So I need help with how to get on an aeroplane

[IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece]

I’ve been putting this thread off for ages because frankly I’m embarrassed.

I’m 31 and haven’t been on a plane since I was 17 and quite honestly have no idea how too.

I’m flying with a good friend in 6w who is unbelievably well traveled and although she would never make me feel silly I would like to be vaguely prepared.

I’ve booked the flight...then what...how the fuck do you get on an aeroplane!

Honest to god, this feels so fucking ridiculous

Turn up, find where to check in your bags on the board, go there, check bags, follow signs to departures/security, go through security. Hang out in the duty free shops / restaurants until your gate is announced. Follow signs to gate. Follow instructions to board plane.

You’ll do fine :)

I bet there are lots of youtube videos on how to navigate airports, security, get on planes, what to pack, how to board, etc. I am not kidding. Ryan Air etc. will have made the videos to help people like OP who feel out of their depth.

It's not any different to the last time you did it. Just maybe more security checks.

YouTube videos is a great idea - there will be loads! I’m sure there will even be one for the exact airport you’re flying from. That should put you at ease.

Just follow your friend.

Get to the airport
Check the Departures board for your flight eg 12.40 Milan Easyjet and look for the corresponding check in desk number
Go to that desk and either check in (if you haven't already checked in online) and drop your bag off
(If you've checked in online and are only bringing carry on baggage skip this and go straight to Departures)
Head towards Departures
To get here you will need to go through airport security
Once through security look for another departures boards to see which gate number your plane is boarding from
Go to that gate and wait with everyone else until the staff tell you it's time to board the plane

Check in
Security
Follow signs for gate

Just follow your friend!

Be ahead of the game re liquids/hand luggage. Save hassle by knowing how much of what you can take through security, ready to go in plastic bags.

24 hours before the flight (sometimes it can be 48 hours or longer depending on the airline), check in online. Print out the boarding pass or have it on your mobile phone, either within the airline app or a screenshot (from when you select 'email me a link'.

On the day of the flight, show the boarding pass at the checkin desk when you check your luggage in. The boarding pass is also needed to get through security, and eventually onto the plane.

Don't forget about following security advice for liquids. Suggest wearing no jewellery or belt, clothes and shoes with no metal (e.g. thick leggings instead of jeans) and easy-to-take-off shoes.

Be ready to take off any coats, jackets, cardigans if asked to by security, and wear a top you won't be embarrassed to be seen in public with your arms raised up over your head, in case you have to go through the body scanner. So not a skimpy vest showing side boob unless you're comfortable with that.

First things first. Have you got a valid passport? If not, there’s still time to sort one out.

Next, go to your airline’s website and check their baggage policies. If you are planning to check in a bag, you may need to pay for it separately. Do so before you get to the airport. If you’re not planning to check in a bag, make sure the dimensions and weight of your carry-on bag comply with the airline’s policies. If it doesn’t, you will have to pay to check it in. Also, make absolutely sure you understand the rules about what is prohibited to take into the aircraft cabin, and the restrictions on carrying liquids.

Given that you are unfamiliar with airports, I suggest planning to arrive at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. Most airlines allow you to check in online, and to download your boarding pass onto your smartphone. If you have an iPhone, you can keep the pass in the wallet app. Alternatively, most airlines now have self-service check-in machines at airports which are similar to supermarket self-service checkouts.

When you get to the airport, head for Departures and look for signs to ‘bag drop’ if you need to check in a bag. Then, keep following the departures signs to the security checkpoint. This is the stressful bit. First, scan your boarding pass at the barrier. There should be uniformed staff to point you in the right direction. Then join a queue for security scanning. When you get to the scanner, grab a tray then put your carry-on bag into the tray. Take your laptop/tablet out of your bag and put it in the tray. Empty your pockets into the tray. Follow the security staff’s instructions and go through the scanner. If it bleeps, you will be searched by someone of the same sex. Your bag may be searched randomly. Don’t take this personally, the staff are just doing their jobs.

And relax... look up at the screens to find out which gate your flight departs from. When the screens say ‘boarding’, follow the signs and make your way to the gate. Follow the staff’s instructions on when to board. Have your passport and boarding pass ready for inspection. Get on the aircraft.

Enjoy your trip!

I forgot something! At security, you will be asked to remove your coat / jacket/ outer layer and you may be asked to remove your belt & shoes. Again; comply & don’t take this personally.

Please remember they don’t always announce boarding over the tannoy so once you are through security, position yourself by a board so you can check which gate and when it is boarding. Allow plenty of time to get to the gates.

Which airport are you flying from, we may be able to give you some specifics?

Don't be like the woman in front of me today who was trying to board with group A when her ticket clearly said group B.

Oh god, thank you SO much!

I’ll totally follow my friend but am trying to avoid looking like a complete fool if possible

YouTube is an excellent idea!

Thanks all, so much appreciated

Check your airlines website for rules on hand and hold luggage size and weight, check in times, whether there's a charge for checking in at the airport etc, because they are all different.

Also how are you getting to the airport? How are you getting to your destination at the other end?