Catching your first flight can be quite unnerving, even if it’s just a simple two-hour domestic flight from Delhi to Mumbai. From a petty worry that the plane is sure to crash to more pressing concerns about whether you’ve completed all the necessary procedures at the airport, the first plane ride can be quite taxing for the uninitiated. What makes it even more difficult is that you cannot bring a friend or family member to guide you through the airport. For security reasons, airports do not allow escorts to venture beyond the airport gate. Here’s a handy checklist to help you navigate through the countless airport counters without feeling lost.
- Make sure you are at the correct airport. Most cities have separate airports for domestic and international flights. Be sure to clearly tell the taxi driver that you are taking a domestic flight.
- Find your airline terminal. For smoother administration, different airlines are assigned to different airport terminals. Most taxi drivers will take you to the correct terminal if you tell them the name of the airline in advance.
- Get a cart for your luggage. They usually line up right outside the airport entrance.
- Keep your ticket in hand. You must show it at the airport entrance in order to enter. If you have an e-ticket, you will also need to show photo proof of identity. This can be your voter ID, PAN card, driver’s license, passport, or even a credit card with your photo on it.
- Go to the baggage inspection section to get an x-ray. At this point, you should place only the heavy baggage that will be checked into the aircraft cargo. Once the luggage is checked, the airport authorities seal it to prevent tampering. Put the sealed luggage back in your car.
- Go to your airline counter to get your boarding pass. Wait in line until your turn comes. Check your sealed baggage. Luggage may be weighed to ensure it does not exceed 20kg. If you’ve come early enough, you’ll be offered a choice between aisle and window seats. After indicating your choice, you will be issued a boarding pass. The counter will also have plenty of baggage tags. Choose tags for your carry-on luggage, such as handbag and overnight bag, and affix them to your luggage after filling in your name and contact details. Leave the cart near the counter but be careful not to get in the way of anyone.
- Go to the security check area. Place your carry-on baggage, including mobile phones and jackets, on the X-ray machine’s conveyor belt.
- Now go to the search area. This area is right next to the carry-on baggage check-in machine and is screened with curtains. There are separate areas for men and women. After you have been checked in, the guard will stamp your boarding pass.
- Pick up your carry-on baggage at the back of the X-ray machine. Make sure the person leading the machine has stamped your baggage tag.
- Please wait in the lounge until you hear the boarding announcement. The announcement will specify the boarding gate number of your flight.
- Please join the queue at the boarding gate. An airline officer will review your ticket before letting you through the gate.
- Board the airline bus that transports passengers from the gate to the plane.
- Upon arrival at the aircraft, show your ticket to the flight attendant before boarding your flight.
- Go to the seat specified on your boarding pass. Put your hand luggage in the upper cabin. Now sit back and enjoy the flight!
