Plane travel is often stereotyped as a flurry of stress, unpredictability and chaos. With horror stories of lost luggage and cancelled flights bandied about, it’s easy to understand why first-time flyers might be nervous about their maiden voyage.
If this sounds familiar, you may want to consider these tips for ensuring you experience your first flight in the best way possible.
Prepare Your Documents
The most important item to remember is your passport, closely followed by your travel documents. Without them, you cannot board your plane. Your passport must be in date and undamaged - be aware that it can take up to ten weeks to renew a passport, so leave yourself plenty of time.
Your travel documents, including tickets, required visas and insurance, should be kept safe and near to hand, along with your passport. If you’ve opted for online check-in, your boarding pass can be printed out or saved to your smartphone.
Check Luggage Requirements
Checked luggage limitations depend on the airline you are flying with, but you are invariably permitted one cabin bag to carry on board your flight. Details of luggage size and weight allowance will be listed on the airline website.
Keep in mind that there will be restrictions on liquids within your land luggage, as well as a list of prohibited items, including scissors, lighter fluid and unfoldable umbrellas. Any liquids such as makeup or shampoo in bottles over 100ml should be packed into your checked luggage.
Research Airport and Airline Procedures
Airports are busy places, so appointing yourself as much time as possible to check in, hand over your luggage, go through security and find your flight gate is essential. Researching the airport’s procedures will put you at ease and lessen the chances of any unnerving surprises.
Check-in times often vary depending on your chosen airline, guidelines of which will be available online. However, it is advisable to be checked in and allow yourself at least two hours before your flight’s departure to go through security.
Stay Organised
Along with ensuring all necessary identification and documentation is secure and easily accessible, it is vital to check your itinerary and flight status in case of any delays or cancellations.
Pack your bags well in advance so you can be sure nothing is forgotten. You may find it helpful to create a checklist or download a planning app. In the rare unfortunate event of your checked luggage being lost, it’s wise to have packed essentials such as a toothbrush, underwear and charging cables into your hand luggage to tide you over until your bags are found.
Organise Travel
It may seem an obvious suggestion, but make sure you organise travel to the airport. Coaches, trains and shuttle buses are convenient and regular but can get crowded at peak times. If you’re keen to drive your own car to the terminal, you will need to book parking. For example, parking at Manchester airport can be easily booked using an external company who will find you a convenient and cost-effective parking solution.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Comfortable clothing is a must, particularly if you’re in for a lengthy flight. Opt for an outfit that is simple, loose and breathable. Excess jewellery, complicated buckles, straps and restrictive clothing will quickly prove uncomfortable and inconvenient. You will likely experience a range of temperatures between airports and flight cabins, so layering will allow you to acclimatise easily.
Ask For Help
Airport layouts are often clearly signposted in multiple languages; however, if you need more precise instructions, head to the information desk. When in doubt, airport staff and cabin crew are there to help. Requiring assistance with any step of your travel itinerary is nothing to be ashamed of, and staff members are always on hand and happy to oblige.
Stay Hygienic
Similar to any public space, airports and cabins are spaces in which many individuals are in close proximity; therefore, appropriate personal hygiene practices are crucial. Fortunately, post-covid standards are high, and most travellers are extra vigilant. Wash your hands thoroughly, use hand sanitiser and although it is no longer a legal requirement, you may wish to wear a mask.
Resources:
Manchester Airport Parking - Caramella
Parking Manchester Airport - Tech.blog
Car Park Manchester Airport - News.blog
Car Parks Manchester Airport - Data.blog
Manchester Airport Car Parks - Business Connection Zone