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.

The main thing to remember is your liquids. These need to be no more than 100ml each and in a clear liquid bag. You can pick up a bag just before security if that's easier.
It's not just the actual liquid that needs to be under 100ml, but the bottle too. So if you had 150ml bottle of sun cream but there was only a small amount left it wouldn't be accepted. The container itself must be no more than 100ml.
Liquids includes pastes, aerosols, creams, various make up items etc. All needs to be in the specific liquid bag. For example mine has toothpaste, shampoo, sun cream etc but also mascara, foundation, perfume, deodorant and concealer.

How odd. I must have flown 250/300 return flights both short and long haul with loads of carriers and never been given sweets for take off. A couple do for landing (Virgin and Air NZ).

Also never been on a flight when someone's clapped a landing

My last flight was through London City, and apparently you have to put your hair straighteners separately into the trays now, just like liquids.

Which terminal and airline are you using? I think people have covered everything but the one thing that caught my friend out was the departure time is the departure time not the time you get on a plane. They usually want everyone boarded at least five mins before or it delays the plane so boarding usually opens 30-40 mins before departure time and if you turn up at departure time you may be denied boarding as you are too late.

I clap when we land 🤣

But there's zero chance the cabin crew will be handing out sweets!

And no more than 10 x 100ml containers of liquid.

You need to put kindles, iPads etc into the trays separately too.

I always thought it was no more than 10x 100ml but upon googling it looks like it's no more than 1,000ml rather than it needing to split over 10 items. So I could have 15 items totalling less than 1,000ml.

The direct gov site says this:

"If you do take liquids in your hand luggage:

containers must hold no more than 100ml

containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm"

Seems to imply as long as it's no more than a litre there isn't a specific number of items.

Ah ok, maybe check with the airport you're flying from OP because a woman in front of me in July was having to choose which items she wanted to bin to bring hers down to 10. That was Manchester

Mascara, roll on deodorant, lip gloss, foundation etc all count as liquid / gel.

Take off is great, love the feeling of being pushed back in seat under acceleration. The only thing I’ve enjoyed more was a fairly late go-around in very lightly loaded 737 with what was clearly quite a high thrust setting and a steep climb out of Liverpool John Lennon.

Also never been on a flight when someone's clapped a landing

I have - but that was because we'd flown transatlantic through a hurricane, so for a good portion of the flight there was a LOT of turbulence and it was a bit scary. So people applauded the pilots with relief when we landed.

Check if you have to pay for hand luggage , most budget airlines only let you take an under the seat bag for free , and a trolley case which goes above your head you have to pay for.

You don't only get one bag, you can take as many liquids under 100ml as you want

wear something warm. couldn't believe how cold the air conditioning was.

You don't only get one bag, you can take as many liquids under 100ml as you want

You get one clear re-sealable bag max. 20cm x 20cm per person, and can take as many containers up to 100mL as you can fit into the bag and still seal it.

First: Make sure you go to the right terminal at the airport.
If you check in online and have only hand luggage it's much simpler and easier, you'll have your boarding pass on your phone.
Go to security, have your boarding pass ready.
For some internal flights there is a new/old system where they take a 'photo' at the access point. Scan your boarding pass on the gate, (similar to train turnstiles) and stand on the footprints and look at the screen. Go through the gates, head for security. Have your electronics, electrical items and liquids bag ready. Put them in a separate tray from your bag. Remove your coat, cardigan, boots, belt, empty your pockets. Wait for the loader to ask you relevant questions and then proceed to the security arch.
Head for the gates, check one of the many screens around for which gate your flight will depart from. Head for that gate.
You don't only get one bag, you can take as many liquids under 100ml as you want
In the UK, at this moment you can only have one clear resealable plastic bag measuring no more than 20x20cm. In it must be all your liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, e-cigs etc etc. If it spreads, sprays or spills it should be in there, and the bag must fasten.
With the exception of liquid medication - if this is over 100mls, or it takes you over your one bag you must have a prescription with you (though not for inhalers, EpiPens or insulin) in your name.
You can't take drinks through (unless it's for a child under the)
All electrical items bigger than a phone should be laid in a tray, with nothing overlapping or stacked up. Including hair straighteners, irons, speakers etc etc.

You can listen to music in headphones during take off and landing. If you are feeling at all nervous I'd highly recommend listening to some loud music that makes you want to dance, the sound of the engines sometimes feels a bit of a roar and the sound of the wheels going in can sound odd if you don't realise what it is. Honestly it's all pretty gentle, even turbulence which can be a shock when it happens because it is so smooth the rest of the time if you close your eyes it doesn't feel any worse than a car going down an untarmacked road.

@Marooney no I don't think that's correct, I fly quite a bit and I'm pretty certain it's 1 bag of liquids (with the exception of medication as others have said).

It’s one bag of liquid items per person - my friend had 2 bags and had to ditch one of them, including contents

I wouldn't get too bogged down in the minutia of what liquids one can take; unless OP is packing for a month she probably has minimal toiletries.

Air travel is exciting, fun and safe. I remember that we put my 83-year-old gran on a flight to my sister's wedding; it was her first time in the air. My dad, who loved to fly, was grinning from ear to ear to see his mother experience aviation. The pilot congratulated her over the public address system and everyone applauded.

She said if she'd known it was that easy she would have gotten on a plane much sooner (this was in the 1990s). I have a photo of everyone in our party clustered around her seat and it's very precious.

Don't worry about anything, OP, it's all part of the experience -- I hope you have a magical flight.

Is 2 hours enough time

Your airline booking will tell you how much time to allow; follow their advice.
It can vary according to which airport, time of year, variations in staffing (caused by illness, or strikes, or extra security worries). Take a book to entertain yourself while waiting.

There are always uniformed staff whose job is to give directions and help, don't be embarrassed to ask.

Where are you flying from and to ?

If it is London City airport the planes are small and the runway is short. Therefore the take off is much steeper than other airports and noisier. More fun!
The landing will also be a quick one with heavy braking.

Hope you enjoy it.

Last tip; as its your first flight, be sure to book a window seat so you get a good view.

As other have said, security is where lot of people mess up. It really is one clear bag of a set size provided in the airport. Dont rock up with a home sandwich bag with something written on it. They will make you swap it. Don't take tweezers.

Don't wear big bulky hard to remove shoes. Don't wear socks you are embarrassed by. Don't bother with loads of jewellery. Don't wear trousers that may fall down if you take your belt off then are asked to raise your arms for a pat down (sadly I witnessed this!) Don't wear a hoody or jacket you aren't prepared to take off (eg with only bra underneath).

Do listen to the guards instructions. Stand where they tell you, walk when then tell you. They may single your bag out for residue swabbing. Don't worry about this unless you work with fertiliser.

I hate take off, but it's quick. Turbulence isn't great either. Planes are either freezing or really hot, usually freezing.

Have a lovely journey