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Original poster

Ok, forgive my idiocy, but how do I catch a flight?!

109 replies

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 30/10/2019 16:50

I’ve flown once in 10y but was with a friend and my anxiety was so horrendous that I don’t remember any of it. Literally none.

I’m flying EasyJet from Gatwick

I’ve checked in online, I only have carry on luggage.

Do I have to go to the check in desk or just go straight to security? Is security signposted easily?

Once I’m through security do I just wait for the electronic sign to say which gate then go straight there and wait?!

I know this is ridiculous but I need a plan in my head of what will happen beforehand

OP posts:
MyKingdomForBrie · 30/10/2019 16:53

Go straight to security, it is clearly signed. Once through have a look at the electronic sign - it will tell you what time your gate will be announced, once it is announced you can go to the gate and wait for boarding.

Ghoulette1740 · 30/10/2019 17:02

I haven't flown much either OP so thanks for starting the thread.

MrsJoshNavidi · 30/10/2019 17:12

There will be plenty of people you can ask at the airport if you're not sure what to do when you get there.

Top tip - wear slip on shoes. You'll have to take them off when you go through the luggage scanning thingy.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Flying Holidays
CakeNinja · 30/10/2019 17:15

To add to what @MyKingdomForBrie said, if you ask anyone in an airport/airline uniform they will be happy to help you.

Knittedfairies · 30/10/2019 17:17

Some help here - and it's not a ridiculous question; we've all been first-timers at some point.

pollyhampton · 30/10/2019 17:19

When you get to security you will need to put all your belongings in a tray to be screened, use two trays so you can spread things out. I always take my belt and watch off and put them through. Make sure your clear bag with toiletries is out of your bag to. Then you'll be directed to walk through the security arch, dont panic if you set the alarm off, I do every time! Then walk through and look for departure boards. I use Easyjet app and it notifies me of the gate so I dont have to keep looking (I struggle to find the right info on the boards!)

mencken · 30/10/2019 17:20

plenty of help about and don't be afraid to ask.

The rules about 'liquids' apply to liquids, gels and pastes - so all slap and toiletries count. Unless an item is solid, it counts.

take as little as possible, weight uses fuel and fuel burning generates greenhouse gases. Not saying 'don't fly' but try to be responsible.

TheSecretJeven · 30/10/2019 17:24

Remember that you can't take liquids through security unless they're 100ml or smaller, they need to be in a clear ziplock-type bag.

anniemac1 · 30/10/2019 17:25

excellent thread thank you

Original poster
IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 30/10/2019 17:27

Thank you all for being so nice! I’ve felt a bit mocked after asking some friends!

I have my boarding pass on my phone. Do I need to print it also?!

OP posts:
Dyrne · 30/10/2019 17:28

See if you can get a plastic liquids bag online before you go - then you can pack it all before you go and you’re not stressing about having to do it at the airport. If you can’t get one beforehand, then I’d still keep all liquids together in a Tesco bag or similar, then you’re not scrabbling around your bag trying to find the lip balm.

Also, if you’ve checked in online do you have a copy of your boarding card? If on your phone or the app, I’d recommend taking a screenshot of it when it’s up; that way if the app starts playing up you can switch to the photo and still scan through. I also tend to email all important documents (passport, boarding pass, hotel details, insurance etc) to myself so I can get a copy if anything happens while I’m travelling or abroad.

victoria0132 · 30/10/2019 17:32

I would print your boarding pass too in case you're delayed and your phone runs out of battery

MsChatterbox · 30/10/2019 17:42

I would print boarding pass. Don't like to rely on technology at these times! Also you can make sandwiches etc to take with you just be conscious of filling (I took cheese tomato and Mayo)

Pashazade · 30/10/2019 17:47

I would definitely print your boarding pass in case your phone decides to stop working, but assuming your phone is working you use it at the security barriers (before you reach the bit where you have to put your stuff in the trays) just place it face down with the boarding pass QR square showing on your screen and it should let you through, don't panic if it doesn't read it straight away. They can also read the pass details off your phone when they scan it before you get on the plane.

Shoobydoo123 · 30/10/2019 17:49

If you’re at Gatwick I don’t think they actually announce flights any more, you’ll need to watch the boards.

ToniHargis · 30/10/2019 17:50

Easy Jet flies out of North Terminal. (And I'm only saying this because I pitched up at Hrow Terminal 5 last week and I should have been at 3!)
www.gatwick-airport-guide.co.uk/north.html#checkIn

TheSecretJeven · 30/10/2019 18:01

Another travel tip: you can carry an empty water bottle through security and fill it airside from a water fountain or ask at a bar. I do this all the time to help reduce my plastic waste.

CherryCheezcake · 30/10/2019 18:07

It's definitely worth checking out the website of the airport you are flying from (as opposed to the airline). You can look at a map of the terminal, find out transport links, see what shops and refreshments are available, and so on.

Some airports

CherryCheezcake · 30/10/2019 18:09

Some airports charge if you need one pic the sealable bags for liquids, some give them out free at security. The airport website should have info, you can buy sealable bags from the supermarket so long as you check the size.

Examssuck · 30/10/2019 18:10

Great question OP, flying is one of those things it’s just assumed we know what to do as adults.

We recently flew hand luggage only and it was great. Straight to security and through to departures. Much less faff.

Have a good trip.

carlywurly · 30/10/2019 18:58

Tip here from last week - screen shot your boarding pass on your phone, then if the signal isn't great you aren't waiting for anything to load.

Original poster
IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 30/10/2019 19:19

Gosh thank you all so much! You’ve made me feel far less of an idiot!

I can’t print my boarding pass but have screenshot it so it’ll be accessible from both my iPad and phone.

So to confirm

I go to the North terminal

Go straight to security (no need to go to check in desks or machines just follow sign to security)

Have my passport and boarding pass to hand to show/ scan as I go to security

Go through security, taking all electronics (phone, iPad and battery pack charger) out and placing in a separate tray along with my coat. All medicine and liquids in a small clear plastic bag.

Go through the security arch

Collect my belongings and stuff back in my bag

Wait around the terminal until my gate is announced (by that I mean put on the board) then follow the signs to my gate number then wait at the gate seating area.

I really need to not have to check my bag (I don’t have time to wait for it at the other end) and easyJet have first come first serve for 70 bags, is there anyway I can ensure mine doesn’t get checked (even if it costs extra!)?

OP posts:
lalafafa · 30/10/2019 19:21

Can you add speedy boarding so you get on first?

lalafafa · 30/10/2019 19:23

How are you getting to Gatwick? Driving is horrendous, we’ve nearly missed 2 flights because of the bloody M25.

WineOrGin · 30/10/2019 19:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.