We usually don’t forget our first flight, and probably the most experiences sound amazing. If you are panicky about flying or you have never flown, the idea of going on flight might seem intimidating. Nevertheless the experience from your home, coming on the way to airport, airport checking, boarding and the flight could be an adventurous experience than you might think. Africa’s number one hotel booking portal, Jumia Travel shares six tips to help first time flyers enjoy their first day out.
Book your ticket
If you have decided to travel by air, you will have to confirm if there is any seat available to proceed on booking your flight and purchasing your ticket. In some cases you might not get ticket for the day you are looking, so it’s best you book as early as possible. This gives you two benefits: first you have better chance to get ticket and second you might get discount or special offer ticket.
Prepare for flight
Before you go to the airport, ensure you have all the necessary documents. At the airport, you have to follow the rules and sometime it might take time. So make sure you have sufficient time – an hour early will be perfect. If you are taking luggage with you, make sure the weight doesn’t exceed the airline’s acceptable weight. Or else, you might have to pay for your luggage if you exceed the normal weight. Make use of the extra free opportunity of taking some additional stuff with you on the plane with a small bag.
Check In
Once you get to the airport terminal, you first need to check in. You have to show your ticket and your form of identification with necessary travel document (if required). The check-in officer will give you a boarding pass and receipt of luggage.
Boarding
After checking in, you need to go to the departure lounge where you will be subject to security checks. You may have to put your phone on airplane mode or you put it off; show your jacket and devices for inspection. The security officer will stamp your hand bag and boarding pass if you successfully meet the requirement. If you are travelling abroad you will have to pass through immigration checks. You have to show all your documents – visa, boarding pass, passport and invitation letter. If they found anything suspicious, they can reject your flight. After completing all the procedures, you will need to wait for boarding announcement and show your boarding pass again.
Inside the flight
Look for your seat number printed on your boarding pass, although some small aircrafts may not have seating arrangement, so you can seat anywhere.
The cabin crew will close the doors when all passengers are seated. Before takeoff, they will take you through some safety demonstrations.
There will be some signals for seat belt and prohibition of -smoking. You are not allowed to stand up while the seat belt signal is on. Once the aircraft reaches a certain altitude, the captain may deem it fit to turn off the signal, you can use the restroom and eat your food.
After Landing
The plane will take you to the terminal. Don’t stand up until the plane stops and it’s announced by the cabin crew that it’s safe to prepare to leave the plane; you have to wait for signal of seat belt light turning off as well. You can then exit the plane.
