The first flight is always exciting and filled with expectations. It is indeed a happy and joyful experience to fly for most of us. Enjoy the complete airport process like check-in, the mandatory checks, and all other formalities. First time flyers look forward to boarding the aircraft, experience the gleaming cabin, the amenities, cabin service and the professionalism in every activity in aviation.
Follow Instructions
As a rule, and for a pleasant experience, follow procedures and instructions at the departure airport, onboard the aircraft as well as at the arrival airport. All process and procedures in aviation are made in the interest of passengers and flight safety. Be polite and courteous and seek help when required. Most importantly, follow all the time lines specified from check-in to boarding.
Groups and Families
Passenger groups and families must stay together throughout the journey. Cooperate during check-in, boarding and on board the flight. Assist and ensure safety of children and the elderly.
Airport Facilities
All facilities at the airport are designed for a memorable passenger experience and mandatory airport formalities. There are many shopping opportunities at the airport including Duty Free stores. Many popular and premium brands can be purchased at airports. Along with shopping, you can find a food court or several food outlets serving a wide range of cuisine. Many airports have excellent wellness centres and Spa. Passengers can indulge in and enjoy shopping, food, entertainment, and personal care if time permits. First-time flyers can complete departure formalities early to enjoy these facilities.
Board on time
First-time flyers must ensure to complete all the formalities and board the flight on time. Locate your seat or take the help of the cabin crew. Keep your hand bag in the overhead locker or in front of your seat. It is best to keep important documents like your passport on your person and not in the hand bag. Hand bag exchange is a possibility at security check and while getting off the plane. Switch off your phone without fail and switch on only after landing.
Seat Select to observe ground activities
Most first-time flyers would like a window seat to look out, witness and experience the ground activities, aircraft taxiing, take off roll, soaring over the clouds and cabin activities for the full duration of the flight.
Port Side of the aircraft
To observe passenger boarding/deplaning, passengers can select seats on the Port Side of the aircraft. The aircraft side with the airbridge or step ladder connected is called the Post Side, a term taken from shipping.
Starboard Side of the aircraft
The opposite side of Port Side is called Starboard Side, where you can see the stars in the sky in a port. All loading/unloading, fuelling and maintenance activities happen on the Starboard Side. The cargo and baggage hold doors as well as the fuel port are located on the Starboard Side of the aircraft. The aircraft fuel tanks are in the wings and bigger aircraft will also have a centre tank.
In-flight amenities
First-time flyers will be interested in the aircraft cabin facilities, especially in-flight entertainment, flight information, cabin crew call button, seat reclining and in-flight announcements. First-time flyers would enjoy the cabin service, food, and beverages. First-time flyers, or for that matter all passengers will soak in the flying experience, relax, and enjoy the flight.
Appreciate the Technology and the Professionals
While passengers enjoy the experience of flying, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work put in by all the people who safely departed the flight. Passengers must appreciate the flawless take off and skills of the cockpit crew-the two pilots flying the aircraft.
When the aircraft starts to descend for landing, pay attention and appreciate the technology behind safe flight operations all over the world. After landing, passengers must wait for the aircraft to come to a complete halt and follow cabin crew instructions. Passengers can unfasten their seat belts once the seat belt sign is off. Passengers can now switch on their phones.
Play your part
Passengers must play their part by cooperating with the cabin and cockpit crew, follow their instructions and help to ensure a pleasant on-board experience. It is a good and safe practice to keep the seat belt fastened throughout the duration of the flight.
Passengers can deplane in an orderly manner respecting fellow passengers, thank the cabin and cockpit crew. Complete the arrival formalities, collect the check-in baggage, and leave the airport terminal.
And to end this blog
Congratulate yourself for your first flying experience. It is always a privilege to fly and enjoy the experience. Air travel is the safest mode of transport. High standards of operation ensure safety in aviation.