15 Helpful Tips for First Time Flyers with Anxiety

(Last Updated On: August 18, 2021)

Flying for the first time is really crucial in life. If there are some tips for first-time flyers with anxiety, travel becomes peaceful. People find tips for first-time flyers with anxiety on the internet. In this article, we are going to give 15 tips for first-time flyers with anxiety.

Tips for first-time flyers with anxiety

Let’s find below 15 tips for first-time flyers with anxiety:

1. Make sure your passport is valid.

First and foremost, double-check that your passport is in good working order and is valid (even before booking your travel). Many nations need you to have at least 6 months validity on your passport before entering their country, therefore if you don’t have that, you should apply for a new passport.

2. Be sure whether you require a visa.

Second, determine whether you require a visa, where you can obtain one, and how long it will take to complete. If your selected destination has a consulate in your city, it may be as simple as showing up in person and receiving your visa the same day, but in other situations, you may have to mail your passport somewhere and wait weeks for it to be returned. It’s critical to double-check this before booking tickets or making trip plans since you won’t be able to travel anywhere without a visa!

3. Photocopy all of your paperwork.

It’s also a good idea to photocopy and scan all of your official documents, including your passport, visa, and onward travel, and store them separately from the originals (or on your laptop). When dealing with local police or immigration officials, you’ll have evidence of identification and authorization to remain in the nation if you lose any of them.

4. Keep both digital and paper versions of your papers.

To display at the airport, make sure you have a physical copy (i.e. a printout) of your travel documents. Most airlines and border officials will accept travel plans presented on a laptop or smartphone screen in this digital age, but it’s far more convenient to be able to pull out a piece of paper (and still the preferred means in some less developed parts of the world).

5. Look into the immigration requirements

Another item to look at is your destination’s immigration requirements. Some may not let you through unless you have documentation of onward passage out of the nation, such as an airline, train, or bus ticket.

Some nations have these laws but don’t always enforce them, and some airlines may refuse to let you board if you don’t have the proper documents for the destination’s immigration requirements.

Most consulates provide up-to-date and thorough information on what you’ll need to enter the country, and internet forums are a wonderful way to figure out what to expect right now.

If the nation requires evidence of onward travel and you intend on departing by bus or train (and you can’t buy a ticket online), you may need to book a return flight and then cancel it after you’ve arrived and cleared immigration.

6. Confirm your airline’s luggage restrictions.

When it comes to packing, be sure to familiarize yourself with the luggage regulations of your preferred airline(s) and consider how much weight you are ready to carry. As a general guideline, while traveling overseas, pack light and leave a little room for mementos or purchases.

You should also bear in mind what is permitted on planes since security risks have made restrictions tougher in recent years. No hazardous liquids or guns are permitted, and hand baggage is now limited to liquids of no more than 100 milliliters and no sharp objects (even tweezers, nail scissors are out). On the airline’s website, you can see what is and isn’t allowed, but bear in mind that these regulations are severely enforced at security checks.

7. Plan to arrive two hours early.

It’s critical that you be at the airport at least two hours before your trip (three hours is recommended, especially if it’s your first time traveling). This will allow you to check in, go through security and immigration lines at your leisure, and deal with any delays or unforeseen events that may occur.

Some airports are easy to navigate, and you’ll be at your gate within 20 minutes after checking in, while others have huge lines at check-in, security screening, and immigration that you have no control over.

8. If you’re running late, speak with immigration.

If you know your aircraft is departing but are still waiting in line for immigration, there is usually someone in authority who can explain your circumstances and expedite your process.

Flying abroad entails a lot of waiting – in lines, at the gate to board, and on an aircraft for extended periods of time. To keep yourself occupied, always pack a book to read, music to listen to, and your laptop/tablet. There may be complimentary in-flight entertainment depending on the airline you fly with, but this does not apply to the hours you will spend in transit at airports.

9. Is it necessary to recheck your luggage?

If you’re connecting to a different aircraft, make sure you understand if you’ll need to collect your baggage and recheck them. This is frequently the case when connecting from an international aircraft to a local airline since you must have your luggage inspected by customs before proceeding. The airline should inform you of the procedure at the time of your initial check-in, and if they don’t, always inquire!

10. Double-check that you have everything you need.

Arriving at your destination after a long-haul trip may be nerve-wracking, particularly if it’s your first time. It’s quite simple to leave things (such as your passport) in the seat pocket in front of you if you’ve been sleeping on the trip and wake up a little sleepy. Always double-check that you have everything you need before getting off the plane, as it’s very difficult to go back if you forget.

11. Start filling out your immigration card as soon as possible.

You’ll very certainly be required to complete an immigration arrivals card as well as a customs declaration. The first includes personal information about you and your plans for your stay in the nation, while the second is a statement of exactly what you are bringing in. It’s critical that you fill out these forms completely and properly, as the consequences of not doing so can be severe.

12. Never change money at an airport.

You’ll most likely find yourself at an arrivals hall with money exchange facilities and ground transportation choices once you’ve crossed customs and immigration. Unless you know otherwise, just change what you need to go to your accommodation or a bank/city money exchange office at an airport money exchange counter.

13. Pay attention to the immigration card.

Do not respond based on your own morality or what is acceptable in your own country, since this will not hold up in a court of law in your destination country if you are found to be doing something illegal.

This is especially true when it comes to bringing in (or taking out) narcotics of any type, and in certain countries, the penalty is death without a doubt! If you have something in your luggage that is listed as prohibited on the customs form, declare it and they will most likely be more tolerant than if they discover it during a random check.

14. Be astute. Research

There is a wealth of information available on airport websites and online forums on what to anticipate before, during, and after your trip, regardless of where you are flying in the world. From the cheapest (and safest) method to get to your hotel to where to get the greatest exchange rates and whether or not there is free wifi in airport terminal buildings, the internet travel community has a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips!

15. Taxis: be aware of what you’re getting yourself into.

If you’re taking a taxi from the airport, make sure you know whether it’s metered or fixed-fare before you get in. Always check the approximate fare to your location online before leaving home so you have some bargaining power if it is lowered the risk.