What you need to fly on an airplane. Tips for those who fly on an airplane for the first time

Well, first of all, the most dangerous thing about flying on an airplane is getting to the airport. Airplanes are one of the safest modes of transport, but cars are not. :)

Secondly, you can get lost at the airport. Look very carefully for signs. There are many corridors, even more doors, and absolutely no people. If you are traveling with someone, try not to lose sight of each other.

You cannot take sharp objects or brought water bottles with you into the salon. When you enter the waiting room, everything will be taken from you. If you want to take water into the cabin, buy it at Duty Free.

If you have already checked in, the plane will not leave without you. But there is no need to be late for boarding either - everyone is waiting for you.

Taking off and landing can make your ears hurt like hell. Some people find it helpful to suck on candy or chewing gum. You can pinch your nose and mouth and exhale - this way you will restore the difference in pressure inside and outside the ear.

During the flight, you may get motion sickness. Sometimes the plane starts to rock, but that's normal.

Check in as early as possible to get a window seat - the view is great.

1) Before the flight

To navigate to your seat on the plane, in the most general case, you will need 5 things:

Airport name (in some cities there are several)

Terminal (this can be a letter, number or name; the terminals can be far from each other, especially important if you travel by taxi)

Check-in counter number for the flight (you can find out by finding your flight in the departures board, which is in each terminal; at large airports, airlines usually have a whole series of check-in counters for all their flights)

Gate number (boarding gate) - it will be indicated on the ticket, but can be changed (up-to-date information can be seen on the board in the departure areas)

Airplane seat number (also indicated on the ticket)

Registration for a flight ends 40 minutes before departure, but it is best to check in online on the airline’s website - this most often allows you to select a seat on the plane in advance and can also save time at the airport.

When choosing a seat, I prefer to sit by the window (there you don’t have to get up to let passengers out - you can sleep peacefully).

If you do not have luggage, then you can print an electronic ticket (in advance at home, or if you find a printing device at the airport) and immediately go to the departure area (then you do not need a check-in counter, but just a gate number).

If there is such a possibility, then it is better not to check things in as luggage - this will save time upon arrival and guarantee that your luggage will not be lost (this happens extremely rarely, so there is no need to be afraid either).

If you have luggage, but you have already checked in, there are usually separate baggage drop-off counters (they will also print out a ticket for you if you have not done so).

When checking in at the counter, ask to be seated by the window (or in the aisle).

You cannot take sharps or liquids in containers larger than 200 ml into your hand luggage.

I had a case when I overslept the flight already sitting at the gate, but in general, after you have checked in, they will really try not to fly off without you (especially if you checked in your luggage, because it will need to be unloaded if they don’t wait for you at the gate ). At Russian airports, it is customary to call late passengers by their last names (you don’t need to get used to this - this doesn’t happen everywhere).

There is absolutely no need to stand in line for boarding - you can calmly wait until it passes. The exception is if you have a lot of carry-on luggage/duty free purchases, for which you may have to search for a long time for a seat on the plane if you are the last one to board it.

If boarding occurs through a “sleeve” in addition to the queue in front of the boarding gate, a queue usually forms in the sleeve at the entrance to the plane itself, so it is better to either get in at the beginning or wait longer so as not to wait in two queues.

If you are being taken to the plane by bus, it is better to stay at the door on the right side of the bus - usually it approaches the plane on this side and you will be one of the first to get off the bus and board the plane.

2) On the plane

We have already written about plugging your ears during takeoff and landing; for me, the most effective way is to pinch your nose with your fingers and blow air out through your ears.

The use of electronic devices is prohibited during takeoff and landing. If you listen to music, then when flight attendants pass by, take the headphones out of your ears.

3) After the flight

When the plane finishes moving, do not rush to get up unless you want to wait standing in a narrow aisle. You will get off the plane not much later if you get up from your seat after the disembarkation begins. If the exit is not through the “sleeve”, but by bus, then you will most likely end up on the same bus anyway (you already know which seat to occupy on the bus).

In Russia, it is better not to use the services of taxi drivers who meet you upon arrival at the airport - their prices are always greatly inflated.

If you want to get there by car, it is best to order through a mobile application (in Moscow and St. Petersburg I use Gett - if you register, you can use my promo code GTARASL1, and there is also Uber and Yandex).

Answer

Publication date: 2013-05-17

The information in the article is periodically updated; it is currently current as of August 2016

In this article, the resource YouSamSebeGid.ru talks about the important points and nuances that are associated with the first flight on an airplane, and also gives a number of recommendations to novice tourists. Read on to learn what you can and should do at the airport, and what you shouldn’t do, so that your trip can begin with a pleasant and comfortable flight.

You must arrive at the appropriate airport terminal 3 hours before departure- this is exactly the time before check-in for the flight begins (it ends 40 minutes before departure). It is important to understand a simple fact: the duration of passing all types of control (due to queues) is absolutely unpredictable. At times half an hour may be enough, and sometimes two hours will not be enough. At the same time, all airport employees strictly adhere to the established regulations - no one will make exceptions for your sake. By being late for check-in, the passenger is automatically late for the plane (even if there is a decent amount of time left before departure). According to statistics, the number of passengers missing their flight is 1-2%. Do you want to trade your first flight for an instructive lesson that will leave an unpleasant aftertaste for a long time?

At the airport, all departing passengers go through the following stages:

• check-in and baggage drop-off;
• customs control;
• passport control;
• security checks, Duty Free shops and boarding.

Check-in and baggage drop-off

Once in the airport terminal building, the first thing you need to do is find your flight on the electronic board and look at the numbers of the counters where you check in for it.

check-in(check-in) starts 3 hours and ends 40 minutes before departure. If this is your first flight on an airplane, then use the standard check-in procedure at a special counter, since in this case you can ask all your questions to an airline employee. The main thing is don’t hesitate to clarify the details or ask again if you don’t understand what to do at the airport after check-in.

It should be noted that this is not the only option for checking in for a flight. There are two more: online check-in on the airline’s website and automated check-in using an electronic self-service terminal in the airport building. Of course, for most people it is more convenient to register with their help (much more time is allocated, there is no queue). However, if this is your first flight on an airplane, then for reliability it is better to stick to the standard procedure.

When checking in for a flight, baggage check-in into the cargo compartment of the aircraft. Each passenger is entitled to one piece of luggage, one bag weighing from 20 to 25 kg (depending on the airline’s rules). After checking in luggage, the passenger receives luggage tag(baggage tag), which is usually glued to the spine of the boarding pass. Never check in your luggage with valuables and essential items - they can be transported as hand luggage (a bag that you are allowed to take on board the plane). Restrictions on the size and weight of hand luggage are set by each airline individually.

After registration, the passenger receives boarding pass(boarding pass) - a document confirming the right to board an aircraft. The boarding pass contains complete information about the upcoming flight.

Customs control at the airport

customs control(customs control) - a set of measures to control compliance with customs rules and regulations. If a passenger is carrying weapons, a large sum of money, antiques or other items that are subject to duty, he must include them in the customs declaration.

To simplify customs control, two special zones are provided -. If a departing passenger does not have things and items with him that are required to be declared, he can follow the “green” corridor. Typically this applies to 95% of all passengers. If you are transporting something that is subject to customs duties, then you need to go through the “red” corridor. If this is your first flight on an airplane, then you most likely have not yet had experience in preparing the relevant documents and “high-speed” processing of a customs declaration, so we advise you to inquire in advance about the rules for transporting goods and items subject to duty.

Passport control at the airport

Passport control(passport control) - checking the passenger’s identity document. There is no control over the presence of an entry visa, although in rare cases, which by and large constitute a violation of the passenger’s rights, they may be required to show it.

Security control, Duty Free and boarding

(security control) - inspection of the passenger, personal belongings and hand luggage. It is during this procedure that the search for firearms, explosive and flammable objects takes place, which, once on board an aircraft, can become instruments of violence in the hands of terrorists. Every year, security rules become more stringent, and inspections become more thorough.

Security control occurs as follows: the passenger passes through the metal detector frame, and his personal belongings, previously placed in a special container, are x-rayed. Such things include:

• hand luggage, outerwear and headwear;
• shoes (everyone has to take them off for a while; they are given shoe covers instead);
• telephones, audio and video players, laptops and other electrical equipment;
• metal-containing objects from pockets or clothing remaining on the passenger (keys, belt).

If a passenger refuses to take off his outerwear or shoes, he may undergo a scan using an X-ray inspection system (we remind you that such a procedure can be hazardous to health). As a rule, for respectable citizens, security control is remembered only by surprises that relate to the rules for transporting liquids in hand luggage (water, creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, colognes, gels, toothpaste, shaving foam, deodorants, etc.). Passengers transporting flowers must undergo special phytocontrol, and tourists with animals must undergo veterinary control.

When all procedures have been completed, the passenger is sent to a special area on neutral territory to wait landings(boarding) on ​​an airplane. From a legal point of view, he has already left the country of departure, so in this area, in addition to the waiting room and cafe, there are also shops Duty Free. Their number and size directly depend on the importance of the airport. If you find yourself among relatively cheap goods, do not forget that you need to carefully monitor the announcements over the loudspeaker so as not to miss the start of boarding for your flight. Once it has started, proceed to one of the designated gates (GATE), the number of which is indicated on your boarding pass. From there, passengers are taken on board the aircraft via a telescopic gangway. If there is no such innovation at the airport, then departing passengers are transported to the aircraft's ramp the old fashioned way - by bus.

Why does being late for check-in result in a missed flight?

Many passengers, having been literally 5-10 minutes late for check-in, are perplexed: why the airline cannot make an exception to let them board, because “the plane is still on the ground.” The fact is that there is a time frame for aircraft maintenance. Violation of them leads to a delay in departure, which, in turn, is fraught with loss of the take-off queue and a long wait for a new free “window”. In conditions where some passengers are about to make a transfer, while others have already planned important business and meetings, such a wait can result in serious problems.

Useful resources for tourists

roomguru.ru and hotellook.ru are hotel search engines that search through different booking systems and compare the results, helping to find the best deal

aviasales.ru and skyscanner.ru are airline ticket search engines that free you from the need to view the website of each airline separately

tripadvisor.ru - a resource with the largest number of useful and relevant reviews about tourist sites

booking.com is a world leader in hotel booking, distinguished by high quality services, transparent prices and prompt support service

Comparison of prices for tourist tours

A bad long-term domestic or international flight can ruin your vacation or business trip. To ensure that your flight causes minimal discomfort, find out in advance what seats and services are available on board. Take a number of essentials with you to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. While on board an airplane, try to stand up and stretch your muscles often. Do relaxation exercises to help you calm down and reduce stress.

Steps

How to use space and provide physical comfort

Book a good seat if possible. Find out in advance whether you can get a comfortable seat on board. Even within the same class and price range, there are better and worse places than others. If you need more legroom, the seats near the emergency exits are best, and if you want to lean against the wall and sleep, you'll want to sit near the window. Try to avoid places near toilets, as other passengers will constantly walk past you.

• There will also be more legroom in front of the partitions between the salons and the curtains. As a rule, in such places there are no other seats in front.
• Avoid choosing a seat near an emergency exit if you have a baby or small child with you, as it will be difficult to open the hatch in the event of an accident.
• On some airlines, you can get a more comfortable seat in economy class for an additional fee. These tickets are often called superior economy.

1. Take as little hand luggage on board as possible. If you have a lot of luggage, it will be difficult for you to get comfortable. Find out the airline's baggage requirements in advance and take only what you need on board. It is enough to take one backpack with you. It will be easier for you to find space for a backpack on top or under the seat compared to a suitcase.

   Dress comfortably. Tight and uncomfortable clothing will make the flight unbearable. Choose loose, comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring at least one warm item to wear over your clothes if you get cold on board (for example, a sweater or zip-up).

   If you plan to sleep, take a pillow with you. Sleeping on an airplane without a pillow can cause discomfort and neck pain. Bring a special travel pillow or headrest and do not use inflatable pillows unless you know exactly what you will be comfortable with.

   • If you don't have a pillow, you can buy one at almost any airport.
   • Some airlines offer pillows on board, but this service may cost extra. Find out in advance whether the airline provides pillows and blankets on board.
   • Since it can get cold on the plane, take a small blanket or travel blanket with you.

2. Keep personal hygiene items on hand. Pack your bag with a comb, toothbrush, lip balm, and anything else you'll need to preen yourself before boarding. Facial wipes will also help you feel clean and fresh.

How to keep yourself occupied on board

1. Try to move as much as possible during the flight. This is especially important on long flights because movement can help prevent pain, poor circulation, and potentially dangerous conditions including deep vein thrombosis. Some airlines provide instructions on how to do exercises (such as foot rotations or arm stretches). In the middle of a long or overnight flight, walk around the cabin a couple of times to stretch your muscles.

   • Perhaps there is a place at the back of the salon where you could do some exercises.
   • Wait until the boat attendants allow you to get up and move.
   • Do the exercises with the help of videos provided by the airline, if possible. There are special videos that show how to do exercises on board.

2. Take advantage of the opportunities on board. Many airlines have movies and radio on board. Connect your headphones to the jack located in your seat. Some planes have seat-back monitors with movies, TV shows, and flight information. All these entertainments will help you pass the time. Find out what your airline offers in advance.

   • If your airline offers audio and video content on demand, this means you can pay extra for special access to content during your flight. But remember that this service can be very expensive.

3. Take something with you to keep you occupied. As a rule, you can’t start watching movies on built-in screens immediately after takeoff, and the choice is usually small. Bring your tablet, laptop, or portable DVD or Blu-ray player with your favorite movies, music, podcasts, or e-books. You can take a new book you like or a game with you.

   • Be sure to charge all electronic devices before your flight.
   • Some flights have free Wi-Fi. Thanks to this, you will be able to use the Internet during the flight.
   • Take a couple of recent magazines with you. Buy some magazines at the airport before your flight. This way you don't have to read what's on board.
   • You can also solve crossword puzzles, sudoku, or color in adult coloring books. If you love crafts or drawing, bring a sketchbook or knitting thread (but remember that you won't be allowed to take knitting needles on board).

4. Put your headphones in your bag. Headphones that are provided on board (for free or for money) are most often of poor quality. It is best to take noise-canceling headphones or earbuds with you. They will muffle engine noise and passenger voices.

   • If you just want to block out sounds, use earplugs.

5. Don't look at your watch while flying. There is nothing you can do about the fact that you will have to fly for a long time. Time will pass even slower if you constantly look at the clock. Don't think about time or look at the map on the plane that shows the current position of the plane.

   • If you really want to look at the clock, distract yourself with something.

Rest and food

1. Do relaxation exercises if you feel tense. If you're nervous, irritable, or feeling claustrophobic, try some relaxation exercises. Take a couple of deep breaths, meditate, do some simple yoga exercises in your chair.

   • Do some research on airplane yoga to get an idea of ​​what exercises you can do in tight spaces.
   • Listen to calm music, read, draw or decorate.
   • If you feel very nervous in the air or have a fear of flying, talk to your doctor or therapist. The specialist will tell you behavioral strategies or even prescribe medications that will help you relax.

2. Try to find a comfortable sleeping position. If you brought a pillow with you, place it on the table in front of you and rest your head on it. If you are sitting by a window, lean against the window or against the wall. This will make it more convenient for you. If you are sitting in the middle or in the aisle, recline your chair as far back as possible.

   • Be careful and polite when reclining your seat. Warn the passenger sitting in the back that you want to lower the backrest so as not to crush his legs or spill coffee.
   • If you are traveling with friends, parents or other relatives, lean on them to sleep.
   • Do not drink caffeinated drinks on board. Not only will they prevent you from falling asleep, but they will also force you to get up to go to the toilet several times during the flight.
   • Bring a sleep mask to prevent light from disturbing your sleep.

3. Find out in advance what kind of food will be on board. Although many domestic flights do not offer food, there are some airlines that still include food in the ticket price. On some flights you can buy additional food. Check with the airline staff in advance to see if you will be offered food during the flight.

   • If you're flying abroad, you may have a range of meals and snacks to choose from.
   • Many airlines offer vegetarian, kosher, halal and other special meal options 2-3 days before departure. Because airlines have to prepare special meals, these meals usually taste better than standard options. In addition, passengers with special requests are often served first.

4. Bring some sweets and other snacks with you. Many airlines offer passengers insufficient food for a long flight, and what food is available on board may be unhealthy, tasteless or expensive. If you've researched food options in advance and don't like them, bring your own food (such as a couple of granola bars or fruit).

   • Protein bars are convenient to take with you, especially if you have a long flight. Typically, the food offered on board is low in protein and high in carbohydrates.
   • Before you fly, check travel sites (such as TripAdvisor) to see if you should bring food.

5. Drink more water during the flight. If you have a long flight, your body may become dehydrated in the air, which will increase discomfort. Although you can ask the flight attendants for water, it is better to carry an adequate supply of liquid with you. You can buy a bottle of water after going through security or get water from the fountain.

   • Remember that the water from the handwash tank in the toilet should not be drunk. It's not clean enough.
   • Apply drops to your eyes if you feel dry. Eye drops can be purchased at the airport store. They are usually sold in small bottles that can be carried on board.
   • Bring a saline nasal gel or spray in an appropriately sized bottle to help prevent your airways from drying out during the flight. This spray will help relieve nasal congestion and prevent pain in the ears and sinuses during takeoff and landing.
   move to more comfortable seats. You'll be more likely to get these seats if you're dressed appropriately: no jeans or sweatshirts, no open sandals, and no backpacks or other loose luggage.
6. If you often get stuffy ears during takeoff and landing, take chewing gum with you. Chewing will help you get rid of congestion. You can also take an antihistamine before flying.
7. If you get motion sickness, drink more water or don't move. If this doesn't help, use a disposable vomit bag kept in the seat pocket in front of you.
8. The armrests of the seats can be raised (even those in the aisle), but some have a hidden latch. Ask the flight attendants to help you if you are not sure how the armrests raise.
9. Feel free to ask for extra napkins and ice when offered drinks. They might even give you a whole can of the unpopular drink if you ask.
10. If your child kicks your chair, politely ask him to stop. If the child does not respond, ask the parent to intervene.
11. Go to the toilet before boarding. Thanks to this, you will most likely not need to go to the toilet on the plane.
12. If you have time, do some stretching exercises before your flight. This will help you stretch your muscles and prevent your legs from becoming numb during the flight.

After completing the check-in procedure and other formalities before departure, you go directly to the departure area or waiting room, where you will wait for the boarding announcement. Even if there is enough time left before departure, you won’t be bored there - in the departure area there are cozy cafes and duty-free shops for shopping lovers. To avoid unforeseen situations and not to be late for departure, it is worth knowing what time boarding begins. As a rule, boarding of the plane is announced after the completion of the passenger check-in procedure for the flight. Having arrived in advance at the waiting room where the “gate” or gates are located, the first thing you have to do is find your gate, so that you don’t have to look for it at the last minute and, God forbid, get lost. Once the required gate has been found, you need to check the flight number on the sign at the gate with the number indicated on the boarding pass. The data must match.

Important! Gate numbers sometimes change for unknown reasons, so it is important to arrive at the boarding gate no later than half an hour before departure and constantly monitor the announcements and information on the board.

Boarding pass

Without a document such as a boarding pass, you will not be allowed to board. It is issued to each passenger after completing the registration procedure. If check-in is successfully completed through terminals or the Internet, you can print your boarding pass yourself. You can do this in the following ways:

• at the registration desk at the station;
• through the self-check-in terminal;
• via an online service.

In unforeseen situations, when your boarding pass is forgotten at home, or for unknown reasons it becomes damaged (it gets wet, torn, wrinkled), you always have the opportunity to print out a new one. This document contains important information for passengers:

• flight number (denoted as Flight);
• number and location of the seat in the aircraft cabin (Seat);
• Boarding time & Gate closes, sometimes only one thing is indicated, for example, the start time of boarding;
• Gate number for passengers to board.

You should always keep your boarding pass handy along with your passport, as sometimes your identity documents may be double-checked before your flight.

Features of boarding passengers on an airplane

The boarding pass must indicate the start time of passengers boarding. This information will be announced over the airport's public address system several times, but it is better to arrive five to ten minutes earlier than the time indicated on the ticket so as not to be late. Upon arrival at the gate or “gate” leading passengers to board, it is important to double-check your flight number and gate number to make sure you are on the right track. When exiting, you will be required to present your boarding pass, and in certain cases, your passport (more often than not, your identity document is checked before boarding on domestic flights). The ticket has two parts, the larger one will be torn off and the smaller one will be left to the passenger. To be sure, this part of the ticket should be checked again - it contains information about the luggage (luggage tags), which will make it possible to identify and find your suitcases among the luggage upon arrival.

After passing through the Gate at large airports, you will board the plane either by bus, which delivers all passengers on the flight to the ramp, or along an accordion air corridor connecting directly the station terminal and the aircraft. Having climbed the stairs or walked along the “sleeve” to the plane, you will be warmly greeted by flight attendants who welcome you on board the plane and will help you find and take the seat in the cabin indicated on your boarding pass. Hand luggage should be carefully placed on the shelf to avoid inconvenience and discomfort during the flight.

Start and end time of boarding

As a rule, the exact start and end time for passengers boarding an aircraft is indicated on the boarding pass, written on all the airport’s numerous information boards, and announced verbally over a loudspeaker. But you don’t have to look at your ticket or wait for an announcement to rationally calculate your time and not be late for boarding. For those unlucky enough to be late due to their own fault, the ticket price will not be refunded. It is worth taking care of timely arrival at the desired gate in advance. You just need to know the departure time of the plane and the end time of passenger check-in.

Attention! International flights board 10-20 minutes earlier than domestic flights.

Passengers traveling internationally should arrive at the gate no later than 40 minutes before departure, while those traveling domestically should arrive at the gate half an hour before departure. At small airports, boarding sometimes begins 20 minutes before departure for domestic flights, and 30 minutes for international flights. This is due to the fact that at international airports there is often a long queue, and at smaller ones there is a shorter queue, so the check-in procedure and subsequent landing takes much less time.

Print your boarding pass and check in your luggage. While many airlines allow you to check in for your flight and print your boarding pass online (if you don't have checked baggage), you can also do this in person at the airport. Enter your airline terminal at the airport and find their check-in counter. When you get to the counter, just tell them your name and show your ID and they should automatically print out your boarding pass for you and ask about baggage availability for check-in.

• If you are flying on multiple flights and have connections, ask an employee to print out boarding passes for all of your flights. Some do this automatically, but it's better to ask them to do it.
• Checked baggage should generally weigh no more than 20 kilograms. Since this varies by airline, check the website for all terms and conditions in advance.
• If you don't want to worry about checked baggage, you can carry two pieces of carry-on luggage with you for free: one piece is placed under the seat in front of you, and the second is stored in a special compartment above your seat. Ask the employee if your bags are the right size to be carried as carry-on luggage.
• If you printed your boarding pass online and don't have any checked baggage, you don't have to stop at the airline counter.

Head to the security zone. If you have your boarding pass in hand and your hand luggage is ready, you can proceed to the security area. Keep your boarding pass with you, as well as proof of identity - either a driver's license or passport (passport in case you are leaving the country). A security inspector will check that your boarding pass matches your identification document, and you will then undergo security screening. All your items must be placed in trays and run through an x-ray machine.

• Airports are very strict regarding security, but they also communicate all the rules. Follow the signs for what you need to do to successfully pass through the security zone, and if you are not sure what to do, ask someone for help.
• Liquids and laptops must be kept in their own containers, separate from other items.
• Some security checkpoints require you to remove your shoes and jackets; Follow the signs to determine if this is required at your airport.
• The Aviation Security inspector will tell you what to do if there is any problem with your luggage or security screening.