This post is packed with tips for flying alone and will walk you through step-by-step of navigating an airpot and having a good flight.
As an out-of-state college student that typically flies home for breaks, I’ve had lots of experience navigating airports and flying by myself, and understand how nerve-wracking it can be to fly alone for the first time.
If you’re flying by yourself for the first time soon, it is perfectly normal to feel nervous. You are not alone.
This post will cover:
- How to prepare for your trip ahead of time
- Tips for in the airport
- Tips while on the airplane
PREPARING AHEAD OF TIME
1. Pack light so you don’t have to check a bag!
If it’s your first time flying, I highly recommend packing a carry-on suitcase so you don’t have to mess with checking a bag. Checking a bag isn’t too bad, but if you’re only going home for a week, pack light and give yourself one less thing to worry about!
EMMA’S PACKING LIST FOR FLYING ALONE:
- Portable Charger– nothing scarier than your phone (with your boarding passes) dying! Outlets can be hard to come by in crowded airports.
- Something calming like a coloring book or word puzzle to ease anxiety while waiting at the gate or before take-off
- Sweatshirt for the plane- keep it in your carry-on bag and put it on after you get through security so you don’t have to worry about taking it off 😉
- Neck pillow for a comfortable flight
- Chewing gum! Helps with ear pain on the plane! And who wants bad breath?
- Hand sanitizer– cuz airports are gross 🙂
- Headphones– don’t be that person on the plane 😉
- Empty water bottle– fill up after getting through security
Screenshot this list or look at the Simply Emma Laree instagram for a cute graphic of this packing list! 🙂
2. Download the app for the airline that you’re traveling through (American, Southwest, etc.)
This is where you’ll find your boarding pass and everything you need to know about your flight. You can also look at your airline’s website, but having the app makes things super convenient. Most apps send you an alert when it’s time to check-in 24 hours before your flight, walk you through the check-in process, and allow you to add your boarding pass to your phone’s wallet.
3. Check-in 24 hours prior to your flight.
Most airlines let you check in to your flight 24 hours before your flight departs- DO THIS! This helps you get a better boarding group (Boarding group A goes first, then B, and so on…). The sooner you check in, the higher the boarding number you’ll get, which in most cases means the better chance you have of getting a good seat on the plane.
4. Download digital copies of your boarding passes.
I usually add my boarding passes to my apple wallet for easy access. It’s also a good idea to take a screenshot of your boarding pass so even if Wi-Fi isn’t working at the airport, you’ll have a copy of your pass.
5. Know what you can and can’t pack to avoid getting stopped at security.
TSA has an extensive list of permitted and prohibited items. Check your airline’s website as well.
6. Make plans for how you’re getting to the airport and how you’re getting picked up.
I usually have my grandpa or a friend drive me to the airport and my family pick me up, but you may need to make arrangements for an Uber if this isn’t possible.
AT THE AIRPORT
1. Get there early.
This is airport 101. Give yourself PLENTY of time to get through security, find your gate, and use the restroom before your flight.
2. Security
If you’re like me, this is the part you’re most fearful of. Take a deep breath- you’re gonna be okay, I promise.
Unless you have TSA Pre-Check, you’ll most likely wait in a pretty long line to get to security. Have your boarding pass and ID ready to show the security staff.
Once you get to the front of the line, a security officer will take your ID and have you scan your boarding pass.
Security staff will be directing you where to go and what to do. People may be impatient as all the security staff yells, “Take off your shoes! All laptops, tablets, and electronic devices out of your bags!” 🤪
Don’t let the chaos freak you out. Take a deep breath and do what the officers are instructing.
I recommend wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off. You’ll put your carry-on item(s), shoes, and any electronic devices in a tub that will be sent through a detector while you also walk through a detector. Again, the officers will be explaining what to do the whole time, so just listen and follow their instructions.
Once you’ve gone through the detector and get your belongings back- give yourself a pat on the back! YOU MADE IT through the scariest part! Now, it’s time to:
3. Find your gate.
Double check that your gate hasn’t changed. It’s not uncommon for this to happen and not a huge deal if it does. *Most* airports have clearly labeled gates that are in order (gate 4 comes after gate 3…) so it should be pretty easy to find.
Look up! Pay attention to signs– they really do help! If you have your nose in your phone, you may miss a sign that could help tell you where to go!
If you have any difficulty finding your gate, ask an airport worker for help. There’s no shame in saying, “It’s my first time flying alone. Could you please help me?” Most airport workers are happy to help someone that isn’t giving them a hard time. 🥰
Once you get to your gate, check your digital boarding pass and the sign at the gate to see if the boarding/departure time has changed and get an idea of long you have until boarding.
You may have gotten to the airport early enough to eat a meal before your flight, so now is the perfect time to do that.
*ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS keep your belongings with you when you leave the gate- do NOT leave your stuff at the gate. Even if the bathroom is right there- take your stuff with you. The last thing you need is stolen luggage.*
Make sure you leave plenty of time to be back at your gate before boarding starts.
4. Board!
This tends to be where anxiety rises as you wonder: "Who will I be sitting by on the plane?" "What if my boarding pass doesn't scan?"
Take another deep breath. Boarding is actually one of the easiest steps- just follow what the person in front of you is doing! 😂 Scan your pass, get on the plane, put your carry-on suitcase in an overhead compartment, and take a seat.
Don’t sweat it if you have a window, aisle, or middle seat- no matter your preference, the flight will be over before you know it. 😉
ON THE PLANE
1. Get Situated
The lovely flight attendants will go over safety procedures. Get comfortable and prepare for a great flight!
Remember those calming activities we talked about packing? Now’s a great time to pull out a coloring sheet or sudoku puzzle while you wait for take-off. Shameless plug for the Simply Emma Laree Etsy Shop- go get you some coloring sheets and word searches!
If you know you get motion sickness, I wouldn’t recommend coloring or solving a puzzle while in flight. I would suggest popping a dramamine before take-off. 😉
2. Enjoy the Flight
Depending on the time of day and how you’re feeling, you may want to take a snooze for the majority of your flight! You could also download movies ahead of time and watch those during the flight.
Turbulence is totally normal. Don’t worry if things get a little bumpy.
If you experience pain in your ears as you get higher in the air, chewing gum helps. Moving your jaw and opening up the eustachian tube helps equalize the pressure in your ear. This is why swallowing also helps. Take some slow sips of water if you need to.
3. Landing!
You made it! Be patient getting off the plane. Everyone will be getting their carry-on items from the overhead compartments.
Once you’re off the plane, follow the signs in the airport to figure out where you’re going (either baggage claim if you checked a bag, or wherever your ride is picking you up). Again, there’s absolutely no shame in asking an airport attendant for help.
YOU MADE IT!
Flying alone can be intimidating the first time, but once you’ve done it, you’ll see how simple it is.
Safe travels!
Leave a comment telling me about your flight/airport experiences and any additional tips you would add!