First airplane flight: what you need to know

The thought of a new experience causes a lot of excitement. What is the process of preparing for a trip? What is prohibited for transportation? Where do I go first when I arrive at the airport? What luggage can you take with you?

Let's dispel your worries and get ready to travel together. Read on to find out how to make it as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Documents

1. Check the validity of your passport and visa.
2. Make copies of all important documents, including your passport, plane ticket, and travel insurance. If they are lost or stolen, you will be able to recover them faster and confirm your identity at the consulate.
3. Keep duplicates separate from the originals, for example, in digital format or hard copy in another suitcase.

Baggage

1. Check your airline's baggage policy.
2. Usually, you are allowed to bring one or two suitcases free of charge, which cannot exceed 20 kilograms per person. As well as one carry-on bag and a personal item (such as a bag, backpack, or laptop).
3. Pack liquids in transparent bags with a volume of up to 100 milliliters (1 liter in total).
4. Do not forget to bring all the necessary medicines (in their original packaging) and medical documents. You may need a letter from your doctor confirming that you need these medications.
5. Prohibited items: explosives, flammable substances, weapons, sharp objects (knives, scissors, syringes) and other hazardous materials.

We are ready to start the trip. The next stop is the airport.

Check-in and boarding

1. Arrive early to have enough time to check in (2-3 hours before the flight) and go through security.
2. Always have your ticket and passport with you.
3. Find the departure board and pay attention to its status.
4. Check-in for your flight, where you will receive a ticket with the flight number, gate, seat, and boarding time. It is announced 15-30 minutes before departure.

Security

1. Go through a special control by taking off your shoes (if necessary), outerwear, watches, and other metal objects.
2. Do not forget about hand luggage and electronic devices that you will take with you on the plane.
3. Next, you will go through passport control to cross the country's border.

Check-in, document check, and boarding were successful. The most difficult stage is over. Welcome aboard! Qualified staff will take care of you and ensure a comfortable flight.

To make your trip pleasant and carefree, we recommend that you follow these rules during the flight:

1. Follow the instructions of the flight attendants.
2. Turn off electronic devices during takeoff and landing.
3. Do not get up from your seat during turbulence.
4. Respect other passengers.
5. Be attentive to your belongings.

Regarding comfort:

1. Wear loose shoes as your feet may swell. Prefer loose-fitting clothing. To adapt to the temperature changes on the plane, dress in layers, for example, a jersey, a T-shirt, and a sweatshirt.
2. Bring a travel pillow and earplugs if the flight is long.
3. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
4. Take food with you if you don't want to buy it on board.
5. Download movies, books, and music to your electronic device to make your flight easier.

Lift the landing gear! Your first airplane trip is here!

Flying with children: a brief summary

Documents:

• Make sure your child has a valid passport or birth certificate.
• Check the visa requirements of your destination country.
• If you are traveling without a spouse, you may need a notarized exit permit.

Airfare:

• Children under 2 years old usually fly free of charge, but they are not provided with a separate seat.
• From 2 to 12 – the ticket is paid at a reduced rate.

Luggage:

• The rules for transporting suitcases for children may vary from airline to airline.
• You can take baby food, milk, and water in your hand luggage.

Check-in and security control:

• You need to show your child's birth certificate or passport.
• Some airlines offer priority processing for families with infants.

We hope that these tips will help you successfully plan your first flight. By the way, we also recommend downloading the airline's app to get the latest flight information. Enjoy your trip!

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