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You’ve booked your first airplane ticket—congrats! You’re in for an exciting journey. However, lots of first-time flyers get anxious about packing correctly, navigating airports, being up in the sky, and more. These nerves are totally normal, and we’re here to help you manage them. Read on for six helpful tips every first-time flyer should know to ensure a hassle-free trip.
Definitely Check In Early
Most airlines allow you to check in online 24 to 48 hours before your flight—do it! By checking in early, you could secure a better seat, avoid long lines at the airport, and even reduce the chance of being bumped off an overbooked flight. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about when you arrive at the airport.
Pro Tip
Download your boarding pass to your phone so it’s easier to keep track of and display to security and airline personnel.
Plan How To Get To the Airport
Many first-time flyers make the mistake of assuming they’ll drive themselves to the airport. Though you can, you will have to park your car there and pay a daily rate, which usually isn’t worthwhile unless you’re gone for only a few days.
Instead, for trips lasting a week or more, it’s typically cheaper and much less of a hassle to find a ride. A private car service is the best for airport travel because it’s completely stress-free and tailored to your schedule. However, you can also ask a friend to take you, use public transportation, or schedule a rideshare.
Pro Tip
Plan your transportation so that you arrive at the airport at least two hours early. For international flights, three to four hours is recommended.
Review What You Can’t Carry On (You Might Be Surprised)
Did you know you can’t bring large bottles of water, scissors, or even some foods through security? Before packing your carry-on, review TSA guidelines. For instance, liquids over 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) are a no-go unless they fit in a quart-sized bag. Avoid unpleasant surprises by double-checking the airline and airport rules ahead of time. It’ll save you from having to surrender (or toss out) items when going through security.
Pro Tip
If you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget to check the airport security rules of the countries you’re visiting! Your checked and carry-on luggage must be compliant with every country you enter and leave.
Be Willing To Wait
Airports are built for waiting. Security lines? Waiting. Boarding the plane? More waiting. Luggage claim? Yep, waiting again. Though it might feel tedious, just be patient. Bring a book, download movies onto your device, or have a playlist ready to keep boredom at bay. It will all be worth it once you get to your destination!
Bring Layers (The Flight Cabins Are Cold!)
Airlines tend to keep their flight cabins on the cooler side, especially on long-haul flights. Even if you run warm, bring a sweater. The last thing you want to be is cold when you’re a few hundred miles away from your closet.
Quadruple-Check Your Documents
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget their ID or passport in the frenzy of packing. Before leaving for the airport, confirm you’ve got all the essentials, including your boarding pass, identification, and any necessary travel visas. Keep your documents in a designated, easy-to-access spot in your bag. You’ll need to pull them out many times at the airport!
Christopher Vardanyan, co-founder of Rocket Moving Services, shares his experience: ‘In our line of work, we face similar challenges when it comes to keeping track of all the details during a move. For instance, we always make sure to double-check that all necessary equipment, inventory, and paperwork are in place before the move begins. Just like how travelers need their documents easily accessible, we keep everything organized and ready to avoid last-minute surprises and ensure a smooth transition for our clients.
Remember REAL ID
If you’re a US citizen traveling within the US, as of May 2025, you can no longer fly with a standard driver’s license. You need a REAL ID (a special authorization you add to your license) or another higher-security travel document, such as a passport.
If you’re a first-time flyer, remember these tips to experience a smoother trip. Just do your research, plan ahead, and roll with the process. Enjoy your flight!