You’ve picked your destination, shopped for all the right touristy clothes and booked your air-tickets – you’re ready to get away!

You flying for the first time?

Flying even for infrequent flyers can be a daunting task. The best way to ease the stress of flying for the first time is to be prepared. We have listed out a few tips below that will prepare you for the first flight in the skies and help you enjoy the ride too!

Paperwork!

First things first - Even before you pack in your shades and sunscreen, remember to place your passport along with your ticket in your hand baggage. If its a domestic flight, keep your photo identification ready, this could either be your Aadhaar Card, Drivers License or Pan card. Check with your airlines on the kind of photo id accepted by them. Most airlines issue an e-ticket these days, make sure to save a copy of your e-ticket and your passport on your phone or email in case you happen to misplace either of them.

Leave Early!

Last minute emergencies, delays could well lead to first time flyers missing something at the security scanners or boarding gates in their hurry to catch the flight.Most international airlines require their flyers to reach atleast 3 hours in advance and domestic about 90 – 120 minutes before flight departure. So keep in mind while planning your airport arrival.

Essentials for your Hand baggage

Before you leave the house, ensure that your Passport, Boarding Pass, Cash or Cardsand Mobile Phone are all in your hand luggage! At the time you checked in, you may have had the option to print a paper copy of your boarding pass, or to receive a mobile friendly version sent to you. If you opted for the latter, make sure you know where on your phone it is!

Ensure that you are familiar with airline restrictions when it comes to packing your carry-on. A list of restricted items for hand baggage and check in luggage is available on the your airline site and sometimes listed as part of your e-ticket. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on item and one personal item, such as a laptop or purse.

Remember to pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bags! Don’t be one of those travellers stuck with your day clothes because the airline lost your luggage and you have nothing else to wear.

In-flight safety

Always listen to your flight attendants when they are reviewing safety information.When traveling over water, know where your flotation device is located. Keep the alcohol to a minimum on flights; alcohol will affect you more severely than when on the ground due to pressure in the cabin.

If you are traveling a long distance, it might be a good idea to put together a sleep travel kit. This can include a travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs to block out sound. Air travel can dry out your nasal passages; staying well hydrated can help prevent this. If traveling with children, make sure you have items with you to keep them occupied, especially for longer flights.

Exiting in a foreign land: Check beforehand if the airport you land into has a preauthorized taxi stand or if the city caters to radio or add driven taxi services. Make sure you seek safe ground transportation.