Jesse here.
Ok, my parents are taking a flight this weekend for the first time in over 20 years so I decided to type up a list of things to keep in mind before and during their trip.
This is by no means all-encompassing and will likely overlook some small details but it covers the majority of what people need to know about getting to an airport and what to do once they’re there.
PLEASE refer to your airline’s official website for all information regarding bags, prices, times, etc. Literally everything.
Only use my notes as basic, starter information. I’m not a travel expert, I just know what works for me.
If you see any glaring errors and have major suggestions for improvements to this list, please send me a note: jesse@stage.b105.com
Happy flying!
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Make sure to check-in for your flight before getting to the airport. You can typically do this as early as 24 hours before your flight is scheduled to take off.
If your airline offers an app, I would suggest using it so that your boarding pass is easily accessible.
You can also print your boarding pass at home or print it from a kiosk once you get to the airport.
I would recommend getting to the airport 2-3 hours early, if you’re not a seasoned flyer.
To get to the airport, you can either take an Uber or you can park your own car there for a daily fee.
If you choose to park, go to the airport website to look up which parking lot you want to park in before you get to the airport. There’s typically several different options. The further away, the cheaper. Most will offer free shuttles to the main airport building unless it’s within walking distance. The shuttles typically run every few minutes from the shelter buildings in the parking lot. Sometimes they’ll even wait for you at your car.
If you park close enough, you can walk to the main building. This (and valet) is the most expensive option. Otherwise, the shuttle will take you there.
If you’re checking a bag, go to the check-in counter for your airline. There may be weight-limits on your bag so you should look into this before you pack.
If not checking a bag and only bringing a carry-on, go straight to security.
Here’s some info on carry-ons regarding size limits:
https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/airline-carry-on-luggage-size-guide
You’ll need your ID and your boarding pass ready for a TSA officer to look at it. You may have to wait in a line to get up to them.
After that, you’ll need to put your bags on the belt for scanning. You’ll need to take off your shoes, jackets, belts, etc, and put those in a bin for scanning as well. If you have any questions, you can ask a TSA worker.
Important:
No weapons of any kind allowed in your bags.
No bottles of liquid bigger than 3.4 OUNCES allowed. No full size shampoo, conditioner, etc… You’ll need to bring travel sizes but your hotels will likely have the basics.
Every liquid container must be smaller than 3.4 ounces and must be placed in a clear quart-sized baggie. (Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants, etc)
If you need small travel-size toiletries, you can usually find them at Walmart, Target, etc.
No drinks in your bag. You can always buy more once you get through security. You can bring an empty water bottle, however, and fill it up in the gate area after you pass security.
Snacks are allowed.
For more info on what is or isn’t acceptable in a carry-on, check out this website:
https://thehill.com/bestreviews/591860-what-you-can-and-cant-pack-in-a-carry-on/
After you pass through the metal detectors, you’ll be able to wait for your bags on the other side of the scanner.
You can grab all of your belongings, put your shoes back on, etc, and head to your gate.
I would suggest using the restrooms before boarding the plane.
At the gate, airline workers will announce when boarding is starting. It will happen 30-40 mins before the flight is scheduled to take off. You don’t HAVE to be there when boarding starts but you MUST be there several minutes before the flight is scheduled to take off. (For example, with Delta, it’s 15 minutes)
Refer to your boarding pass to know which section you’re sitting in. Once the airline worker announces your section for boarding, you can head up to the counter to scan your boarding pass and get on the plane.
On the plane, you can store your carry-on bags in the bins above your seats. If you bring a small personal item with you, you’ll need to store it under the seat in front of you.
Flight attendants can help you with just about anything so don’t be afraid to ask.
(Delta) They’ll likely offer you a free pair of earbuds to plug into the TVs in the seats so make sure you take them so you can watch a movie or a TV show! You don’t need to give the earbuds back at the end, they’re yours to keep.
Buckle up and relax while the rest of the passengers board.
Put your phones in airplane mode before the plane takes off. That means no phone calls during the flight.
(Delta) After the plane takes off, you’ll be able to connect your phone to Delta WiFi. Your phone will stay in airplane mode though.
You can go to your phone settings and select “DeltaWifi” under the WiFi options.
Then go to the web and search DeltaWifi.com and it should bring up a page where you can select which internet option you’d like to use. They usually offer a free messaging option.
It may ask you to log in to your SkyMiles account for this. You’ll need your sky miles login info.
You can skip all of this if you don’t want to message anyone during your flight, but it’s nice to have the option in case you want to let someone know that you’re arriving soon.
Ask a flight attendant if you need help.
Depending on the flight, drinks and snacks will be offered during the trip.
Once you land, don’t forget to take your phone OUT of airplane mode.