How do i actually get on a plane at the airport?

Widelats

As someone who has never flown before, i am lost, people talk like its a everyday thing but i do not know what to do.

OK as far as i can tell, i go to online check in and check in, how long before the plane departs can i do this? I would like to do this early as possible.

What information will i need to complete this check in online?

Then i print a bording pass - not sure what that is, but how long do i have to print this pass?? I would like to do this very early as well.
What information will i need for this as well??

Then, once i have the bording pass and i have checked in, i am lost - now what? Do i go to a person at a desk, show them my bording pass, and then go get on a plane? Or is there more to it than this?? :cool: I know about customms checks but will they check me here or the country i land in?? And how does that work, is there a gate at the airport with security there who check my bag before i enter the country?

Also, is there still duty free on planes and if so, what are the limits of alcohol and tobacco i can buy?

PompeyPete

All airlines and airports work different routines, albeit usually very similar.

It'd be handy to know which airport you'll be travelling from, and which airline you'll be travelling with.

Widelats

PompeyPete wrote: »

All airlines and airports work different routines, albeit usually very similar.

It'd be handy to know which airport you'll be travelling from, and which airline you'll be travelling with.

Travelling from Luton (London) with Ryanair company.

shaun_from_Africa

I will answer your questions as much as I can.

Online check in times vary between airlines, but more often than not it starts 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check with your particular airline for clarification of this.

The info you need is generally just name and either booking reference or ticket number.
Again, this might change depending on airline and country of destination. If for example you are off to the USA, you won't be able to check in online if you haven't completed the API (advanced pasenger information), where they want a few personal details.

If printable bording passes are available, you should be able to do this as soon as the online check in is completed.

If you have no luggage to check in then you can normally go straight through security into the airside part of the terminal. If you have bags you go to one of the airline desks in the land side part of the terminal. Your airline may have "bag drop" desks where you can go if you already have a boarding pass.

You go through security checks when before getting airside and they check your baggage, paperwork and sometimes do a quick frisk search.

There is still duty free available at UK airports but only for passengers flying outside of the EU..
The amounts of alcohol and tobacco you can legally take depend on the country that you are visiting.
Most airlines still sell duty free but quantities are limited and it's often cheaper at the airport.


If you say what airline, what airport of departure and what country you are going to, people will give more advice.

wallbash

Widelats wrote: »

As someone who has never flown before, i am lost, people talk like its a everyday thing but i do not know what to do.

OK as far as i can tell, i go to online check in and check in, how long before the plane departs can i do this? I would like to do this early as possible.
Your travel agent can help you here, take in your ( and anyone else who is flying with you ) passport, they will tell you when .
They might also suggest booking your seat this will cost you extra.
What information will i need to complete this check in online?

Then i print a bording pass - not sure what that is, but how long do i have to print this pass?? I would like to do this very early as well.
What information will i need for this as well??

Again the Travel agent will help and mine also prints out everything

Then, once i have the bording pass and i have checked in, i am lost - now what? Do i go to a person at a desk, show them my bording pass,
Now you arrived at the airport , find your correct desk, your destination will be displayed on the wall in big letters
and then go get on a plane? Or is there more to it than this?? :cool: I

still got to pass over your luggage, some airports have baggage drop off points, but not all.

know about customms checks but will they check me here or the

Now you have to get to the departure lounge, but first there will be security,( another queue just show boarding pass and passport. You will be required to show these docs a number of times, Don't put the safely away in the bottom of your hand luggage, you need the very handy , my shirt has a breast pocket.
So now in departures, have a sit down .
But find the departure board , will tell you flight info, just look for your destination and time of departure. When It tells you, proceed to the named departure gate.

Your passport and boarding card will be checked again at the gate and again when you enter the plane

country i land in?? And how does that work, is there a gate at the airport with security there who check my bag before i enter the country?

Get off the plane and follow the people in front .
Your passport will inspected, you will then reclaim your luggage

Also, is there still duty free on planes and if so, what are the limits of alcohol and tobacco i can buy?

That depends on your destination


All seems hard work , but really in you just follow the mob, you won't go far wrong.

tanith

Here is a video of how to use Ryanairs online checkin it will show you most of what you need to know..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-ftegMK8R4

foreign_correspondent

make sure you print your boarding passes off for both journeys, Ryanair charge you if you don't have them!

Widelats

OK thanks guys i have a good idea of what i have to do.

But i do not have a travel agent, i am independent.

agrinnall

I don't know whether Ryanair offer boarding pass on your mobile, but I've found that to be a very useful option. On FlyBE the big bonus is that if you also select the automatic check in they send the boarding pass to you and you don't have the worry of ensuring you can print it, which can be an issue (particularly for the return flight where accessing a printer may be difficult) where check in only opens (in FlyBE's case) 36 hours before the flight.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

Here's a short video of Luton Airport...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHz9PpvrbbU

When you get there, keep an eye the Departures screens which list all the flight numbers. They will be updated with instructions such as Check In at Desk ZZ, Go to Departures Lounge, Go to Gate XX, etc. Don't be nervous about asking for help. Enjoy!

PeacefulWaters

At home:

Check in online and print boarding passes.

Make sure any hold bags and cabin bags comply with the airline's weight and dimensions requirements.


Get to airport - know the time you have to get to your departure gate for and then allow time for other bits like security.

- Baggage drop if you have hold luggage. Usually best paid for at the time of booking.

- Security check. Make sure you've complied with rules on liquids, toothpaste and clear bags. Make sure all electronics are well charged.

- Departure area. Check the screens regularly to find out which departure gate your flight leaves from. Make sure destination AND flight number match your booking.

- Departure gate. Make sure you're there in good time. Check screens and listen to announcements for when to board.

You'll be fine.