Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Flyers

Almost everyone loves to travel by air. But then, air travel is different from other modes of transport as there are several rules set by the airport authorities and the airlines that you have to follow. If you are travelling for the first time by air, you should know these rules and regulations.

This blog lists important travel tips for first-time travellers you must know to enjoy a safe and fun-filled journey.

Top Tips for First-Time Flyers

Here are the key travel tips and tricks you should follow to make your first flight memorable and smooth.

Calculate Your Expenses

First of all, you should calculate and keep sufficient money for all your travelling-related expenses. Your cost of travelling will differ based on the destination (domestic or international), airline class (economy or business class), hotel (budget or star-rated), local travel, food, shopping, and so on.

Book the Seat of Your Choice

Based on your choice, you can book a window, aisle or middle seat. When you book online, you can find the seating layout on the website or app you are using to book the seat. As a first-time traveller, you can go with a window seat to see the view from the sky. But remember, many airlines charge extra for allotting a window seat.

Pack Light

One of the most practical tips for packing is to pack only those things that are necessary. If you are travelling for 2-3 days, you can choose to take only the cabin baggage. This will help you save time spent on checking in and retrieving bags at the airport.

Check the Size of Your Cabin Baggage

One of the key travel tips for beginners is to know that domestic flights and international flights often have different restrictions when it comes to the size of your cabin baggage. It is essential to review the rules of your airline so that your cabin baggage meets specifications and you do not run into last-minute trouble.

Indian Airlines Baggage Allowances (2024-2025)

Key Carry-On Rules

Here is what you can take along with you and what not.

• Liquids: If you’re carrying a liquid item, it should not be of more than 100 ml. Also, you should keep it in a transparent 20x20 cm pouch.
• Batteries: For emergency charging, you can take power banks not exceeding 27,000 mAh. No loose lithium batteries are permitted.

Besides, you cannot carry sharp objects, tools, or anything flammable with you.

Reach the Airport Early

On the day of travelling, you should reach the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight. If you are going abroad, you must arrive at least three hours prior to your flight. This additional time is needed to check-in your luggage and security checking.

Airport Processes

Get Your Boarding Pass

The boarding pass is the air ticket you need to travel. There are different ways you can get your boarding pass:

• Check-in through the airline app or website 24-48 hours prior to your flight
• You can use self-service kiosks or visit check-in counters at the airport

Use DigiYatra App

If you are travelling within India, you can use the DigiYatra app. It lets you enter the airport without any physical documentation. Here's how you can use it:

• Download the DigiYatra app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Register using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, upload a selfie, and link your identity credentials (Aadhaar or DigiLocker).
• Upload your boarding pass to the app before your journey.
• Proceed to the DigiYatra e-gate at the terminal entrance at the airport.
• Swipe the QR code on your boarding pass using the e-gate scanner and then look into the facial recognition camera. Your identity and flight information will be verified by the system in seconds.
• After verification, the e-gate will open, and you can enter the terminal without having to undergo manual ID verification.
• Move through security and boarding with facial recognition at every checkpoint for a fully contactless journey.

The process assists you in bypassing manual ID checking, minimises wait time, and allows for quicker and more secure airport access.

Security Checking

Security checking is mandatory for both domestic and international travel. Here is how you can pass through the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) security checks without hassle at the Indian airports:

• For Domestic Flights: The CISF staff will scan your boarding pass and identity proof. During the screening, keep electronics and liquids in individual trays. You may have to take off your belts or jackets if requested.
• For International Flights: You should keep your passport, visa, and essential travel information (such as hotel reservations or return tickets) handy. Immigration authorities may request them prior to stamping your entry.

Immigration Tips

At the immigration desk, you must tell the reason for travelling clearly. For example: “I'm going on a holiday” or “I have a business meeting with [company name].” To avoid unnecessary checks or suspicions about your travel purpose, prefer to dress well.

Respect Fellow Passengers

During travel, ensure your behaviour does not annoy your fellow passengers. Some of the unwritten rules to follow include wearing headphones while listening to music, sitting at your seat number, and not using strong fragrances.

Adapt to the New Time Zone

Jet lag is usual while travelling across time zones. To prevent jet lag, you may adjust your watch to the destination time zone, continue drinking water and juices, and refrain from consuming alcohol or caffeinated drinks.

Inform Your Bank of Your Travel Plans

One of the key first-time flying tips is to notify your bank before you go abroad. If you fail to do so, your bank can freeze your debit/credit card when you make overseas transactions.

Carry Backup Entertainment

Long-distance flights are boring and exhausting. You might feel tired of the same book or movie on the flight. Therefore, it is always a good idea to bring some books, downloaded movies, and a tablet or laptop with an additional battery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your First Flight

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid during your first air travel:

How Can a Personal Loan Make Your First-time Flying Memorable?

Though you might have savings, it's better to keep them aside for unforeseen circumstances. To comfortably manage your travelling costs, you can avail an instant Personal Loan. It provides ready access to money, enabling you to pay for tickets, accommodations, sightseeing and other expenses without tension. The best thing is that you can repay the amount in monthly installments.

Let’s understand through an example. Rahul Kumar planned a week-long trip to Singapore, costing around Rs 1 Lakh. After adding sightseeing, shopping, and other expenses, he estimated a higher amount. Instead of using his savings, he took an instant loan of Rs 2 Lakh, which helped him enjoy the trip stress-free and he repaid the loan in EMIs.

Nowadays, you can apply for a Personal Loan online. At Hero FinCorp, you can get up to Rs 5 Lakh at attractive interest rates, starting from 1.58%* per month, and flexible repayment tenure of up to 36 months.

Conclusion

This travel guide aims to familiarise you with important travel tips for first-time flyers. It can make your first flight comfortable and stress-free, beginning from flight booking to navigating the airport. If you are worried about finances, you can cover the trip's cost with a Personal Loan and repay it in easy EMIs.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which seat is best for first-time flyers?

To make their experience memorable, first-time flyers can choose a window seat to get a view of the earth from the sky.

2. Where not to sit on a plane?

You can avoid sitting near the back of the plane, the emergency exits, the middle seats, and the washroom.

3. How do you calm a first-time flyer?

You can reassure them, explain the process, suggest deep breathing, distract them with entertainment, and remind them that flying is safe and routine.

4. What is the fear of the first flight?

The fear of first flight is known as "aviophobia" or "aerophobia." It is an extreme fear of flying, often accompanied by physical reactions like shaking/trembling, nausea and other symptoms.

5. Can I use my phone on a plane?

Yes, you can use your phone on the plane in aeroplane mode.

6. How do I enjoy my first flight?

To enjoy your first flight, take the window seat, wear comfortable clothes, arrive early, pack essentials, bring items of entertainment, and stay hydrated.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only. The content is based on research and opinions available at the time of writing. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we do not claim to be exhaustive or definitive. Readers are advised to independently verify any details mentioned here, such as specifications, features, and availability, before making any decisions. Hero FinCorp does not take responsibility for any discrepancies, inaccuracies, or changes that may occur after the publication of this blog. The choice to rely on the information presented herein is at the reader's discretion, and we recommend consulting official sources and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the featured products.