20 Travel Tips for First Time Flyers

If you’re flying for the first time or haven't flown in a while, you might be excited, a little nervous or a combination of the two. But honestly, being a passenger on a plane can be a stress-free experience. All you have to do is gather the right documents, turn up on time and sit back and relax.

Having said that, we understand that, as with anything that you do for the first time , you might have some questions.

That’s why, at Alternative Airlines, we’re giving you our top 20 travel tips for first time flyers that will fully prepare you for the flight ahead and leave no surprises for when you take-off for the first time.

1) Airport tips for first-time flyers

The first step that any first-time flyer should take is to learn about what airport procedures you will go through before taking your flight. Watch our handy video that will take you through each step.

2) Check-in online

Many airlines offer online check-in for their flights. This allows you to check-in for your flight and print off your boarding pass from home through the airline’s website or mobile app.**

• If you’re able to checked in online, you can skip the check-in queues and go straight to security, which is a massive time-saver.
• Not all airlines will allow you to check-in online.
• If you need special assistance, you’ll have to check-in at the airport.

** If you’ve bought your flight with Alternative Airlines, we give you a direct link to the airline’s check-in page, which can be found on your e-ticket.

3) Arrive in good time

Airports are unpredictable. You can never know for sure how busy it will be or how long it might take to get through security. We strongly recommend to:

• Give yourself plenty of time to get through the airport - Especially if your dropping bags or need to check-in. This will save a you a lot of stress and even give you time to do some shopping or grab something to eat.
• Don't arrive too early! - Check-in counters usually open 2-4 hours before your flight depending on your specific flight. If you arrive before check-in counters open you will be stuck waiting around for them to open before you can go through security. Make sure to check when the counters open and plan accordingly.

4) The different types of baggage and the rules

Checked baggage, carry-on baggage, personal items. What’s the difference? If you haven’t flown before, you should take some time learning about the different types of baggage and which items you’re allowed to bring.

Checked Baggage

Also known as hold baggage, a checked bag is one that is stored in the hold of the aircraft and can’t be accessed during the flight.

• The weight and size allowance for checked baggage is bigger than the allowance for carry-on baggage and personal items
• Generally fewer restrictions as to what you can put in a checked bag, but make sure to check your airlines restrictions before packing.
• Checked baggage has to be weighed and dropped off at the airline's check-in desk at the airport.

Tip❗️: Make sure to check your ticket to see whether your checked baggage is included in the price of your fare. Some airlines (usually low-cost airlines) will require you to purchase checked baggage online or at the airport prior your the flight.**

Carry-on baggage 

A carry-on or hand baggage is bag that is kept on-person during the flight and is stored in the cabin of the aircraft.

• Size and weight allowance is usually less than the checked baggage allowance (half the size or more) but bigger than the personal item allowance.
• Carry-on baggage has to be taken through security and there are a number of items that can’t be stored in your carry-on baggage and taken with you on the plane. For example, liquids over 100ml.

Carry-on bags are almost always included within the price of the ticket and costs no extra, although there are exceptions on some low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair.

Personal item

A personal item is a small item of baggage, such as a handbag, laptop or small rucksack.

• You bring your personal item on the plane with you
• Must go through security, like a carry-on bag
• The size and weight allowance for a personal item is much smaller than the allowance for checked and carry-on baggage, only allowing you to hold a few items.

Note: Not every airline will allow you to carry a personal item. Instead, you’ll be asked to place the items from your personal item in your carry-on bag.

Tip❗️: If you purchase any liquids from duty-free and have a connecting flight, you’ll have to consider whether you’ll be allowed to carry it on to your second flight. There are different rules depending on where in the world you’re flying from. Find out more on our duty-free rules page.

** Here’s how you can add baggage to your reservation at the time of booking with Alternative Airlines, as well as the list of airlines we offer baggage for.

5) Weigh your baggage at home

Break out the scales and weigh your baggage at home to avoid a nasty fee at the airport.

If your baggage is over the permitted weight allowance given by the airline, you’ll be charged an excess baggage fee which can sometimes amount to more than the cost of checking the bag in the first place!

6) Make your baggage easily identifiable

To make your baggage easy to identify we recommend, wrapping a coloured ribbon or belt around your bag(s).

At baggage reclaim, instead of having to pull piece after piece of baggage from the conveyor belt to check if it’s yours, you’ll be able to quickly identify your baggage, saving you time and hassle.

7) Regularly check your itinerary and flight status

Regularly check your itinerary and flight status to make sure you know which airport to go to and are up to date with any changes to your flight.

• Some destinations, such as New York City, have multiple airports so make sure you know which one to travel to in order to catch your flight.
• It’s important to regularly check the status of your flight in the week leading up to it in case of any schedule changes — these occur more frequently than you might expect!

Tip: If you’re worried about your flight being delayed, take a look at our flight delay advice.

8) Remember all travel documents & passport

Not all travel documents are essential, but if you leave behind your passport, ID card or a required visa, you will be refused boarding or not let into the country that you’re travelling to.

Essential travel documents

• Valid passport
• Government issued ID, like a drivers license (mainly for domestic flights)
• Required Visa's

If you’re checking in at the airport, make sure you have your flight PNR number** ready to give to the check-in agent.

If you’re checking-in online, make sure you have your boarding pass printed out or saved on your mobile.

Tip❗️: Regularly check for your travel documents before and during your trip as to make sure you haven’t misplaced them or left them behind anywhere.

** Your PNR number is a unique code that allows the airline to access information about your flight and the reservation that you’ve made. You can usually find your PNR number within your booking or booking confirmation. At Alternative Airlines, you can find your PNR number at the top your e-ticket, titled ‘Airline Reference’.

9) Buy travel protection

Buying travel protection is very important, especially for longer trips. Not only does it provide cover if the airline that you’re flying on goes bust but it also covers other travel disruptions, as well as emergency medical expenses, lost or stolen baggage and personal liability.

Each company offers a different type of cover and you can add and remove the bits that you need to give you peace of mind.

10) Dress comfortably

Dress in clothes that are unrestrictive and make you feel comfortable. Sitting on a plane for hours in clothes that give you discomfort can be a nightmare, especially on long-haul flights.

11) Consider pre-selecting a seat

Pre-selecting a seat will ensure you get the exact seat you want on the aircraft.

• If you’re tall or someone that might need to get up often, choose a seat next to the aisle.
• Looking to catch some sleep?, choose a seat by the window.
• Travelling with family?, book a row so everyone can sit together.

Pre-selecting a seat is a great way to guarantee that you’ll be seated next to the person(s) that you’re travelling with. The airline will often try and sit you together by default but depending on the availability, you might be seperated.

12) Bring some in-flight accessories

In-flight accessories can really make the difference. Bring a travel pillow, sleep mask, blanket, ear-plugs or whatever you need to stay comfortable.

13) Bring your own entertainment

We recommend that you bring your own entertainment for an even better in-flight experience.

• Create a music playlist on your phone
• Take a book to read
• Bring a device to watch your favourite TV shows and films

It’s especially important to bring your own entertainment on medium-haul flights (between 3–6 hours), as these flights are long enough for you to get bored on and usually don’t have an in-flight entertainment system.

Tip: Although the list of airlines that offer Wi-Fi is growing, Wi-Fi is still not available on every airline, meaning you won’t have the capability to stream music, TV shows or films. As a result, we suggest downloading any music, TV shows or films to your electronic device before your flight as to avoid disappointment.

14) Consider the climate of where you’re flying to

Wearing a jacket and jeans might seem a good idea when leaving a colder country, but you’ll quickly regret it when the destination you arrive in is in 35ºC heat.

That’s why it’s best to bring some extra or removable layers with you on the plane. You could even pack a change of clothes in your carry-on baggage, especially as you might feel colder on the plane than you will at your destination.

15) Bring your own food

Some people get on with airline food better than others. The truth is, you won’t know if you like it until you’ve tried it.

If you’re flying for the first time, we suggest bringing some back-up food so that you’re covered if you don't like the food served onboard, so you don't have to go hungry for the whole flight.

This also applies if you’d like a special meal type. Many airlines provide the option to pre-order a special meal, but some won’t have every meal type. So, you might need to bring your own if there’s a lack of choice.

16) Stay hydrated

High altitude and low cabin humidity might cause headaches and dizziness if you’re not used to it. The best way to combat this is by drinking lots of water and staying hydrated.

You should also be careful with alcohol. We’re not saying to avoid it completely. If you’re on holiday and a flight attendant comes down offering a free cold alcoholic beverage, we won’t stop you! But it’s worth noting that alcohol will make you more dehydrated.

17) See your doctor if you’re anxious

If you’re nervous about flying, consult your doctor prior to your flight. They’ll be able to give you advice and might prescribe you with medication to help you with anxiety.

If you’re taking any other medication, it’s important to note that there are restrictions regarding what you can and can’t take. Take a read of our guide on flying with medication to gain a better understanding.

18) Exchange currency beforehand or online

If you’re flying with money and exchanging your cash into another currency, don’t use the currency exchange companies at the airport as they usually give terrible exchange rates.

Instead, exchange your money with a reputable currency exchange service before the day that you fly. The only time it might be a good idea to use the currency exchange companies at the airport is if the company you use allows you to pre-order your currency online and pick it up at the airport.

When you pre-order online, these companies usually offer a better exchange rate which is more in-line with what other companies outside of the airport are offering.

19) Don’t panic over the security procedures

Before the flight takes off, the cabin crew will take you through some procedures that you need to know. This includes some of the cabin rules, how to fasten your seatbelt as well as some information on what to do in case of an emergency.

Don’t be alarmed! This is a standard procedure that every airline undertakes for every flight and is put in place to reassure you.

20) Learn airplane etiquette

Just like any shared public space, flying comes with a few unwritten rules. Some are more obvious than others, such as waiting your turn to board, being mindful of personal space and definitely not kicking the seat infront of you!

However, other rules are less talked about, but are just as important for keeping yourself and everyone around you comfortable on board:

• Armrest etiquette - The middle seat comes with the least space, so it’s generally accepted that the passenger in the middle can use both armrests. Window-seat passengers can lean against the cabin wall, while aisle-seat passengers have extra legroom and easy access to the aisle armrest.
• Reclining your seat: Before leaning back, it’s courteous to check with the person behind you. They may be eating, working, or have their tray table down, and a sudden recline can easily cause spills or discomfort.
• Exiting the aircraft: When it’s time to disembark, allow passengers seated closer to the exit to leave first. Moving row by row helps keep things calm, orderly and stress-free.

A little awareness goes a long way in making the flight more pleasant for everyone on board.


Want to know more? Check out some of our other helpful articles:

• How to perfect your airport experience
• Guide to airline charges and fees
• Airline lingo
• What to do if your passport is lost or stolen
• Flight etiquette