Many of us, when we are about to take our first flight on an airplane for the first time in our lives, are worried - we don’t know what to do and how to behave correctly at the airport and on the airplane. Upon entering the airport terminal for the first time, passengers experience a certain amount of stress and disorientation. There are several procedures that you must go through before boarding your airliner. You should follow safety rules in the aircraft cabin.

Buying flight tickets

Air travel begins with the purchase of tickets. You must first select a flight and air carrier. You can purchase an air ticket online on the airline’s website, at the airport ticket office, or through a travel agency. Electronic version of the purchased travel document stored in the database of the selected air carrier. When purchasing an air ticket online, the electronic sample should be printed on paper.

Aeroflot e-ticket

A plane ticket contains information about the passenger, the name of the air carrier, and flight information. The travel document purchased at the airport ticket office looks like an oblong paper book, one page of which is a flight coupon. The ticket must be registered before departure. After check-in, each passenger receives their own boarding pass.

If a passenger is making his first flight on an airplane, he needs to properly pack his things for the trip. Bags and suitcases are divided into light hand luggage (taken with you into the cabin) and luggage (will fly separately in the cargo compartment). In the bag for hand luggage They put a wallet, documents, airline ticket, gadgets, chargers, phones, napkins, motion sickness pills.

Preparing for a flight also includes choosing the right clothes. When going on an air trip, it is advisable to wear jeans, a light T-shirt, and grab a warm sweater. Shoes should be comfortable and have low heels.

Step-by-step instructions for passengers at the airport

Step-by-step instructions for passengers wishing to fly:

  1. Arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight.
  2. Complete check-in and receive your boarding pass.
  3. Place your suitcase in the cargo hold.
  4. Go through security before departure.
  5. For international flights, you must go through mandatory passport control.
  6. Go to the waiting room and wait for your flight there.

Arrival at the airport

You must arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight to check in. A person who is going to fly on an airplane for the first time needs to think about how he will get to the terminal. Any type of transport, taking into account traffic jams, will take you to the airport in at least 1 hour. This means you need to leave the house 3 hours before the airliner departs.

Airport entrance

Large airports are divided into several terminals. Any of them, located on the territory of the air port, can be reached on foot or by internal transport. Information about the terminal from which the plane will depart can be found on the air ticket. Those who are flying on an airplane for the first time need to know that at the entrance to some Russian airports there is a preliminary security control. All people entering the building will be asked to go through a metal detector frame and have their personal belongings scanned.

Scoreboard and registration area

Before your flight, you need to find the departures board at the airport terminal. It is usually presented in the form of a huge electronic screen and hangs on the wall. It displays information about the upcoming flight, as well as the number of the counter to which you need to go to check in for passengers. For any flight, check-in begins 2 hours before departure and ends 45 minutes before departure. Passengers search for their flight only by the flight number, and not by the name of the destination. The start of check-in is indicated by the “check-in” sign opposite the flight number.

Baggage preparation

Baggage check-in is carried out at the counter. At this point you must check all your suitcases and bags into the luggage (cargo) compartment. At each counter, luggage is weighed, inspected and collected. The passenger is given a tag to collect the suitcase upon arrival at the destination port.

The weight of luggage must not exceed 20 kg. Air transportation within Russia allows for excess baggage. True, you will have to pay extra for every kilogram of excess weight. You are allowed to take hand luggage with you into the cabin. Its weight is up to 10 kg. The bag should not contain liquids, aerosols, or sharp objects. It is recommended to put your boarding pass, luggage tag, money, phone and your documents in your hand luggage.

Registration procedure

When checking in, you must present your ticket and passport to the airport terminal employee. After checking, each passenger at the counter receives their boarding pass. If a person arrives at the airport before everyone else, he can ask to be given any seat in the cabin. The boarding pass indicates the passenger's seat and boarding gate number. You can find your exit if you follow the signs on the walls of the airport terminal.

Passengers on international flights must go through passport control. During this procedure, a person must present his passport. Airport employees also check the availability of a visa and other information allowing you to freely leave the country.

The passenger may be asked questions about the purpose of his trip abroad. During the conversation, you need to look into the eyes of the airport employee. You need to answer questions honestly and without jokes. Next, the passenger will be asked to go through customs control. If he does not have any items prohibited for export or subject to duty, he goes into the green corridor. If there are prohibited items, they are sent to the red corridor. At this point, the passenger fills out a customs declaration.

Search

Pre-flight inspection is carried out before each flight. The passenger and his belongings are subject to inspection by airport security. The man himself goes through a metal detector. His things are x-rayed.

During this procedure, airport workers look for items that cannot be brought into the aircraft cabin. You can take out all the metal things and put them in a plastic box. What to do when inspecting personal belongings? Comply with all security requirements. If necessary, empty your pockets, take off your shoes, and show the contents of your bags.

The waiting area

After registration and inspection, the person goes to the waiting room. Here the passenger waits until his flight is announced. This place is considered neutral territory. Duty-free shopping takes place here. Before boarding is announced, passengers can go shopping and cafes, or sit in the waiting room and read the rules of conduct on the plane.

While waiting for departure, you need to listen to announcements and not miss your flight. When you hear that boarding has begun, you must go to your gate indicated on your boarding pass. At the exit, the airport employee tears off part of the coupon and leaves the passenger a stub indicating the number of his seat and row.

You can get on board the plane by internal bus or via a special telescopic ladder. In small airports, you may be asked to walk to the plane's ramp.

At the airport of the country of arrival

Once on board the airliner, the passenger will fly on the plane for some time. After landing, he will be at the airport of the city (country) of arrival. The same activities await him as before departure. A ramp will be provided to the exit of the plane. Passengers descend along it to the ground and board a bus, which takes them to the airport premises. You can immediately go along the long sleeve-stairway to the airport terminal. Then you need to go through passport control (for international flights) and collect your luggage.

Receipt of baggage

Upon arrival at your destination port, you must collect your luggage from the cargo area and check its contents. If things were damaged during the flight, you need to write a complaint. In case of missing luggage, the owner receives compensation. You can first make a list of the things you put in your suitcase and photograph them before departure. Having a photo will help you get full compensation for your missing items.

First time on a plane

Once on board the plane, passengers take their seats. It will be a few more minutes before the plane starts to take off. The flight attendant will tell you about the rules of conduct for passengers on the plane. Passengers are required to sit in their seats, turn off their mobile phones and fasten their seat belts tightly.

During the first flight on an airplane, every person experiences a range of sensations - from delight to horror. You shouldn't be afraid of flying. According to statistics, no more than 100 people die as a result of plane crashes in Russia every year. This is less than the number of people killed in traffic accidents in one month.

Places

How to fly in an airliner? Which places are considered the best? Each person sits where he likes. Those who like to view the landscapes from above can sit at the window. You need to choose a place during registration. If a passenger is afraid of heights, it is better for him to net away from the window. For children, it is advisable to choose aisle seats. During the flight, the child will often ask to go to the toilet.

When there is turbulence or roughness, the airliner will shake violently. How closer places passengers to the head of the aircraft, the less the shaking is noticeable. The plane shakes the most in the tail section. All the loads that the plane receives during flight do not cause any damage to it. The liners are still tested at the factory and checked for resistance to vibrations caused by vortex wind flows.

The best places emergency exit. The distance to the next chair is very large, so you can stretch your legs and relax. However, in the event of an emergency, the passenger located at the emergency exit will have to open the door and help passengers evacuate.

Food

Flight rules often require meals on board. Passengers are fed on the plane if the flight lasts more than three hours. The cost of food is included in the ticket price. How cheaper ticket, the simpler the menu. Food is served in sealed packaging. The menu includes meat or fish, a vegetable side dish, salad, fruit, and a bun with jam. The flight attendant will offer you a choice of juice, mineral water, tea, coffee or glass of wine.

Takeoff and landing

During takeoff and landing, all passengers flying on board an airliner must adhere to aircraft safety rules. At such moments, you cannot walk around the salon or talk on the phone. You must sit in your seats. The backs of chairs must be in a strictly vertical position. You need to remove the folding tables and hide your gadgets in your bag.

During takeoff or landing, you must fasten your seat belts tightly. The flight attendant will definitely ask you to turn off your phones. After all mobile connection may interfere with the operation of aircraft navigation instruments. You can open the porthole curtains, look out the window and relax. The lights in the salon will be turned off. At such moments, you should reduce the volume of the music in your headphones and carefully monitor what is happening on board the aircraft in order to orient yourself in time in the event of a sudden accident.

Rules of conduct on an airplane when entering a turbulence zone

While gaining altitude or descending, the airliner finds itself in the troposphere. In this zone, in bad weather, the plane begins to throw in different directions. The liner, especially its tail, begins to vibrate strongly. How to behave on an airplane when you first encounter turbulence?

There is no need to be afraid of anything. Passengers should only follow the rules of conduct on the plane. At such moments, you need to listen to the recommendations of the crew members. Take your seats and fasten your seat belts tightly. You need to bend your head to your knees and clasp it with both hands. Until the situation normalizes, it is forbidden to leave your place.

What passengers need to know who are on a plane for the first time:

  1. Shaking during turbulence is less noticeable in the head and center of the airliner. It is in these areas that you should choose your place.
  2. For people suffering from claustrophobia, it is better to sit near the aisle.
  3. When taking off or landing, you need to chew something, for example, chewing gum. This way you can prevent motion sickness and ear congestion. You can get rid of tinnitus by yawning deeply, drinking a sip of water, or chewing menthol candy.
  4. During the flight, you need to breathe properly. You should take deep breaths and exhale slowly.
  5. On board an airliner, you need to set yourself up for the positive. After all, thoughts, as you know, are material. Nothing bad will happen if a person is confident in a successful flight and landing.

Questions frequently asked by beginners on the topic of the first flight

When newcomers board a plane for the first time, they don’t understand a lot. Lack of awareness about flight safety gives rise to fantasies and unreasonable fears. There's really nothing wrong with flying. Passengers can find out information of interest about the technical condition of the aircraft from the flight attendant.

Is it possible to use a telephone on board an airliner?

Mobile devices must be turned off during takeoff and landing. During the flight you are allowed to call your family. However, this service is paid and not provided by every airline.

Why is it hard to breathe on a plane?

There really isn't much oxygen in the cabin. It comes through engine cleaning systems. During a 6-hour flight, the amount of oxygen in a person’s blood drops by 10%. People suffering from heart disease should avoid this type of travel. Physically healthy passengers usually feel a little tired after a flight.

What to do if you're scared to sit at the window?

The rules of conduct on board an aircraft usually do not allow you to change your seat without permission. If a passenger suddenly becomes afraid to sit at the window, he can ask the flight attendant to change his seat.

What days of the week have the least number of passengers?

People most often fly by plane on Mondays and Fridays. At the end of the week, many people fly away for the weekend. In the beginning, on the contrary, they return to work. It is better to choose Wednesday or Thursday morning for travel.

There is nothing to be afraid of when traveling by plane. Passengers will not have problems if they arrive at the airport on time and do not forget their ticket, documents and money. For the trip, you need to pack only items permitted for transportation. It is better not to take any prohibited items on board the plane. If you follow all the instructions and safety rules for flight, your air travel will be comfortable.

Are there many Russians who have never flown on an airplane in their lives? According to sociological surveys in 2009, almost half. Until recently, you were one of them, but now, by choice or necessity, you go to the sky? You have many new and interesting experiences ahead!

The first plane trip is not only a storm of emotions, but also many practical tasks. You need to remember a thousand details: what to take with you, how much to arrive for registration, where to go at the airport... A person with little experience often gets confused in the little things and forgets about them out of excitement. This memo is intended for novice travelers - it can greatly facilitate pre-flight preparation.

Check-in for a flight opens on average three hours before departure and ends approximately 40-50 minutes before departure. Most airlines recommend that passengers arrive at the airport 3-2.5 hours before departure. It's better to do this the first time. The later you arrive at the airport, the more bustle and rush there will be. If you know that there is still a lot of time left, then you will not rush and worry.

Some companies offer a service such as online check-in for flights via the Internet. As a rule, it opens one day before the flight. In this situation, you can check in for a flight while at home or at work - you only need a computer with the Internet. To do this, go to your airline's website. After successfully completing check-in, the system will generate a boarding pass, which you must print. At the airport, online checked-in passengers have a separate counter where they can drop off their luggage.

If for some reason online registration is not available to you or simply confuses you, you can use the traditional form upon arrival at the airport. At the check-in counter you choose a seat on the plane and check in your luggage. Here you need to be especially careful. If you are flying in economy class, you have the right to carry no more than 20 kg of baggage free of charge, in business class - no more than 30 kg. They weigh him at the reception desk. Please note that the weight of the suitcase is not separate from the weight of the luggage. If you take a lot of things with you (18-19 kg), the suitcase should be as light as possible. Otherwise, there may be an excess, which you will pay additionally at airline rates. Information about how much the excess costs is usually posted at the registration desk.

Some things can be taken with you into the aircraft cabin - this is the so-called hand luggage. First of all, this applies to fragile electronic equipment: laptop, camera, video camera. It is strictly not recommended to check them in as luggage - there is a high risk that things will be damaged along the way. The same goes for fragile souvenirs.

It is prohibited to carry in hand luggage:

Liquids in bottles over 100 ml;

Flammable and explosive substances (acetone, hairspray);

Stabbing and cutting objects (knives, nail scissors);

Heavy items exceeding the established weight limit for carry-on luggage. Information about these restrictions is usually available on the airline’s website, and it’s a good idea to ask about this at home, while packing your luggage.

It’s easy to guess that it’s better to divide things into luggage and hand luggage at home, a day or two before the trip, and not at the check-in counter at the airport.

After registration, you need to go through a number of procedures: customs control (at international flights), passport control and security screening. When leaving Russia, you must include cultural values, weapons, gems and some other products. But other countries have their own rules and regulations. It is better to find out which goods need to be declared at foreign customs in advance, via the Internet or special customs directories.

If you are flying on an international flight, you must present a valid passport at passport control. You will only need an internal Russian passport when flying within Russia; on international flights you don’t need to take it at all.

Security control is carried out as follows. You take off your shoes, put your shoes, hand luggage and outerwear in a special tray. Then you go through a metal detector while your belongings go through an X-ray scanner. It is also better to prepare for security control in advance: remove metal jewelry, a jacket with a metal zipper, remove a belt, keys, cell phone from trousers, put small coins in a bag or wallet.

“Will I squeak if I have dental crowns?”- this question often worries passengers flying for the first time. As a rule, modern metal detectors do not respond to crowns made of cobalt-chrome and gold-platinum alloy, since the mass of dentures is small. There is also no need to remove gold earrings and wedding rings in front of the “frame” - most metal detectors do not focus on small amounts of gold. But cigarettes or condoms most often “squeak” on a metal detector, so it is also better to take them out of your pockets. The packaging of these items contains aluminum, and most “frames” are sensitive to this metal.

Be careful when selecting items in your hand luggage if you are flying with a connecting flight. In some foreign airports very strict safety rules (in particular, this applies to European Union countries, where, for example, mascara can be confiscated at security control).

What to do after all the procedures have been completed? As a rule, passengers begin to be allowed onto the plane approximately 40 minutes before departure. If there is at least an hour left before departure, you can walk around the airport and go to duty-free shops. There are several of them at large airports, and the assortment may vary. Do you have a long flight ahead – more than four hours? Then it's all the more worth taking a walk. You will still have time to sit in the seat, moreover, by the end of the flight you will already want to get up.

There is no need to queue for boarding an hour before departure. If you go to the plane by bus, the one who gets there last wins, not the first. Those standing at the beginning of the queue will enter the cabin first only if a “sleeve” is brought to the plane (this is a metal “gut” from the gate to the plane). So there is no need to worry - you will get on the plane in any case and sit in the seat you received.

What clothes should you wear on a flight? The temperature in the aircraft cabin usually fluctuates around 22 degrees +- 2 points. You need to focus on the time of year. If the weather is cold at your departure airport and hot at your arrival point, dress compactly. It is better to leave fur coats and sheepskin coats at home - in economy class seats they will only bother you, especially if the flight is long. The ideal option is a winter jacket that can be removed, rolled up and packed in a large bag. By the way, such clothes can also be useful in the opposite situation - if you are flying “from summer to winter.” You can take the bag with the jacket into the cabin as hand luggage and get dressed after boarding. It’s easy to guess that it’s better not to check in warm clothes as luggage in such a situation.

Many travelers going “from winter to summer” take a bag with light shoes and clothes to the cabin. You can change clothes right in the airplane toilet. It's not very comfortable, but it's still better than being in a winter jacket in the tropical sun.

You need to take care not only of clothes, but also of shoes. It is extremely hot to fly in warm winter boots, so during the cold season, take warm socks to the cabin. Your feet will be much more comfortable in them. It is strictly not recommended to wear tight shoes during the flight. It increases the already considerable load on the vessels of the lower extremities, and the risk of vein thrombosis also increases.

remember, that The air in the aircraft cabin is very dry. If you wear contact lenses, you should take eye drops with you on the flight, as when the mucous membranes dry out, unpleasant painful sensations appear. For long flights, it is better to travel with glasses.

Don't drink a lot of alcohol if you're flying for the first time! First you need to know how your vestibular system will react to the movement of the aircraft. Sometimes novice air travelers experience nausea or dizziness when climbing or turning the plane. And in this case, drinking alcohol can enhance the body’s natural reactions.

If you have already experienced seasickness, choose a seat in the wing area, take plenty of sour candies with you into the cabin and do not drink alcohol - it can increase nausea and dizziness. Also, a proven anti-sickness remedy that you have already used before will not be superfluous.

If this is your first time traveling by air, make sure your experience is memorable in a good way. Of course, on board you will take action by telling the flight attendant: “This is my first time flying on an airplane, please pay more attention to me.” But before you get on board, you need to choose a seat, reserve a ticket, register... It will help you understand the nuances step-by-step instruction.

Buying or booking tickets

Getting to know air transport begins with choosing a flight and purchasing a ticket. There is no need to go to the airport, because orders can also be made via the Internet. There is only one thing to be afraid of: excessive overpayments! To avoid such a mistake, use search aggregators. This will come in handy when planning a flight: it happens that tickets for neighboring dates are 2 times more affordable. If changes in schedule are not important, you will save significantly.

When you purchase a paper travel document, you will receive a familiar-looking booklet. The number of pages depends on the route. For a one-way flight, your ticket will have 2 pages of coupons: the first, called the “flight” page, is what you provide in exchange for your boarding pass. Keep the remaining one, the passenger one, in your hands. If you are flying roundtrip, you will see 3 coupons on your ticket: 2 flight and 1 passenger.

Travel documents are provided electronically: they are not printed on paper, and the information is stored in a database. When registering, it is enough to present your passport, and to confirm the purchase, print a receipt in advance. For this purpose, use your own printer or equipment available at the airport. If you can’t cope on your own, then contact the ticket office.

What to pay attention to: tips for a traveler who flies for the first time

What nuances to consider when purchasing tickets? The following tips will help you:

  • Do you notice that the prices for travel documents become higher after a long search? Don’t be scared and don’t rush to buy the first option you come across. In some countries, when searching for flights for a long time, websites use browser cookie information and provide high-cost offers. You are forced to make a purchase faster and spend more money! To avoid this situation, switch to incognito mode. This mainly applies to those who are looking for tickets on foreign airlines.
  • Consider flying with low-cost airlines. You will sacrifice comfort, but reduce costs. If you have a short flight ahead, you will not have time to feel the lack of legroom or inconvenience with sleep.
  • It is more profitable to purchase round-trip tickets than separately. If you decide to commit trip around the world, if you choose the right carrier, 2,000 € will cover the costs. And if you buy tickets separately, you will pay 4,000 €.
  • Non-refundable travel documents are the cheapest. As a rule, they are bought by passengers who are confident that their plans will not change. But otherwise you will lose the entire amount.

Take these nuances into account, and there will be no problems.

First time at the airport: how to behave

Flying on an airplane for the first time may not take place if you forget about registration. To avoid such trouble, arrive 60 minutes in advance (for international air travel, the period increases to 2 hours). Find out the following in advance:

  • Route to the airport and type of transport. Reliable methods are considered to be the metro or Aeroexpress. Those who have chosen a bus, trolleybus, or car need a reserve of time in case of a breakdown or traffic jam.
  • Terminal number and location. You will see the information on the ticket, but you will have to use the Internet to find out how to get to the desired place.

To avoid making mistakes, check which airport you are departing from. There are several air terminals in megacities: if you mix them up, you will not be on time for your flight.

Once on site, prepare for the entry control procedure. At large airports it is obligatory even for those seeing you off, but it’s not scary: you put your luggage on the belt and go through a metal detector. Just don’t wrap your suitcases in film, as inexperienced passengers do. If a security officer becomes suspicious, you will have to open your luggage or baggage.

What to do at the airport: electronic departure board

After preliminary control, go into the building and look for the departure board. Pay attention to the flight number (Flight) and check the check-in status:

  • Check-in, Open or Check-in Open means you arrived on time. Registration has begun and you can proceed to the special counter. Its number is indicated on the scoreboard in the Counter column.
  • On time or Open 12:00 (or another value) - registration will begin at the specified time. If nothing is specified in the field, the default is to assume that the plane will depart on schedule.
  • Delayed means the flight is delayed. Nearby the time is indicated, but not the start of the postponed check-in, but the departure. You need to arrive at the airport in advance in order to have time to go through the procedure. If there are no signs, check with airport staff for information. If the delay is more than 2 hours, they are required to provide hot drinks, and for some categories - access to the mother and child room. For longer stays, passengers are provided with meals. But services are not provided when the delay was not the fault of the carrier.
  • Canceled appears on the display when a flight is cancelled. This does not mean that the trip will not take place: contact the airport staff and they will offer you alternatives.

Learn to understand the information presented on the board, and you will no longer have to think: “I’m flying on an airplane for the first time and don’t understand what a traveler needs to know!” Your voyage will not be accompanied by unpleasant surprises.

Registration and passport control procedure: we fly without surprises

Before boarding, you will go through registration: a procedure necessary to obtain real data about the people boarding the plane. It consists of 2 stages:

  • The carrier checks personal data and ticket availability. In exchange for one of the coupons you will receive a boarding pass.
  • The next step is to check your luggage into the cargo hold. Keep the issued tag until the end of the flight: it will be useful if bags and suitcases are lost or damaged.

You can check in at the airport at the counter, at a special kiosk or online. If you are not used to flying by plane, choose the first option. But if you want to understand the online procedure, it’s not difficult: find the registration section on the website, enter your details, and, if possible, select a location. Finally, print out your boarding pass and save yourself the hassle of standing in line. Self-check-in kiosks operate on a similar principle.

At the next stage, there will be customs and border control, but only on international flights. If you need to make a declaration, go to the red corridor; the rest will go through green.

Check-in features depend on the class of service: the economy option provides for a general queue, and passengers who will be flying on a “business” basis go to separate counters.

Border control means that you show your passport and boarding pass to the service officers. They sometimes ask additional questions: “How much time do you intend to spend in the country?”, “What is the purpose of the trip?” There is no reason to worry, but you shouldn’t respond with jokes either. Even if you are asked variations of the same question, calmly provide the information you need.

If you are flying with your child to another country, you will need his valid passport and birth certificate. It is important that when traveling with one of the parents, the second’s notarized permission to leave the country will not be required. But there are exceptions, which include the Schengen states. They put forward additional requirements, so check with the country’s consulate for details.

Pre-flight inspection

If customs control is carried out only on international flights, then pre-flight inspection- a mandatory component in all directions. You have to put your luggage on the belt and take it out of your pockets metal objects and go through the detector. To avoid any problems and ensure that your first flight on an airplane gives you a pleasant experience, follow these rules:

  • Prepare your documents (passport and boarding pass) in advance.
  • Remove your outer clothing. In some cases, shoes are also required for inspection; Make sure other passengers are taking it off. These things, like metal objects, are placed on a special tray. Sometimes the latter are sent in a plastic container that goes through a scanner.
  • Only leave liquid bottles holding less than 100 ml in your hand luggage.

After the procedure, you will find yourself in the departure area, where you will go through duty-free shops. But before you start shopping, find the right exit to the plane (Gate): the first time you risk getting lost. You will find the number on your boarding pass, and it is indicated in X12 format. Nearby you will see the time when you can board.

If you're flying for the first time, don't worry about security

Don't worry too much about missing your flight. Inexperienced passengers may wonder what they say at the airport when boarding a plane. In fact, everyone is warned that boarding is about to begin, so you don't miss your flight. Announcements are made in at least 2 languages. Even if you do not hear the dispatcher's message, he will repeat it several times. Separately warn about the end of registration and boarding. But you shouldn’t completely rely on the qualifications of the staff, because sometimes mistakes are possible.

About metal detector testing

Have you seen in films how an airport employee forces a passenger to undress and conducts a search in front of everyone? In real life, this is impossible, since in controversial cases a hand-held scanner is used.

To avoid detailed inspection, place all metal objects on a special tray. If the body has prosthetics, there is no reason to worry as airport staff are prepared for the situation. After making sure there are no other controversial items, they will let you board.

Security and order control

According to reviews from travelers, security and order control does not reassure, but causes discomfort. You approach the security check area in full dress, but high-heeled shoes, a fashionable belt, and a stylish bag end up in a plastic container. You are asked to undergo a full X-ray scan: the procedure is unpleasant, but eliminates the need for manual inspection.

Air carriers understand customer dissatisfaction, so they try to make the process less uncomfortable. After all, travelers are primarily annoyed by queues, restrictions on the transportation of metal objects and manual searches. To save passengers from unpleasant experiences, companies are introducing full-size scanners. According to surveys, after their installation, only 11% of air tourists began to see the procedure as a violation of rights. A few rules will help reduce discomfort:

  • Check in advance if there are any debts, because leaving the country may be closed.
  • When going through security, airport employees ask you to take off your outerwear, scarves, and sweaters. To prevent this situation, avoid wearing multi-layered outfits. Experienced travelers even put together special ensembles: they choose shoes with Velcro, belts with plastic buckles, etc.
  • In some cases you have to take off your shoes. To avoid standing barefoot on the floor, passengers are offered free shoe covers. At small airports you sometimes have to buy them.

If you think: “This is my first time flying on an airplane and I don’t know how to behave at the airport,” watch the video with a detailed description of all the stages:

Landing and its nuances

When you hear the boarding announcement, go to the correct gate and present your boarding pass. The spine is torn off and the rest is returned. Even if you miss the first announcement, the dispatcher will repeat it several times.

Passengers are then invited to board a bus, which takes them to the ramp. You will be welcomed on board by the staff, and in some cases you may see the pilots. You will then take your seat and prepare for your journey.

Passengers flying for the first time have questions about what is happening on board. Knowing what causes certain phenomena, you will not feel discomfort.

Why do they turn off the lights on an airplane during takeoff and landing?

When the plane takes off from the runway, the lights in the cabin are turned off. This also happens when landing, so that travelers’ eyes become accustomed to natural light. In a force majeure situation, you will see where to go. If the light goes out suddenly, you have to wait until your eyes get used to the changed situation.

Is there a connection on the plane when it flies?

The use of cell phones is prohibited during takeoff and landing. The rest of the time, you won’t have to wonder if there is a connection on the plane when you fly: the GSM standard means that you will contact your family. But you have to pay for SMS, as well as for using Wi-Fi on board. In the latter case, the price depends on the carrier: Aeroflot charges passengers $5 or more, while Norwegian or Turkish companies provide the service without additional fees.

Some carriers ask that phones be turned off and do not provide cellular service. They argue that security issues are a priority: the inability to make calls reduces the risk of terrorist attacks. If you need to stay in touch, check with the carrier in advance.

You can use the “Internet on board” services on flights from Aeroflot. The mobile operator's connection was disconnected in 2016.

In some cases, passengers are asked to turn off their phones, laptops and other gadgets. Debate continues about the validity of the measures, but there are suggestions that the devices are causing interference. There is also a risk that during maneuvers the gadgets will fly out of your hands and cause injury to other people.

Why buckle up on a plane: fly without incident

When the liner picks up speed, passengers seem to be pressed into their seats. But it happens that due to external conditions the pilot is forced to stop accelerating. To prevent injury, do not ignore flight attendants' requests to buckle up. During the flight, the seat belts help you survive in turbulence.

Why can't you use headphones during takeoff and landing?

During takeoff and landing, crew members are asked not to use headphones. This is due to the fact that if force majeure occurs, you will not hear the flight attendant’s commands or the pilot’s alerts.

Why is it hard to breathe on an airplane when it's flying?

It happens that there is not enough air on the plane, and you wonder what to do in this case. The problem is due to the fact that there is really little oxygen in the cabin. After all, where does the air on an airplane come from? From the engines it is supplied to the cabin, passing through purification systems. But even after treatment, oxygen is not enough: the content turns out to be at the same level as in the mountains. Those who are not used to traveling experience discomfort: after 6 hours at altitude, the level of oxygen in the blood drops by 10%. As a result, you will feel tired, even if you rested comfortably in an unfolded chair.

To get rid of the problem, carriers increase the pressure in the cabin. This is done to normalize the force with which the blood acts on the vessels. But not all airliners cope with such conditions: travelers who choose the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are among the lucky ones. Also, reducing the pressure difference, increasing humidity and saturating the air with oxygen require additional costs. Therefore, for passengers who have difficulty breathing, an oxygen bag is provided for airplane flights: ask the flight attendant for one.

What sensations arise during the flight?

When the plane begins to move along the runway, you do not feel any changes. At this time, crew members are familiarized with the rules of behavior on board, shown the location of emergency exits, and given instructions. The captain can give a short speech: greet travelers, talk about the duration of the flight and the weather at the destination.

Before taking off from the ground, the liner picks up high speed. Usually after 45 seconds. takeoff occurs. At first you will feel discomfort, as the difference in pressure will make itself felt. If your ears are blocked, try the following:

  • take a few sips of water;
  • chew chewing gum;
  • take the menthol candy;
  • yawn;
  • close your nostrils, inhale through your mouth and try to exhale through your nose (don’t let go of your nostrils);
  • small child Gently rub his neck, moving from the chin down, so that he makes a swallowing movement.

During the flight you will hear the noise of the engines, but their monotonous hum is calming. Turbulence can be uncomfortable, but remind yourself that airplanes are designed with turbulence in mind.

Your ears may become blocked again when you descend, so repeat the above steps. Crew members will instruct you on how to behave. When landing, there may be some shaking, and then the plane will slow down. After a few seconds of decompression, passengers are invited to exit.

What you need to know about luggage: packing your suitcase

When packing for a trip, make allowances for the airline's rules. Depending on the ticket category, limits are set on luggage (it is checked into the cargo compartment) and hand luggage (it is taken into the cabin). Check the weight norm on the company website or with employees; You will find more detailed information.

By type, luggage is divided into oversized and oversized. Both types imply that the weight limit is respected, and the deciding factor is the difference in size. If you are transporting a guitar or plasma TV, they are not classified as oversized items. In this case, notify the airline representatives in advance; sometimes you have to pay extra bed.

Think about what to take on the plane, otherwise you'll pay for the extra pounds

Novice travelers do not know that they may not stand on ceremony with suitcases when loading them. On forums they advise wrapping luggage with film, but you should not do this at home. At the airport they will offer the corresponding service, and you will have to pay 700 rubles. If you wish, you can contact private individuals: it is possible to negotiate with them for an amount half as much.

If you have excess baggage, be prepared to pay extra, and the cost depends on the airline’s conditions. To avoid overpacking items from your carry-on luggage and leaving some of your belongings to those seeing you off, weigh your suitcases and bags at home.

What to do if you lost your ticket

Airlines sell electronic tickets, so all you need to do is print them. Preferred a paper document and lost it? Contact a company representative by finding a special window or registration point. You may be asked about the time and place of purchase, but in the end they will give you a duplicate. True, you will have to pay for the service: it is usually provided to business or premium class travelers without additional fees.

But processing will take time, so don’t report it missing at the last minute. You need to write an application and wait for approval from the air carrier.

Loss of a paper travel document only threatens air travelers who choose charter flights. In other cases, carriers use electronic options: the information is entered into a database and cannot be lost.

If you bought e-ticket and lost the printout, you can re-make it by going to the “Manage Booking” page.

What to do if you lost your luggage

After the flight, you wait with other passengers for your items to appear on the tape. But they never appear... Although the situation with lost luggage cannot be called pleasant, do not rush to get upset. Look for the counter with the inscription Lost & Found and fill out the act.

How long does the search take?

The search for lost suitcases can last 21 days, after which you should be provided with compensation:

  • in the Russian Federation you will receive 600 rubles. for 1 kg;
  • for an oversight made by a foreign carrier, you will be paid $20 per 1 kg.

Don't agree with the amount? Submit a claim to the company indicating the presence of valuables in your luggage. But you shouldn’t say goodbye to your things in advance, because most likely the tag just came off the suitcase. If the flight did not involve many transfers on lines of different companies, then the luggage will be found. According to statistics, passengers' items are returned in 85% of cases.

If you are left in a foreign country without things

Find yourself in another country without luggage? Companies often provide a set of basic items: you will receive a toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, soap. Also expect to give out $250 to buy essentials.

If you are forced to spend money on purchasing a change of clothes, keep your receipts. You will provide them to the carrier and receive compensation of 50% of the amount. But it is issued only if you are left without luggage in a place other than your permanent residence. Simply put, when you come on vacation and your suitcases are lost, count on financial payments. And if the baggage tag comes off on the way back and the items are not delivered to their destination, they will not provide assistance to buy new ones.

How to check the progress of searches

When bags or suitcases are found, the baggage search service informs the owner. But in practice, delays are possible, so monitor the situation yourself. You can clarify the results if you call the number on the receipt.

If suitcases from the luggage compartment of the plane did not make it onto the belt, contact the luggage search service

Another way to monitor the process is to use the Word Tracer system. You will need to go to the website, enter the number from the receipt issued by Lost & Found, and view the results.

When the search for things is successful, the carrier is obliged to bring them to your home. Those who refuse delivery pick up their suitcases themselves. You will need to present a passport and a previously drawn up baggage loss report, and in some cases, a customs declaration.

What to do if you are afraid to go to the toilet and miss the boarding announcement

There is no need to worry that you will not hear the announcement if you linger in the restroom. After all, notifications are carried out several times, and for 10-15 minutes. your absence will not be decisive.

But you shouldn’t rely on the integrity and organization of the carrier, especially on domestic airlines. One of the passengers shares his experience:

“I flew to Sharm el-Sheikh for a week, checked in and went to relax in the business lounge: at that time there was nowhere else to smoke in Vnukovo. The most interesting thing is that I was relaxing alone in the hall! After a while, I began to worry because there were no announcements about landing. I went to check with the airport staff and found out that the plane had taken off.

He rushed headlong to the gate, but what's the rush now? But I did not expect such a reaction from the staff. When I said I was late for boarding, one of the girls cursed loudly. It turned out that she did not count how many people who registered actually boarded the plane.

I didn’t want to make a scene because I agreed to be on the next flight. I didn’t understand what the problem was: my lateness turned into a tragedy for the shift manager, security, representatives of the carrier and travel agency. All these people ran around like they were scalded, without explaining what was going on.

It turned out that my luggage was delivered on board the plane, and it flew away with the ill-fated suitcase. According to the rules, when a passenger's belongings end up on the plane and the traveler does not fly, there is a threat of a terrorist attack. If this is found out before takeoff, the plane is stopped on the runway, people are disembarked, and a special team with dogs is called. But in my case, the blunder on the part of the staff is huge, since the liner departed. According to the instructions, I could not be released until he arrived at his destination.

“In the end, I ended up in Sharm el-Sheikh the next day, but I had to pay a $100 fine and re-check my luggage: it was delivered back to Vnukovo in the morning.”

To avoid such situations, do not rely on the organization of airport staff. If you do not hear announcements for a long time, contact one of the staff members and ask for clarification.

If you wanted to fly at the window, but were scared

Did you expect to admire the views, but in practice decided that sitting near the porthole was not comfortable? Some passengers panic when they see how high the plane is. But you don’t have to suffer for the rest of the flight: ask the flight attendant to move you to another seat.

If you change your mind about flying at the window, switch places with your neighbor

If all the seats are occupied, she will invite one of the passengers to change seats with you. There are plenty of people willing to sit near the porthole: views outside the window and a restful sleep without having to let neighbors through are considered the main advantages. When you can't change seats, lower the curtain and try to think positive thoughts. Instead of remembering the news reports about the crashes, imagine yourself arriving at your destination and starting a long-awaited vacation or having a successful meeting. After all, the window option is considered one of the best: although you will not get as much comfort as the berths provided on a premium class aircraft, you will not be disturbed by neighbors who are going to stretch their legs.

Flying for the first time: common mistakes

Having decided to master air Transport, you may unknowingly miss important points. Surveys conducted by airlines show that customers feel the need to ensure availability necessary documents, arrive early and check that your luggage meets the baggage limits. Thanks to these measures, you will actually get to your destination. And to make your trip more comfortable, find out what mistakes beginners can make.

Don't choose a place in advance

Some people don't realize that you can choose your seat on the plane in advance. As a result, you simply sit on the chair with the number that was assigned to you during registration. But companies allow you to reserve a specific seat, although you have to pay extra for the service.

If you have not indicated the desired option, arrive at the airport at the start of check-in. By arriving early, you won't end up at the tail end, where turbulence is more intense. But not all places in the bow are created equal! Decide in advance whether you want to look out the window and take photos or whether you prefer to sit near the aisle: this will allow you to stretch your legs without disturbing your sleeping neighbors.

Overdo it with carry-on luggage

The advice to put valuables in your carry-on luggage seems reasonable. In Russia, its weight is often limited to 5 kg when purchasing a ticket from the “economy” series. But when flying on airlines foreign companies or traveling in business class, it can increase to 12 or even 18 kg, depending on the cabin. The idea of ​​not parting with expensive things is tempting, but not when you are flying with transfers. Carrying additional weight with you is inconvenient.

Don't study the airport map

Getting lost in an unfamiliar place can be fun: taking a wrong turn opens up new horizons. But not when you're rushing to catch a plane! IN international airport It's easy to get lost, so study the diagram in advance. If this does not help, please contact any member of staff for assistance.

Count on Wi-Fi

An experienced traveler also talks about his mistake: Alex Zatarian, founder of Eight Sleep, is used to frequent flights. But one voyage was remembered for a long time, because Alex did not specify whether there would be Wi-Fi on board. As a result, it turned out that the carrier does not provide access to the World Wide Web at altitude. Alex did not bring documents for work and did not download the necessary files, so the next 5 hours were lost.

Doesn't clarify if food is provided

Meals are provided on board, but if you are traveling in economy class, the dishes are not culinary masterpieces. Those who are picky about food will have a snack in a restaurant or cafe at the airport, because surprises may await you on board. For example, this set of products was served to a passenger who ordered a vegetarian dish. The duration of the flight is unknown, although after the photo was published online, the carrier promised to improve services.

Don't think that food can only be disappointing on lesser-known airlines. Spoiled fruit was also brought to a passenger flying with British Airlines.

However, the difference between food in economy class and business class is noticeable.

Meals on Korean-Air in Economy Class

Business lunch on a flight with Korean Air: when flying is a pleasure

If you don't want to overpay for business class, bring dried fruit, granola bars, nuts and sandwiches to the cabin just in case. By taking a cup and a portion of instant porridge, you will also expand the menu, because you can ask the flight attendant for boiling water. Just don’t take the yoghurts that many people love: they are classified as liquids, and their volume is limited.

With these tips, you won't have to say to yourself, "This is my first time on a plane, what do I need to know?" By thinking through the nuances, you will make the trip more enjoyable.

To make your trip without any troubles, take into account even the nuances. After all, when we're talking about about comfort, there are no trifles: only details.

What day of the week to fly

If date and time are not important, choose non-busy flights. Most travelers fly out on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. After all, at the beginning of the week businessmen start work, and before the weekend people go on vacation. You'll see most air travelers on Fridays during the summer months. To choose comfortable spot, fly on other days.

When to register

Some passengers advise being one of the last to check in. After all, this means that your luggage will be loaded later than other things - and unloaded earlier. You won't have to wait long for it to appear on your feed.

What to take with you

Unless you're flying premium, bring your own headphones. The models offered in the “economy” sector will not please you with their quality.

Are you planning to cross the border? Take a pen to fill out your migration card without begging other passengers or airport staff for stationery.

How to protect your skin from harmful radiation

Use a cream with UV protection. Studies show that a pilot receives the same amount of radiation in 1 hour of flight as in 20 minutes. stay in the solarium. If you sit far from the porthole, the dose will be less, but the measure should not be neglected.

Should you drink drinks while you're flying?

Should you drink coffee or tea prepared on board? It's up to you, but the results of a study done by Wall Street Journal journalists are not encouraging. They collected 14 samples of drinks served on different airlines and conducted research.

The results of the examination were unexpected even for pessimists. The list of microscopic life forms you definitely don't want to ingest includes salmonella, staph, and even insect eggs. The number of bacteria was hundreds of times higher than the standards established in the United States. The situation in Russia is unlikely to be any better, so be careful. Bottled drinks served on board are much safer.

Can you expect high standards of service?

If you fly economy class, you get a basic set of services. But you're unlikely to be pleased by the revelations of Sarah Scott, a former flight attendant at US Airways. She says the folding tables that attach to the seats are rarely wiped down. Prepare wet wipes in advance to clean the surface. But what’s worse is that the pillows and blankets provided to passengers on transcontinental flights are not always clean: they are washed when the dirt becomes noticeable.

Conclusion

When traveling by plane for the first time, do not be afraid to encounter difficulties. After all, the main thing is that you buy a ticket, take an internal or foreign passport and arrive at the airport on time for registration. This is enough to get you safely to your destination country. But for comfort, you need to take into account the nuances: by taking care of them in advance, you will give yourself a pleasant flight experience.

17.09.2018 , 16:50 32872

The plane, registration, metal detectors, long lines - everything is so complicated. Where to go? What to do? Let's figure it out and simply break down what you need to do and when when going on a flight for the first time.

To begin with, let’s clearly define for ourselves the mandatory procedures at the airport:

Registration

Information table

The first thing you need to do at the airport is find the information board. As a rule, it is visible at the entrance to the airport terminal building. Find your flight number on this board. The destination of several flights may be the same, the departure time may be changed, so we search strictly by flight number. Read more about how to navigate and what information can be found on the online board at the airport here.

You need to check in only after the message appears next to your flight number check-in. If there is an on-time sign, then the flight departs on schedule and there are no changes. The registration start time is also written next to it. If the flight is delayed, the message appears delayed and until the sign lights up check-in You cannot register.

Check-in starts 3 hours before departure and ends 30-45 minutes, so if you are going to fly for the first time and don’t know what and how, arrive early! After the inscription appeared check-in a reception number will be assigned.

Reseption

We check the flight number again, what the check-in counter number is and go to where the queue is shorter. At the reception we provide you with a ticket and your own passport. If the ticket was purchased electronically, you only need to show your passport. You can also register online. Read more about the check-in procedure for a plane.

You can choose your seat at the reception desk. If you are not afraid of heights, choose a seat by the window; if you are afraid to look through the clouds, choose a seat in the aisle. If you are tall, choose a seat near the emergency exit, there is more legroom.

We weigh luggage and hand luggage on the scales near the counter. After weighing, a tag with a barcode is attached to the luggage. You will receive your luggage using these tags upon arrival. Once you have been given your boarding pass and your baggage tags, check-in is complete.

customs control

If you are flying internationally, you will need to go through either the green corridor or the red corridor. The fact is that there are things that are subject to duty. A list of items falling into this category can be found in advance.

Green corridor, indicated by a green sign with the inscription nothing to declare. Let's go there if you don't have any dutiable items.
Red channel for those who have dutiable items. We go through and fill out the customs declaration. There are many nuances, so it is better to prepare to fill out in advance.

Passport control

This stage takes a couple of minutes; you need to provide a passport if the flight is within the country, and a foreign passport if the flight is international.

Security control

This is a last resort inspection where the presence of prohibited items is detected using metal detectors, scanners and visual inspection. To pass this stage of verification, you need to lay out all your metal objects and electronic devices. Outerwear, hats and shoes are also checked. They give you shoe covers instead of shoes. Next, the passenger goes through a metal detector, and if no violations are detected, all things are returned to him.

Boarding the plane

That's all, the checks have been completed, and we find ourselves in the boarding waiting area. After the announcement about boarding the plane, you should go to the exit gate. This number is indicated on the boarding pass. After checking boarding pass, you will be left with a receipt indicating the location. The row number and letter are written on the spine. Seat markings can be found above the seats. If you suddenly have questions, you can always contact the flight attendants.

Now you know what to do and where to go at the airport. As in any unfamiliar place, communication will always help. If in doubt, ask the neighbor on your right or left. As they say: “Language will take you to Kyiv!” Also for its travelers, Ticket Aero has prepared a reminder: how to navigate the airport if you do not speak the language. Perhaps she will become your assistant.

Enjoy your travels and fair winds!


1) Before the flight

To navigate to your seat on the plane, in the most general case, you will need 5 things:

    name of the airport (in some cities there are several)

    terminal (this can be a letter, number or name; the terminals can be far from each other, especially important if you get there by taxi)

    number of the check-in counter for the flight (you can find out by finding your flight in the departures board, which is in each terminal; at large airports, airlines usually have a whole series of check-in counters for all of their flights)

    gate number (boarding gate) - it will be indicated on the ticket, but can be changed (up-to-date information can be seen on the board in the departure areas)

    seat number on the plane (also indicated on the ticket)

Check-in for the flight ends 40 minutes before departure, but it’s best to go through online registration on the airline’s website - this most often allows you to select a seat on the plane in advance, and can also save time at the airport. When choosing a seat, I prefer to sit by the window (there you don’t have to get up to let passengers out - you can sleep peacefully).

If you do not have luggage, then you can print an electronic ticket (in advance at home, or if you find a printing device at the airport) and immediately go to the departure area (then you do not need a check-in counter, but just a gate number). If there is such a possibility, then it is better not to check things in as luggage - this will save time upon arrival and guarantee that your luggage will not be lost (this happens extremely rarely, so there is no need to be afraid either).

You cannot take sharps or liquids in containers larger than 100 ml into your hand luggage.

If you have luggage, but you have already checked in, there are usually separate baggage drop-off counters (they will also print out a ticket for you if you have not done so).

When checking in at the counter, ask to be seated by the window (or in the aisle).

I had a case when I overslept the flight already sitting at the gate, but in general, after you have checked in, they will really try not to fly off without you (especially if you checked in your luggage, because it will need to be unloaded if they don’t wait for you at the gate ). At Russian airports, it is customary to call late passengers by their last names (you don’t need to get used to this - this doesn’t happen everywhere).

There is absolutely no need to stand in line for boarding - you can calmly wait until it passes. The exception is if you have a lot of carry-on luggage/duty free purchases, for which you may have to search for a long time for a seat on the plane if you are the last one to board it. If boarding occurs through a “sleeve” in addition to the queue in front of the boarding gate, a queue usually forms in the sleeve at the entrance to the plane itself, so it is better to either get in at the beginning or wait longer so as not to wait in two queues.

If you are being taken to the plane by bus, it is better to stay at the door on the right side of the bus - usually it approaches the plane on this side and you will be one of the first to get off the bus and board the plane.

2) On the plane

We have already written about plugging your ears during takeoff and landing; for me, the most effective way is to pinch your nose with your fingers and blow air out through your ears.

The use of electronic devices is prohibited during takeoff and landing. If you listen to music, then when flight attendants pass by, take the headphones out of your ears.

3) After the flight

When the plane finishes moving, do not rush to get up unless you want to wait standing in a narrow aisle. You will get off the plane not much later if you get up from your seat after the disembarkation begins. If the exit is not through the “sleeve”, but by bus, then you will most likely end up on the same bus anyway (you already know which seat to occupy on the bus).

In Russia, it is better not to use the services of taxi drivers who meet you upon arrival at the airport - their prices are always greatly inflated. If you want to get there by car, it is best to order through mobile app(in Moscow and St. Petersburg I use Gett - if you register, you can use my promo code GTARASL1, and there is also Uber and Yandex).