Your first flight can be exciting — and a little frightening. Airports are bustling places, and it’s natural for novice travelers to feel intimidated at first. Fortunately, forewarned is forearmed, and knowing what to expect can ease fears and make the process run smoothly. Here’s what you should understand about airport processes before flying.
1. The Check-In Process
Your involvement in airport processes begins at check-in. You have three choices for how to check in — online, at a self-service kiosk or the counter. Most airlines allow you to check in and print your boarding passes up to 24 hours before departure. Otherwise, you’ll arrive at the airport, enter through the main doors and either get in line for an associate or queue up at a kiosk and follow the instructions on the screen.
The full-service option is your best bet if you have to check your luggage. Pro-tip — utilize packing cubes when filling your suitcase to organize your belongings. Although Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials may still rifle through your stuff, you have a better chance of everything arriving at your destination folded, not all crumpled.
You should also check your seat assignment. Some airlines, like Southwest, have a first-come-first-served seat selection process. Although the airline plans to end this policy in early 2026, until then, people who get their boarding passes the soonest enjoy the best options.
How Early Should You Arrive at the Airport?
Experts recommend arriving at the airport two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones. However, there are exceptions.
For example, a few luxury airports offer downtown airport check-in and visa services, allowing you to check your bags and get your passes up to 24 hours before departure without visiting the airport. Doing so can slightly decrease the long hours spent sitting around the airport, although you must still allow sufficient time to get through security.
You can also speed up the security process by applying for TSA PreCheck. This program offers expedited screening benefits for up to five years, further reducing your time spent waiting. The enrollment fee of $77.95-$85 is well worth it if you plan to fly frequently.
What Causes Delays and How to Handle Them
You should always wear your patience hat when traveling. Even if you use every available service to expedite your flight, delays still occur. For example, debris such as rubber and bits of landing gear from previous flights can render runways dangerous for departure. Crews may need to clean them before your flight can take off — take advantage of window-shopping at the many stores or bring a good novel in the meantime.
2. Security Screenings
Going through the security process intimidates many, but knowing what to expect makes this airport process easier.
How Much Liquid Can You Carry?
Since 9/11, TSA has limited the amount of liquids you can include in your carry-on luggage to 3.4 ounces. Anything bigger must go in your suitcase. You can buy specialty travel kits with containers included. Fortunately, the TSA doesn’t consider antiseptic wet wipes as liquids, so carry a pack with you to wipe down that tray table.
What About Medications?
Call the airline if you have liquid injectable medications that must stay at a certain temperature. Many manufacturers of such pharmaceuticals, like Humira, offer travel kits that can make going through security easier, but advance notice also smooths the process.
3. Accessibility Considerations
If you have a disability, you can get assistance while traveling. However, it’s best to arrange things with your airline in advance. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before you depart to make arrangements. Some of the accommodations you can request include:
- Wheelchair help getting around the airport.
- Priority boarding and preferred seating — such as an aisle seat to allow bathroom accessibility.
- Digital wayfinding devices for the visually impaired to help them navigate tricky airports.
4. Baggage Claims and Handling
The final airport process you’ll face besides possibly picking up your rental car is baggage claim. Fortunately, this step is easy. After departing your plane, simply follow the signs — and hordes of other passengers — to the appropriately marked carousel. Wait for your suitcase to appear, grab it and go about your holiday.
Pro-tip — take a picture of your luggage before you depart. This will help airport authorities identify your bag if you don’t make it to the carousel on time. If you don’t see your bag, report the loss immediately to airport security. They’ll have you fill out the appropriate forms to claim your bag if and when it arrives.
A modern, high-tech solution is to add a tracking device such as a Tile to your luggage. Seeing your bag in Bangkok via your phone when you’re in Dubai isn’t great, but at least you’ll know where your belongings are and can get them back.
Quick Tips to Make Any Flight Less Stressful
The following quick tips can make any flight, especially your first one, less stressful:
- Pack early: Wrapping up at least 24 hours before departure prevents you from last-minute forgetfulness.
- Bring comfort objects: A distracting book, a blanket and pillow, or even a favorite stuffed animal can ease stress.
- Travel with a friend: A companion, especially an experienced traveler who knows the ropes, can make navigating airport processes less intimidating the first time around.
Airport Processes to Understand Before Flying
Understanding basic airport processes before your first flight can make the experience more relaxing. When you know what to expect, you can navigate unfamiliar environments like the airport with ease, letting you focus on the journey instead of stomach butterflies.
Jack Shaw is the senior writer for Modded, a men’s lifestyle publication. An avid outdoorsman and lover of travel, he’ll often find himself taking retreats out into nature to explore the world and encourage others to do the same. Feel free to connect with him via LinkedIn.