If you've already taken a few flights, you probably know how to prepare and pack for your trip quickly and efficiently. You've certainly gained a wealth of experience from your previous travels, so you know what to do and what to avoid. However, if you are traveling for the first time, all the things about traveling by plane can be stressful.
Booking a ticket, packing, transportation to the airport, check-in, there is a lot that you can worry about on your first trip. That's why we've prepared this practical guide for you, in which you'll find some tips and tricks on how to prepare for a flight like a pro.
Read the airline policy
Do you know what to watch out for when traveling by plane? What to do and what to avoid? If you are traveling with an airline for the first time, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with its rules. You might be interested in how you can book tickets, what changes you can make within the reservation and when at the latest, whether online check-in is also possible, what the fees are, etc.
Is there an airline mobile app available? Such an application offers you an overview of your tickets, through which you can usually make various changes, reserve a seat, etc.
Be sure to check the baggage conditions. It's easy to pack, but if you forget the airline's requirements, it can come back to haunt you at check-in.
Get to know the airport
If you are entering an unknown object, it is always a good idea to check it virtually beforehand. Take the time to visit the airport website. There you will find useful information, advice and instructions, as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions.
You will definitely come in handy when you know what the airport hall looks like, where the gates are, where the waiting room is, what refreshment and dining options you have, where the exchange office and ATMs are located, whether the Wi-Fi network is accessible, etc.
This knowledge will help you to handle airport control without rush and stress. Even if your flight is unexpectedly delayed, you won't feel so lost.
If you have a stopover waiting for you during your flight to your final destination, make the effort to familiarize yourself with the airport where the plane will land. And last but not least, with the airport where you will disembark.
Baggage – the biggest challenge for travelers
Packing luggage for a trip is one of the most stressful tasks that await a traveler. Have you ever had the feeling that despite all the care you have given to packing, you have left something important at home? To avoid this, prepare a checklist of must-haves.
Many travelers will limit their needs to only packing in their carry-on luggage. In general, you can have 2 pieces of luggage on board: a smaller suitcase that meets the size requirements, or a backpack, and one piece of personal luggage in the form of a purse, bag or smaller backpack.
Baggage also has a certain permitted weight, you may be charged extra fees above this limit. This especially applies to checked baggage, which you register and hand over at the check-in counter at the airport. Regarding the weight of checked baggage, its restrictions vary depending on the type of flight (domestic, ocean, etc.) or airline.
To save yourself the stress associated with luggage, be sure to take advantage cabin suitcases that have dimensions suitable for airplane luggage compartments.
Pay attention to the rules for packaging liquids. Check the list of prohibited items. Remember to take medications to help with common problems and ailments, such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and stomach medications, and keep them in a small pouch or bag that you can carry with you.
Something for your luggage, something for yourself
Deciding what to wear before the flight is closely related to packing your luggage. A simple travel tip that can help you with this dilemma is to layer your clothes.
Multiple layers have several advantages. First of all, you never know how hot or cold it will be at the airport or on the plane. And secondly, putting on more clothes frees up space in your luggage. Such a solution will also help you on the return trip, when you need to squeeze purchased souvenirs into your luggage.
Layered clothing will also help you during the airport check itself, when you will be asked to take off your clothes. Watch out for belts and metal elements on clothes, you will have to go through a metal detector. Also, choose shoes that you can quickly take off or put on.
Print your documents
It may seem that it is easier to travel with tickets and certificates downloaded to your phone, but this is not always true. If you have paper documents, check-in can actually be faster.
If you are asked to present any documents at the airport, it is good to have everything in one place rather than clicking between e-mail and various mobile applications. With paper documents, especially if there is a flight delay, you also don't have to worry about a dead phone battery or other complications with electronics.
TIP: Don't rely only on electronics, and write down important information, addresses or phone numbers - especially necessary contacts at the destination and important contacts for loved ones at home - in a notebook the old-fashioned way. Because, what would you do if you lost or damaged your phone? We know from our own experience that a mobile phone can break down on purpose 1 hour before the trip to the airport, and without supportive old-fashioned preparation, it could easily mean the end of travel.
Download offline maps and useful apps
Download maps and use them offline. This is a great travel hack because you don't need to have constant internet access when traveling to a new country. Although offline maps offer limited features compared to online maps, they certainly come in handy when navigating a new city.
Language can be a big barrier when traveling to a new country. You may not understand the information boards, the food and drinks on the restaurant menu, or you will find yourself in a situation where you will not be able to communicate with the locals. Google Translate is the ultimate stress-free solution to all your travel communication problems.
Charger and universal adapter
Always take at least two mobile phone chargers with you. Keep them in your carry-on bag or purse for easy access on the go. Your phone will likely be your lifeline during the flight and during your stay. Whether you're using it to navigate, take photos, or stay in touch with loved ones, it needs to work.
Why the second charger? It ensures that you can always have your phone charged and ready for use, even if you lose or damage the original charger. Also pack a portable power bank. It will come in handy if you have planned long trips beyond the possibility of plugging the charging cable into an electrical outlet.
Different countries use different types of plugs and sockets, which may or may not be compatible with your cables and electronic devices. Get a universal adapter, so you don't have to look for a country-specific adapter. Today, most adapters come with USB ports.
Empty water bottle
For security reasons, there are several restrictions on the items you can take with you on the plane. But the good news is that you can take your own on the plane travel water bottle. However, it must be empty when you go through security to avoid problems.
Once you've gone through security, you can fill it up with drinking water from a public fountain and continue on your way with a drink that didn't cost you a cent—but most importantly, you don't have to rely on anyone else to provide you with a drink when you need it.
Follow the NBS course ticket
Although it is convenient to exchange money for local currency at the airport, avoid doing so unless absolutely necessary. Airport exchange rates are usually the worst. This is because airport exchange offices have higher overhead costs and may therefore charge higher fees or offer less favorable exchange rates than other locations.
Therefore, exchange euros for another currency at a bank or at a reputable exchange office in your area.
Do not wait for the exchange until the last day before the flight. The exchange rate ticket of the National Bank of Slovakia is worth watching several weeks in advance.
If you have to change money at the airport, change only the most necessary amount. Alternatively, consider using a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees and often has favorable exchange rates.
Public Wi-Fi only through a virtual private VPN
We recommend using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) while traveling. It provides higher data security and more privacy when using public Wi-Fi networks.
People often rely on public Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, coffee shops and hotels while traveling. These public networks can be insecure and pose a threat to key personal information such as login and banking details.
A VPN can encrypt your internet activity and make it difficult for anyone to intercept and read your data. A VPN can also give you a new IP address to protect your online identity and location. Make sure the VPN you choose works in the country you plan to visit.
Travel insurance
If you travel abroad by car, you naturally make sure that your vehicle is in perfect condition. You will give it a service check, check the equipment and the spare wheel, fill up the tank. You check the PZP or accident insurance and add travel insurance for passengers to it.
However, travel insurance should be a matter of course even when traveling by plane. Although it may seem like an extra expense, it will come in handy if problems arise in a foreign country. You or a member of your family can get sick, it can be stolen or you miss a flight, the scenarios are endless.
Check regulations and passenger requirements the day before departure
Flight conditions can change from day to day, so check the situation the day before or on the day of departure. The flight can be delayed by various strikes, or new safety requirements are issued due to heat, forest fires, windstorms and other unforeseen risks.
Traveling with children
When traveling with children, it is important that all children, including babies, have their own ID and that you arrive at the airport on time. If you are traveling with an infant, you can take one baby basket, folding stroller or baby car seat and baby food with you on the trip.
Traveling with children can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful and challenging at times. To make your travel experience with children as good as possible, prepare a bag with their favorite books and toys and always take some small snacks with you.
We definitely recommend a non-stop flight. It helps if you book a flight that coincides with your children's usual bedtime. Keep your child active before boarding the plane so that he or she can sleep through as much of the flight as possible.
there is much more what to watch out for when traveling with children, therefore address this issue in sufficient time. Focus on how to fly with children, whether you pay for the child's ticket in full, whether he needs his own seat, is entitled to baggage allowance, etc.
Come on time
Catching a plane is not like catching a bus; it's a much longer process. It is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight. Set aside three hours before your international flight.
You need to conveniently arrange parking, check-in and baggage check-in, as well as go through security. And even transfers within the airport can be time-consuming - especially at larger airports such as Paris, Amsterdam, but also in Vienna. You will be able to spend the rest of the time in the comfort of a restaurant or bar, enjoy a snack and a refreshing drink or do the last shopping before your flight.
Own car vs. taxi
Packed, ready, ready to go. Have you thought about how to get to the airport? Have you considered public transport, your own car or will you order a taxi? All of these options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Public transport is not a very reliable way to get to the airport. The train, bus or public transport may not go on time, it may be delayed at stops and you will arrive at your destination late. In addition, no public transport will take you directly to the terminal door. You also have to pay a ticket for each passenger, so for a family of four it's four tickets instead of one taxi fare.
If you decide to drive your own vehicle, travel at your own expense and you can take breaks if necessary, especially when traveling with children. It is usually a cheaper form of transport than using a taxi.
On the other hand, although there are different parking options with different fees, there are still concerns about the safety of your vehicle. These are all the greater if it is a new vehicle that has only recently come off the production line. Well, even damage to an older used car won't add to your well-being.
If you order a taxi, you are guaranteed to get off near the entrance to the terminal. There are no problems with parking and finding a free parking space. Your car will remain safely at home in the garage, where it will wait for you until your arrival. The advantage of transportation to the airport by taxi is that you are not driving. This is especially convenient if you are flying from a city you don't know, you don't have to go through the city and risk missing your flight if you take a wrong turn somewhere.
Taxi travel can be expensive depending on how far you live from the airport. Also, there is no guarantee that a taxi will be available when you need it, especially if you reserve it for the last minute. Any delay after that may result in missing the flight.
The price can be very similar whether you order a taxi or pay for long-term parking at the airport - but of course it depends on the length of your stay, how long you will be away, and also how far you are from the airport.
Parking
Airport parking lots, especially those closest to the terminal, fill up quickly during high season and holidays, so it's best to reserve a spot in advance.
If you use the airport parking lot, don't rely on remembering where you parked your car. Take a photo of the parking spot, perhaps a pole, sign, or other prominent point near your parking spot so you can easily refresh your memory when you return from your trip.
At the end
Finally, just one last piece of advice: in addition to the plane tickets and luggage, don't forget to be in a good mood. Checking in, checking in and boarding the plane is a long process, so arm yourself with a smile. Anything can happen, and although the airport staff tries to do their best for your comfort, sometimes force majeure intervenes, queues form, equipment breaks down, flights are delayed.
Remember that you can always ask for help. As prepared as you can be, it only takes one little thing to throw you off guard. After all, every experienced traveler has flown for the first time. It might not go smoothly now, but you will be all the more prepared for the next journey. However, having enough time can help your well-being the most - so don't go to the airport at the last minute.
So, happy flying, friends!
Eva Dedinská, content specialist for website optimization from Honest SEO
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