First-time airplane travel guide from A to Z.

VTC News•07/06/2023

Tips for preparing for a flight

Preparing for a flight is probably the most time-consuming part of your journey. Because of this, many passengers are confused about what to do to ensure the best possible preparation.

Buy airline tickets

You can buy airline tickets directly from airlines, through reputable offices or agencies, or online. Tickets will be much cheaper if you buy them about 2-3 months before departure.

First-time airplane travel guide from A to Z - 1 — Many people inevitably feel anxious and confused when flying for the first time. (Illustrative image: Internet)

What preparations are needed for my first time flying?

For international flights: Passengers must have a passport, visa, and other documents as required by the authorities of the country of origin, transit, and destination.

For domestic flights: Passengers can use the following documents: Passport or travel document; National identity card; Citizen identification card; Identification card or certificate from the armed forces; National Assembly delegate card, Party member card, journalist card; Driver's license for cars and motorcycles; Personal identification certificate issued by the police of the place of permanent or temporary residence; Birth certificate (for passengers under 14 years old), birth certificate (for passengers under 1 month old)...

All the above documents must still be valid. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months before entry procedures can be processed, and some countries require both an entry visa and a transit visa.

Baggage regulations

Carry-on baggage: This is the luggage you bring with you onto the plane. You can place it above your seat, under your seat, or keep it with you. Generally, carry-on baggage regulations stipulate a maximum weight of 7kg and a total dimension (length, width, height) of 115 cm (56cm x 36cm x 23cm).

Checked baggage: According to regulations, checked baggage must not exceed 32kg and the total dimensions (length, width, height) must not exceed 119cm x 119cm x 81cm. Each individual must check in their own checked baggage.

For Vietnam Airlines , passengers will enjoy the following free baggage allowance:

Business class and premium economy: 32kg checked baggage + 2 pieces of carry-on baggage (18kg)

Economy class: 23kg checked baggage + 1 piece of carry-on baggage (12kg)

For passengers flying with Vietjet Air or Pacific Airlines, the free carry-on baggage allowance is limited to a maximum of 7kg.

Experience with airport check-in procedures

Checking in is perhaps the most confusing part for first-time flyers. Follow these steps to complete the check-in process as quickly as possible.

How far should I arrive at the airport?

To expedite the check-in process and be prepared for any potential problems, arrive at least 45 minutes early for domestic flights and 2 hours early for international flights.

Check-in procedure

Currently, airlines are implementing three check-in procedures:

Check in online on the airline's website. This will help you choose your preferred seat, avoid waiting or queuing at the airport, and save you time. If you're traveling with family, online check-in will also allow you to proactively choose seats together.

Airport check-in: If you choose this option, you should arrive at the airport approximately 2 hours before your international flight and 45 minutes before your domestic flight. You will need to present your ticket code or paper flight ticket along with the documents mentioned above to complete the check-in process.

Check in at the airport kiosks, and the kiosks will automatically print your boarding pass, which is identical to the one issued at the counter. First-time flyers don't need to worry about using this method as the kiosks are very easy to use.

Airport security screening procedures

After checking in, passengers must proceed to the security checkpoint and comply with all instructions and requests from airport security personnel, following the airport security screening procedure for themselves and their luggage.

Airport security personnel will ask you to remove your jacket, hat, shoes, sandals, belt, personal belongings, and any items you are carrying; place items, liquids, and electronic devices in a tray to be passed through the X-ray machine before going through the metal detector.

Show your documents

Passengers must present valid identification documents and their boarding pass (either paper or on an electronic device such as a phone or computer) for airport security personnel to verify.

Airplane experience

After settling into your seat, the next thing to do is fasten your seatbelt. Do not unfasten your seatbelt, even when eating or sleeping in your seat. Don't hesitate to ask a flight attendant how to fasten your seatbelt if you are unsure.

One thing to know when flying for the first time is that you shouldn't bring food on board. You can bring dry items like bread, making sure they don't have a strong smell that would affect the overall atmosphere on the plane. On Vietnam Airlines flights longer than 1 hour and 30 minutes, passengers will be served a light meal. However, some budget airlines like Pacific Airlines or Vietjet Air may not offer this service, but you can purchase one if you need it.

It is essential to strictly adhere to all safety regulations on the aircraft and read the instructions, which are usually located in a small pocket in front of your seat. This leaflet provides instructions on the location of emergency items such as life vests and decompression breathing apparatus, how to escape in case of fire, and how the aisle lights will illuminate, etc.

Experiences when arriving at the airport

One important thing to remember when flying for the first time is to absolutely avoid using your phone or any other broadcasting devices, especially during takeoff and landing, as they may interfere with communication between air traffic control and the flight crew. Don't rush to leave your seat until you receive an announcement from airline staff.

Next, you need to pay attention to the signs around the exit to know which conveyor belt you need to use to retrieve your luggage. If it's checked baggage, you need to take an extra step: compare the tag on your luggage with the tag on your ticket to see if they match.

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