Stepping into the airport for the first time can be a thrilling experience. The buzz of activity, the excitement of holding your plane ticket, and the anticipation of the flight create a unique blend of emotions. For a beginner, it can feel both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.
One of the most daunting moments in this adventure may be the initial encounter with airport procedures and security checks. It can easily become overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect.
For a smoother experience, you might want to check out a beginner’s guide to airport procedures and security checks from Click2Refund.
Before you head to the airport, it's a good idea to pack at least two bags: one suitcase or backpack for your clothing, shoes, and any essentials you’ll need at your destination. Make sure to leave out any sharp objects, hazardous materials, liquids over 100 ml, metal belts, and any electronics that require extra attention.
Another bag is a small compact bag that can hold various travel essentials that need to be taken quickly. Also, put the phone charger, power bank, headset, and extra care items in this bag—or you can use another handbag.
As a beginner, the first thing you should prepare is the travel essentials such as flight tickets, ID documents, and pockets with enough cash and credit/debit cards.
Even if you need a visa and passport, provide them in a small bag so that it is easier to give when there is a check. Visas and passports are also included in travel essentials.
Put the travel essentials in a small bag that will always be attached to your body. So when entering the airport, you can quickly show your flight ticket and ID document. By being more alert, your nervousness as a beginner can be minimized.
Before you arrive at the airport, double-check that your suitcase or backpack meets the airline's weight requirements. If your luggage is over the limit, you’ll either need to lighten your load or be prepared to pay extra fees.
Plan to arrive at the airport well in advance; aim for two hours before your domestic flight and three hours ahead for international departures. Additionally, consider your transportation to the airport. Be sure to account for the distance and travel time from home.
Click2Refund suggests using public transportation to minimise the delays in parking. Even though you decided to drive yourself to the airport, re-check your airport and gate then pre-book the parking lot to reduce stress.
As a beginner, or even a pro, the first thing you should check before getting in a taxi or car is to check the flight gate. If the airport has multiple terminals, confirming your gate is crucial to avoid wasting time wandering in the wrong direction.
Hop at the airport, understanding the airport maps, as soon as possible. Don’t worry, there are some guidelines to get in a way in the airport to collect the boarding pass, baggage check-in, security screening, and then go to the departure gate in time. This is why you should arrive early from your flight schedule.
To obtain your boarding pass, you must present a valid ID so that the airport officials can confirm your identity before issuing the pass with your flight information. Make sure all details on the boarding pass and your ID documents match — it helps to have your travel essentials right at hand.
The next point you will face in the airport is a security check. Here, officials screen luggage. You can place your hand baggage or small bag in the tray. Your metal accessories, cell phones, laptops, and other electronics should also be placed in the trays.
When travelling through the airport, it's important to adhere to the 3-3-3 rule regarding liquids. This guideline states that each passenger may carry containers of liquid that are no larger than three fluid ounces, and the total number of containers should not exceed three. For the most accurate and specific information, it’s recommended to check with your airline regarding their regulations.
Once your luggage is screened, you’ll also undergo a personal check at the security checkpoint. After passing through, collect your belongings on the other side of the X-ray machines. If everything checks out, your documents will be verified, allowing you to move on in the travel process.
In the event that the screening machine picks up anything unusual or if security needs further clarification, you or your luggage may need additional checks.
If all goes smoothly, you can head to the immigration area for international flights or move on to the lounge for domestic flights.
The track will divided into two parts after the security check. If you go international flight, check the immigration section. Here, you can fill out the paper depending on what needed in the destination country.
A passport is essential for international travel, and depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa. Be sure that all your travel documents, including travel insurance, are in order.
Additionally, take a moment to review the items that are prohibited or permitted by the airline on their website. It's also wise to prepare some local currency for your destination.
For domestic flights, you can skip the immigration section entirely. Instead, you can make your way to the lounge or explore the shopping area within the airport. Take this time to relax before your flight or indulge in a bit of window shopping.
In the lounge, take a moment to hear some announcements about your flight. If there is an announcement about your flight which about to boarding, you should go to the boarding area. Then you can board the plane if everything is done. From there, you can follow the instructions from the plane.
However, there will be a change if your flight is delayed or, in the worst-case scenario, cancelled flight. As a beginner, you need to know how to handle flight delay compensation and cancelled flight compensation.
Understanding flight delay compensation as a beginner is crucial. If your flight is delayed, the airline should rearrange your travel plans accordingly. It’s important to be aware that flight delay compensation involves reimbursement for delays, which can depend on factors such as how long the delay lasts, the distance of the flight, and the reason behind it.
Then you can be entitled to get compensation for a delayed flight by proving that your flight was delayed for over three hours. Then the reason for the delay cannot be exceptional circumstances.
Remember, you have the right to food and drink if the flight doesn’t reach after two hours. Also, if the delays continue to the next day, the airline should provide you with hotel accommodation and charge nothing for it.
Figures compensation
In European flights, there are the EC261 rules that conduct the delay compensation based on the distance flight. According to these guidelines, if your flight is delayed for more than three hours and falls under EU compensation regulations, you could receive financial compensation as follows:
Knowing my flight is covered under certain rules or law
To determine if your flight falls under specific regulations, remember that flights arriving in the EU on EU-operated airlines or departing the EU on any airline will be covered by EU law.
If you are traveling to or from Canada with any airline, you are protected under Canadian law. Notably, if you are flying with Air France on a route from Toronto to Paris, you may be subject to the regulations of both Canadian and French laws.
Although it can be challenging for beginners or even seasoned travellers, navigating compensation under EU law is typically easier due to its well-established guidelines that have been in place for two decades. Canadian regulations, which have existed since 2019, are still developing and can present some uncertainties.
Other scenarios
As a beginner, you wonder what if the delay or flight cancellation gets until the next day. If your delay stretches into the next day, don’t hesitate to request overnight accommodations from the airline. They usually arrange hotel stays and transportation back to the airport and will notify you of any planned arrangements. Be sure to confirm these details with the airline before making any alternative arrangements for yourself. It's important to obtain written confirmation and document all communications regarding the delay.
Double-checking everything is vital to secure the best outcome for your situation, especially since you can only make one claim. Ensure you maximise your benefits from this experience.
If this delay fortes seems too much for you, you can trust Click2Refund. Are you interested in discovering more about this?
Check your flight compensation eligibility with Click2Refund’s free compensation calculator in just 2 minutes.