If you’ve not flown commercially for a trip before, or if you have but it’s been YEARS since you’ve done so, it’s possible that you’re a little nervous about the whole thing.  You’ve heard stories about long wait times to get through check in, longer lines to get through security, people having things taken away from them once they get to the metal detectors, craziness at the gate… And you’re probably wondering how you’re going to survive, because you’re not sure exactly when to arrive at the airport or what you should have ready beforehand.

Have no fear!  Let’s walk through the typical steps that you’ll be taking.

Confirmation Code – What is it, and why do I care?

More than likely, you purchased  your flight through a website, whether through the airline, or through a site like Orbitz or Expedia.  When you completed the transaction, you were emailed a confirmation, maybe multiple emails, and one of them had an airline record locator/confirmation number.

The record locator is a 6 digit code that is used to locate and identify your airline reservation.  This is what the airline uses to make sure you have the flight you say you have, and keep track of you throughout.

This is also used to check into your flight.  Therefore, take note of your record locator.  Either print out your email (if you work better with paper), or keep the email in a safe place so that you can find the code later.

Airline apps – Are they useful?

It’s really up to you.  If you have a smart phone, and you want to check the status of your flight when you’re not in front of a computer, it might be helpful for you.  You can also check into your flight using the application, which then saves the boarding pass within the app for easy reference.

Keep in mind also, that some airlines now have wi-fi access on their flights, and sometimes that requires the user to have the airline’s application on their phone/device.

Do you think you have too many apps on your phone, or you’re still in flip-phone land?  Then it’s not the end of the world to not have the airline’s application on your phone.

Checking in

Airlines open up check in to their flight 24 hours before the flight itself.  That’s when you really need to get yourself on the airline’s site/app, and start going through the process.  This is when you get your record locator out!

Use the check-in link on the site or in the app to start.  Usually you’ll be asked for your locator as well as your last name.  During the check in process you’ll be asked to verify that the seat you chose when you booked your flight (if you were able to) is still the one you want.  These days it’s not as easy to switch seats during the check in process, either because the flight is full, or because they’re going to charge you for a “premium” seat.

Regarding Seat choice – What’s the best seat on the plane?  Eh, that’s up to you.  It’s generally known that the middle seat, anywhere, is not the ideal seat (unless it’s in an exit row)!  Outside of that – if you think you’re going to be hitting the lavatory fairly often during the flight, then maybe the aisle seat is best for you.  If you think you’ll be set for an hour or 2 in a window seat, with the possibility of the person on the aisle being asleep, then maybe the window seat is best for you.  

You should also be able to check your bag and pay for it during the check in process.  Most airlines these days charge for a checked bag, so you’ll need to have your credit card handy!

The result of checking in is a boarding pass – you can either print it, email it to yourself, or if you’re doing so in your airline app, the pass will be saved to the application.  This boarding pass will contain the terminal and gate information as it is known at that time.  It is always possible that this information may change by the time you get to the airport, or even once you’re there!

Getting Your Carry-on Ready

Unless you like paying A LOT for airport snacks, bring your own.  The flight will probably provide some sort of beverage and a small bag of pretzels (for domestic flights), but the rest of the options will be for a price.

Bring a water bottle, but it must be empty to get through TSA.  Many airports these days have water bottle fillers once you’ve gone through security.  If not, use a little money to buy one or two bottles from one of the shops, and fill your bottle up that way, recycling the plastic one on the way to the gate.

What can you bring through security when it comes to liquids?  I’m going to point you over to the TSA for that.  Usually the limit includes bottles with a 3-oz or less capacity, and any bottles you have need to be in a clear plastic zip topped bag.  That being said, restrictions and limitations are updating a lot lately, so do your research well in advance so that you don’t have issues on site!

When to arrive / Checking bags

This is dependent on a few things:

1. Where are you going?  If it’s a domestic flight, it doesn’t make sense to get there more than 2 hours before your flight, unless it’s a popular flight (Orlando comes to mind, given all the children typically involved).  If it’s an international flight, general thought is to get there three hours ahead.
2. How busy is the airport?  If it’s a smaller airport, then you probably won’t have a lot of lines that you’ll need to wait in.  If it’s a larger airport (O’Hare, Orlando, LAX, Atlanta, etc.), then you better pad your arrival for the sheer amount of people who are going to be involved.
3. How are you with sitting idle in an airport chair?  Depending on that answer, you’ll either be up and wandering the terminal, or sitting at your gate reading or people watching.

So, up to you.

If you’re checking a bag, you’ve probably indicated your intent when you checked in for the flight.  Therefore, you’ll either need to pay for the bag, or just check it in.  That means you’ll need to get friendly with one of the kiosks at the airport.

They’re not too difficult to deal with.  They do vary a little based on the airline, but most will ask you for the credit card used for the flight, the last name of the flier, the destination, etc.  If you’re checking a bag, it’ll give you the warning of what you shouldn’t be packing.  You may be given the last chance to change your seat as well.  Follow the instructions on the screen, and you’ll be fine, promise.

The result will be the offer of a printed boarding pass (print this, unless you printed yours at home – you don’t want to be left relying solely on your cell phone at the gate), and probably the checked bag tag, which you’re now going to be responsible for attaching to your bag.  Again, this is not too difficult – there are instructions on the bag of the tag.  If you have trouble, ask for help!

TSA preparation – How to Prepare

Now it’s time to get through the TSA security line.  Before you get to the bag screening machine, you’ll need to get through the line and past the initial check point.  For that first check point, you’ll need your photo identification, and your boarding pass.  So, make sure you have those ready to go.

And then find an easy place to put them once you’re past the check point, because now you’re in line to put your things on the conveyor that takes them through the screeners.

You’ve already put your liquids in a bag.  Make sure they’re easily accessible so that you can remove them when you get up to the bag screening machine.

If you’re taking a laptop, you’ll need to take that out of your bag.  And lately, it seems like smaller electronics will be required to be taken out of the carry-on as well.  (Review TSA‘s site for more information.)

Wear slip on shoes (with socks, please, so no flip-flops), and expect to have to take them off.

You’ll also be asked to remove any jackets, belts, items from pockets, sunglasses from head, etc.

It’s possible you’ll be selected for a random extra screening.  Could either be a pat down by one of the agents, or a check through your carry-on bag.  It’s nothing that you’ve done.  It’s their job.

Be polite with them, and if you’re feeling extra nice, thank them for what they do.  It’s not easy to deal with thousands of passengers every day, repeating the same things over and over.

Electronics

The airline has your checked bag, and you’ve successfully been through security, you’re set to wait for your flight.

It’s a good time to get your electronics set for the flight.  These days, things like phones, e-readers, tablets, etc., have something called Airplane Mode.  This enables the devices to remain on, but turns off all of the transmitting functions.  The device will no longer be able to communicate via wi-fi, will not attach to cell towers, etc.  Airlines now require all devices that are powered on to be switched to this mode during take off and landing.  If you’re not using them in the airport, then I suggest doing so before you even get on the flight, just so that you’re not fiddling around with them while you’re on the plane.  Bonus – putting electronics in Airplane Mode actually helps save the battery!

You’re ready!  Time to sit back, relax, and wait for your boarding group to be called for your flight!  Have a great time!

That’s all I have for now.  Are there other questions that you have as an in-frequent flier?  Post them in the comments below, and I’ll either answer them there, or update this page with the answer!