Flying alone for the first time can be a pretty nerve-wracking thing to do, but once done its one of those things that will never bother you again. Here are a few tips for catching your first flight alone:
1. Make sure all documents are easily accessible
The most important thing to do is to make sure that you have all of your documents in a place that is easily accessible. Your passport, plane tickets, travel insurance, boarding passes and any other important documents should be put in a safe place in hand luggage and not in checked/hold luggage. You will need to present these documents throughout the process of flying (when checking in, boarding the plane, etc). This is the most important part of flying and if you have all of the correct documents, then anything that is forgotten/left after these shouldn't be too much of a problem.
2. Arrive early
Make sure that you arrive at the airport early enough to check in, go through security and customs, reach your gate and board the plane. There can be long queues so make sure that you arrive at least 2 hours early. I would say 3 to be safe. Check whether your airline provides online check-ins as this can save a lot of time. If you are very anxious about arriving at the airport on time, it is a good idea to check in to a hotel near the airport the night before so that you are close and can save time. Travelodge can be a great option for this as they are great value and have many hotels located near airports.
3. Dress comfy and pack essentials in hand luggage
There's a big chance that you're going to be sat in a small, cramped seat for several hours so make sure that you are wearing something extra comfortable. There is a chance (I learnt the very hard way...) that your luggage may get lost/delayed, so it's a good idea to pack essentials such as a toothbrush, spare pair of underwear, baby wipes etc in hand luggage. This means that if anything does happen to your luggage, you are slightly prepared.
Most of all, relax! Once you are seated on the plane and taking off, you will realise that there was nothing to worry about. Travelling alone is a great experience!
I have never travelled on a plane on my own before, but some great tips here to make it as stressfree as possible x
ReplyDeleteGood tips to know. I used to work at a airport and you would be shocked at how many people leave their brains at home when they fly.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I've never travelled alone, but these sound like some great tips to make sure your trip gets off easily.
ReplyDeleteI agree in dressing comfortably although knowing me I would probably turn up in a ballgown LOL. Arriving early is definitely key though!
ReplyDeleteI remember my first solo flight. Enjoyed it a lot :)
ReplyDeleteArriving early is so important! I always seem to be rushing and it's never fun! I guess one day I will learn!
ReplyDeleteI travelled on a plane alone for the first time in recent years and can totally agree with you on the comfy clothes and essentials in hand luggage! They were a godsend for me! xxx
ReplyDeleteIve travelled a few times by myself on a plane. Some great tips here
ReplyDeleteAll great tips! I remember being so nervous the first time I flew alone x
ReplyDeleteI have only ever flown once by myself and I was a WRECK! I did it though and after I was so proud of myself!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I've never travelled on my own but some great ways to make it easier.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, I think arriving early is such a good tip anyway as I don't like to stress x
ReplyDeleteOh I remember my first flight alone. I even called the airport to make sure my documents would be ok to travel with. That was more than 10 years ago, about more than 100 solo flights ago :) Good advice though, as recently I get to the airport sometimes less than an hour before my flight leaves. Not good for first time flyers though :)
ReplyDeleteI have never flew on my own but these are brilliant bits of advice I will keep in mind
ReplyDeleteI've never travelled alone so these tips are so handy. Being early is never a bad thing x
ReplyDeleteI agree with all this. I always get there early and have everything organised x
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a great idea to get there early - it must be so stressful trying to catch a plane last minute by yourself!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, for me it's definitely all about getting their early and having plenty of time to relax not be too rushed or stressed.
ReplyDeleteI've never flown as a solo traveller. I'd love to brave it and do it one day though.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips - especially about making sure your travel docs are easily accessible otherwise it can get very stressful!
ReplyDeleteOn long haul I like to sit on an aisle seat as well so I don't feel bad asking people to move if I need the loo. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. I've never travelled alone before - I'd be a bit scared to if I was totally honest. I'm not to great on planes.
ReplyDeleteThe first and only time I flew alone was a nightmare. The terminal I was supposed to go to was changed my baggage was over so I had to put things in hand luggage, and I lost my phone as I was rushed through security checks x
ReplyDeleteI hate flying alone, but I have to don't often for work. I find having lots of stuff to distract me helps.
ReplyDeleteGood tips. With my anxiety I doubt I could even get into an airport on my own!
ReplyDeleteI have travelled alone before, even went to Florida on my own at 17 (travelled but didn't stay), I was pretty good at that sort of thing. The tips are great x
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! My mummy loves flying alone as she can get some proper rest and relax. Arriving on time helps even travelling with a family x
ReplyDeleteoh i would love to fly again , i havent flown since a teen and my husband has never flown yet hes scared to and i think the cost of getting 10 passports is the scary part of it to get started lol x
ReplyDeleteMy goal next year is to fly solo to visit my friend in Barcelona! I've bookmarked this post for when the time comes. I've only ever been on holiday with friends and my partner. I generally don't get nervous but I do think that it's going to be completely different when I'm on my own.
ReplyDeleteMy first flight ever was actually an intercontinental solo flight! It was nerve wracking, but I followed the tips you shared and came out unscathed. x
ReplyDeleteI'd say my best tip is to wear leggings and shoes with no metallic bits and no jewellery. I always make sure I don't set off the metal detector (it's like a fun game to play)
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