Never flown before? You’re not alone! Thousands of people are travelling all over the world right now for the first time, and many are doing it solo too.
Your first short or long flight can be daunting, so we’ve put together some handy tips to make your first time one to remember!
1. Check Documents
If you are going to be flying the chances are you will need a passport or ID card. Make sure it is valid and at least 6 months within the expiry date. If you are going to be visiting a country you haven’t been to before, check online to see if you need a visa or what the entry requirements are.
2. Sort Your Luggage in Advance
Check your booking first, but most of the time, you’ll be allowed one piece of ‘checked-in’ baggage that you drop off before security, and one piece of hand luggage plus a ‘personal item’ (small handbag, laptop bag, etc) that you take into the cabin.
Keep any valuable items including laptops and travel documents in your hand luggage if possible – and we’d also suggest packing a change of clothes and anything you think you might need in-flight or as soon as you arrive.
Airlines will have a weight allowance for your luggage – you can pick up special weighing scales (link sends e-mail) for your bags to avoid having to frantically re-pack at the airport!
3. Get Comfy, Stay Fresh
As much as you’re toying with the idea of getting all fancy and schmoozing your way to an upgrade, being comfy is key when you’re actually up in the air. We suggest taking some leggings or joggers and a baggy top in your hand luggage to change into – as well as your toothbrush and toothpaste to freshen up with. Your skin can get dehydrated with all that recycled air in the cabin, so a nourishing moisturiser to slather your face in will help you arrive feeling fresh and ready for adventure.
4. Choose Your Seat Before Arriving at the Airport
Most aircraft are usually split into rows of three (and sometimes four in the middle). And no one wants to be left with the dreaded middle seat – so check in online, and get that dream seat locked down. The benefits of the window seat include those Insta-worthy amazing view of take-off and landing, a fraction of extra space to move around in, and you might sleep better here. Although, if you’re worried about getting up to go to the loo or stretch your legs, you might find an aisle seat more comfortable.
5. Take Advantage of the in-flight Entertainment
Forget ten year old Lifetime movies and two episodes of a 90s sitcom – airline entertainment on airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and Delta is current, exciting, and packed with films and telly that will make a transatlantic journey fly by. It’s a great time to catch up with those box office smashers you never got round to seeing, settling in to a feel-good favourite or even catching up with the latest episodes of your fave shows.
6. Eat, Drink – But Don’t Get Too Merry!
On most long-haul flights with non-budget airlines, a meal and perhaps some snacks and drinks will be included. There’s normally a meat and veggie option available on the day, but if you’re vegan, gluten-free or have a specialist dietary requirement, let the airline know beforehand on your booking so they can accommodate you. There’s usually some alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic drinks available on board – but try to go easy on the booze, as alcohol dehydrates you more on a plane than it does normally. And you’ll probably need to get up to go to the loo more – not ideal if you’re a window-seater!
7. Don’t Worry – Air Travel is Super Safe
Commercial air travel has been proven statistically to be the safest mode of travel, with all airlines and planes being subjected to incredibly rigorous safety tests before (and during) every flight. In fact, more people are killed every year by donkeys(!) than aeroplanes.
It’s normal to feel a few bumps – this is just turbulence, which is incredibly common, especially during take-off and landing. Distracting yourself with music, a book or some in-flight entertainment will take your mind off the flight.
Breathing and mindfulness apps may help particularly anxious flyers – just download before you go, so they’re ready when you switch to flight mode.
If you are keen to travel or take a gap year, and worried about going by yourself, there are lots of group experiences you could do with usually include group flights with other people. Gap year tours are very popular where you travel with a tour guide and small group of like-minded people. Other options include gap year jobs and volunteer abroad programs. Another option if you really are terrified of flying abroad, is to visit somewhere you can visit by car, bus, train, or even stay local where you live.