Tips for First Time Flyers (+ Solo Travel Advice!)

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In this post, I’m sharing my tips for first time flyers and solo travellers. Even if you’ve flown before, it can feel daunting to fly on your own for the first time. That’s why I’ve rounded up these handy tips to ensure you can travel with confidence!

Well, first of all, I have to say a HUGE congrats for getting this far on your first time travelling journey!

For some of you, it may be your first time flying. 

And even if it’s not your very first time flying, it could be your first flight solo. Which is just as daunting! 

Ever since I slowed down on solo travel, I’ve found myself sharing the responsibility with my boyfriend, Tom, when it comes to airports and flights.

But with a solo trip coming up, I need to get back into the mindset of flying alone and ensuring I have everything in place to make sure it all runs smoothly. Time to re-read my own advice!

In this post, I detail some tips for first time flyers as well as some helpful tips for first time solo travellers boarding alone for the very first time!

So, let’s get started with my tips for first time flyers!

🌎 Travelling for the first time? You’re in the right place. Check out my backpacking essentials checklist to ensure you’re all ready to go when it comes to packing! 🌎

First-time flyers: Change your flying mindset!

Before we begin, I just want to say something.

Flying is WAY easier than everyone thinks it is.

It’s just another mode of transport.

It doesn’t need HALF the fuss we give it.

Did you know, the average amount of flights in the world, per DAY is just under 200,000?

If you’re taking your first flight (ever, or first solo flight), you may be feeling a bit of anxiety. What do I need to bring, how early do I need to arrive, what if my flight gets delayed? This is normal, but I promise, it’s not going to be as bad as you think it is.

The less you overthink your flight, the easier it will be. And the smoother it will run.

People fly every single day. For some, their full-time job is taking 3-4 flights a day. It’s a safe, easy and simple way of travelling! 

Get organised, be prepared and relax. Remember, your flight is the one thing connecting you and your DREAM location!

Advice for BEFORE your flight

Your flight is booked.

You’re ready to roll.

Now all you need to do is the prep work beforehand.

I’ll be honest, I do minimal to zero prep work before a flight. I have been at a check-in desk and nearly been charged £50 for not checking in on my phone (yeah, you may want to avoid this).

There isn’t MUCH you need to do, but it’s important that you make yourself feel as comfortable and ready as possible, especially if you’re feeling a bit anxious.

Prep for your flight

• Download the airline app. This makes it easier to check-in in advance (I’d recommend checking in at least 8 hours before your flight).

• Double-check you have luggage allowance (if you need it). I’ve been caught out before because I thought an expensive airline including baggage. It didn’t. It then cost me 3x as much to buy the baggage at the airport. Check your baggage allowance. 

• Check your hand luggage for items that aren’t allowed on board. There isn’t much you’d have in your hand luggage that wouldn’t be allowed, but the main one is liquid. Make sure all liquids are under 100ml, and put them (and makeup) into a clear plastic container. I use this one from Amazon so I don’t need to keep transferring all of my things into the disposable plastic bags at the security desk!

• Triple check you have your passport. It’s a given! Make it cute and get a passport holder so it’s easy to spot in your hand luggage!

• Buy a durable, multi-functional and easy to carry backpack for your flight. I cannot recommend this bag enough. I have used it so many times on flights, and the different compartments make it super easy for me not to disturb anyone else and mess about moving things onboard. Trust me, it’s a winner! Buy it here!

• Arrive at the airport with enough time to have a glass of wine. Ok, well not just wine. But make it easier for yourself. Arrive early.

Arriving early at the airport

Advice for the airport

The truth is, being at an airport is pretty boring. 

You’ll find you’re eager to get going, and just want to board the plane to your dreamy destination.

All the hype you’ve allowed to build up in your head wasn’t worth it. Airports are easy.

Let’s run through the ‘must-dos’ of arriving at the airport, then get down to some boredom busters for you brave solo travellers.

✈️ TOP TIP: If you’re flying solo, take your book or download your favourite series on Netflix for the airport. Wifi can be a bit sketchy so don’t rely on it and be prepared.

Check your bags in first

Most airlines now have automated check-in machines for your luggage (don’t let this scare you, it’s ok, I promise!) 

Simply scan your passport and your luggage tags and boarding passes will be printed. Drop your bag off at the counter and you’re all set!

Go through security

I know it can be tempting to sit in the cute cafe or restaurant you’ve just passed, but let’s get the big things done first. 

Go through security (the whole bit where they check your bag and make it all really OTT). Make sure you’ve emptied your water bottle, your liquids are in a plastic bag and all electronics (including cameras) are in a separate tray to your big bags/coats. 

Then you’re good to go!

(Your dreamy destination is getting closer…)

Relax before your board your flight!

Now it’s time to really chill out before your flight. 

Hopefully you’ve arrived in enough time, so you can check out the duty-free shops and grab a large cup of coffee (or wine) at one of the airport bars and restaurants.

Just keep an eye on the gate board (which can change last minute!) to know when to head down to start boarding.

✈️ TOP TIP: If you had to lose your water at security, there are free drinking water taps dotted around all airports. Some are more scarce than others, so if you can’t find one, ask at a restaurant or bar for some tap water in your bottle.

Advice for during your flight

Yasssss, you’ve made it!

You’re ON YOUR WAY TO FREEDOM. Well, I hope.

There’s just one HUGE tip I have for first time flyers here.

Get everything ready at the boarding gate BEFORE you step on the plane.

Plane aisles (as much as they’re my favourite kinda aisle) are a complete nightmare.

They are tiny.

You will have 50 people huffing and puffing behind you to hurry up if you’re trying to sort out your kindle, laptop, favourite gum and half-eaten Twix bar when they want to find their seat.

It’s a tad annoying, as we all need to sort out our things before we sit down, but I have truly MASTERED the art of being ready to sit immediately. 

I use this laptop case to store everything I might need for my flight in. Laptop, earphones, Earplanes (if you feel pressure in your ears during flights, I recommend these), my book, any food and everything else I could possibly need. 

This Mac case is FAB because it has an external pocket big enough to fit everything I could possibly need on my flight.

So, whilst I’m sitting at the boarding gate (usually early, as they make you walk for miles), I pack up my laptop case all ready to go for when I board the plane.

This means I can throw up my coat, hand luggage backpack and everything else I have easily before I sit down.

No huffing and puffing behind me, I can assure you.

🌎 Travelling for the first time? You’re in the right place. Check out my backpacking essentials checklist to ensure you’re all ready to go when it comes to packing! 🌎

Face masks and flying

Because of the dreaded C word, masks are still mandatory during flights at the time of writing this post (March 2022).

Make sure you bring a few masks (without a filter) for your flight, especially if you’re flying long haul. 

Yes, I know it’s annoying, but it’s a small price to pay when you’re jetting off to paradise.

Now, let’s dig a bit deeper into some tips for first time flyers.

🌎 Travelling for the first time? You’re in the right place. Check out the first-timer hub to ensure you’re all ready to go when it comes to your first trip! 🌎

Extra tips for first time flyers and solo travellers

Still feeling a bit anxious about your flight?

It’s normal to still feel a bit nervous, especially if it’s the first time you’ve flown alone or even flown at all.

Here are my extra tips to put your mind at ease (whether it’s about the plane itself or the entire process).

Be sure to pack your neck pillow and eye mask for maximum comfort!

1. It will all be ok.

Remember what I said earlier? It’s just a flight. Same as getting a train, car, bus or tram. Just a bit longer, and a bit higher!

If you missed it earlier, there are around 200,000 flights PER DAY taking off in the world. Your flight really isn’t anything special.

Use it as some ‘me’ time, enjoy your book, catch up on some work and just roll with it.

You got this!

🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.

2. Noises on the plane are normal

Strange noises?

What about when you’re on a train? Or in the car? How many times do you hear odd nosies and not even register them? Pretty often!

Noises on a plane are NORMAL. 

Everything is safe.

In fact, statistically, flying is the safest way to travel.

🗺️ My world travel must-have: Whilst out during the day, I use a tote bag to hold my belongings like my camera, notebook, purse and Microfibre towel. It’s easier to pack away than a big beach bag, and can be neatly tucked away when you don’t need it!

3. Planes and conditions are checked, checked and checked again

They’re totally safe, I promise.

Planes WOULD NOT fly if the weather was too dangerous, or there was even a slight indication that something was wrong with the aircraft. 

🗺️ My world travel must-have: The tap water around the world isn’t always safe to drink, so I use my filter water bottle pretty much every day to keep myself hydrated. I take it everywhere with me, and it works in every country where you can’t drink tap water! You can grab yours here. 🚰

4. Turbulence is normal!

I know it’s not a nice feeling (for most), but turbulence is OK!

Turbulence is a part of flying that is totally safe, and luckily for us, only 0.1% of flights have severe turbulence (and even that is totally safe!)

It might be uncomfortable, but your plane is BUILT to handle the absolute worst. 

Even in severe turbulence, your plane isn’t moving nearly as much as you think it is!

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst travelling! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.

5. Wear easy to remove shoes

Not only is it comfy to take your shoes off on a flight (sorry, air hostess’), but some airports require you to remove shoes as you walk through security. 

Wear easy to remove shoes to avoid extra hassle!

My favourites are my Birkenstocks which I take on EVERY trip!

6. You don’t need to pay extra to book a seat

Nine times out of ten, you will be placed next to whoever you’re travelling with.

And if you’re travelling solo, unless you REALLY want a specific seat (ie next to the window), airlines just use this feature as an easy way to make more money.

You don’t need to waste those precious travel savings on a seat.

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: If you’re backpacking, make sure you pack a Microfibre towel (and this one linked is super pretty too). They make life easier when getting in and out of the water, they’re portable and easy to carry on any kind of day trip. I’ve had mine for years and use it on every beach trip!

7. Planes do accept contactless (even at 40,000ft in the air)

You can still use your Apple Pay on the plane, so don’t worry about having cash!

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: Well, it’s a little more advanced, but if you want to take high-quality photos, make sure you invest in a good camera. This doesn’t have to be thousands of pounds, and our favourite is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

8. Airplane Wifi never works

I have been on more planes than I can count, and maybe only two with proper wifi. 

Don’t ask me why, but the wifi on planes is terrible.

Try not to rely on it. Download on Netflix pre-flight and have enough to keep you entertained.

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: Solo travelling but still want to take photos?  📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)

9. Movies will only be shown on long-haul flights

Like I said, bring a lot of entertainment to keep yourself entertained! Those budget airlines aren’t giving you a thing… (like a thing. Ryanair doesn’t even have chair baskets to hold your book in anymore). 

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: A wheelie backpack! Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips and when you need more than a carry-on!

10. If you’re a nervous flyer, take a flying course

If you find yourself panicking and worrying about the flight itself, British Airways and other airlines have designed courses to relieve you from the crushing fear of aviation.

These courses include chats from pilots, explanations of how the plane flies, why they’re super safe and even a short flight at the end to put your mind at ease.

They’re definitely worth the investment if you’re a nervous flyer and one of my biggest tips for first time flyers. 

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: Solo travelling on your worldwide trip? Stay safe by carrying your cash or card in a money belt. I know it sounds silly, but cities can be chaotic and pickpockets are known to work in busy areas. it’s better to be safe than sorry!

11. Don’t be afraid to use the ‘require assistance’ button

I’m guilty of this one.

I’ve been on a long-haul flight before GASPING for a drink but too nervous to press the assistance button. 

Needless to say, the only one who missed out on anything, was me.

I then (as the introvert I am) plucked up the courage to press it one time, and now I don’t stop. Need something? You best bet I’m getting it. That’s what the airline staff are there for!

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: If you’re solo travelling, don’t forget to take earphones for busy public transport. Listening to a podcast or tuning out from the noise is a lifesaver on a busy city trip!

12. Pre-order your food on a long haul flight

I cannot stress the importance of this. 

I once had a 10-hour flight to Thailand and forgot to order food. 

Pringles were my only friend for ten hours straight. I was gutted.

There was everyone around me eating hot noodles or a little meal in their cute airport tray with a cake, hot drink and biscuit. 

And then me, staring into space with the crumbs of the Pringles left on my lap. 

Order your food beforehand. (Or you will be starving – one of my best tips for first time flyers!)

🗺️ My worldwide must-have:  I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!

Tips for first-time flyers: In a nutshell

Just think.

You’ve made the BIGGEST leap so far by booking your first trip.

Don’t sweat the small stuff! (ie, your flight).

I am so excited for you, and I can just FEEL that the trip of a lifetime is coming your way.

As always, if you have any questions about my tips for first time flyers or questions about travel in general, reach out to me on my Instagram, or leave it in the comments below.

I’d love to hear from you!

Used this guide for your first flight? Let me know below!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

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