Mourners at the airport. First time at the airport: what to do

If this is your first time traveling by air, make sure your experience is memorable in a good way. Of course, on board you will take action by telling the flight attendant: “This is my first time flying on an airplane, please pay more attention to me.” But before you get on board, you need to choose a seat, reserve a ticket, check in... Step-by-step instructions will help you understand the nuances.

Buying or booking tickets

Getting to know air transport begins with choosing a flight and purchasing a ticket. There is no need to go to the airport, because orders can also be made via the Internet. There is only one thing to be afraid of: excessive overpayments! To avoid such a mistake, use search aggregators. This will come in handy when planning a flight: it happens that tickets for neighboring dates are 2 times more affordable. If changes in schedule are not important, you will save significantly.

When you purchase a paper travel document, you will receive a familiar-looking booklet. The number of pages depends on the route. For a one-way flight, your ticket will have 2 pages of coupons: the first, called the “flight” page, is what you provide in exchange for your boarding pass. Keep the remaining one, the passenger one, in your hands. If you are flying roundtrip, you will see 3 coupons on your ticket: 2 flight and 1 passenger.

Travel documents are provided electronically: they are not printed on paper, and the information is stored in a database. When registering, it is enough to present your passport, and to confirm the purchase, print a receipt in advance. For this purpose, use your own printer or equipment available at the airport. If you can’t cope on your own, then contact the ticket office.

What to pay attention to: tips for a traveler who flies for the first time

What nuances to consider when purchasing tickets? The following tips will help you:

• Do you notice that the prices for travel documents become higher after a long search? Don’t be scared and don’t rush to buy the first option you come across. In some countries, when searching for flights for a long time, websites use browser cookie information and provide high-cost offers. You are forced to make a purchase faster and spend more money! To avoid this situation, switch to incognito mode. This mainly applies to those who are looking for tickets on foreign airlines.
• Consider flying with low-cost airlines. You will sacrifice comfort, but reduce costs. If you have a short flight ahead, you will not have time to feel the lack of legroom or inconvenience with sleep.
• It is more profitable to purchase round-trip tickets than separately. If you decide to travel around the world, if you choose the right carrier, €2,000 will cover the costs. And if you buy tickets separately, you will pay 4,000 €.
• Non-refundable travel documents are the cheapest. As a rule, they are bought by passengers who are confident that their plans will not change. But otherwise you will lose the entire amount.

Take these nuances into account, and there will be no problems.

First time at the airport: how to behave

Flying on an airplane for the first time may not take place if you forget about registration. To avoid such trouble, arrive 60 minutes in advance (for international air travel, the period increases to 2 hours). Find out the following in advance:

• Route to the airport and type of transport. Reliable methods are considered to be the metro or Aeroexpress. Those who have chosen a bus, trolleybus, or car need a reserve of time in case of a breakdown or traffic jam.
• Terminal number and location. You will see the information on the ticket, but you will have to use the Internet to find out how to get to the desired place.

To avoid making mistakes, check which airport you are departing from. There are several air terminals in megacities: if you mix them up, you will not be on time for your flight.

Once on site, prepare for the entry control procedure. At large airports it is obligatory even for those seeing you off, but it’s not scary: you put your luggage on the belt and go through a metal detector. Just don’t wrap your suitcases in film, as inexperienced passengers do. If a security officer becomes suspicious, you will have to open your luggage or baggage.

What to do at the airport: electronic departure board

After preliminary control, go into the building and look for the departure board. Pay attention to the flight number (Flight) and check the check-in status:

• Check-in, Open or Check-in Open means you arrived on time. Registration has begun and you can proceed to the special counter. Its number is indicated on the scoreboard in the Counter column.
• On time or Open 12:00 (or another value) - registration will begin at the specified time. If nothing is specified in the field, the default is to assume that the plane will depart on schedule.
• Delayed means the flight is delayed. Nearby the time is indicated, but not the start of the postponed check-in, but the departure. You need to arrive at the airport in advance in order to have time to go through the procedure. If there are no signs, check with airport staff for information. If the delay is more than 2 hours, they are required to provide hot drinks, and for some categories - access to the mother and child room. For longer stays, passengers are provided with meals. But services are not provided when the delay was not the fault of the carrier.
• Canceled appears on the display when a flight is cancelled. This does not mean that the trip will not take place: contact the airport staff and they will offer you alternatives.

Learn to understand the information presented on the board, and you will no longer have to think: “I’m flying on an airplane for the first time and don’t understand what a traveler needs to know!” Your voyage will not be accompanied by unpleasant surprises.

Registration and passport control procedure: we fly without surprises

Before boarding, you will go through registration: a procedure necessary to obtain real data about the people boarding the plane. It consists of 2 stages:

• The carrier checks personal data and ticket availability. In exchange for one of the coupons you will receive a boarding pass.
• The next step is to check your luggage into the cargo hold. Keep the issued tag until the end of the flight: it will be useful if bags and suitcases are lost or damaged.

You can check in at the airport at the counter, at a special kiosk or online. If you are not used to flying by plane, choose the first option. But if you want to understand the online procedure, it’s not difficult: find the registration section on the website, enter your details, and, if possible, select a location. Finally, print out your boarding pass and save yourself the hassle of standing in line. Self-check-in kiosks operate on a similar principle.

At the next stage, there will be customs and border control, but only on international flights. If you need to make a declaration, go to the red corridor; the rest will go through green.

Check-in features depend on the class of service: the economy option provides for a general queue, and passengers who will be flying on a “business” basis go to separate counters.

Border control means that you show your passport and boarding pass to the service officers. They sometimes ask additional questions: “How much time do you intend to spend in the country?”, “What is the purpose of the trip?” There is no reason to worry, but you shouldn’t respond with jokes either. Even if you are asked variations of the same question, calmly provide the information you need.

If you are flying with your child to another country, you will need his valid passport and birth certificate. It is important that when traveling with one of the parents, the second’s notarized permission to leave the country will not be required. But there are exceptions, which include the Schengen states. They put forward additional requirements, so check with the country’s consulate for details.

Pre-flight inspection

If customs control is carried out only on international flights, then pre-flight inspection is a mandatory component on all routes. You have to place your luggage on the belt, remove metal objects from your pockets and go through the detector. To avoid any problems and ensure that your first flight on an airplane gives you a pleasant experience, follow these rules:

• Prepare your documents (passport and boarding pass) in advance.
• Remove your outer clothing. In some cases, shoes are also required for inspection; make sure other passengers are taking it off. These things, like metal objects, are placed on a special tray. Sometimes the latter are sent in a plastic container that goes through a scanner.
• Only leave liquid bottles holding less than 100 ml in your hand luggage.

After the procedure, you will find yourself in the departure area, where you will go through duty-free shops. But before you start shopping, find the right exit to the plane (Gate): the first time you risk getting lost. You will find the number on your boarding pass, and it is indicated in X12 format. Nearby you will see the time when you can board.

If you're flying for the first time, don't worry about security

Don't worry too much about missing your flight. Inexperienced passengers may wonder what they say at the airport when boarding a plane. In fact, everyone is warned that boarding is about to begin, so you don't miss your flight. Announcements are made in at least 2 languages. Even if you do not hear the dispatcher's message, he will repeat it several times. Separately warn about the end of registration and boarding. But you shouldn’t completely rely on the qualifications of the staff, because sometimes mistakes are possible.

About metal detector testing

Have you seen in films how an airport employee forces a passenger to undress and conducts a search in front of everyone? In real life, this is impossible, since in controversial cases a hand-held scanner is used.

To avoid detailed inspection, place all metal objects on a special tray. If the body has prosthetics, there is no reason to worry as airport staff are prepared for the situation. After making sure there are no other controversial items, they will let you board.

Security and order control

According to reviews from travelers, security and order control does not reassure, but causes discomfort. You approach the security check area in full dress, but high-heeled shoes, a fashionable belt, and a stylish bag end up in a plastic container. You are asked to undergo a full X-ray scan: the procedure is unpleasant, but eliminates the need for manual inspection.

Air carriers understand customer dissatisfaction, so they try to make the process less uncomfortable. After all, travelers are primarily annoyed by queues, restrictions on the transportation of metal objects and manual searches. To save passengers from unpleasant experiences, companies are introducing full-size scanners. According to surveys, after their installation, only 11% of air tourists began to see the procedure as a violation of rights. A few rules will help reduce discomfort:

• Check in advance if there are any debts, because leaving the country may be closed.
• When going through security, airport employees ask you to take off your outerwear, scarves, and sweaters. To prevent this situation, avoid wearing multi-layered outfits. Experienced travelers even put together special ensembles: they choose shoes with Velcro, belts with plastic buckles, etc.
• In some cases you have to take off your shoes. To avoid standing barefoot on the floor, passengers are offered free shoe covers. At small airports you sometimes have to buy them.

If you think: “This is my first time flying on an airplane and I don’t know how to behave at the airport,” watch the video with a detailed description of all the stages:

Landing and its nuances

When you hear the boarding announcement, go to the correct gate and present your boarding pass. The spine is torn off and the rest is returned. Even if you miss the first announcement, the dispatcher will repeat it several times.

Passengers are then invited to board a bus, which takes them to the ramp. You will be welcomed on board by the staff, and in some cases you may see the pilots. You will then take your seat and prepare for your journey.

Passengers flying for the first time have questions about what is happening on board. Knowing what causes certain phenomena, you will not feel discomfort.

Why do they turn off the lights on an airplane during takeoff and landing?

When the plane takes off from the runway, the lights in the cabin are turned off. This also happens when landing, so that travelers’ eyes become accustomed to natural light. In a force majeure situation, you will see where to go. If the light goes out suddenly, you have to wait until your eyes get used to the changed situation.

Is there a connection on the plane when it flies?

The use of cell phones is prohibited during takeoff and landing. The rest of the time, you won’t have to wonder if there is a connection on the plane when you fly: the GSM standard means that you will contact your family. But you have to pay for SMS, as well as for using Wi-Fi on board. In the latter case, the price depends on the carrier: Aeroflot charges passengers $5 or more, while Norwegian or Turkish companies provide the service without additional fees.

Some carriers ask that phones be turned off and do not provide cellular service. They argue that security issues are a priority: the inability to make calls reduces the risk of terrorist attacks. If you need to stay in touch, check with the carrier in advance.

You can use the “Internet on board” services on flights from Aeroflot. The mobile operator's connection was disconnected in 2016.

In some cases, passengers are asked to turn off their phones, laptops and other gadgets. Disputes about the validity of the measures continue, but there are suggestions that the operation of the devices creates interference. There is also a risk that during maneuvers the gadgets will fly out of your hands and cause injury to other people.

Why buckle up on a plane: fly without incident

When the liner picks up speed, passengers seem to be pressed into their seats. But it happens that due to external conditions the pilot is forced to stop accelerating. To prevent injury, do not ignore flight attendants' requests to buckle up. During the flight, the seat belts help you survive in turbulence.

Why can't you use headphones during takeoff and landing?

During takeoff and landing, crew members are asked not to use headphones. This is due to the fact that if force majeure occurs, you will not hear the flight attendant’s commands or the pilot’s alerts.

Why is it hard to breathe on an airplane when it's flying?

It happens that there is not enough air on the plane, and you wonder what to do in this case. The problem is due to the fact that there is really little oxygen in the cabin. After all, where does the air on an airplane come from? From the engines it is supplied to the cabin, passing through purification systems. But even after treatment, oxygen is not enough: the content turns out to be at the same level as in the mountains. Those who are not used to traveling experience discomfort: after 6 hours at altitude, the level of oxygen in the blood drops by 10%. As a result, you will feel tired, even if you rested comfortably in an unfolded chair.

To get rid of the problem, carriers increase the pressure in the cabin. This is done to normalize the force with which the blood acts on the vessels. But not all airliners cope with such conditions: travelers who choose the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are among the lucky ones. Also, reducing the pressure difference, increasing humidity and saturating the air with oxygen require additional costs. Therefore, for passengers who have difficulty breathing, an oxygen bag is provided for airplane flights: ask the flight attendant for one.

What sensations arise during the flight?

When the plane begins to move along the runway, you do not feel any changes. At this time, crew members are familiarized with the rules of behavior on board, shown the location of emergency exits, and given instructions. The captain can give a short speech: greet travelers, talk about the duration of the flight and the weather at the destination.

Before taking off from the ground, the liner picks up high speed. Usually after 45 seconds. takeoff occurs. At first you will feel discomfort, as the difference in pressure will make itself felt. If your ears are blocked, try the following:

• take a few sips of water;
• chew chewing gum;
• take the menthol candy;
• yawn;
• close your nostrils, inhale through your mouth and try to exhale through your nose (don’t let go of your nostrils);
• For a small child, gently rub his neck, moving from the chin down, so that he makes a swallowing movement.

During the flight you will hear the noise of the engines, but their monotonous hum is calming. Turbulence can be uncomfortable, but remind yourself that airplanes are designed with turbulence in mind.

Your ears may become blocked again when you descend, so repeat the above steps. Crew members will instruct you on how to behave. When landing, there may be some shaking, and then the plane will slow down. After a few seconds of decompression, passengers are invited to exit.

What you need to know about luggage: packing your suitcase

When packing for a trip, make allowances for the airline's rules. Depending on the ticket category, limits are set on luggage (it is checked into the cargo compartment) and hand luggage (it is taken into the cabin). Check the weight norm on the company website or with employees; You will find more detailed information.

By type, luggage is divided into oversized and oversized. Both types imply that the weight limit is respected, and the deciding factor is the difference in size. If you are transporting a guitar or plasma TV, they are not classified as oversized items. In this case, notify the airline representatives in advance; Sometimes you have to pay for additional space.

Think about what to take on the plane, otherwise you'll pay for the extra pounds

Novice travelers do not know that they may not stand on ceremony with suitcases when loading them. On forums they advise wrapping luggage with film, but you should not do this at home. At the airport they will offer the corresponding service, and you will have to pay 700 rubles. If you wish, you can contact private individuals: it is possible to negotiate with them for an amount half as much.

If you have excess baggage, be prepared to pay extra, and the cost depends on the airline’s conditions. To avoid overpacking items from your carry-on luggage and leaving some of your belongings to those seeing you off, weigh your suitcases and bags at home.

What to do if you lost your ticket

Airlines sell electronic tickets, so all you need to do is print them. Preferred a paper document and lost it? Contact a company representative by finding a special window or registration point. You may be asked about the time and place of purchase, but in the end they will give you a duplicate. True, you will have to pay for the service: it is usually provided to business or premium class travelers without additional fees.

But processing will take time, so don’t report it missing at the last minute. You need to write an application and wait for approval from the air carrier.

The loss of a paper travel document only threatens air travelers who have chosen charter flights. In other cases, carriers use electronic options: the information is entered into a database and cannot be lost.

If you purchased an e-ticket and lost the printout, you can reprint it by going to the “Manage Booking” page.

What to do if you lost your luggage

After the flight, you wait with other passengers for your items to appear on the tape. But they never appear... Although the situation with lost luggage cannot be called pleasant, do not rush to get upset. Look for the counter with the inscription Lost & Found and fill out the act.

How long does the search take?

The search for lost suitcases can last 21 days, after which you should be provided with compensation:

• in the Russian Federation you will receive 600 rubles. for 1 kg;
• for an oversight made by a foreign carrier, you will be paid $20 per 1 kg.

Don't agree with the amount? Submit a claim to the company indicating the presence of valuables in your luggage. But you shouldn’t say goodbye to your things in advance, because most likely the tag just came off the suitcase. If the flight did not involve many transfers on lines of different companies, then the luggage will be found. According to statistics, passengers' items are returned in 85% of cases.

If you are left in a foreign country without things

Find yourself in another country without luggage? Companies often provide a set of basic items: you will receive a toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, soap. Also expect to give out $250 to buy essentials.

If you are forced to spend money on purchasing a change of clothes, keep your receipts. You will provide them to the carrier and receive compensation of 50% of the amount. But it is issued only if you are left without luggage in a place other than your permanent residence. Simply put, when you come on vacation and your suitcases are lost, count on financial payments. And if the baggage tag comes off on the way back and the items are not delivered to their destination, they will not provide assistance to buy new ones.

How to check the progress of searches

When bags or suitcases are found, the baggage search service informs the owner. But in practice, delays are possible, so monitor the situation yourself. You can clarify the results if you call the number on the receipt.

If suitcases from the luggage compartment of the plane did not make it onto the belt, contact the luggage search service

Another way to monitor the process is to use the Word Tracer system. You will need to go to the website, enter the number from the receipt issued by Lost & Found, and view the results.

When the search for things is successful, the carrier is obliged to bring them to your home. Those who refuse delivery pick up their suitcases themselves. You will need to present a passport and a previously drawn up baggage loss report, and in some cases, a customs declaration.

What to do if you are afraid to go to the toilet and miss the boarding announcement

There is no need to worry that you will not hear the announcement if you linger in the restroom. After all, notifications are carried out several times, and for 10-15 minutes. your absence will not be decisive.

But you shouldn’t rely on the integrity and organization of the carrier, especially on domestic airlines. One of the passengers shares his experience:

“I flew to Sharm el-Sheikh for a week, checked in and went to relax in the business lounge: at that time there was nowhere else to smoke in Vnukovo. The most interesting thing is that I was relaxing alone in the hall! After a while, I began to worry because there were no announcements about landing. I went to check with the airport staff and found out that the plane had taken off.

He rushed headlong to the gate, but what's the rush now? But I did not expect such a reaction from the staff. When I said I was late for boarding, one of the girls cursed loudly. It turned out that she did not count how many people who registered actually boarded the plane.

I didn’t want to make a scene because I agreed to be on the next flight. I didn’t understand what the problem was: my lateness turned into a tragedy for the shift manager, security, representatives of the carrier and travel agency. All these people ran around like they were scalded, without explaining what was going on.

It turned out that my luggage was delivered on board the plane, and it flew away with the ill-fated suitcase. According to the rules, when a passenger's belongings end up on the plane and the traveler does not fly, there is a threat of a terrorist attack. If this is found out before takeoff, the plane is stopped on the runway, people are disembarked, and a special team with dogs is called. But in my case, the blunder on the part of the staff is huge, since the liner departed. According to the instructions, I could not be released until he arrived at his destination.

“In the end, I ended up in Sharm el-Sheikh the next day, but I had to pay a $100 fine and re-check my luggage: it was delivered back to Vnukovo in the morning.”

To avoid such situations, do not rely on the organization of airport staff. If you do not hear announcements for a long time, contact one of the staff members and ask for clarification.

If you wanted to fly at the window, but were scared

Did you expect to admire the views, but in practice decided that sitting near the porthole was not comfortable? Some passengers panic when they see how high the plane is. But you don’t have to suffer for the rest of the flight: ask the flight attendant to move you to another seat.

If you change your mind about flying at the window, switch places with your neighbor

If all the seats are occupied, she will invite one of the passengers to change seats with you. There are plenty of people willing to sit near the porthole: views outside the window and a restful sleep without having to let neighbors through are considered the main advantages. When you can't change seats, lower the curtain and try to think positive thoughts. Instead of remembering the news reports about the crashes, imagine yourself arriving at your destination and starting a long-awaited vacation or having a successful meeting. After all, the window option is considered one of the best: although you will not get as much comfort as the berths provided on a premium class aircraft, you will not be disturbed by neighbors who are going to stretch their legs.

Flying for the first time: common mistakes

When you decide to master air transport, you may unknowingly miss important points. Surveys conducted by airlines show that customers feel the need to make sure they have the necessary documents, arrive early and check that their baggage limits are within their baggage limits. Thanks to these measures, you will actually get to your destination. And to make your trip more comfortable, find out what mistakes beginners can make.

Don't choose a place in advance

Some people don't realize that you can choose your seat on the plane in advance. As a result, you simply sit on the chair with the number that was assigned to you during registration. But companies allow you to reserve a specific seat, although you have to pay extra for the service.

If you have not indicated the desired option, arrive at the airport at the start of check-in. By arriving early, you won't end up at the tail end, where turbulence is more intense. But not all places in the bow are created equal! Decide in advance whether you want to look out the window and take photos or whether you prefer to sit near the aisle: this will allow you to stretch your legs without disturbing your sleeping neighbors.

Overdo it with carry-on luggage

The advice to put valuables in your carry-on luggage seems reasonable. In Russia, its weight is often limited to 5 kg when purchasing a ticket from the “economy” series. But when flying on foreign airlines or traveling in business class, it can increase to 12 or even 18 kg, depending on the cabin. The idea of ​​not parting with expensive things is tempting, but not when you are flying with transfers. Carrying additional weight with you is inconvenient.

Don't study the airport map

Getting lost in an unfamiliar place can be fun: taking a wrong turn opens up new horizons. But not when you're rushing to catch a plane! It's easy to get lost at an international airport, so check the map ahead of time. If this does not help, please contact any member of staff for assistance.

Count on Wi-Fi

An experienced traveler also talks about his mistake: Alex Zatarian, founder of Eight Sleep, is used to frequent flights. But one voyage was remembered for a long time, because Alex did not specify whether there would be Wi-Fi on board. As a result, it turned out that the carrier does not provide access to the World Wide Web at altitude. Alex did not bring documents for work and did not download the necessary files, so the next 5 hours were lost.

Doesn't clarify if food is provided

Meals are provided on board, but if you are traveling in economy class, the dishes are not culinary masterpieces. Those who are picky about food will have a snack in a restaurant or cafe at the airport, because surprises may await you on board. For example, this set of products was served to a passenger who ordered a vegetarian dish. The duration of the flight is unknown, although after the photo was published online, the carrier promised to improve services.

Don't think that food can only be disappointing on lesser-known airlines. Spoiled fruit was also brought to a passenger flying with British Airlines.

However, the difference between food in economy class and business class is noticeable.

Meals on Korean-Air in Economy Class

Business lunch on a flight with Korean Air: when flying is a pleasure

If you don't want to overpay for business class, bring dried fruit, granola bars, nuts and sandwiches to the cabin just in case. By taking a cup and a portion of instant porridge, you will also expand the menu, because you can ask the flight attendant for boiling water. Just don’t take the yoghurts that many people love: they are classified as liquids, and their volume is limited.

With these tips, you won't have to say to yourself, "This is my first time on a plane, what do I need to know?" By thinking through the nuances, you will make the trip more enjoyable.

To make your trip without any troubles, take into account even the nuances. After all, when it comes to comfort, there are no trifles: only details.

What day of the week to fly

If date and time are not important, choose non-busy flights. Most travelers fly out on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. After all, at the beginning of the week businessmen start work, and before the weekend people go on vacation. You'll see most air travelers on Fridays during the summer months. To find a convenient seat, fly on other days.

When to register

Some passengers advise being one of the last to check in. After all, this means that your luggage will be loaded later than other things - and unloaded earlier. You won't have to wait long for it to appear on your feed.

What to take with you

Unless you're flying premium, bring your own headphones. The models offered in the “economy” sector will not please you with their quality.

Are you planning to cross the border? Take a pen to fill out your migration card without begging other passengers or airport staff for stationery.

How to protect your skin from harmful radiation

Use a cream with UV protection. Studies show that a pilot receives the same amount of radiation in 1 hour of flight as in 20 minutes. stay in the solarium. If you sit far from the porthole, the dose will be less, but the measure should not be neglected.

Should you drink drinks while you're flying?

Should you drink coffee or tea prepared on board? It's up to you, but the results of a study done by Wall Street Journal journalists are not encouraging. They collected 14 samples of drinks served on different airlines and conducted research.

The results of the examination were unexpected even for pessimists. The list of microscopic life forms you definitely don't want to ingest includes salmonella, staph, and even insect eggs. The number of bacteria was hundreds of times higher than the standards established in the United States. The situation in Russia is unlikely to be any better, so be careful. Bottled drinks served on board are much safer.

Can you expect high standards of service?

If you fly economy class, you get a basic set of services. But you're unlikely to be pleased by the revelations of Sarah Scott, a former flight attendant at US Airways. She says the folding tables that attach to the seats are rarely wiped down. Prepare wet wipes in advance to clean the surface. But what’s worse is that the pillows and blankets provided to passengers on transcontinental flights are not always clean: they are washed when the dirt becomes noticeable.

Conclusion

When traveling by plane for the first time, do not be afraid to encounter difficulties. After all, the main thing is that you buy a ticket, take an internal or foreign passport and arrive at the airport on time for registration. This is enough to get you safely to your destination country. But for comfort, you need to take into account the nuances: by taking care of them in advance, you will give yourself a pleasant flight experience.

You're about to take your first flight and don't know what to do at the airport? The article will give you the maximum number of tips so that you feel more confident and do everything right.

Procedure at the airport

1. Try to arrive at the airport approximately three hours before departure - this will help you do all the steps calmly, without haste and carefully.
Find a taxi to the airport anywhere in the world

2. Go to the information board and find your flight; opposite it will be the check-in counter numbers.

3. Find the check-in counter, check in your luggage, get your boarding pass and baggage receipt. If you are a member, you can take advantage of the privilege - check in out of line, or at a separate counter (different airports provide it differently).

• What are the benefits of business class on an airplane?

4. Go to security control. It consists of two parts:

• passport control (you need to show your passport and issued boarding pass, although the security representative may require other documents);
• customs control (at most airports there is a “green corridor” system - without filling out a declaration, however, in the Russian Federation, for example, there is a “red” corridor system, where you will have to write an application and fill out the relevant documents). This paragraph provides for passenger screening and inspection of hand luggage.

5. Formally, after this step, check-in at the airport is considered completed. Next you will be taken to the departure lounge and duty-free area. This is a duty-free shopping area where you can purchase goods at discounted prices.

6. Find a board with gate numbers (exits), find yours there and wait for the announcement about the start of boarding.

7. When you hear the announcement, go to the correct exit. Your boarding passes will be checked again, and in some cases your passport.

8. The next point of the airport action plan has two outcomes:

• you immediately board the plane and take your seat;
• get out to the bus that will take passengers to the plane.

In any case, every passenger will definitely be on board, which means we can only wish them a safe takeoff and landing.

First time at the airport, what you need to know

1. Registration and processing usually begin 3 hours before the flight and ends 40-45 minutes before the aircraft’s departure. If you arrive later than, you may be denied transportation.

2. To register, you need a passport with a visa (entry or transit) and, in fact, an air ticket.

3. After checking in, you will be given a boarding pass. There you usually indicate your full name, date, flight number, departure time, place and “gate” (boarding gate).

4. If you check in baggage, you will be issued a tear-off coupon for it and attached to the airline ticket form. This makes it easier to identify your luggage later.

5. If baggage exceeds the specified weight allowance for transportation, you will have to pay extra for each kilogram on top.

6. If you want to carry luggage in the cabin and not in the luggage compartment, you also need to get a tear-off coupon for it - this way it will be considered hand luggage.”

7. If your flight is delayed by 2 hours or more, the carrier company is obliged to provide you with at least 2 phone calls and 2 e-mail messages; for more than four hours - hot meals. And if you had to wait for a flight for more than six hours (at night) or 8 during the day, the carrier must “treat” you to hotel accommodation.

Everyone who takes a flight for the first time in their life wonders what to do at the airport. It’s easy to get confused on the spot, there are a lot of people, everyone is in a hurry somewhere, and no one has time to help those who are confused. A huge building can cause panic, therefore, it would be useful to plan the procedure in advance.

Any journey begins from this point.

sample itinerary receipt

A regular ticket can be purchased at the airport or other ticket offices in the city. If the trip is made on a tourist package, then the agencies, as a rule, independently purchase all the necessary travel documents. Please note that the time on the ticket is local, this is especially important when you are traveling home from another country.

Where to go

Registration begins 2-3 hours before takeoff.

This time is enough to do everything necessary. Excitement can confuse all the cards, do not forget to pick up your luggage from the taxi, such incidents sometimes happen. When you find yourself at the airport for the first time, you need to find the departure hall. On the official website you can see the building diagram in advance, or simply follow the arrows.

In the right hall there will definitely be an electronic display on the wall with information on upcoming flights. The scoreboards are standard all over the world, so they are easy to understand. The first column shows the departure time. The second one indicates the destination. The next 2 columns are the airline code and the flight number, if you are still in doubt whether it is yours or not, then all questions are cleared up.

Next - two numbers separated by a dash - these are the registration desk numbers. You can approach any of them, although often the first ones take first and business class, the rest register economy. This is followed by boarding time. Not to be confused with check-in, this is the time when passengers begin to board the plane. The last column indicates the boarding gate number. We find it after registration. The output numbers are always large and bright so that they can be seen from afar.

Registration

What you need to do next is go to the registration desk. We leave the tickets and passport in our hands. If the ticket is electronic, you can only take your passport or show the itinerary receipt. If you are traveling with your whole family, you can submit documents together, so it is more likely that the places will be nearby. A group of friends can also request shared accommodation, but this is only possible if suitable places are available.

Luggage for each person is placed on the scale. Weight standards may vary between airlines. For excess, a tax receipt will be issued. The employee will check all documents, the presence of permission to enter the country, if this is a trip abroad, and will issue a boarding pass for each passenger individually.

A special tag is attached to the luggage, and the same is attached to the passport or boarding pass.

customs control

Another rule is that there should be no weapons or objects resembling them in the bag. It is better to leave a souvenir lighter or your son’s favorite toy pistol at home. Learning the real purpose of these things can take up valuable time. The test will be quick and easy if you prepare in advance.

Boarding the plane

The correct exit to the aircraft is indicated on the boarding pass. It is recommended to find it in advance so as not to look for it in a panic later. There is still a little time left before departure; you can go shopping to take your mind off your anxiety.

The start of boarding can be announced via loudspeaker or directly at the desired exit. In any case, it is indicated on the ticket. When leaving the plane, your passport and coupon are checked again, after which you can go up the stairs. If the plane is far from the exit, passengers are transported by bus. Some international airports have landing arms right out of the building. On the plane they will tell you where your seat is. All that remains is to sit comfortably in your seat and enjoy the flight.

Flying with a child

If your child needs food along the way, you can take ready-made baby formula with you. General transportation rules allow transporting no more than a liter of liquid, but in containers with a maximum volume of 100 ml. However, the same law states that the rule does not apply to diabetics and baby food. But don’t overuse it and take large containers with you. It is better to prepare several bottles or packages of ready-made formula that the child needs during the trip. A couple of small bottles of baby water are enough. Practice shows that the fewest questions arise with the original packaging of baby food and jars of puree.

Vnukovo

The terminal is written in advance on Vnukovo airport tickets; you can see its location on the map and immediately go to the desired place. The VIP lounge is located in a separate building. You can reduce your wait time by checking in for your flight in advance. This is done on the airline's website or right at the airport, at the self-service counter.

If you choose to register on site, you can find out the desired counter in advance. Each carrier has its own permanent location. This information is updated regularly and can be seen on the central display of the hall.

There are several ways:

• Aeroexpress leaves from Kyiv metro station. The train goes directly to the airport hall, without unnecessary stops. Travel time is about 40 minutes. Sending occurs every hour. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the spot.
• Bus No. 611 goes to Vnukovo Airport, boarding it from the metro stations Rumyantsevo, Yugo-Zapadnaya, Salaryevo, Troparevo.
• Route taxi No. 45 departs from the Yugo-Zapadnaya metro station.

Those who travel by car can leave it in the parking lot of Vnukovo Airport. The time is unlimited, but free parking is provided only to VIP clients.

Some people don't fly on airplanes just because they've never done it before. This is not a fear of danger, not a fear of heights, but simply panic in front of something unknown. And many do not understand what pleasure they are depriving themselves of, because flying is very pleasant and interesting, and most importantly - fast. And in many cases, this is the only way to get to the right place. Do not neglect technical progress, because horses and carriages, weeks and months of travel are already far in the past.

Personally, at first it was not the planes that scared me, but the airport. How to get into it, where to run, how not to confuse anything, and in general... Let's imagine that you find yourself at the airport for the first time. The procedure will be approximately the same, except that inspection and passport control in some cases change places.

First time at the airport

What time do you need to arrive? Check-in for the flight begins two hours before departure. Why so early? You need to have time to go through a large number of time-consuming procedures. You can arrive even earlier just in case. But it’s better not later, especially if you’re flying for the first time.

Entrance

In our country, unlike many others, anti-terrorist security has been strengthened. Therefore, try to budget for the time you will spend... going inside the airport. There are often queues there. You will already be examined there and your things will be scanned, even if you just came as a guide. You can go back out, but you can only get back to the airport through security again.

Scoreboard and registration area

The departure and arrival board is perhaps the most romantic object at the airport, and it has even been praised more than once. The board indicates the number, destination, and departure time of the flight. Be sure to check your flight number. Once we almost got confused with flights that departed 15 minutes apart.

Sometimes several flights may depart at the same time, so keep an eye out. What makes it even more confusing is that airlines often operate codeshare flights. Do not rely on the name of the airline, and even sometimes time is not an indicator. The direction and number are what you need to see. The board also indicates which registration desk you need to go to and what state the registration is in: whether it is open or, God forbid, has ended. Check-in for the flight, as I already said, begins 2 hours before departure and ends 40 minutes before it.

Baggage preparation

I haven’t found any useful information about preparing luggage on any “good” portal.

Usually, “smart” life hackers write about prohibited items and the weight of luggage somewhere in paragraphs about inspection, not taking into account the fact that we part with luggage much earlier, and this implies a completely different sequence of actions.

Baggage flies separately from you

You can fly without luggage and put all your items in hand luggage if the airline allows it. This is what I usually do, it significantly speeds up leaving the airport upon arrival. In this case, your suitcase or backpack must fit certain dimensions and not exceed the weight limit.

Oversized and oversized luggage

Dimensional - suitable for standard sizes. In Russian, a standard suitcase or bag. Oversized fits in weight, but not in size, and is issued separately. By the way, it is oversized luggage that is most often lost.

If you are concerned about this topic, then feel free to go to the airline’s website and check what they can and cannot do. No other way. Because different airlines treat luggage differently. It is clear that items such as a guitar, a huge box or a plasma TV can hardly be called oversized luggage. You will not be asked to pay any extra money for handling oversized luggage.

Extra bed

You can purchase additional luggage space, it costs extra money. But no one has canceled cheating, for example, the Aeroflot gold card allows you to carry two pieces of luggage at the same time for free, and, in principle, such a card is rubbish and envy.

Package

Suitcases are usually thrown onto planes in a rather barbaric manner, so if you want to extend the life of your traveling friend, you can pack it for a fee. Luggage will be wrapped with special film by specially trained people in special places. They are not difficult to find.

If you are carrying something valuable, it is advisable to wrap your luggage. At the airport there are usually several packages with different prices. Naturally, the most expensive ones are located closest to the main entrance. They will wrap you for about 700 rubles, or 10–15 EUR. In addition to official packers, there are also “spider-men” who will offer the same service at 2-3 times cheaper. Wander around the airport a little, looking meaningfully at the packing sheds, and these enterprising cunning people will find you themselves.

Overweight

If you (oh horror!) have an advantage, then prepare your money. Well, the time it takes to check in additional luggage and overweight will take from 20 to 40 minutes for sure.

Your luggage should be of the dimensions and weight, as I already said, acceptable in a particular airline, and it is also advisable to put in it everything that cannot be taken on board, that is, liquids, aerosols, and sharp objects.

Feel yourself. Money, passport, other documents and boarding pass must be literally glued to yourself. Under no circumstances leave money in your luggage (there are such cases), and without a passport you, in principle, will not fly far. It is best to keep such necessary items in a small bag or pocket, generally with you.

Registration

You can check in for your flight from home in advance. This provides certain advantages. For example, you can choose the best seats on the plane.

Registration is easy, Watson. When checking in for a regular flight, they usually don’t ask for anything other than a passport: the employees already have all the data, because Big Brother has been watching you for a long time... The only time the Spaniards asked for a printout of my electronic ticket, because in their database my name was not written with that letter. But this is the exception rather than the rule. At check-in you temporarily say goodbye to your luggage. The luggage is placed on the belt and weighed. After all this, you are given a boarding pass indicating your gate (exit), your seat on the plane and a baggage claim tag. Never lose your boarding pass. Now he is your king and god.

You may be asked what you take on the plane. Any belongings you bring on board are called carry-on luggage. Here's what you shouldn't have in your carry-on luggage:

• Liquids. Some people think that in principle nothing liquid can be brought on board, but this is not true. You can safely carry up to 100 milliliters of any liquid substance with you.
• Sharp, piercing and cutting objects. If you have scissors, corkscrews and knives in your hand luggage, then most likely you will be asked to part with them at security. We learned about diabetics. Syringes are possible. But if you have (quote) “a free-form doctor’s certificate.”
• Aerosols. All varnishes, sprays and sprays must fly in the luggage compartment.

Hand luggage can weigh up to 10 kilograms. All airlines have approximately the same size requirements. There are even special suitcases that fit the size of hand luggage. In fact, if you're flying on a scheduled flight, you can bring almost anything on board. One day we were carrying a huge basket, a giant hoop the size of a hula hoop and... sheaves of straw. They were light, but voluminous, and we were almost invisible behind them. However, Aeroflot employees treated the sheaves with loyalty and even wished us to have a good event.

In addition to a special suitcase, you can take a fairly large bag or backpack on board. Since we carry a lot of props on business trips, all personal items usually fit in a small handbag.

Search

You can lose quite a lot of time at the security check, as there will be people there who are not only in a hurry to catch your flight. You take a special tray and put everything on it: hand luggage, things, gadgets, a laptop (in Europe they ask you to take it out of your bag and call it a laptop, for a moment!), all metal objects and shoes, if they have thick soles or heels. It is easy to part with liquids or aerosols here if their volume exceeds the norm. For example, if you are trying to smuggle a liter of shampoo, it will most likely be confiscated. Creams, gels, toxic substances, sharp objects - say “adios” to them if you haven’t put them in your suitcase. So we parted with Enterosgel at Heathrow airport, it was very strict there.

This whole story is connected, again, with anti-terrorist security; similar rules were introduced in 2007. On board (once again) - no more than 100 milliliters of liquid in total, that is, you can take with you a small cream, a spray for a runny nose, a perfume sampler and liquid for lenses, in general, a bunch of liquids, but the main thing is that there is not a total of them more than a hundred ml. Yes, and it is advisable to forget about jokes about drugs and weapons. They don't understand jokes at the airport.

If you don’t want to waste a lot of time and make yourself nervous, and also embarrass women with sad faces and scanners in their hands, then, in principle, you shouldn’t hang all the iron jewelry left over from your gypsy grandmother, belts with massive buckles, and put on shoes thick soles or heels: they will strip you and take them off like there’s nothing to do. And this, you see, is not the most pleasant procedure. Here, by the way, is a link to a wildly funny video where a friend did not understand what they wanted from him and was scanned along with his luggage.

Passport control

Keep your passport and boarding pass with you, preferably in your hand. It is also better to avoid stupid jokes at passport control. Taking photographs of the passport control area is prohibited. Therefore, if something suddenly seemed funny to you (for example, your own face and you sawed yourself), you will be asked to delete the photos.

The official in the booth may ask questions. For example, about the purpose of the trip. He will leaf through your passport looking for visas and stamps. I was remarked several times that, they say, I don’t look at the border guard all the time, but fiddle with my phone (it’s better not to be distracted by anything extraneous from this important process), and that my passport is dirty (yes, I dropped it once to Kuru in , and several seals blurred). And you just might not like you. By the way, if you have a biometric passport or visa, you may be asked to place your finger on an infrared reader.

The waiting area

When re-reading my own text, I quickly replaced the word “desirable” with “required.” You absolutely must immediately find your gate (exit). Sometimes it can be difficult. Sometimes special trains run between gates, as in Madrid Barajas or London Heathrow. Sometimes they write scary numbers: how long to get to the exits. Sometimes this is the number 15, that is, minutes. But breathe out: this has never happened at Russian airports. Your ticket will indicate the gate number and boarding time, that is, the start time of boarding. It is better not to wander too far from the desired exit, otherwise you may miss important information. The gate may change, the flight may be delayed, or who knows what else. Take control of the situation.

There is usually something in the waiting area. For example, Duty Free. What “Duty Free” is does not need to be explained to the Russian tourist, who usually begins to prepare for a vacation by drinking alcoholic beverages from this shiny, tasty-smelling and shining market. The belief that it is cheaper at Duty Free is just a belief. For example, alcohol and snacks are often more expensive than in supermarkets, cigarettes are sold only in blocks, and cosmetics correspond to the market price. However, what should not be doubted is the quality of the products. It is better to buy good perfume, professional cosmetics, and gift packs of chocolates at Duty Free. By the way, when purchasing you will be asked to show your boarding pass, so don’t take it too far away.

And, of course, there are all sorts of cafes in the waiting area. Unless you're in Berlin's Tegel, for example, which is more like an Ikea place to pack your groceries. It's not cheap to eat there, but I usually get water from the machine. The air on the plane is dry and you feel thirsty. Anything purchased in this area is suitable to be brought on board.

Boarding the plane

Depending on the airport, your route from the gate to the plane could be like this:

• telescopic ladder,
• bus,
• on foot.

If the airport is small, you can walk, usually a short distance. Sometimes you have to wait for the bus; it’s hot and cramped. Ideal if you are walking along a telescopic ramp - this is an air bridge from the airport to the plane.

If you have a lot of hand luggage, it is better to get in line at the gate early so that you have time to occupy the luggage racks. Sometimes there may be no empty seats next to you, so you will have to look for an empty shelf away from your chair. At smart airports, there is a division into groups to avoid queues at the gate. In this case, your group number is also indicated on your boarding pass. But personally, I like to wait until the last minute: I jump at the gate when the bulk of people have already boarded the plane.

First time on a plane

And here you are, so happy, sitting on the plane and, perhaps, shaking with fear that this colossus is about to take off into the air. This won't happen instantly. You'll be packing for a while. The crew will be preparing for some time. Then the beautiful flight attendants will begin to show how and what to do in an emergency. At this time, the plane will begin to move towards the runway. Previously, I always loved the moment of takeoff, when the iron bird accelerates so that it presses you into the chair, and then takes off from the ground, but now I often fall asleep even before takeoff. The main thing is, if you’re scared, take a comfortable position. Good luck if you have a pillow under your head, because external and internal comfort are inseparable.

Places

When it comes to seats inside an airplane, a simple law applies: the closer you are to your head, the less you will be shaken by turbulence. Turbulence, or bumpiness, is the vibration of an aircraft caused by vortex wind flows, downward and outward. It's not scary. The usual bumpiness that occurs when flying through some types of clouds is not dangerous. The aircraft is designed to withstand the resulting overloads. In general, when a plane shakes, it is not a technical failure, and the pilot is not crazy, it is just a temporary phenomenon that needs to be accepted and forgiven. And don’t set yourself up for horror: I’ve flown many times without shaking at all. Since there is less vibration at the front of the plane, business class is located there.

As for “by the window or not by the window,” the point is controversial. If you have never flown, then it may seem to you that a fascinating picture is created in the window throughout the entire flight. However, it is not. The most interesting thing is the takeoff and landing, when you see the city that has turned into a toy city. And then the plane gains altitude and rises above the clouds. Outside the window there will be monotonous blinding white clouds if you are flying during the day, or endless darkness if at night. If you are not a big fan of sticking your forehead into the wall and snoring, then there is no need for a window. There is nothing wrong with choosing a seat near the aisle - it is convenient to go to the toilet without stepping over your sleeping neighbors.

Great if you're flying on a half-empty plane. After takeoff, when you are allowed to wander around the cabin, look in the rear section: there may be three free seats there. I call it "reserved seat". You can stretch out on them, cover yourself with a blanket and sleep. No one will say a bad word to you - it’s been verified.

A special chic during check-in is getting seats at the emergency exit. Ask and they will give if they are still available. On most planes, the distance to the next seat is very far, and the table extends out of the armrest. Of course, you will have a great responsibility - to save passengers in case of emergency evacuation, since you will be the very first one to the exit there. But you can stretch your legs and have fun.

Food

It all depends, of course, on the airline and the specifics of the flight. If you are able to register in advance, you may also have been asked to select a menu. Major international airlines offer special menus: kosher or vegetarian. I haven’t tried ordering the menu in advance, but I know it’s possible.

I once had a vegetarian lunch on board British Airways. The quinoa, avocado and tofu salad was much better than the usual lunch that included a stale bun with mayonnaise. However, in any case, do not expect culinary delights from economy class. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to fly business class, but insiders know that it’s delicious, especially if it’s Aeroflot. Fortunately, the latter’s food is delicious even in economy, and sometimes there was also red fish.

The funniest airplane meal of my life was organized by the German subsidiary of Lufthansa, Air Berlin. Unfortunately, they stopped flying from Moscow. For the rest of my life I will remember a wonderful packed lunch consisting of very spicy chips and a glass of juice. And the worst lunch was at Air Moldova: some kind of indistinct sandwich.

If you fly during the day or evening, your chances of eating better are much greater: at night and in the early morning, you can count on a bun at most. Of course, a lot depends on the flight time. The usual proportion is that the longer the flight, the more food they will give. In any case, airplane food doesn't pretend to be anything incredible, so if you have the opportunity to bring something on the plane, grab it. There are usually no complaints about chocolate and cookies.

And, of course, it is worth saying that at altitude we eat and drink completely differently than on earth; food seems tastier. By the way, there is a whole stereotype that people most often drink tomato juice on a plane. They say it tastes better to us than on earth and quenches our thirst better. On a plane you always want to drink because, I repeat, the air in the cabin is very dry. Plus, rich tomato juice has a richer flavor that we love. It is always better to stock up on a bottle of water, most importantly, not before the security check area, but after: you can bring water purchased in the waiting area on board. As for alcohol, almost all international flights have wine, champagne, and beer. The flight attendants may simply not offer you this. But if you have a strong desire to get tipsy, ask, and they will organize a can of good beer for you - tested by British Airways.

Takeoff and landing

If your plane takes off and everything goes well, you can relax until you land. According to statistics, 90% of aircraft malfunctions occur during takeoff and landing. That is why singer Elka passionately wishes that the pilot “takes off well and lands extremely successfully.” During takeoff and landing, you are asked to fasten your seat belts, bring the seat to an upright position, remove the tables and open the curtains. All this is done so that in an emergency there are fewer obstacles to the implementation of the rescue program.

When an acquaintance flew with me for the first time, he really did not like the maneuvers of the plane, when the side turns and turns out to be one wing lower and the other higher. If you saw this and got scared, know that nothing terrible is happening at this moment, the plane is just turning.

If you are flying to a resort, you will most likely begin to descend directly over the blue waters. Again, panic in this case is unnecessary; the resort airports are really located right on the shore. Land will appear, don't worry!

Some people believe that the softness of a landing depends on the airline or type of aircraft. Nothing like that, everything is controlled by a pilot, or rather pilots, since control is usually divided equally between them. The best way to get me into Montenegro was the unloved, bankrupt and otherwise notorious airline Kogalymavia, when they had a contract with the operator TUI.

Important detail: time it correctly. As soon as the plane lands, it will travel along the runway for some time, circling around the airport until it stops. It will be some time before you are allowed off the plane. Passport control on an international flight and baggage claim on any flight will take about another half hour (or more). Therefore, you should not order a taxi before your arrival.

Don't immediately jump up and run out of the plane. You don't even have to get up. For some time you will wait for the “doors to a new country” to open.

At the airport of the country of arrival

Next, you will find almost everything the same as upon departure: boarding ramp or bus, passport control and baggage claim. Get in the line that says All Passports and you'll get a stamp (finally!) with the name of the airport. Next, we follow the arrows to the luggage, which probably already misses you as much as you miss it. Above the baggage belt they usually write the flight number and where the plane came from, so it’s difficult to make a mistake. In addition, it very rarely happens that two or more planes arrive at the same time, so you will probably go where the most people are standing. If the airport is very large, then there is a board indicating where to look for luggage.

If the tape has already scrolled a hundred hundred times, and your suitcase still hasn’t appeared, and all the passengers have left, then something is wrong here. Then you go to the representatives of your airline with your boarding stub (it is on it that the tag with your baggage number is on it) and most likely everything will be resolved safely. Well, then you, stamped, enriched and happy, can head to the exit (following the arrows) and begin to conquer new lands!

I hope you were able to learn something new about air travel and are now looking forward to the moment when the flight attendant announces that your plane is ready for takeoff.

This is my first time flying (travelling) abroad, I’m afraid. I’m flying on an airplane for the first time, what should I do, what should I know? What do those who are flying abroad for the first time need to know? What to do at the airport, how not to miss the plane, how to go through registration, customs and passport control at the airport?

Are you going abroad, abroad on vacation or on a business trip for the first time? This article contains the whole path, the algorithm, from purchasing a tour to collecting the necessary things for the trip, what to do if you are traveling with children, arriving at the airport, checking in for the flight, customs and passport control, arrival, transfer, check-in at the hotel and etc. before leaving the hotel. Have a comfortable trip abroad!

Buy a tour

The very first thing to do is choose a good tour. Travel agency staff will help you with this. They will select and book rooms in a suitable hotel. Typically, booking takes from a few minutes to several hours. Afterwards the contract is signed.

If you have chosen a tour to a country with which you have entered into an agreement with visa-free entry, then you do not need to prepare additional documents.

If you need a visa, you must give the travel agency employees: international passport, 3x4 photo, medical certificates, income certificates, as well as money to pay for the visa.

Keep in mind that if you travel to a “visa” country, you may be denied entry into the country even if the voucher has already been purchased. Therefore, purchase “cancellation insurance”, in which case in an unforeseen situation you will get your money back.

The contract with the travel agency must contain the following information:

• country visited;
• how many people the tour is designed for;
• does the price include meals (breakfasts, breakfasts and dinners, all inclusive) or not;
• detailed information about the hotel;
• length of stay;
• perhaps other data.

After concluding the contract, the travel agency employee must provide you with information about the departure time and flight number. As a rule, all the necessary documents will be given a few days or a few hours before departure - it all depends on the accepted practice of the company.

Of course, if it is agreed that documents will be issued several hours before departure, natural concerns arise. What if the employee doesn’t come? What if something is wrong with the documents? Don't worry! This is a well-established practice; the company carefully checks everything and makes sure that you receive your documents in a timely manner - any discrepancies are excluded. All documents are waiting at the operator's desk at the airport three hours before departure. All you have to do is pick it up.

If you have children traveling with you, who have not yet reached 18 years of age, each child must have one registered in their name. If a child travels with only one parent or with an accompanying non-parent, it is necessary to have a notarized permission to export the minor.

After receiving, no matter at the office of a travel company or at the airport, be sure to check the documents.

The package must contain for each traveler:

• a set of air tickets (round trip, as well as for intermediate flights, if provided). The ticket can be provided electronically on plain paper;
• voucher (three copies) granting the right to stay at the hotel;
• individual medical insurance with detailed conditions.

Be sure to learn about the country's traditions, religious rituals, history, important monuments and shrines. Familiarize yourself with some laws that may affect you. For example, is it prohibited to drink alcohol or smoke in public places, etc. It's good if you can learn a few phrases that will help in the future.

Be sure to make copies of all documents you take with you on your trip. Also take care to make and save an electronic copy of your passport in your mailbox. In an unforeseen situation, you can print documents anywhere in the world.

Upon arrival at the hotel, immediately resolve the issue with the safe. All documents, jewelry, bank cards must be stored only in a safe. Take copies with you, as well as the money and cards you plan to use.

Stock up on a first aid kit, which should contain a set of the most commonly used medications:

• antipyretics;
• painkillers;
• drugs used for food poisoning and gastrointestinal disorders;
• drugs to avoid burns and minimize their consequences;
• adhesive plaster;
• medications that you are forced to take constantly, as well as anti-allergy medications.

Remember, some drugs may be prohibited for import into a particular country. Therefore, you must have a prescription certified by a doctor’s seal.

Separately write down, preferably in several places, all the telephone numbers that you may need: bank, tour operator, embassy, ​​numbers of relatives and close friends. This way you will save a lot of nerves and time in case of unforeseen circumstances.

When leaving the hotel, do not take all the money at once, but only a certain amount and only one card that you plan to use.

Before your trip, check the expiration date of your payment cards and write down your PIN codes separately. It would be useful to clarify the conditions for using bank cards abroad. It is possible that your card is only valid within the country, or that a fee will be deducted in other states.

If there are restrictions, get another card with favorable conditions.

When calculating your travel budget, assume that you need to spend 50 dollars or euros per day. This way you will avoid troubles and be able to relax normally, go on tours and buy memorable souvenirs.

In many countries, for example in Egypt, Turkey, merchants can accept both local currency and dollars and euros. They often offer their own course, which is significantly worse than the official one, and the purchase price will increase. It is better to change currency at one of the points, for example at a hotel, airport or directly in Kazakhstan. Do not use special exchange machines - they usually have an inflated exchange rate.

When paying for a purchase, try to minimize the use of a bank card; it is better to pay in cash. Just in case, it doesn’t hurt to have “money in plastic” with you.

When planning a trip, remember that the total baggage per person should not exceed 20 kg (for economy class) or 30 kg (for first and business class). You will have to pay extra for the excess. The weight of each individual bag can exceed 30 kg.

To protect your luggage from possible damage, and primarily from theft, wrap the bag with stretch film, wrapping it many times. You can find out more about the rules for carrying hand luggage at the airport.

Do not take parcels, packages, bags from strangers or even acquaintances to give to friends, relatives, etc. who meet you in a foreign country; there are international delivery services for this. If there is something forbidden hidden inside the package, you will be jailed.

How to fit a lot of things in one suitcase? How to properly compactly pack a suitcase for a trip? In general, if you don’t want to know how to put all your things in a suitcase so that everything fits, watch the video “How to pack 100 things in one suitcase.”

If we are traveling with a child. Minimizing the risk of illness

A week before departure on the tour, minimize all contact with other children. Consult your pediatrician; it may not hurt to prescribe your baby medications that strengthen the immune system.

If you go to a place where there are a lot of children, your risk of getting an infection increases dramatically. It is better to plan your vacation for June, September, or in winter (excluding the winter holidays). If that doesn’t work out, then it’s better to pay attention to tourist destinations that are less popular among vacationers.

Always keep fever reducers, food poisoning and allergy medications in your first aid kit.

Departure

So, after you have received the documents, check their completeness. Must be:

• round trip air tickets. Please note that seats are marked on tickets immediately upon check-in before departure;
• a voucher granting the right to check into a hotel. Check the hotel, length of stay, whether meals are included in the price;
• Passports must contain visas (in the form of a stamp or a pasted hologram). Usually they are placed on any free page of the passport, not necessarily in a row, for example in the middle of the document. After you have received and checked your documents, you will have to: - go through customs, check in your luggage, check in for your flight and go through passport control.

If this is your first time at the airport, you can sit behind one of the passengers on your flight and follow him through all the necessary procedures.

Below you will learn in detail about each stage before boarding the plane.

customs control

At this stage, customs officers check whether you are carrying items prohibited for export or import: antiques, etc. It is necessary to declare an amount in any currency equivalent to 10,000 US dollars or more.

There are two areas at customs:

• "Green corridor" Passengers who do not carry prohibited items, such as tourists, usually pass through;
• "Red channel intended for passengers who need to fill out a declaration.

Remember, after passing through control, customs officers can selectively inspect the luggage of any passenger. Usually they pay attention to those who are in a hurry or nervous. Therefore, do not try to hide anything to avoid serious problems.

After passing through customs control, you can no longer return to the hall.

check-in

It is recommended to arrive at the airport no later than two hours before departure. The flight number is indicated on the ticket. Upon arrival, look for information on the desired flight on special boards. On the screen you will see the numbers of the counters (up to five counters can be allocated) where check-in is underway for the flight you need.

When checking in, you can politely ask for the most comfortable seats, for example, by the window or vice versa, closer to the aisle if you are flying with a small child.

At the check-in counter you check in your luggage, receive boarding passes (they will act as a pass when entering the plane), which will contain very important information for you, namely the gate number, in English “Gate”, flight number and departure time .
For example, GATE 11 means gate 11 - there you will need to look for your plane. 40 minutes before departure, they will announce over the loudspeaker that boarding for your flight is beginning, the gate number is such and such - come over.

At the check-in counter you also check your luggage, leaving your hand luggage with you(marked with a special sticker, and a similar sticker is given to you), the airport employee marks the hand luggage with a sticker - “Into the cabin”.

After passing through a special corridor, you find yourself on the plane. Here, flight attendants will help you get into your seats and serve drinks and food during the flight. If you are flying with children, bring food to the airport and on the plane.

Passport control

You need to go through passport control one at a time. Minors travel together with their parents or accompanying person.

Show the airport employee your passport and boarding pass- he will make a note in his passport about crossing the state border. From now on you are in neutral territory.

If you are going to fly abroad in a large group, it is better to immediately distribute passports to everyone and include a boarding pass in them to speed up the process.

During passport control, you must go through a metal detector, and hand luggage is checked separately. Don't worry, this is standard procedure to ensure your safety and the safety of your flight.

After completing all the procedures, you find yourself in the waiting room. Here you can buy souvenirs, alcoholic drinks, clothes and other goods in the duty free zone. You can pay for goods in tenge, US dollars or euros.

In the waiting room, pay close attention to the information on the screens. The start of boarding for your flight (usually 30-40 minutes before departure) will be announced over the loudspeaker. To board the desired aircraft, proceed to the Gate indicated on your boarding pass.

Before boarding, you may be checked again with a metal detector. To board the plane, present your ticket and passport to the airport employee.

After arriving at the airport at your destination

Upon arrival at your destination at the airport, you go through all the procedures, but in reverse order. The exception is personal search. You won't have to go through it again.

To go through passport control after arrival, prepare the following documents:

• international passport;
• immigration card. In it you need to enter personal information: first name, last name, citizenship, arrival flight number, period for which you arrived in the country, name of the hotel where the rooms are booked. If you have children on the tour, you need to enter information about them. When filling out the card, do not hesitate to ask for help from passengers who can read and write English.
• in countries such as Egypt, Thailand, Türkiye and in other countries with an easier visa regime for Kazakhstan, you can get a visa right at the airport. It is presented in the form of a sticker-mark with a hologram. You only need to purchase one sticker for each passport. If your children are included in your passport, you do not need to purchase a visa for them separately.

The border service officer puts a corresponding stamp on the foreign passport indicating entry into the country. He may also ask to see a voucher confirming your hotel reservation.

When you go out to the airport, don’t be scared, it just seems like a big and inhospitable labyrinth. Follow the crowd and join the flow. There is nowhere else to go, no matter what country you are in. In fact, everything is very simple, you just run your nose first to passport control, and from there to the baggage belt. Next, look for a representative of the tour operator among the crowd of people greeting you. You can recognize him by a special sign or T-shirt with the inscription. Here you check in, a representative will show you which bus to go to.

We receive luggage

To claim your luggage, find the transfer belt that matches your flight. Here you can collect your luggage. Don't confuse your luggage with someone else's. To make sure that the bag is yours without printing it, compare the number of the sticker pasted and the one you have on hand.

Then hand over your luggage to the bus driver and take one of the empty seats.

If you could not find your luggage, contact the baggage tracing service, providing the sticker you have on hand. If you do not speak other languages, look for the sign of the tour operator representative who meets you and tell your situation.

Transfer

Transfer is delivery from the airport to the hotel. Don't be afraid to miss the bus; the guides won't leave until the whole group has gathered. But don’t keep others waiting either.

During the transfer, you can ask your guide for the most important information: features of the country, the most profitable and closest currency exchange points, and he will also indicate where you can meet with another guide who will supervise your stay in the country throughout the entire period.

If for some reason you are forced to stay late, you can also get to the hotel by taxi. Just show the driver your voucher with your hotel information and he will take you to your desired location. Remember, this trip is at your own expense.

Hotel

After arriving at the hotel, you can leave your luggage in a special place. Don’t be afraid to contact the staff, they will help you with everything. Now you need to contact the receptionist and provide your voucher and passport. To check in, fill out a special form (one per room).

Abroad, it is common practice to ask visitors for a deposit- this is a certain amount (usually 100 US dollars) that you leave for using the telephone, the Internet, and the bar in the room. Don't worry. If you do not use paid services, the money will be returned in full or in part, minus payment for the services provided.

Unfortunately, it is often impossible to receive the keys before two o'clock in the afternoon local time. Therefore, if you arrived earlier, you can relax in a specially designated area or get acquainted with the hotel infrastructure.

After checking into your room, inspect it. Check if everything works (TV, air conditioning, hot shower, lights are on). Wait until evening. Perhaps the music playing from the window is too loud, interfering with sleep. If you are not satisfied with anything, ask for another number, citing the identified problems.

Be sure to store all documents, money, and jewelry in a safe. Some hotels provide this service for an additional fee.

Leaving the hotel

Check-out from the hotel in most countries around the world is carried out before 12 noon local time. By this time, you must collect all your things and hand over the keys to the administrator at the Reception. If your flight is in the evening, your luggage can be checked into a storage room.

Porters will help you carry heavy luggage (Luggage boy)- call Reception to call them. Before transfer to the airport, you will be able to freely use the hotel infrastructure (in some hotels only the paid part of the services), luggage is stored free of charge.

Upon arrival at the airport, you need to go through the already familiar procedures.

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