Flying for the first time

Not all flights are the same

In the world of aviation, a distinction is made between short and long-haul flights. There are different classifications of these terms, which refer either to the duration in hours or to the number of kilometers of the flight. Long-haul flights are generally flights of 3000 kilometers or more or a flight time of three and a half hours. For the airlines, it makes a significant difference in the choice of aircraft whether it is a short or long haul flight. Ever according to the length of stay of the passengers the service on board differs. On a short-haul flight, there is usually a small snack and a drink, but on long-haul flights, the flight attendant serves one or more warm meals.

Baggage regulations and the procedure at the airport

Make yourself familiar with the airline before departure. Terms and services can vary widely. This applies, for example, to the luggage requirements. As a rule, 8 kg of hand luggage and 20 kg for the suitcase are allowed. The dimensions for hand luggage are 55 x 40 x 23 cm; for foldable garment bags 57 x 54 x 15 cm. Certain items are not allowed in the carry-on baggage carry with you. Pointed and potentially dangerous objects and containers with more than 100 ml of liquid must be in the main baggage and are transported in the hold of the aircraft. You are allowed to take liquids in a transparent plastic bag in your hand luggage to a strictly limited extent. In any case, your identity card or passport belong in your hand luggage, the printout of the flight confirmation and a pen for potentially filling out entry documents in the plane.

The airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before departure. Once there, the check-in awaits you. In the arrival hall of the airport there is a large overview with the various airlines and the corresponding counters. When you have found your airline's counter, present your flight confirmation and your identification document and in return you will receive your boarding pass. This is your "entry ticket" for the plane. At the check-in you also have the option of checking in an item of baggage that you do not want to take with you in the passenger compartment. If you suffer from severe fear of flying, you should ask for a seat over the wings of the aircraft at check-in. Here you can feel the movements of the aircraft least. The staff will tell you the gate from which your plane will take off.

The security check follows the check-in. Pay attention to the signs here and have your boarding pass and ID ready to hand. Remove all metal objects (e.g. B. Keys, mobile phone and belt), as well as jacket, scarf, hat etc. and put everything in a designated tub. Your hand luggage will be screened and checked for dangerous or prohibited items. If you find prohibited items in the baggage you have to hand them in now. Then you step through a scanner. If an alarm sounds, an airport employee will examine you and your clothing more closely with a hand-held scanner.

If you leave the EU, the next step is passport control. Your passport will be examined carefully and you will officially leave the country Germany the end. Due to the freedom of movement within the EU, this step does not apply to EU-wide goals. Now you can take your time to look around the airport until you have to go to the gate to board. The gate number is on the boarding card, which also shows the exact time at which boarding starts. You should be ready to board at the gate by this time at the latest. It is advisable to be at the gate a quarter of an hour in advance of the first flight.

Direct yourself bespecially if you are afraid of flying in the shops from, um to pass the time until boarding. You have the option of "Duty Free Shops "to purchase duty-free goods and take them with you on the plane. These products are exempt from taxpayers' money and duties, as you purchase them between the German customs office and that of your travel destination.

On board the aircraft

At the gate and when entering the aircraft, the flight attendants will be happy to help you find your seat. The seat number is on the boarding pass. You can stow your hand luggage in front of you under the seat of the person in front of you or in one of the compartments above the seats. Once boarding has been completed, the flight attendants inform all passengers about the procedures and what to do in emergency situations.

The start is often the most uncomfortable moment for people who are afraid of flying, as the loss of control that feels is particularly high. here we can Breathing techniques and autogenic training be very helpful. S.For example, consciously tense certain muscles in order to consciously release the tension after a few deep breaths. In addition, take any form of distraction with you on the plane that is good for you and with which you are familiar. My favorite music, which I listen to before and after take-off and landing, helps me. All electronic devices must be completely switched off during take-off and landing. After the aircraft has taken off, you can use your mobile phone in flight mode until the landing approach.

If you suffer from severe fear of flying, you should preferably fly with a trusted person on your first flight. A nice companion who already has flight experience and takes your fears seriously is the best way to calm you down. Personally, I've often flown alone and had one or two moments of panic during turbulence. It helped a lot to have a conversation with the people sitting next to me as a distraction. If you are afraid of flying, trust the board staff in good time. They will be trained to stand by your side and take your fears seriously. Let the staff explain all processes and noises to you, so you won't panic as quickly.

On my first flight I got so nervous that I didn't want to touch the food on board. However, eating is a good technique to prevent anxiety-related nausea. Otherwise, the blood sugar level may drop sharply, making the nausea worse. Eating also signals to the body that everything is fine, which reduces the body's responses. For this reason, if you don't like the plane meal, you should have some snacks ready.
When landing, it can happen that there is a slight feeling of pressure on the ears. I still remember my first long-haul flight and the unfamiliar pulling in the ear canal. In such cases, equalize the pressure by taking a deep breath, then holding your nose and pressing your breath against your blocked nose. Alternatively, you can chew gum or actively suck a candy.

When the aircraft has landed, you can buckle up until the seat belt symbol has gone out. Then, unbuckle your seatbelt and open the hatch to collect your carry-on baggage. You run to passport control together with all other passengers. Here you will get a stamp and a tourist visa in your passport, depending on the country of entry. Next, follow the signs to the baggage claim area where you will in the Nnormal case a little later IMr Luggage on one Fundingand find. With the suitcase you pass the customs control and you are allowed to leave the airport.