Advice for First-Time Air Travelers
Planning Early: Before your trip, check your flight information, airport instructions, and baggage policies. Arriving early and anticipating the unexpected can help you relax.
Prepare Your Documents: Keep your passport, ID card, flight ticket, and other important documents organized and within easy reach.
Travel Light: If possible, travel with only carry-on luggage. This can help you move more quickly through the airport and on the plane.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Wearing comfortable clothing during the flight can make prolonged sitting more pleasant. Be prepared for temperature changes by dressing in layers.
Planning Ahead: Plan your transportation and accommodation arrangements at your destination in advance. This can reduce stress.
Move During the Flight: To overcome long periods of sitting on the plane, get up from your seat occasionally, walk around, and stretch.
Be Prepared for Ear Clogging: Cabin pressure can change during the flight, and your ears may become blocked. In this case, you can use methods like swallowing, chewing gum, or the Valsalva maneuver.
Drink Water: Your body can become dehydrated during the flight, so make sure to drink plenty of water. Alcoholic beverages and caffeine can cause dehydration, so prioritize water.
Prepare for Entertainment and Food in Advance: Have a book, music, or movie on hand to keep you company throughout the flight. Also, determine your expectations for the flight’s meal service in advance.
Focus on Relaxation: You may experience pre-flight stress, but this is normal. Relaxing and breathing can make your trip more enjoyable.
How to Buy Flight Tickets
Internet Research: First, explore various flight options for your desired destination. You can compare flights and prices by visiting the websites of various airlines and travel agencies.
Entering Flight Information: Search for flights by specifying your desired destination and travel dates. Once you find a suitable flight, continue by entering your travel details.
Comparing Prices: Compare prices offered by different airlines and travel agencies. In some cases, traveling on specific dates or days can help you get more affordable fares.
Checking Extra Fees: Extra fees can often be added to ticket prices. Be aware of extra charges for things like baggage allowance, seat selection, and food and beverages, and check the total cost.
Booking: After finding a suitable flight, proceed to make your reservation. At this stage, you’ll need to enter your passenger information, contact information, and payment information.
Payment: After confirming the flight, you’ll proceed to payment. Pay using your credit card, debit card, or other payment method.
Ticket Confirmation and Information: After your payment is completed, you’ll typically receive a confirmation page and a ticket with your flight information via email. You can print the ticket or keep it on your mobile phone.
When Do You Check-in?
Check-in is a process in which passengers complete certain procedures before travel. Check-in typically begins a few hours or days before your flight and continues for a specific period. The check-in process may vary depending on your airline’s policies, the specifics of your flight, and your departure point.
Airline Website or App: Many airlines offer online check-in for their flights. You can check-in by entering your reservation number and other required information on the airline’s website or mobile app. Online check-in usually begins days or hours before your flight.
Airport Check-in Counters: Passengers arriving early at the airport can check-in at the airport check-in counters. Baggage drop-off and other procedures can also be carried out there. Airport check-in hours are usually limited.
Kiosk Check-in: You can also check-in at airport kiosks. You can complete your check-in at these automated machines using your reservation number or the barcode on your ticket.
If you have the option to check in online, this is generally a faster and more convenient method. However, airport check-in counters and kiosks offer a more convenient option.
Check-in times vary from airline to airline, so it’s important to get the most up-to-date information by checking your airline’s website or contacting customer service before your flight. With advancements in technology, airlines are constantly improving their check-in processes and offering more flexibility.
What kind of clothing is best for air travel?
Because you’ll be sitting for long periods in the aircraft cabin, it’s important to choose comfortable clothing. Comfortable jeans, sweatpants, or pants made of soft fabrics are ideal. Casual options like dresses or skirts are also a good option.
In addition to sitting for long periods, you may also want to walk around the aircraft or go to the restroom. Choosing comfortable, lightweight shoes will be beneficial for these situations.
Feet can swell on long flights, so wearing comfortable, soft socks will increase your comfort.
Food and beverage service may be available during the flight. Wearing spill-resistant clothing can reduce the risk of accidents. Sunlight or cabin lights on an airplane can irritate the eyes. Wearing glasses can help alleviate this. A hat may also be considered to support your head and protect you from cabin lights.
You can also carry accessories such as a sleeping mask and earplugs to help you relax on long flights.
In-Flight Precautions
Listen to Safety Instructions: Listen carefully to and follow the cabin crew’s safety instructions before and during the flight. Follow instructions such as fastening your seat belt, adjusting your seat to an upright position, and opening window blinds.
Drink Water: In-flight air is often dry and can cause dehydration. Drinking water frequently can prevent fluid loss. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, as these can contribute to dehydration.
Wear Glasses and Use Moisturizer: Low humidity levels inside an airplane can dry out the eyes. Wearing glasses or using eye drops can help alleviate this. You may also consider using hand cream or facial moisturizer to moisturize your skin. Use the Restroom: Using the in-flight restrooms can help you feel more comfortable on long flights. However, there may be restrictions on restroom use during takeoff, landing, and food service.
Sleep and Rest: Sleeping and resting are important on long flights. Find a comfortable sleeping position, wear a sleep mask, and block out outside noise by using earplugs.
Meals and Snacks: Choose healthy and light meals during in-flight meal service. You can supplement your snacks with healthy options you bring yourself.
Entertainment: During the flight, you can use the entertainment system to spend time with activities like watching movies, listening to music, or reading a book.
Burp: Gas buildup can occur during the flight. Remember that this is a normal physiological response and relieve it by using the restroom if necessary.
Post-Flight Steps
Hydration: Low humidity levels inside the airplane can lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water after the flight can prevent dehydration and revitalize the body.
Move: It’s important to get active after sitting on the plane for a long time. Take a walk around the airport or do some stretching in the rest areas to improve your circulation. Get Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight after a flight can regulate your circadian rhythm and reduce the effects of jet lag. If it’s sunny at the airport or your destination, spend some time outside.
Adapting: If the time zone at your destination has changed, try to adapt your body to the new time zone to reduce jet lag. Eating according to the local time zone at your destination and adjusting your sleep schedule accordingly can reduce the effects of jet lag.
Get Enough Sleep: Try to establish a proper sleep schedule after arriving at your destination. If necessary, take a short nap to compensate for sleep loss.
Soothing Activities: Air travel can be stressful. Engage in relaxing activities to relax at your destination. Unwind with activities like reading, meditation, walking, or light exercise.
Balanced Nutrition: Eating a healthy meal at your destination can nourish the body and increase energy levels. Focus on balanced meals, especially for your first meal at your destination.
Arranging Luggage: Organizing your luggage at the airport is part of completing your trip. It’s important to relax and maintain a low-energy consumption by organizing and packing your luggage.
Things You Shouldn’t Consider When Packing:
Check the weather forecast at your destination and choose your clothing accordingly. It’s also important to dress appropriately for your destination’s culture. Check your airline’s baggage weight limits. Packing your bag according to these limits can prevent additional charges. Check carry-on baggage regulations. Organize your carry-on baggage to accommodate restrictions on liquids, electronic devices, and other items. Use a luggage lock to keep your bag secure. Also, include a tag with your name, contact information, and travel details. Carry valuables, documents like your passport, and essential items in your hand luggage. This is important in case your bag gets lost or arrives late. Pack enough clothing and personal care products for your trip. Also, keep a few essentials in your hand luggage in case your bag gets lost. Check the battery life of your electronic devices and bring chargers if necessary. Some countries and airlines may impose restrictions on the import or transport of certain items. Check these restrictions in advance. If you have special allergies or health needs, take the necessary precautions. For example, bring your medications and necessary documents. You can book a comfortable seat on your flight in advance.