Is this your first flight ever as an airline passenger? You are in the right place to learn all the tips and tricks for your first trip while getting through airport security in time for your flight.
In order to get to the airplane, being screened in airport security is a requirement for travelers. Know that for your first time flying in an airplane you may make mistakes, and that is okay. These quick tips will help you travel the globe without a worry in the world.
If you want to just watch the video, tap below.
Luggage Sizing
Check your airline’s luggage size requirements. You will research google + checked luggage size requirements OR google + carryon size dimensions. Each airline could have different baggage rules.
Checked luggage needs to be given to a ticket counter employee before airport security. Carryon luggage will go in the overhead bins in the airplane. A personal item bag will go under the seat in front of you and must follow that airline’s rules.
TSA
You then go through airport security screening. Show your ID and ticket to the TSA officer, put them away in your bag, and proceed to the line.
In the TSA line, follow these rules for liquids that are in your carryon bags.
A relief for your first flight is that the TSA alarm will not go off if you wear sequins on your shirt or have a shampoo container too big for the bag of liquids. It just means they will need to check your bag by hand…which takes up to 15 minutes extra.
Airport security screening for airline passengers is inconsistent even though there are standard rules.
Some airports make passengers take off shoes, some allow you to keep liquids bag inside your luggage.
Take things out of your pockets; do not put anything in there until after security so you will not forget this tip.
Even in PreCheck I have had to take off my belt. In Mexico twice now, they have pointed to my watch and motioned to take it off for screening.
My mom had to take out her CPAP machine motor in Canada, and we had to take off shoes. In Brussels, nothing had to come out, even my liquid prescription medicine.
Traveling with Medication
Traveling with medicine is so much easier now because the Transportation Security Administration has been trained on the usual medications. On their website they tell you to inform the TSA officers that you have the medication and 9 times out of 10, they will not need you to pull it out of your bag.
They also allow liquid prescriptions in containers larger than the 3.4 oz requirement if you tell them prior to sending your luggage through the screener, but the site also says you need the prescription. Most things, like contact lens solution and over the counter liquid meds, are allowed too.
If you travel with prescription pills that are heavy or controlled substance, make sure you have the prescription somewhere.
Boarding Times
New travel tip is that airplanes are so much longer that they board almost 45 minutes before departure time, and they shut the door 20 minutes before.
The number 1 tip every first time flyer needs to know:
Arrive 2 hours before flight departure time!
On your ticket it will tell you the gate number for your first flight. It may be helpful to look on the airport’s app map (or on its website the night before) to find out how to get there.
TIP: Many travelers forget to read signs inside the airport. Move to the side of the concourse and look at your ticket so that you do not stop the flow or trip up any passengers walking with heavy rolling suitcases.
Travel Attire
Clots in leg are a real problem for passengers in a seated position with trousers that are too tight on your legs or even around your waist – I have a video of what NOT to wear in the airplane that I learned the hard way.
Travel tip: every hour move your foot in lower case abc’s to help with circulation, especially if you have not gotten up.
If you need to know what NOT to wear in airport security, this video right here is going to give you so much peace of mind the next time your fly.
Other Tips
Coats go last!
I had to get my coat out of the overhead bin once.
Here is a tip: use a packable bag or bring your coat rolled up in a trash bag. That way you can stuff it wherever it will fit.
Turbulence is normal, and my husband who is an airline pilot, teaches you about it in a video too. I detest it because I am so scared of turbulence, and this video has helped many many people.
But here is the tip so many have learned last year: keep your seatbelts buckled all the time for safety.
The gate agent will tell you when it is your turn or your section to board. They use an ordering system by names or numbers.
Your airline’s app will be so helpful the day before your trip and day of. You can find so much information out on there. Play around with it. Watch youtube videos for that airline’s app to learn how to use it.