK aviation.
Airbus UK Workers Strike 2025: 10 Days of Industrial Action to Hit Wing Production
Airlines Aviation Breaking News Manufacturing
Edelweiss Air A320. Edelweiss expands fleet with new Airbus A320neo
Swiss Airline Edelweiss Expands Fleet and Acquires its First Airbus A320neo
Aircraft Airlines Aviation
Person Holding World Globe Facing Mountain
Travel Smarter: How to Stay Connected Anywhere in the World
Technology Travel Travel Radar
Mango Airlines faces strcutured wind down as investor talks with Ubuntu Air fall through
South African Carrier Mango Airlines Enters Structured Wind Down as Investor Withdraws
Airline Economics Airlines Aviation
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Ads help us bring you high-quality, independent journalism for free. Support us by whitelisting us from your ad blocker.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?