First-time flyer guide

Your trip

1.At home

• Photo ID in handYour name must match your booking exactly.
• Check in online or in the airline app if your airline offers itYour booking email says when check-in opens.
• Look up the arrival time your airline recommends for your flight and plan your journey to the airportIt is on your booking or the airline website. Add extra time for traffic.
• Check your airline's bag rules for carry-on and checked bagsWeigh your checked bag at home.
• Pack liquids in small containers in one clear bag in your carry-onCheck your departure country's security page for the current rule.
• Keep power banks and spare batteries in your carry-on, not in a checked bag
• Keep medicines and anything you cannot lose in your carry-on
• Charge your phone; save your boarding pass where you can open it offline

2.Arriving at the airport

• Find your airline and terminal on your booking, then follow the signs for Departures
• Look for your flight on the departures screenIt shows the check-in desk, and later the gate.
• Drop your checked bag at the airline desk or bag dropKeep the bag tag receipt until your bag is back in your hands.
• Make sure you have your boarding pass: it shows the gate, seat and boarding time

3.Security

• Join the security line and have your boarding pass and ID ready
• Put bags, jacket, belt and anything metal in a trayFollow the signs and the staff. Laptops and liquids bags may need their own tray.
• Walk through the scanner when you are calledIf you are chosen for an extra check, it is routine.
• Collect your things and step to the side to repack before you move on

4.Getting to the gate

• Find your gate number on the screens and follow the signsGates can change. Check the screen again before you settle.
• Check the boarding time on your pass and be at the gate before it
• Use the restroom, fill your water bottle, buy a snack if you like
• Listen for announcements and watch the gate screen for your group or zone

5.Boarding and your seat

• When your group is called, scan your boarding pass and ID if asked and walk onto the plane
• Find your row number on the boarding pass and match the signs above the seats
• Put your bag in the overhead bin (or under the seat in front) and keep what you need within reach
• Sit, fasten the seat belt snugly and listen to the safety demonstration
• Put your phone into airplane mode when the crew asks

6.In the air

• Take-off is loud and fast for a minute or two; it is normalKeep your seat belt fastened and your seat upright.
• When the seat-belt sign goes off, you can get up and use the restroom
• Bumps are normal; the crew will tell you if anything is needed
• Press the call button if you need anything

7.Landing

• Stay seated with your belt fastened until the plane stops and the sign goes off
• Turn airplane mode off once you are on the ground and the crew allows it
• Check the seat pocket and floor, take your bag and follow the Arrivals signs

8.Baggage and out

• Find your flight on the baggage-claim screen and go to that belt
• Match the tag with your receipt, then take your bag
• If your bag has not come, go to the airline's baggage desk before leaving the hallKeep your tag receipt.
• Leave through the arrivals hall and use official taxi, rail or app pick-up pointsKeep your photo id with you until you are out.