It's my first time flying. What things do I need to do

It's my first time flying. What things do I need to do?

I've never flown before, and in 2 weeks I'm leaving from Lincoln, Nebraska (LNK) to Sacramento, California (SMF) on United Airlines, with a stop at Denver, Colorado (DEN) in between. I booked my flight online and I'm going to have one checked bag. The thing is, I don't have a clue what I need to do! I have seemingly endless questions: -How do I get my boarding pass? Can I get it at the airport or do I have to request it beforehand and have it sent? -What other documents or things of that sort will I need to have and how do I get them? -For my bag, I've heard that I need an ID tag to put on it. Can you get those at the airport? -What will I need to do when I get there to get myself ready for the flight? -What do I need to do in Denver to prepare for the flight to Sacramento, as far as my checked bag and checking in for the flight? I'm just clueless and I don't really have any idea what to do about anything. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :]

Air Travel - 3 Answers

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1 :

Don't worry, people that work on the air are very nice and usually even if you ask other passengers they will help you. the first time I went to India, I asked this other lady if she was going their, and then I just kind of followed her. Don't be nervosa, it will all work out. And don't be shy, you are not going to see those again (or may be you might), but still don't feel ashamed in asking for help. There is nothing wrong with asking people for help, and the best thing to do is ask the people who do the luggage, usually they will sent another person with you or at least tell you what to do. And take dramamine. You can find it almost everywhere CVS, Walgreens, I never knew I was airsick until I had gotten on the flight. Hope I helped.

2 :

24 hours or so before your first flight, you can go to the United web site, bring up your itinerary and print the boarding passes for the first two legs of your trip. Or, you can get them at the airport when you take your baggage to the ticket counter to check them in. If you pay on line for the baggage fee, it will be less than if you pay at the airport - use United's web site to do that. On the return, you can do the same thing. You will need some form of government issued ID - assuming you are 18 or older. Driver's license is the most commonly used, non-driver ID card issued by a state's DMV also works, or a passport is good. There are various other ID forms that are also OK. See this web page for a list: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm Your bag <<should>> have a luggage tag that has your name and a phone number at least (cell phone would be good since they can get hold of you wherever you are). Luggage tags are sold in almost any luggage department of a reasonably sized department store. I recommend that you get one of your own rather than rely on the flimsy little things you can get at the airport. You should also put an index card or something similar INSIDE you luggage that has your name, phone and the address of the place you will be staying while you are gone. Don't ever put anything important or valuable, like cameras, jewelry, laptops, medication, papers... in your checked luggage. Take all of those in the bag you carry on to the plane. After you check in and hand over your suitcase, the agent should tell you where you gate is - although in the Lincoln airport there are only a couple of choices (been there several times), so it should be simple to find. There are many tips on the TSA web pages about getting through the security line. Rather than retype those here, look at these web pages: Liquids and liquid like things in <<carry on>> bags: http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm List of things that can and cannot be taken in checked and carry on bags: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm Traveling with other special items: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1169.shtm Information on taking medical equipment, medicine and related items: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm Getting through the line: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/screening_experience.shtm Since you will get both boarding passes in Lincoln, the second should have a gate number for your connecting flight in Denver. However, <<always>> check the TV monitors when you get to Denver for your flight to see if there has been a gate change - happens sometimes. You will probably not have to go to a different terminal, so all you need to do is locate the gate and walk to it then wait until the next fight boards. Your checked luggage will be transferred automatically. If you have the boarding pass for your Denver to Sacramento flight already, as you should have, then you do not need to check in again, simply wait for the gate agents to call out your row number or seating group, then join the line in the jetway. I think you will find it pretty simple. Good luck and good flights.

3 :

You can print out your boarding pass 24 hours before your trip. Another option is to check-in at the airport. All you need is your confirmation number. A reminder is that United does charge money for checking in luggage. Make sure you have a credit card with you. As for documents, bring a government issued picture ID with you. The airline will have a luggage tag where you can fill in your name and address. There is nothing you need to do to get yourself ready. I suggest you bring a book, magazine, iPod or something with you as it can be boring on the plane. I also bring snacks with me in case the snacks served still leave me hungry. Once you land in Denver, just look to see what gate you need to head to on the TV monitors for your flight to Sacramento. United has an airport diagram in the back of the Hemispheres in-flight magazine. You will be fine so just relax and think about the fun you will have in CA.