It will remain with you forever in your memories, although it is also very stressful. Many things come to mind, such as those concerning the security of your flight, the items you should or should not carry with you, etc. As someone who is preparing for his/her first trip by plane, there are a number of things one needs to do. They are:

Be Punctual

The most critical thing in air travel is punctuality. You need to be at the airport about two or three hours early for domestic flights and four hours early for international flights. The security screening and check-in process will take some time.

Before leaving home, ensure you have these important documents:

  • A copy of your ticket, either digital or printed.
  • Valid IDs, such as Aadhaar, PAN card, or passport.
  • Boarding pass, which you can obtain by checking in online to avoid long lines.

Flights generally have two types of bags:

  1. Check-in bag: Larger luggage left at the counter, usually weighing 15 to 25 kg.
  2. Cabin bag: Smaller bag carried on board, typically limited to 7 kg.

Keep power banks, laptops, and lithium batteries in your cabin bag. These are not allowed in check-in luggage. Also, do not carry gels, lotions, or other liquids above 100 ml.

Airport Procedure

  • Entry: Present your ticket and ID at the gate.
  • Check-in: Deposit your bag at the airline counter and get your boarding pass.
  • Security Check: Both you and your handbag will be scanned. Place belts, watches, jackets, and electronics in the tray.
  • Boarding Gate: After security, proceed to your gate and wait for the boarding announcement.

Take-Off and Landing

If you experience any difficulty with your ears during take-off or landing due to the changing pressure, chewing a piece of gum or inserting earplugs will help you balance the pressure. It’s a natural process that should not cause any alarm.

Rules Inside the Plane

  • Seat Belt: Keep it fastened whenever the seat belt sign is on.
  • Listen to Crew: Follow instructions from flight attendants—they’re there for your safety.
  • Electronic Devices: Keep your phone in flight mode during the flight.