Going on a plane for the first time - a few questions

[newtoflying]

I'm going on a plane soon for the first time, I've done some research and just want to check I understand everything. For context I'll be flying a short domestic flight from Heathrow.

• How early before my flight should I arrive? Is 2 hours enough time?
• When I get to the airport, is the first thing I do get my boarding pass, and then go through security? Do I then go and find my gate and just hang around there? Is it quite easy to find where I need to go in the airport? I think I'll only need hand luggage (a handbag and a cabin-sized suitcase), so I'm hoping that will be easier?
• Does the cabin suitcase go in storage above our heads (i.e. will it be difficult to lift it up? I'll be on my own so worried about that)
• I'll be taking one packet of tablets with me, they have a sticker on the box from the pharmacy with my name on - is that enough proof that they are prescribed to me or do I need a doctor's note?
• I'm trying to figure out what I can bring with me on the plane, can I bring my hair straighteners and hair dryer?
• What does it feel like when the plane takes off and lands, is it quite steady/a gradual incline/decline or does it feel quite steep? Just trying to prepare mentally for what to expect...

I've been on the Eurostar before so that's the only similar thing I have to compare it with.

• depending on airline, and not having hold luggage, you can probably check in online, and having the boarding pass before you get there

-check your cabin allowance, especially dimensions. It varies per airline and your handbag may have to go in the cabin bag.

• bigger bags go overhead. You usually have to do this yourself. (But if you are visibly struggling, another passenger is likely to help, even just to avoid the hold up!)

• at airport, you go through security. You need electronics and liquids separate for this. No one liquid can be more than 100ml. This includes stuff like mascara. An empty water bottle is OK.

• keep checking boards for gates. You will be notified when to go there.

2 hours is fine.
Yes boarding card from desk then go to security. Then there will be screens everywhere with all flights telling you where your gate is.
You'll then know if you have time to eat/drink at a cafe or bar. If you want to just sit at the gate for the whole time waiting, you can do that too.

For cabin bag, it depends who you're flying with. Some airlines now only let some people bring hand luggage on and some are required to put them in the hold.

Medicine- fine.

Straighteners fine. hair dye no because its liquid. (Unless it's under 100 mls and in a clear bottle)

Take off and landing is very gradual. Not steep.

To answer Q3, if it is your hand luggage/ what you are carrying onto the plane and it is too big to go under the seat in front of you, then yes, you will have to put it in the overhead storage, I wouldn't worry about this though and I'm sure someone will help you if you're struggling.
To answer Q6, take off is worse than landing in my opinion, you're just pushed back into your seat as it takes off, but after about 30 seconds or so it's fine. I love landing though, you can feel the plane slowly getting lower about 10 minutes beforehand and then it feels like its going down diagonally before hitting the ground (which can feel quite bumpy) but it's fun to count down from ten and try to get to 0 as it hits the ground, might help you calm down.
I've just realised the way I described them sounds very worrying but it feels fine, I assure you!
Overall, I wouldn't worry, enjoy your flight!

What airline are you flying. Mostly your expected to check in online before airing at the airport these days and just head straight to security when you get there. As it's a domestic flight, they won't be interested in your tablets.

Hope you enjoy it! 2 hours is plenty but if you want to take it all in, you could always go earlier, check out the shops, get a glass of wine etc.

You can probably check in & print your boarding card at home. Some airlines also have boarding passes just on your phone now, check with the airline.

Straightners- fine in hand luggage but take out to scan separately when you go through security.

Re taking off and landing, your ears may hurt a little bit due to pressure changes. You can chew gum of hold your nose, close your mouth and blow to release this.

Two hours is plenty.
Check in online. You can check re bag size on the website.
Security first - see above re liquids and electronics.
Loads of signs everywhere re which gate.
Someone will probably help you lift your bag if you're struggling but you could practice to see if you can lift it above your head yourself for about a half a minute.

It's more of a gradual up and down. It can sound quiet noisy. There can be a bit of sitting on the runway. You can get a snack on board (pay my card).

2 hours for a domestic flight is plenty of time

If you have checked in online then you will receive an electronic ticket with a little barcode. When you arrive at the airport you would then be able to head straight to security. This will save you having to wait in line at a check in desk. At security, you can scan the barcode on your ticket. You will then need to queue up to place your luggage on the belt to be scanned. You will need to remove any liquids from your case & put in a clear plastic bag. Bags will be available in the security area & liquids should be less than 100ml. You will also need to walk through a metal detector at this point.

There will be large tv screens around the airport that list all departures, so keep your eye on these and you will be able to find the gate your plane will depart from.

Your luggage can be stowed in the overhead lockers. Cabin crew can help with this. And yes, you can pack hairdryer & straighteners.

You may feel a gentle recline when the plane takes off. It’s barely noticeable in my opinion. It feels quite steady. One thing that freaked me out a bit my first time on a plane was how loud the flush is in the toilet. So if you pop to the loo just be prepared for the loud suction noise!!

"2 hours for a domestic flight is plenty of time"

Doesn't make much difference if domestic or not does it these days? She'll be able to check in online too so no need to get her boarding card at the airport. In fact some airlines will penalise for not checking in online.

• 2 hours is fine
• medication and the note is fine
• hairdryer and straighteners in cabin are fine

In Healthrow look for your airline branding (unless T5 which is all BA) or look on the board for which zone to check in. Check in and get boarding pass at a desk or they'll make you do it on the machines yourself so make sure you can find your booking reference.

Then look for 'departures' and go through security. Don't hang around landslide. Take out liquids (note pp point about how much and the bag) and any laptops/iPads/kindles from your bag and pop into the trays you see. Take off jewellery, heeled shoes, belts and jackets. I suggest dressing for minimal derobing!

Once on the otherside 'airside' I suggest generally finding where your gate is finding so you get your bearings and you know how long you will take to get there . They are very well signposted and tell you how long it is to walk to them. Boarding time will be on your boarding pass so be at the gate around that time. Beware that it's sometimes up to 40 minutes before departure that boarding starts. Boards everywhere will tell you the status in this general order
-wait in departure lounge
-go to gate
-boarding

• final call

There will be shops and bars/cafes airside so you can do what you want until you need to go to the gate.

• cabin baggage goes overhead. You are going to need to ensure you could lift it above your head.

• flight ascent and decent is rarely steep but you can discern you are going up or down.

There are lots of bings and bongs on takeoff, all very normal (active runway, crew seated, landing gear up, altitude reached, cabin crew commence procedures etc) so don't worry about them and lots of whirring and banging.

Have fun

Bear in mind once you're airside there are no big clocks to helpfully remind you of the time, so make sure you check your watch/ phone regularly and know how long it will take you to walk to your departure gate ( this is always signposted)

It's been a few years since I've flown. Do you still need photo ID such as passport or photocard driving licence for internal flights? if so, just wondered if Op was aware.

Once you're on the plane and seated, you could consider telling one of the flight crew that it's your first flight (and any other info you think might be helpful; i.e. if you're nervous, or curious about an aspect of the plane). They won't sit there and handhold, because they've got 100s of other passengers to look after, but they will keep an eye and will do that extra bit of reassurance (if that's what you're looking for).

IME the taking off feels 'steeper' than any other part. It's also the noisiest bit, but it generally sounds like giant fans going 19 to the dozen. You'll feel it when you reach altitude; there's a sort of levelling off feeling. And the flight crew will start moving around, serving drinks/flogging stuff (depending on the airline).

You can do a Boots click and collect order for your hair dye and pick it up from the store after you clear security.

I needed photo security on an internal flight to Glasgow last year. I used my passport.

• Take some photo ID just in case but it is only checked on a random basis
• Check in online.
• Print your boarding pass as well as having it on your phone. You scan it to walk through and having both means if one doesn't work automatically you have another option.

The queues for security can take a bit of time.

You get the the machine and put your things in a tray to go through a scanner. Electronics have to be out of your bag as well as liquids. You can put your liquids in a clear plastic bag before hand ( sandwich bag) or just pick up one as you go through. There are loads and an area to sort it just before you go through. No container larger than 100mls

Take off: the plane taxis slowly to the end of the runway to get into position. There will have been announcements from the Captain to the cabin crew: “Cc seated for take off” etc. There is then often a shortish wait before it starts it’s take off. It accelerates very fast, and is noisy, and you often don’t feel the moment the plane leaves the ground. It then does climb quite fast, and is noisy until cruising height is reached. During this period the wheels retract into the fuselage.

Then cruising, the plane tips slightly when changing direction, there may be bumps caused by turbulence, they usually announce that.

Landing: you can sometimes hear it feel the wing flaps going down, and see them if you have a window seat. It does feel very very fast as you come close to the runway, is noisy, and you can feel the plane slowing quickly. You often get a bit of a bump or two as the wheels meet the runway, this is normal.

Then the plane taxis slowly to the gate. Stay seated until the seat belt signs go off. (Though generally everyone is up and grabbing their baggage as soon as the plane comes to a halt).

I love the taxiing the anticipation then the final taking off that excitement in the stomach that you are off on holiday. Cracking open the (first) little bottle of wine.
Feel a bit sad now I haven’t been away for a few years next year 🤞🏼. Have a wonderful time OP

Why do people keep talking about hair dye? She said hair dryer

OP As other have said, check in online and either print your boarding pass or better still download your airline's app and have it on your phone. Then you can go straight to security.

One point about the bag for liquids, you only get one bag and it needs to close, so you can't take loads of toiletries. Gels, like lip balms etc also need to go in there. You can go to Boots once you're through security though. You will need to have the liquids bag out of your case and laptop or tablet as well, don't be the annoying person who is totally unprepared and holds up the queue! Mind you they are now trialling the new scanners in T5 where you keep everything in your bag, much better!

Takeoff is my favourite part of flying. Enjoy it!!

l would make sure the medication is in a handbag rather than a case, just in case they ask for the case to be put in the hold and then lose it. Read the list of things the airline considers to be liquids very carefully, and think about what you need to take, what you can transfer to a smaller container and what you can live without for a day or two, some of the items are a bit surprising, be warned they will confiscate anything that is a “liquid” but not in your plastic bag . They are ruthless.

Ascent and descent are gradual. I find both very exciting; aviation is one of humankind's most astounding achievements!

Sometimes after takeoff, if the route requires a turn to a different direction, this can be noticeable and feels like one wing is tipped quite lower than the other. This can be disconcerting but is perfectly safe and normal.

Turbulence is normal and not at all dangerous, any more than a car rumbling over cobblestones. Remember there is not "nothing" between the plane and the ground: there is a hefty amount of air holding it up. Just as a boat sits on water.

When the plane is landed there will be a jolt as the tyres grab the tarmac; perfectly safe and normal. The craft will be going fast and you will feel as the brakes are applied.

I hope you have a window seat and can enjoy the views. Bon voyage!

The cabin crew may give you sweets to suck on to help with your ears popping during takeoff due to the change on pressure.
You will slowly taxi down the runway, then it will suddenly speed up down the runway and you're off! (probably the most exciting bit as CoolAngelica says)
Once the plane has taken off it may change direction so you will feel it tilting to the left or right (DH was surprised by how far it tilted the first time he flew, he didnt expect it, I'd told him all the other stuff but forgot to tell him this bit).
Dont be surprised if you hear someone clapping when the plane lands, it's a custom in some countries.
Enjoy your flight!

Don’t forget boiled sweets, you don’t want to buy them at the airport like I’ve just done, they cost a fortune

check and double check your liquids and electrical items to take out for scanning. The wait for rescanning and checking is always long and takes forever. I know because I missed a Vaseline stick in my bag first time round.

find your gate early then sit back and relax. Enjoy yourself

Security is the most stressful part of flying - you'll queue in the security area and there will be information on what needs to come out of your bag for checking. Basically all electricals need to come out and go in the plastic tray. Your liquids must be in a clear plastic bag - they give them out at the airport, but it saves time if you've already put yours in a bag - a small square ziplock bag. All liquids, pastes, creams such as lip balm, hand cream, mascara - must fit in that bag and must be in containers of less than 100ml.

The security area is often quite pressured and busy - the staff can often be stressed and in my last flying experience - incredibly rude to passengers. You don't always have to take your shoes off - ask the staff and they'll tell you what they want you to do. Jewelry, watches, belts etc need to be taken off - put them in your handbag to keep them safe and to save time when picking them up.

Your tray will go through the scanner, then you have to walk through a body scanner. Often your tray will come out of the scanner earlier than you get to it, or you may have to wait for it. Once it comes through, pick it up and take it to the repacking area to prevent you holding up the line. Then you can take your time to put everything back in your bag etc.

Once you're through, it's much more relaxing! Go and try out some perfume, get a coffee, enjoy yourself! The screens will tell you whether your flight has a gate number yet - if it doesn't, just enjoy yourself and relax. Keep an eye on the screens, they'll show when your gate is ready - then make your way there. Once you're airside (after security) you can buy a drink e.g a bottle of water to take on the flight with you if you want to.

When you take off you'll experience the aircraft speeding up along the runway, then you're up.. It might feel a bit steep for a few minutes while you're climbing. When you land, you'll feel it slowly descending, then you'll start to see that you're getting close to the ground, and it's quite gradual - but when it actually lands there's sometimes a bit of a bump. You'll need to keep your seatbelt on while the aircraft taxis to the gate, then once they announce seatbelts off you're free to stand up and get your stuff - but beware, it becomes a bit of a scrum at this stage! There's nothing wrong with just staying in your seat and taking your time, there's no need to rush.

Enjoy it!

I'd recommend you arrive three hours before your flight especially if it's at peak times. Some airports are still very short staffed and security queues can be slow. I had friends miss a flight last month because of the queues in security.