Tips for the First-Time Flier

October 9th, 2019

Flying for the first time can be an exciting opportunity, but it can also cause some worry. Compared to other travel methods, flying is actually one of the safest, but when you haven't experienced it yourself, you may not know what to expect when flying for the first time.

We hope these tips will help all of the first-time fliers out there have a great experience in the air.

How to Have a Great First-Time Flying Experience

1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time at the Airport

When you feel like you're late, it can cause extra anxiety. Airports have tighter regulations than other methods of travel, so you need to give yourself plenty of time.

When you arrive at the airport, you have several tasks to complete before you can board your plane. You need to check in, drop off any checked bags, get through security and buy any snacks you want on the flight.

With more time to spare, you can relax before boarding.

2. Keep Any Restrictions in Mind When You Pack

Since the airlines have stricter regulations than other types of travel, if you accidentally pack something you aren't supposed to have, it can cause stress and delay getting through security.

While you're packing, be sure to check the rules from the airline you're flying with as well as your departure and destination airports. If you're going abroad, different countries may have different rules about what you can bring in as well.

You'll also need to bring the right sized bottles for the liquids you're carrying with you and pack them into clear bags. You might also want to bring some medicine for motion sickness in case you react badly to flying.

3. Get Ready for Security

Airport security seems intimidating, but it's not as bad as you might think. Knowing what you need to do to get through security easily can be a big help in relieving some stress about your flight.

When you go through security, you need to pull a few items out of your bag. Your electronics, any metal items you're wearing, like belts and big jewelry, as well as your shoes go into plastic bins for TSA to scan. By knowing what you need to do to get through security, you can do it more efficiently.

4. Dress Comfortably

If you're traveling for leisure, it can make your experience on the airplane much more pleasant if you're comfortable. One way to accomplish this is to wear comfy clothes.

You might want to wear things with a looser fit and also dress in layers. It can be warm or a little chilly, so being able to take off a coat or put on a sweatshirt can help you avoid getting too cold or hot during your flight.

5. Prepare for First-Time Flying Anxiety

Even though flying is an incredibly safe method to travel, many people have anxiety and even phobias about it. If you're feeling a little bit nervous about flying for the first time, there are a few things you can do to prepare and reduce those feelings.

Practice some deep breathing and simple meditation to help yourself calm down before boarding and while you're in flight. If you're experiencing more serious anxiety, it can help to take a flying course. During the class, you'll learn more about flying and some methods you can use to make the trip easier.

One more way to make your first time flying a better experience is to book a shuttle to the airport. At SuperShuttle, we have a variety of options, making it easy to choose the right one for you. Book your ride today!