What used to be a luxury form of transport, reserved for the wealthy and middle class, is turning out to be a necessity.
At one point or another in your life, you will be faced with a scenario where to get to your domestic or international destination, you have to fly. Unless you’d like to spend hours on the road, via rail or through a cruise ship, which isn’t ideal when you’re time-bound.
What used to be a luxury form of transport, reserved for the wealthy and middle class, is turning out to be a necessity. The emergence of budget airlines, especially in Kenya, has given Kenyans options to choose from, depending on the affordability and safety of daily flights.
Today, you are more than likely to board a plane to your destination, paying almost the same amount for airfares as you would on a premium class aboard an inter-county train. However, if you’re flying for the first time, this can be a nervous experience yet exciting…the same feeling you would have when going on a date with your crush.
First-time travellers have no idea what to expect, especially in airports where most of the activity occurs between you and boarding that flight to Mombasa or Kisumu, from Nairobi. Coupling the unknown with the prospect of navigating airports, dealing with security, and understanding the logistics of boarding a plane can create anxiety for many. However, with proper preparation and knowledge, your first flight can be a seamless and enjoyable experience.
A departure terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. /CONSTRUCTION KENYA
“I was flying from Nairobi to Mombasa, and nobody prepared me for this common issue. As the plane was cruising, my ears blocked. It was an awful experience, and I didn’t take the return flight; I chose the bus instead.
“Nobody told me it was common and could be solved by pinching the nose and blow*ing gently. First-time fliers are new business for airlines, and addressing their needs is critical. Don’t neglect them,” events expert Chris Kirwa said during a panel discussion at the Africa Aviation Innovation Summit in Nairobi held from October 17-18.
From navigating through airports to understanding in-flight etiquette, there are several things to be mindful of to ensure a smooth journey. Viral Tea takes you through helpful tips to take note of to help you feel more prepared and confident as a first-time flyer, whether you’re taking a short domestic flight or an international trip.
1. Booking Your Flight: Choose Wisely
The journey starts with booking your flight. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Timing: Book your flight early to get better deals and secure your preferred seat. Booking 1-3 months ahead is generally ideal.
- Non-stop vs. Connecting Flights: Non-stop flights are more convenient, especially for first-timers, as you avoid the hassle of switching planes during layovers. Connecting flights are the opposite as these days, one spends long layovers before catching their next flight, commonplace for Kenyans travelling to global destinations that cannot be reached directly.
- Check for Baggage Policies: Each airline has different rules about baggage. You should therefore pay attention to checked and carry-on luggage weight limits to avoid unexpected fees.
- Seat Selection: If you get motion sickness or more space, consider booking an aisle or window seat. For longer flights, opting for an exit row seat can provide extra legroom.
2. Prepare for Security Checkpoints
Airport security can be intimidating, and in Kenya, it gets stringent especially for international flights, but understanding the process will help you breeze through it:
- Pack Liquids Properly: If carrying liquids in your carry-on bag, they should be in containers of 100 ml or less, all placed in a single, clear, quart-sized bag.
- Remove Electronics: You’ll likely need to remove laptops, tablets, and large electronics from your bag when passing through security scanners.
- Dress Smartly: Wear shoes that are easy to take off, as you may need to remove them at security, sometimes on several occasions. Avoid wearing metal accessories like belts or jewellery that could trigger the metal detector.
- Know ID Requirements: Have your passport or national ID and boarding pass easily accessible at all times.
- Be Ready for TSA PreCheck (if applicable): If you applied for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck, you may qualify for a quicker security screening process without removing shoes, belts, or laptops.
3. Packing Tips: What to Bring and What to Avoid
Packing efficiently will make your travel experience smoother.
- Carry-on Essentials: Always carry important items like your passport, wallet, phone, medication, a change of clothes, headphones, and a book or tablet in your carry-on bag as there have been cases of electronics being lost in bags assigned as luggage.
- Clothing Layers: Airplanes can be chilly, especially at high altitudes, so dress in layers to stay comfortable. Opt for breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes.
- Snacks and Water Bottle: Bring snacks for the flight, as food options may be limited or expensive on board. You can bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing through security.
- Avoid Overpacking: Stick to the baggage limits specified by your airline to avoid extra fees. Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport if possible.
4. Arriving at the Airport
Arriving at the airport on time is crucial. Here’s how to handle it:
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This gives you plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your gate.
- Checking In: Many airlines offer online check-in, allowing you to skip the check-in counter and go straight to security. If you need to check a bag, you can drop it off at the airline’s check-in counter.
- Find Your Gate: After passing through security, follow the signs to your designated gate. Check the monitors to confirm gate information, as it can change at any time.
5. Boarding the Plane
When boarding your flight, pay attention to the boarding announcements:
- Boarding Groups: Most airlines board passengers in groups, typically based on seat location (e.g., rear seats board first). Wait for your group number to be called before heading to the gate.
- Stowing Your Luggage: Once on board, find your seat and stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
- Get Comfortable: Once seated, fasten your seatbelt and take out any items you want for the flight, like a book, headphones, or a neck pillow. Keep your passport or ID handy if you’re on an international flight, as flight attendants may ask to see it.
6. In-Flight Experience
Now that you’re on board, here’s what you can expect during the flight:
- Follow Safety Procedures: Pay attention to the safety demonstration given by the flight attendants, or through safety clips shown through the in-flight screens. Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and how to use a life vest or oxygen mask.
- Adjust to Cabin Pressure: You may feel discomfort in your ears during takeoff and landing due to changes in cabin pressure. Yawning, chewing gum, or using earplugs can help ease this.
- Entertainment and Meals: Many flights offer in-flight entertainment on personal screens or via an app. Long-haul flights often provide meals, while shorter flights may only offer drinks and snacks.
- Staying Comfortable: Get up and stretch periodically, especially on long flights, to avoid stiffness or cramps. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Looking outside from a plane during flight. /WOTIF.COM
7. Landing and Disembarking
As you approach your destination, there are a few more things to keep in mind:
- Prepare for Descent: About 30 minutes before landing, the flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for descent. Put your seat upright and stow any trays or loose items.
- Going Through Customs (International Flights): If you’re flying internationally, you’ll need to go through customs and immigration upon landing. Have your passport and any required visa forms ready for inspection. Some customs may require you to declare goods brought into the country for taxation purposes.
- Baggage Claim: After disembarking, follow the signs to baggage claim if you checked a bag. Monitor the screens to see which carousel your luggage will arrive at.
8. Common First-Time Flying Concerns
It’s normal to have concerns when flying for the first time. Here are answers to a few common ones:
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What if I get lost in the airport? Airports can be large and confusing and modern airport terminals have complicated this, but signs are marked in multiple languages. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the airport staff for directions.
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Is turbulence dangerous? Turbulence is a common part of flying and is usually caused by changes in air currents. It may feel unsettling, but pilots are trained to handle it, and planes are designed to withstand it.
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What if I miss my flight? If you miss your flight due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., delayed security or traffic), go to the airline’s customer service desk. They may be able to put you on the next available flight, though this depends on availability and the type of ticket you purchased.
9. Post-Flight Tips
Once you’ve landed and passed through any necessary customs or immigration processes, here’s what to do next:
- Know Your Ground Transportation: Before landing, make sure you know how to get from the airport to your final destination. Options include airport shuttles, taxis, rideshare services, or public transportation.
- Currency Exchange (if travelling internationally): If you’re in a foreign country, exchange some of your currency at the airport or use an ATM to get local money.
- Phone Service: If you’re abroad, check whether your phone plan offers international service or purchase a local SIM card or data package for connectivity.
Conclusion
Flying for the first time can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can also be a fun and exciting adventure.
By following these tips, from booking your flight to navigating the airport and staying comfortable in the air, you’ll be ready to handle your journey with confidence. Safe travels.
