Airlines are used by a large number of people. For many tourists, the first experience of air travel is a real challenge. Newcomers who have never flown often face difficulties even at the stage of buying flight tickets. For example, few people know that you can buy cheap airline tickets the day before the flight. In order not to get confused at the most inopportune moment, it is advisable to deal with all the formalities in advance.
First time at the airport, what to do and where to go? We understand the issue
At the initial stage, a beginner should study the rules for entering a foreign country, collect a package of documents and buy a ticket on the website
At the airport, the passenger will be asked to present a passport, ticket (or payment receipt), and the bank card used to pay for the ticket.
Many countries require documents confirming a short-term visit upon arrival. This can be a return ticket, insurance, or a hotel reservation. Upon arrival, a citizen pays a visa fee, so he or she must take care of a sufficient amount of cash, preferably in foreign currency.
If you are traveling with children, you should bring documents for each child. The consent of the other parent is not required for the child to travel. If the child’s parents have different surnames, you will need to bring a marriage certificate.
Check in for your flight
At the airport, all passengers go through a metal detector. Information about flights can be viewed on an electronic board. In some cases, information about flight delays or cancellations appears on the screen. Do not panic, it is better to immediately contact the airline staff. The problem will be resolved in a timely manner. Passengers are warned about the start of check-in by public address system.
You can check in for the flight:
- at the reception desk;
- Through the self-service hardware and software complex ;
- on the airline’s website.
The first option is best suited for beginners. All you need to do is go to the counter, show your passport and airline ticket to the terminal staff, and get a boarding pass.
If the status Boarding appears on the information board screen, it means that the passenger is late for check-in. The solution to the problem is to find a desk for delayed customers of the airline. There is always a chance that the person will get on board.
How to check in baggage, oversized cargo and hand luggage
So, the check-in is complete, and now the passenger needs to check in their luggage. The procedure is extremely simple and does not take much time. At this stage, the luggage must be weighed, and then a special tag is affixed to it. A special note is made on the boarding pass about the presence of baggage.
If the weight of the baggage exceeds the maximum allowable weight, the passenger will have to pay extra. Oversized cargo is processed separately. It is advisable to wrap your suitcase in a special film, a service provided by most airlines. The film will protect your travel luggage from accidental damage.
Other formalities: customs control procedure and pre-flight inspection
All passengers, without exception, are checked for prohibited items. Each air harbor has a red and a green corridor. Citizens carrying valuables or money in excess of USD 10,000 go through the red corridor. The green corridor is intended for air passengers who do not have any items to declare.
How the check is carried out on domestic and international flights:
- The pre-flight inspection procedure on domestic flights involves passing through a red or green corridor. At this stage, the passenger will be asked to pass through a metal detector. Items that the passenger takes with him or her should be placed on a special tape.
- Inspection and customs control on international flights involves performing all the actions that are required for domestic flights. Passengers traveling on international flights are additionally subject to border control. The passport of a foreign national is stamped.
After passing through pre-flight screening, customs and border control, passengers proceed to the departure area. A full list of items to be declared can be found on the Customs Service website.
Waiting room
When you are in the departure area, you should find the runway gate number in advance, it is indicated on your boarding pass. You can spend a comfortable time before boarding the plane in the waiting room. This area usually has cafeterias and small duty-free shops. Everything sold in such shops can be taken on board the aircraft.
Rules for boarding an airplane
Boarding begins approximately 20 minutes before departure. After the flight is announced over the loudspeaker, the passenger must proceed to the gate. An air harbor employee will check the airline customer’s identity document and ask to see the boarding pass.
There are different ways to get on board:
- bus;
- through a special corridor that connects the airport building with the airplane.
A flight attendant will meet the passenger on the plane. The stewardess will check the boarding pass and show you which way to go to take the seat.
Upon arrival at another airport, passengers can pick up their luggage on a moving carousel belt. The baggage number is usually indicated on a special electronic board. Oversized baggage is picked up at separate counters, sometimes it is brought to the baggage claim by loaders.
