If you’ve never flown before, now is a good time to start making some plans. Whether you want to travel domestically or internationally – you should jump on the opportunity sooner rather than later. With the COVID-19 pandemic that swept the globe finally beginning to settle down, airport traffic and air-travel have started to make a comeback. This also means that anyone who has never taken a flight before, now has a chance to again.
With that in mind, there are a variety of things to know before boarding an airplane and taking off for the first time. Having this information readily available will not only make the airplane boarding process smoother, it will also make your entire check-in process through the airport a lot easier, and make the entire experience more enjoyable overall.
1. The Departure Time and Flight Time
One important piece of information you should have in the back of your mind is how long you’re going to be traveling and how long the flight is expected to be. This is important information for a variety of reasons, but it can greatly help you with the rest of your scheduling, too. The departure time is integral for you to know also. The departure time is going to dictate a wide variety of other things like how early you need to arrive at the airport.
It’s highly suggested that you get to the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight. This is because there is a lot to do between the time that you arrive at the airport, and the time that you sit your butt in the plane.
First and foremost, you may have to print your boarding pass. While many flights allow you to download your boarding pass virtually, there are certain occasions where you’ll need to print your boarding pass at a kiosk in the airport and check-in for your flight at the same time. From there, you may also need to check a bag, which you’ll typically have to wait in line to do.
After all of this, you’ll still have to get through security, and find your gate. All-in-all, there’s a lot to get through, so knowing your departure time is absolutely vital.
2. Where You’ll be Staying
Other logistical information is just as important, like where you’ll be staying during your trip. If you fail to plan ahead of time and make room and board reservations, that can leave you in a really difficult and dangerous situation. Make sure you’re absolutely certain about where you’re staying when you arrive at your destination. It’s also wise to have an idea of how you’re going to get from the destination airport to the hotel or air BnB you’re staying at. This can help you avoid dangerous situations, and make sure you end up exactly where you planned to be.
Knowing where you’re staying is also helpful for your friends, family, and loved ones. If they know where you’re staying while you’re gone, they’ll know how to contact you if they need to and can’t reach you through your cell phone. Besides, knowing where you’re staying will also help you plan an itinerary for your trip that makes logistical sense.
3. What to do With Your Luggage
There may be times while you travel that you aren’t exactly sure what to do with your luggage. For example, if you’re in Italy, you may not know that there’s luggage storage in Palermo that is available. Luggage storage in Palermo is convenient and easy to use, and gives travelers a way to explore the town unencumbered by their luggage.
This is a great solution for those who are just passing through because they can use the luggage storage in Palermo while they go try a restaurant, or explore the local shops. This is what makes luggage storage in Palermo and other cities like it so popular.
4. Don’t Pack Liquids
There are some very strict rules about liquids when it comes to traveling. This is to ensure the safety of passengers on the flight. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are limited to containers no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. On top of that, each passenger is only allotted a single quart sized bag to fill with their various liquids. This is known as the 3-1-1 rule.
This is why it’s often easier to just not pack any liquids whatsoever into your carry on. Rather, just buy what hygiene products you need once you’ve arrived.
5. Options on the Plane
Finally, after all the packing, planning, preparing, and jumping through hoops at the airport, you’ll find yourself sitting on your plane and in the air. This is when it’s helpful to have an idea of your entertainment options before take-off.
Take the opportunity to download movies, playlists, or other entertainment you can access locally on your phone, or take a look at any on-flight movies that might be available to help pass the time. Otherwise, a good book can make the hours fly, no pun intended.
