Essential Airport Tips for First Time Flyers

Your Complete Guide to First-Time Air Travel

Flying for the first time can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through every step from booking to baggage claim so you know exactly what to expect.

Before You Leave Home

Documentation

Domestic flights: Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
International flights: Valid passport (check expiration—many countries require 6+ months validity)
Boarding pass: Print at home, use airline app, or get at airport kiosk

Packing

Carry-on bag: Typically 22″ x 14″ x 9″ maximum. Contains items you need during flight and anything valuable.

Personal item: Backpack, purse, or laptop bag that fits under the seat.

Checked bag: Larger suitcase that goes in cargo hold. Weight limits typically 50 lbs for economy.

TSA liquid rules: Carry-on liquids must be 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, all fitting in one quart-sized clear plastic bag.

Arriving at the Airport

When to Arrive

Domestic flights: 2 hours before departure
International flights: 3 hours before departure
Peak travel times: Add 30 minutes (holidays, Monday mornings, Friday afternoons)

Finding Your Airline

Large airports have multiple terminals. Check your airline’s terminal before arriving. Signs direct you from parking or drop-off areas to the correct terminal.

Check-In Process

Options

Online check-in: Available 24 hours before departure via airline website or app
Airport kiosk: Touch-screen machines in terminal lobby
Counter agent: For complex itineraries, checked bags, or assistance

Checking Bags

If checking luggage, proceed to the airline counter or bag drop after getting your boarding pass. An agent will tag your bag and give you a claim ticket. Keep this ticket—you’ll need it if bags are delayed.

Security Screening

The TSA Process

ID check: Show boarding pass and photo ID to TSA officer
Prepare belongings: Remove laptop, liquids bag, shoes, belt, and jacket
X-ray screening: Place items in bins on the conveyor belt
Body scanner: Stand in the machine with arms raised for 3 seconds
Collect belongings: Retrieve items from the end of the conveyor

Prohibited Items

Weapons of any kind
Sharp objects (scissors over 4″, knives)
Liquids over 3.4 oz
Lighters in checked bags (allowed in carry-on)

When in doubt, check TSA.gov or pack it in checked luggage.

Finding Your Gate

After security, you’re in the secure terminal area. Your boarding pass shows your gate number (example: B24 means Concourse B, Gate 24).

Follow signs to your concourse. Gates are numbered sequentially—if you’re at B10 and need B24, walk in the direction of increasing numbers.

Important: Gates can change. Check departure screens or your airline app for updates.

Boarding the Plane

Boarding Groups

Airlines board in groups (numbered or named). Your boarding pass shows your group. Listen for announcements or watch the gate screen.

Typical order:

Pre-boarding (wheelchair assistance, families with young children)
First class and business class
Elite frequent flyers
Main cabin groups (usually back to front or by fare class)

On the Plane

Find your row number on overhead bins
Store carry-on in overhead bin, personal item under seat
Locate your seat (A and F are windows, middle letters are middle seats)
Buckle seatbelt, stow tray table, open window shade for takeoff

During the Flight

Seatbelt sign: Stay seated when illuminated
Flight attendant call button: Overhead panel for assistance
Restrooms: Located at front and rear of cabin
Entertainment: Seatback screens or streaming to your device (download airline app before flight)
Ears popping: Chew gum, yawn, or swallow during takeoff and landing

Arriving at Your Destination

Deplaning

Wait for the seatbelt sign to turn off. Rows exit front to back—wait your turn. Collect all belongings from overhead bin and under seat.

Baggage Claim

If you checked bags, follow signs to baggage claim. Screens show which carousel serves your flight. Wait for bags to appear on the conveyor (usually 15-30 minutes after landing).

Ground Transportation

Follow signs for your transportation method:

Rental cars: Shuttle buses to rental car center
Rideshare/taxi: Designated pickup areas outside baggage claim
Hotel shuttles: Usually at designated curb areas
Public transit: Follow train/bus signs

Common First-Time Concerns

Turbulence: Normal and safe. Planes are designed to handle it. Keep seatbelt fastened when seated.

Ear pressure: Swallowing, yawning, or the Valsalva maneuver (pinch nose, close mouth, gently exhale) helps equalize.

Motion sickness: Request a window seat over the wing. Focus on the horizon. Ginger or motion sickness medication helps some travelers.

Fear of flying: Statistically the safest transportation mode. Focus on the destination, not the journey. Many find window seats reassuring.