guide to first time flyers!

Since then, I always had a bad experience from my flights. I once left my phone charging at the airport and just noticed it when I was boarding the plane. I was able to convince the flight attendant and pilot to wait for my phone to be retrieved huhu imagine I was the reason for the delay haha. I also experienced already passing the boarding gate even though I have not yet checked in (gonna blame the Laguindingan Airport staff for this haha), so I nearly wasn’t able to board the plane. Whew

And just recently, on my first flight alone, I experienced my name was called on the speaker system because I am the only one who has not yet boarded the plane. I was early at the airport but because of miscommunication, I do not know where I should really go next. sigh I concluded I hate airports.

That’s why I decided to make this blog because you might be like me (I can feel you!)— anxious of what’s gonna happen in a flight, on what to prepare and what to expect, and always having airport jitters.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Terms used in airports are so alien to me, maybe that’s why I am extra attentive but still get confused every time. I feel like everybody are just pretending that they know what they’re doing the first time. These are the following terms you might encounter in airports:

• Boarding - this just means the act of getting into the aircraft
• Check-in - letting the airline know that you'll be in the flight, which is available 24 hrs before the flight until 1 hr before the departure time
• Cabin Baggage - this is the allowable baggage you can put on the overhead storage inside the aircraft; only 7kg baggage per person
• Check-in Baggage - this is everything that cannot fit inside the overhead storage / cabin baggage
• Boarding Pass - this is your ticket pass so that you can enter the aircraft; will be checked at the boarding gates and when you board the plane

WHAT TO PREPARE

1. Wear something comfortable

When traveling, you could always use some sweater or a light jacket with POCKETS. Pockets are very useful so that you don’t have to open your bag once in a while just to get your IDs and boarding pass. Wear an easy footwear (slippers, sandals, slip in shoes) because you are required to take off your footwear at the boarding gates. Also, the flight can be cold so it is advisable that you wear close your feet with closed shoes or socks. 

2. Prepare your documents

If you are just traveling in a domestic flight (meaning a flight just within the country), all you need is your plane ticket and valid ID. You can either print your plane ticket or just show a picture of it on your phone. It is a different case for international flights, where there are a lot of documents to prepare, which I will discuss in another blog.

3. Prepare yourself

Have a good sleep before your flight because being in airports can really give you an adrenaline shock. Well, I was like that in my first flights. I have to listen to every announcement because it might be about my flight. 

Bring some light snacks because airport food is expensive. Do not bring liquids before entering the boarding gates. You can bring an empty tumbler though which can be refilled later. Bring also a power bank.

THE PROCESS

1. Entering the airport

You’ll be required to show your ID and plane ticket. After that, you will undergo first a security check-up which will require to put your things for scanning. 

2. Checking in

You will now line up to drop your baggage and check in. If you don’t have a baggage, and to avoid lining up, you can do online check-in (check your e-mail for this). If you want to be sure, you can line up for check in. After checking in, you will receive a boarding pass. 

3. Go to the Boarding Gates

This time, before you can go to the part where you now have to wait for your departure time, you will now pass another second security check through the boarding gates. Requirements vary in different airports but it is common to ALL airports that you must not carry any liquid more than 100 mL (because you might be carrying flammable liquids). Do not wear a belt because you will still be asked to take it off during security check. Power banks are also going to be checked (in some airports), there's only an allowable capacity. 

4. Wait for your flight

Once you passed the boarding gate, go to the seats nearest to the gate where you'll be boarding for the flight. The gate is indicated on your boarding pass. My advise is to not charge your phone in the airport to not have the risk of leaving your phone behind (like me). If it can't be helped, just sit near the charging ports.

5. Your onboard!

Please really pay attention and listen attentively to the PA speakers. There is time for everything when you're in flight. Listen when you have to fasten your seatbelt, stow away your desk, and open your window. Enjoy your flight! (if you're lucky to have the window seat, then take pictures away! it's your first time anyway haha)

Because of my series of travel flights and solo flights lately, I now feel confident how I navigate the airport especially I now have an experience of an international travel and I have passed through the Immigration... which I will share in a separate blog post!

Posting before my life becomes so busy again! My August travels definitely are the best so far! I now long to travel more, especially now that I'm not so afraid of airports anymore. 😉