First time flying, noob questions

Aeleys

Aeleys

Aeleys

Soldato
Joined
25 Aug 2010
Posts
5,216
Firstly checking in, what the hell do I do exactly?

Also, baggage...I have a connecting flight do I need to collect it and re-check it in (all flights bought in a single transaction)

I'm probably gonna get lost, but how long does it take to pass through security I'll be taking minimal items with me such as phone, wallet and a jacket/coat.

And lastly, my final destination (also where I'll be leaving from) doesn't seem to have any staff/self check in for that airline leaving me to do it online (not sure I'll have access to the net) what other options do I have?

Thanks.
 
Check in online if you can, it's far easier than doing at the airport. Once you've got your boarding card(s) all you have to do at the airport is drop your bags off at the bag drop desk. The person will check your passport and boarding passes, tag the bags and it's all done. They should be checked all the way - check the 3 letter code for your destination airport and make sure it's on the tags before the bags disappear!

Security depends on the airport and the time of day. Can be anything from 10 seconds to 30 minutes. Put everything metallic in your jacket pockets so you've not got anything to take through the arch.

There will be someone to check you in coming back, most likely agency staff. There will be an indication of some sort (usually a TV showing the flight or airline over the desk) to show you which desk to use. If you can't check in online then make sure you have a printed copy of your itinerary with your 6 character confirmation code (or equivalent).
 
first off, make sure you go to the correct terminal when you get dropped off
enter airport, ask where your airline desk is if not apparent
que, get to desk, hand over ticket and passport. answer YES to packing your bag yourself. put luggage on scales. confirm your bag will be check through
security que wil depend on airport and whether you get stopped. longest i've waited is close to 30 mins
i don't see how your return flight can't have a check in facility? how are you going to get your luggage on the plane? call the airline 48 hours prior to check and confirm you will be on the flight.
 
Firstly, relax, there's nothing really complicated about what you are about to do.

Second, relax, there's nothing really dangerous about what you are about to do (honest).

Pack the bag that's going in the hold with as much of your kit as possible (no laptops though, hand carry them always). Lock your bag with an approved lock (try Boots the Chemists for these).

If you have walking / hiking shoes, or shoes with molded soles and uppers, these are preferable as you probably won't be asked to remove them at security. If you can manage without a belt, do so, else take something you can re-thread through your trousers easily.

Take a small rucksack, they're a god-send for all the junk (boarding pass/itinerary/passport/driving license/ipod/phone/keys/wallet/loose change/jacket/sunglasses etc. etc.) you need to take with you on an air trip. Yes, something big enough to squeeze your jacket into, as I find airports are always slightly too warm, or slightly too cold. No liquids! Yeah, you're allowed 100ml blah blah blah, but it just gets complicated.

Don't arrive too early, there's limited facilities on the non-air side of modern airports, but deffo don't be late. Check-in is straight forward, and if you explain it's your first time, they'll be very happy to slow down and detail what's what for you. So, pack your bag yourself, check the weight before you leave home (bathroom or fishing scales), put your bag on the conveyor-belt/scale and hand over your ID and boarding pass. Ask if your bag is "checked right through" to confirm that you don't need to collect it for connections or customs clearances if going international. Smile, this is the stressful bit all done with.

Ask for directions to the Security Check Area, if you can't see it.

On your way along the zig-zag isles to the security check, remove all the bumf from your pockets, your belt, sun glasses and beanie hat and put it all in your small bag. When you reach the end of the queue and it's your turn, if you are carrying a laptop remove it and put it in a tray on its own. Place your bag in the next tray. Only remove your shoes if they tell you too. Smile, and relax, all the staff here are just doing their job. Look through the doorway and aim to make eye contact with one of the staff on the other side, nod and they'll beckon you through and likely not even look at you again. Collect your laptop, and your bag, fetch out your belt and rescue your trousers from around your ankles, else it'll be difficult to get your shoes back on. Remember, you're not in a hurry, take your time (once you've rescued your trousers) and relax.

If you've got lost prior to this, then ask for directions. Don't worry about getting lost, or feeling like you don't know if you're going the right way, airports are designed like this it's an anti-terrorist measure. You've likely only travelled about 50m from the check-in desk as the crow flies. I allow 1 hour from check-in to the gate, that's normally plenty to clear security even on the busiest of days. Realistically it'll take about 15mins to pass through security alone, which is mostly queuing time.

Check-in for your return trip may be possible before you leave, but depends how long you'll be away for. Your hotel can likely get you internet access for check-in purposes, if you ask. Sometimes, when you check the overhead to see what check-in desk / bag-drop for your flight, it'll direct you to a partner airline. There'll deffo be someway to check-in at the airport though, even if it's just at the bag-drop.

I hope you enjoy your flight.
 
Always remember that British airports are the best in the world and johnny foreigner airports are death traps with p-poor security, allowing you to take anything on boards.
Probably some sweaty peasant and his mule behind the desk, waiting to rob you.
And don't forget, it's normal to be fondled (for several minutes) whilst going through security.

Have a great trip it will probably be your last :D
 
you can online check in for both flights before you leave, print out your boarding passes just don't loose them.
don't take liquids in your hand luggage it will get thrown in the bin (anything over 25ml)
don't try and be funny and mention bombs/drugs you will be a back room with someone peering up your anal cavity

its all pretty self explanatory signs everywhere if not ask someone there's information desks and anyone working there will be fairly helpful

also take some sweets too suck on for take off if your ears pop or you will feel like you've gone deaf for half the flight and same when landing
 
Thanks again, just a follow up question:

Who do I check in with, the company I bought the flights with or "operated by" company?
 
For an online check in do it with the airline you're flying with. If you're checking in at the airport the screens will tell you which desk your flight is using.
 
I have sometimes had, in the US, to collect my bags, walk them through security, and then place them back on a conveyor to be taken to the next plane.

But everywhere else, you check them in at your point of origin, all the way to your final destination.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom