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

[IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece]

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

Underwired bra will be fine. Even if you set the beeper off (unlikely) they won't ask you to remove it!

I doubt you will be able to upgrade to Speedy boarding if you have already checked in. I've noticed they tend to let people keep the squashy backpack type bags as these can fit under the seat.

At the first sign of any activity at the gate, boarding staff appearing etc, get in the queue. I stand with my kindle to pass the time, as you can be there for a while. The nearer the front you are, the more likely you can keep your case.

Why are you anxious about keeping your case, out of interest? We may be able to reassure you.

Barbara is that poster the lady being discussed on J Vine R2 right now?!

I wanted to confirm what @Myimaginaryfamiliarhasfleas said. The best way to keep your bag with you is to be one of the first on the plane within your boarding group. So as soon as you see someone else lining up in your boarding group join the line.

How do I know what my boarding group is? I’m row 20

I don't think so. I assume that you are referring to Mary Beard, because I've just read about her in the paper in a similar situation in the last few days - bulky jacket/cardigan over a black vest with no bra(!) and being made to take the outer layer off so feeling rather undressed.

The poster I was referring to on here was a while ago, but she got a bit of a pasting because she seemed to think that airport security rules shouldn't apply to her because she'd unintentionally not dressed appropriately.

Oh and I’m not nervous about not having my bag with me, I just have a v tight schedule when I get off the plane and being slowed down by baggage reclaim would be shit!

The Easyjet website says you can choose an Up-front seat which gives you speedy boarding, guaranteed bag and you'll be first off the plane. You need to go to 'Manage my booking' on their website.

www.easyjet.com/en/help/booking-and-check-in/choosing-a-seat

Ah. Thanks for clarifying.

Just a warning that some countries / airports can have long queues to get through security / immigration on arrival so even though you've not got a suitcase to collect, it might still take a while to get out of the airport.

If you don't have speedy boarding, then you're in the general group. As soon as gate is announced, go to ghe gate and stand in line where it says ..um..not sure actually, general, or other passengers. So the line that does not say speedy boarding.

However, if they take the case away at the gate, it's usually also delivered back at the aircraft - so you will get it immediately after you land, not at the baggage reclaim with other luggage.

I’ve just paid £10 for speedy boarding so hopefully that’ll solve the problem!

Do they announce speedy boarding at the gate or do I need to look out for any signed announcements

You will be split into two queues at the gate. Speedy Boarding and non priority. Special assistance and young children will probably be boarded first, along with Speedy Boarding. After that it's first come first served.

Are you catching a connection or being picked up by taxi? If the latter, the taxi drivers keep an eye on arrivals so they know if you've been delayed and allow for it.

I've learnt something from you, OP! I didn't think you'd be able to upgrade after checking in.

Speedy boarding has it's own queue. It will be the shorter one and there should be a sign saying which queue is which but that is not always the case IME.

Speedy boarding goes first, along with parents with children. So you can still get on the plane ahead of everyone else even if you don't stand in the queue.

Thank you!

I’ve got a friend meeting me at the airport so that’s all good.

I’m going to Copenhagen and am trying to work out the arrivals procedure through passport control and then where do I go, it’s hard to figure out (I’ve been there before on the only flight I’ve taken in 10y a few months ago but I remember nothing! I have some sort of anxiety induced amnesia!)

After passport control you go through the baggage reclaim area. If you don't have to wait for your case you can continue straight to arrivals, there will be a Nothing to Declare route signposted. In arrivals, if your friend isn't waiting there for you, there will be signs to pick-up areas, buses, taxis etc.

epassport gates are much faster than queuing the traditional way. If you're not travelling with an under 16yo you can use them (under 12yo coming back into Luton.)

I flew with easyJet last week and on the return flight the app gave me the gate number at least 30 minutes before it appeared on the departure boards.

Don't know about Copenhagen but Schiphol airport in Amsterdam doesn't require you to put your liquids in the tray for security, they have equipment that scans it in your bag. Mine was selected for extra testing though, there was obviously something dodgy-looking about my Body Shop body spray

I'm trying to book Gatwick Express for a flight too but it's telling me earliest trains are at 5am. How did you find such an early train please? Does it depend what day you travel?

I've always got taxis at that time as didn't realise the trains ran so early!

MiaowMix where are you travelling from? I think the Thameslink from Blackfriars runs all night ( we always go from E Croydon & trains come from either Victoria or Blackfriars)

ah thanks Nancy - I was looking at Victoria but can easily get to Blackfriars.

From SE London

Can I just say that I found the staff at Gatwick really helpful when I was looking lost and puzzled. Everyone was very kind, so don't hesitate to ask if you're not sure.
It sounds as if you know exactly what to do though!

Copenhagen is a lovely easy airport! Easyjet always seem to come in at the far end, and you go through passport control there- last month it was still people in a booth, not self scan; and it's then a bit of a walk to the main hall. You go down a lift or escalator by a Smiths and a Steff's burger- if you get to Joe and the Juice you have gone past it! That takes you to baggage reclaim and the exit, and you come out by a burger king and the trains.

Sorry for the hand luggage confusion! It was Ryanair I was thinking of. Ignore me, OP! 😅

Thanks all! I’m off tomorrow morning and feeling much better prepared then a couple of days ago!

Good luck! Get to the front of the easy boarding queue if you can. I find checked luggage comes off really quickly most of the time now