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Original poster

Please help - never flown before

41 replies

TweeBee · 15/01/2023 07:46

DH's friend is getting married in Paris and we are excited to go, with the children. However none of us have ever been on a plane before. We are not scared of flying but we are very aware that we haven't a clue on what exactly happens when you get to the airport and that there will probably be loads of people who do know what to do and we don't want to get in the way!
I wish they did those first experiences books for adults!
Can anyone recommend a website or video or something we could watch or read to help us please? Or give us any tips?

OP posts:
BoganKiwi · 15/01/2023 07:47

Which airport do you leave from?

PritiPatelsMaker · 15/01/2023 07:50

Usually the airport has this information on their website if you have a good look around. I hadn't flown for a few years until last year and had a read up on it, just to remind myself, on Manchester Airport's website.

Would going in the train be an easier option?

cariadlet · 15/01/2023 07:51

Some airport websites have guides aimed at autistic travellers. I think Gatwick has one.

They're very useful for first time travellers. They take you through everything, step by step and they have photographs.

HomemadePickle · 15/01/2023 07:52

Unless you’ve already booked a flight, I would suggest Eurostar train to Paris, from London kings cross as it deposits you in central(ish) Paris rather than out of town at the airport. And then you only have to deal with the culture shock of France on a train - just some security checks but otherwise just like getting any old train - which will be gentler than international air travel.

bert3400 · 15/01/2023 07:53

There are loads of you tube videos on flying from airports . I recommend the Points Guys as a good starting point.
But remember if you are flying with a low cost airline such as RYan or Easy jet, you have to check in online.
The most stressful bit is security, you need to be organised...no more than 100mls of liquid in your 'carry on the plane bags'. Also they need to all fit in a clear ziplock bag. You can get these from the airport, often near security entrance.
No lithium batteries in you 'hold' luggage , so laptops need to be in you carry on bag.

Original poster
TweeBee · 15/01/2023 07:53

Thanks everyone.
We go from Manchester.
Did consider the train or boat but we are quite Northern (relatively speaking) here so it would have meant an extra days' travel either way and our time off work is limited.
I'll have a look at their website.

OP posts:
Emanresu9 · 15/01/2023 07:54

Tell us a bit more:

whicj airport and which airline and then we can tell you the exact steps which are relevant

Stuffin · 15/01/2023 07:55

I always get there just before the recommended time. This means I am not stressed and if there are any transport delays it leaves time to still get there.

Once there look for the check in desk for your flight. Usually there are screens above the desks showing which line to join. Ask people around you if you are not sure or an official as most people are helpful.

Once you have checked in go to security and expect to put bags/watches etc into a tray as you go through. It does feel hurried there but I just grab my bag and find a quiet spot behind security to put watches etc back on. As you are going in a group you might also want to agree that if you get split up into different security queues that you will all wait behind security to meet up again.

In departures unless you all want to go to a restaurant to eat grab somewhere to sit but frequently check the information screens to see when the boarding gate is assigned. Again I always go to the boarding gate as soon as it comes up as I don't want to be 'that person' running to get there at the last minute.

HomemadePickle · 15/01/2023 07:55

And to ask all the obvious questions (apologies not trying to be patronising) have you all got passports with 6months + before expiry for you and DH and DC? A lot of people getting caught out by the expiry date issue.

Twizbe · 15/01/2023 07:55

There are some videos on YouTube that walk you through airports.

I've been to many an airport and they are all very clearly signed. Most in English as well as local language(s).

Basically you arrive and find your check in desk / bag drop. Airlines will have a few branded for them and big boards tell you where they are.

Then it's through security where there are lots of signs telling you where to go.

Then you chill in the departure lounge. There are screens everywhere to tell you when you go to your gate.

At the gate staff check your passport and ticket and then show you onto the plane.

Original poster
TweeBee · 15/01/2023 07:55

Flying with Easy jet.
Also forgot to say oldest DC said he would never forgive us if we didn't fly 😂

OP posts:
KylieCharlene · 15/01/2023 07:56

.

Wtafis · 15/01/2023 07:59

When you get to the airport go to departures. There will be desks for each airline. Find yours. They will print your boarding passes and take your hold bags (if you have printed them at home and only have hand luggage skip this step)

follow signs for security.

here take a small plastic bag and put into it any liquids you want to keep in your hand luggage (rules on how big are changing so google) all others go in the bin

someone will scan your boarding pass and let you thriugh

you then have to put all bags, coats, bulky shoes and contents of your pockets into trays. The people there will tell you if laptops need fo be out of bags.

traus are x-rayed and you go through a human scanner

if the bag looks odd it will be taken to one side and looked at with you
if you set the human scanner off you will be patted down
tbks is routine and not an issue ( I was once patted down multiple times until we established it was my bra wire)

you will likely now be in a massive mall. Shop or eat as you will

dottef around will be massive boards with all the flights. That will tell you your gate number. As soon as it says boarding start walking. Depending on the airport it can be a bloody long way and boarding closes usually 45 mins to an hour before the time on your ticket.

once you get to the gate show your tickets and passport and they will put you on the plane

hope that helps. I remember my parents neighbours coming with us to Gatwick when I was a kid because my parents were so worried about what to do. Shout if you have any other questions

Original poster
TweeBee · 15/01/2023 08:00

Thanks so much for being so kind and helpful!
We all have new passports, insurance, health cover.
I've booked seats on the plane.
Think the next thing is check in 30 days before - do we need to do this as early as possible or can it wait? I'm not sure what it actually does.

OP posts:
Original poster
TweeBee · 15/01/2023 08:04

Wtafis · 15/01/2023 07:59

When you get to the airport go to departures. There will be desks for each airline. Find yours. They will print your boarding passes and take your hold bags (if you have printed them at home and only have hand luggage skip this step)

follow signs for security.

here take a small plastic bag and put into it any liquids you want to keep in your hand luggage (rules on how big are changing so google) all others go in the bin

someone will scan your boarding pass and let you thriugh

you then have to put all bags, coats, bulky shoes and contents of your pockets into trays. The people there will tell you if laptops need fo be out of bags.

traus are x-rayed and you go through a human scanner

if the bag looks odd it will be taken to one side and looked at with you
if you set the human scanner off you will be patted down
tbks is routine and not an issue ( I was once patted down multiple times until we established it was my bra wire)

you will likely now be in a massive mall. Shop or eat as you will

dottef around will be massive boards with all the flights. That will tell you your gate number. As soon as it says boarding start walking. Depending on the airport it can be a bloody long way and boarding closes usually 45 mins to an hour before the time on your ticket.

once you get to the gate show your tickets and passport and they will put you on the plane

hope that helps. I remember my parents neighbours coming with us to Gatwick when I was a kid because my parents were so worried about what to do. Shout if you have any other questions

Yes - I don't want to worry kids by being stressed.

OP posts:
Inkypinkee · 15/01/2023 08:05

There are a few steps:

check in online at home days before, put your tickets on your phone and I like to print them out too (these are your boarding passes)

then go to airport with plenty of time and get in the right line for your flight to hand over your big luggage so they put it on your flight - show boarding pass and passport

then go through security with you hand luggage that you are keeping on the flight - here your bag and self will be checked via scanning - to get into security queue you normally have to scan boarding passes

now you will be the other side of security where the boarding gates are for your flight. You will have lots of time hopefully. Check the electronic boards for the right gate, find your gate, then do a bit of shopping. If your flight doesn’t have a gate yet check later.

When it’s time go to your gate and get on your flight. They will check your boarding pass and passport again.

at the other end you get off your flight, maybe show your passport again depending on your airport, get your bags off the carousel, and walk out the airport

BeyondMyWits · 15/01/2023 08:09

Would say the biggest worry for us on our first flight was hand luggage going through security, it always seems such a bustling, hurried stressful time.
So nowadays we just minimise the fuss. Don't take laptops or liquids (or marmalade!... mum was NOT happy to have it taken away), don't wear belts, watches or thick soled trainers, empty pockets before heading to airport.

Dd used to be a bit of a hoarder and once we forgot and had to wait for what seemed like ages whilst she emptied 7 pockets on her coat and 6 on her cargo pants.... Needless to say we always check (and she's 22 now!)

Wtafis · 15/01/2023 08:09

Check in online does 2 things

  1. tells the airline you are coming and let’s you print your boarding pass
  2. completes the advanced passenger information API which is a legal requirement either 24 or 48 hours before can’t remember which
Original poster
TweeBee · 15/01/2023 08:11

With the liquids:
Is it for any luggage - so hand luggage and bag in the hold?
Is it right that you can buy deodorant then at boots after security and that's ok? Obviously not in a clear container and I like to use the one that I know works well!
Can we take empty reusable water bottles to use when we get there?
Thanks so much!

OP posts:
hopeishere · 15/01/2023 08:13

Liquid is hand luggage only. Reusable water bottles are fine.

Changingplace · 15/01/2023 08:16

TweeBee · 15/01/2023 07:55

Flying with Easy jet.
Also forgot to say oldest DC said he would never forgive us if we didn't fly 😂

I’ve flown with EasyJet from Manchester in the last month.

Download the EasyJet app, you need to check in online before you go to the airport.

Your boarding passes are saved onto the App.

When you arrive check which desk you need to you go to, and you weigh your own bags, print a label and attach to each one, and drop them at the desk (there were people around to help).

Then head to security, check the size of your hand luggage fits their specifications and that any liquids are 100ml or less and fit into the clear sandwich bag size bags.

When you go through security you’ll need to take any electrical items out of your bags, take off boots/belts and your bags go through a scanner and you walk through a scanner too.

Next you’ll come to duty free, and bars/cafes where you can wait until your gate is announced.

Keep an eye on the screens for your gate, and once it’s on the screens for boarding follow the sighs to your gate to board the plane.

At the other side you’ll go through passport control, then follow the signs for baggage collection- the screens will tell you which carousel your bags will appear at.

Good luck & enjoy!

Changingplace · 15/01/2023 08:18

TweeBee · 15/01/2023 08:11

With the liquids:
Is it for any luggage - so hand luggage and bag in the hold?
Is it right that you can buy deodorant then at boots after security and that's ok? Obviously not in a clear container and I like to use the one that I know works well!
Can we take empty reusable water bottles to use when we get there?
Thanks so much!

Restrictions on liquids is for hand luggage only, you can put deodorants/perfumes in your hold luggage that’s not a problem.

thedevilinablackdress · 15/01/2023 08:19

Your toiletries need to be in a clear bag going through security.
The bottles themselves don't need to be clear.

The clear bag/100ml rules don't apply to hold luggage

SnowAndIceLobelia · 15/01/2023 08:27

All great advice here.

Also just to add- my eldest has autism AND a fear of flying (just for additional fun). Some airports have point by point walk trhough advice on their website for passengers with additional needs. It might be worth looking for the 'special assistance' part of the airport website to see if the aiport you are leaving from has that so you can get pointers tailored for the airport you leave from.

dementedpixie · 15/01/2023 08:28

Re: the liquids bag for hand luggage

It should be a clear resealable bag max size 20x20cm (a small resealable freezer bag is around the correct size and that's what we've always used)

Each item must fit in the bag and must be in a container no larger than 100mls. Liquids, pastes, gels all count. Organise them at home rather than waiting until you get to the airport.

Your hold baggage can have full size items e.g. your suncream, toiletries, etc