Precautions to take when planning a flight
It all starts with booking your flight. To find the best price, you can use a flight comparison website to get a wide range of options based on your destination and travel dates. With so many different offers from airlines, you need to compare not only the prices but also other factors to avoid ending up with additional charges to pay once you arrive.
Once you’ve entered your personal details and made payment, you’ll receive confirmation of your booking by email, along with all the necessary information.
Depending on the airline’s policies, you can check in online in advance either for a fee or free of charge 48 hours before your flight. This step is not usually compulsory, but it saves time by allowing you to print your boarding pass straight away. It is also a way of avoiding overbooking.
Before heading to the airport, you’ll need to pack your luggage. There are a few key points to bear in mind:
- The identity documents required for air travel may vary depending on your destination (identity card, passport, visa, residence permit, etc.).
- Size, weight and dimensions are regulated by airlines; not all of them use the same standards.
- Certain items are prohibited for security reasons, whilst others are permitted in hand luggage subject to conditions and/or only in hold luggage.
Finding your way around on arrival at the airport
With your luggage and flight documents to hand, the time has finally come to head to the airport. To ensure a stress-free journey through the remaining stages before you take your seat, you should arrive well in advance. On average, 1 to 2 hours before take-off for a domestic flight and up to 3 hours in advance for a long-haul flight.
Good to know: some airports have more than one terminal, so it’s essential to check in advance which terminal your flight is departing from.
All airports have a more or less similar layout, with:
- Departure halls,
- Arrivals halls,
- Check-in desks,
- Security checkpoints,
- Boarding gates,
You must go to the check-in desk for your flight, following the directions shown on the information screen.
Check-in: the check-in process
If you have no hold luggage and have already printed your boarding pass, you can skip this stage.
However, if you need to collect your boarding pass and check in your luggage, you must go to the check-in counter. A queue may form at this first stage, as passengers on your flight, as well as those travelling to other destinations, also go through this stage. Make sure you have your flight ticket or booking reference and your identity documents to hand.
The check-in agent will process your check-in and issue your boarding pass. It is also at this counter that you must present your hold luggage for check-in. A few checks will be carried out, particularly regarding its weight and dimensions. If your luggage exceeds the airline’s specified limits, you will be required to pay an additional fee.
Good to know: you are allowed to take one piece of hand luggage and a briefcase or handbag with you onto the plane. Again, please check the permitted weight and size limits.
Going through security
Depending on the size of the airport, the wait may be shorter or longer.
The security check proceeds as follows:
- You present your flight documents;
- Hand your cabin baggage to the security officer for an X-ray scan, having taken care to set aside any electronic devices (laptop, tablet, camera, etc.) and liquids (permitted in containers of less than 100 ml placed in a transparent bag);
- Place all metal objects that might set off the metal detector – such as belts, watches, bracelets, rings, necklaces and keys – into the plastic trays provided;
- The security officer may also ask you to remove your jacket, scarf and shoes;
- You will then pass through the security gate: if the alarm sounds, you will need to undergo a body search;
- Finally, collect all your belongings before proceeding to the boarding gate.
Finding your boarding gate
Check your boarding pass. The terminal is indicated by a letter and the gate by a number.
This information can also be found on the display boards. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for confirmation.
Whilst waiting near the boarding gate, you can enjoy a hot drink or have a browse in a duty-free shop. But be careful not to stray too far and make sure you listen out for the various announcements.
Boarding begins on average 30 minutes before take-off. It is announced over the public address system and starts with first class, business class and priority passengers (people with disabilities). Passengers are then called by seat row.
You’ll need to show your flight documents again, then follow the other passengers down the aisles before reaching the tarmac. Once on board, all you need to do is find your seat, stow your luggage and follow the flight attendant’s instructions until take-off.