First Flight Jitters? Let’s Fix That.

So you’re flying for the first time? Whether it’s for work, a well-earned vacation, or a personal adventure, booking that first flight is a big deal. But if you’ve never flown before, it’s totally normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect.

I get so many questions like:

• What do I pack?

• What happens at the airport?

• Will I know where to go?

• What do people actually do on a plane?

Take a deep breath! This guide is here to walk you through everything, step by step, from packing your bag to finding your seat to the sky.

1. Before You Even Pack: Know the Basics

Here’s what you’ll need in order to fly:

• A valid government-issued photo ID for domestic flights (like a driver’s license or passport). Reminder: as of May 7, 2025 - you need a REAL ID to fly within the USA with just your driver's license.

• A passport (and possibly a visa) if you're flying internationally

• Your flight confirmation email with your flight number and boarding info
  

Before your trip, visit your airline’s website to:

• Check baggage policies

• Confirm seat assignments or extras
  

Read about check-in and boarding procedures.

2. Pack Like a Pro

You’ve got two luggage options:

• Carry-on: Small suitcase or bag that fits in the overhead bin

• Checked bag: Bigger suitcase that gets stored underneath the plane

Most airlines allow:

• One carry-on

• One personal item (like a backpack or tote bag)

• Checked bags may cost extra

• Carry-On Must-Haves:

• Phone, ID, wallet, boarding pass

• Chargers, headphones, snacks

• Empty water bottle to refill after security

• Layers (hoodie, cardigan...planes get cold and it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it)

• Toiletries under 3.4 oz in a clear quart-sized zip bag (1 per person, also they go by what the bottle shows NOT the liquid that's left in the container so don't try to show up with a full-size bottle claiming there's only a little left)

• Gum or mints to help with ear pressure
  

Insider Tip: Don’t overstuff your carry-on. You might need to gate-check it last-minute if overhead bins are full!

3. Check In Online

You can check in 24 hours before your flight. Do it online or through your airline’s app. This saves time at the airport and helps you avoid long lines! (Especially if you plan to do carry on only)

You’ll get your boarding pass digitally (or you can print it). It shows your seat number, gate, and boarding group.

4. Get to the Airport Early

• Domestic: Arrive 2 hours before departure

• International: Arrive 3 hours early

Trust me, you’d rather have time to chill at your gate than FULL ON SPRINT through terminals. Been there, done that. 10/10 do not recommend.

5. Checking a Bag

If you have a large suitcase, stop by the check-in counter or self-service kiosk:

• Show your ID and boarding pass

• They’ll weigh and tag your bag
  

It gets sent to the plane’s cargo hold, you won’t see it again until baggage claim so make sure to take anything out that you may need!

Connecting flight? Your checked bag is usually transferred automatically. But if you're landing in the U.S. from another country, you may need to grab it and re-check it after going through customs.

6. Security Checkpoint: Don’t Stress It

This part makes most first-timers nervous, but it’s very routine. Here’s what to expect:

• Show your ID and boarding pass

• Put your bags in bins and remove:

• Shoes

• Laptop or tablet

• Liquids and toiletries

• Jackets, belts, anything in your pockets

• Walk through the scanner. Wait for your things, and you’re good to go.

Insider Tips:

• Wear slip-on shoes for easy removal

• Always wear socks, you’ll be walking barefoot through the line if not.

• Put your small items (jewelry, wallet, watch) inside your carry-on instead of the loose bin

• Keep your laptop easily accessible in your bag

• Ladies, wear a sports bra or wire-free if you’re worried about metal detectors going off

7. Find Your Gate and Wait to Board

After security, check the monitors for your flight number and gate. If it changes, don’t panic just follow the new signs. If you have an iPhone, you can also text yourself the flight number and it shows you all the info, updated in real time.

You’ll board in groups (A, B, C or Zone 1, 2, etc.). When your group is called:

• Show your boarding pass and ID again

• Walk through the jet bridge onto the plane

Find your seat, stow your bag, and buckle up

8. In the Air

Once seated:

• Listen to safety instructions (yes, even the seatbelt part)

• The crew will pass out snacks or drinks if included

• Rest, read, listen to music, or watch something...whatever makes you comfortable

Insider Tips:

• Put your phone in airplane mode before takeoff

• Chew gum or swallow during ascent/descent to help with ear popping

• Use the bathroom early in the flight before it gets busy

9. Have a Connecting Flight? Here’s What to Do

If you’re switching planes during your trip, you’ll need to:

• Get off your first flight and check the monitors for your next gate

• Walk (or sometimes ride a tram or shuttle) to the new gate

• Show your next boarding pass and do it all again
  

If your flights are with the same airline, your checked bag will be automatically transferred. If you're flying internationally into the U.S., you’ll have to go through customs, collect your bag, and re-check it before continuing.

10. How to Find Your Bag at Baggage Claim

After landing at your final destination:

• Follow the “Baggage Claim” signs (this will also show in the iPhone hack mentioned earlier)

• Look at the screens for your flight number and matching carousel

• Wait for your suitcase to appear on the belt
  

Insider Tips:

• Mark your suitcase with a colored ribbon, tag, or sticker. It’s amazing how many people bought black bags and they all look the same.

• Don’t walk away too soon! Sometimes bags come out late or on a different carousel.

• If your bag doesn’t show, go to the airline’s baggage desk right by the claim area. If it's STILL not there, explore options to open a claim with travel insurance (if you purchased it or with your travel credit card if you have one)

Final Thoughts

The first flight is always the most nerve-wracking, but once you’ve done it, everything clicks into place. You’ve got this! Now you’ve got a guide that walks you through each step with confidence.

Whether it’s your dream trip, a quick visit, or the beginning of many adventures you’re doing something bold and that’s worth celebrating. If you need any more help or personalized guidance, I’m a full-service travel consultant with hirayaholidays.com and would love to assist you every step of the way. Happy Travels!