6 Tips and Tricks for Flying Alone for the First Time by Plaw Lay

Flying solo for the first time can be a thrilling experience. In this post, I will provide some tips and tricks that I learned flying for the first time recently. These tips will start with how to
properly pack for your trip and finally land at your destination. These tips and tricks are
separated into 6 different parts. I hope you learn something new in this post.
How to Pack Your Luggage Properly?
The first step is to determine what you can bring with you into the airplane. Many airlines
have various guidelines on what you can bring from size limitations to what can be brought
aboard from carry-on to personal items. After understanding what you can bring onboard, the
essential packing tips are to keep it light, be organized, and pack smartly. Ensure that you only bring clothes and other essentials that you will be using during your trip. Organize your packing well by keeping important documents such as passports, boarding passes, and others in the same place. Smart packing refers to rolling or folding your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles and consider using packing cubes to organize your clothing even better.

Why Arriving Early is Important?


My first time flying solo, I arrived at the airport 2 hours early. Arriving early is important
because security checks may take longer than expected and arriving early will help with boarding on time. Ultimately, you need to give yourself enough time to get a boarding pass or even better check-in online, go through security, and find your boarding gate. It is especially important during your first time to give yourself more time as you may have to walk around a lot to be able to find your gate but remember you can always ask for help if you are lost.

Check-in Online!
One of the biggest to save time is to check-in online. Checking in online you can bypass
the long lines that may be there at the check-in counter. Having more time and not having to
worry about getting your boarding pass will avoid any unnecessary stress. Having check-in
online also helps with yourself being in control which can help with stress. Especially since it is your first time flying solo, it is crucial to ensure that you don’t miss your flight, and having
confirmation of your boarding pass is essential.
How to Efficiently Go Through Security?
By being organized, you already have your important documents ready. Ensure you have
your ID, boarding passes, and passport ready. Having these crucial documents in a place that is easy to access is essential to ensure you go through security smoothly. There are also regulations on liquid rules for different airports so make sure to do research prior to your arrival at the
airport. Also wear clothes that can be removed easily as many common clothing such as belts,
shoes, and excessive clothes need to be removed. Electronic items such as laptops and tables also need to be scanned so be prepared to put any electronic items through the scanner. Again it is ok to ask questions if you are unsure of what needs to go through the scanner.


In-Flight Entertainment

Now that you have gone through security, arrived at your gate, and boarded the plane,
what is the best way to pass your time? One of the best ways is to bring your own entertainment such as downloading your own movies, TV shows, e-books, games, or bringing a book to read.


Many airlines also provide in-flight entertainment such as movies and TV shows as well. You
can also decide to be productive by working and organizing your work or finding time to write in your journal. It is crucial to understand that during the flight it is your time to relax and unwind.


You can spend time doing things mentioned before or just take the time to relax or sleep.


Arrival
Once you have landed and arrived at the airport here are some tips and tricks to know.
Once you have landed, the cabin crew will announce that they can bring you offboard and ensure you check your surroundings to ensure you haven’t dropped anything and get your belongings once it is your turn. Onboarding will begin in the front and go back. It is also important to know how to navigate through the new airport. Be sure to ask questions if you are lost or have a question and ensure you have a mode of transportation to go to where you want to go.