Can anyone talk me through how stanstead check in works?

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To explain, I believe I’m a masking female Autisitic woman. My daughters are which made me realise. I get stressed at new things and like to overplan a bit. I have no learning difficulties though.

I’m flying for the first time in twenty years, and it’s getting me a little stressed. Ryanair from stanstead. Whilst the info is online I’d be super grateful if anyone could talk me through a little bit what to do, what to expect.

How early should I get there for a 10:30 flight tomorrow?
I have boarding passes printed and on the app, do I just go straight to security if I have hand luggage?
Generally do you have any tips? What will it be like arriving?

A huge thank you if you find the time to answer this! Save me from whiskey to calm me instead 🤣

Wrt the liquids in plastic bags - in case you're unsure, the max size is 100ml per item with a total max of 10 items

This isn't true. You can have as many items as you like as long as the bag is still able to be sealed.

You can take food and soft drinks just not your own alcohol and you can purchase alcohol onboard the plane. The flight is cashless so card only

You can only have drinks of 100mls or under that would go in your clear bag unless you buy them after security. You can take food but I'd avoid thinks like yoghurt and other things that aren't in a solid state.

Wrt the liquids in plastic bags - in case you're unsure, the max size is 100ml per item with a total max of 10 items.

there is no max no of items. As long as they are all below 100ml and fit in the 20x20 bag it’s all good.

If you are scanning your ticket from the app on your phone, you may need to turn the brightness right up.

Take a bag that allows quick access to passports, phone etc. Get there three hours before flight to give yourself plenty of time. Security is on the far left. Have all electronics, liquids etc, so you can put them in the plastic tray easily. You'll need to take off coat/jacket unless it's very lightweight. And watch etc. Be prepared to remove shoes.

After that, repack your bag, so phone and passports are still accessible. Walk miles through duty free etc and go to one of the bars/cafes, so you can sit down and have a drink even if you don't eat. You're near toilets, info boards and shops. You can take food from home, buy in a shop or on plane. Drinks, as said, you have to buy at shop or on board unless you fill your own bottle. If you are in a bar or cafe, they'll usually fill it for you if you ask.

Keep watching the boards, and make your way to the gate when it's called. If you have a cabin bag, you may have it taken and put in the hold unless you've paid for it to be guaranteed as hand luggage.

Once you're through security, it's fairly relaxed - enjoy your flight!

Hi OP are your daughters travelling with you ? I only ask because you can request for special assistance with Ryan air. My daughter is disabled and struggles with busy places. If you go to special assistance (to the right of the departures entrance) they will be able to get you to the front of the queue for any baggage and security. This should relieve the stress a little bit. They can stay with you and help you at security. You can also get assistance right the way through the airport if you feel like this would be helpful. It was a completely different experience for us this time round and I really recommend it.

Thank you those who replied- sorry I was quiet. I felt daft tbh.

My girls mask well I’ve always felt awkward with lanyards. Until the breakdown, and sometimes they don’t, it all looks unnecessary.

It really helped the replies, and it was ok. Actually the only stress was the way back with auto electronic gates. Having to separate and deal with something new in a crowded space was overwhelming. The first guy I spoke to treated me like a fool but a kind woman stepped in and we could use the family path instead (she’s a teen).

Glad it all went well. Stansted is very overwhelming and busy in my experience.