Worrying about your first time flying? We’ll help you have a relaxed experience.
This is your first time flying, and it is making you nervous, even after booking with the best airfare in
Air India airlines. What should you be doing, do you need the shampoo to be packed in carry on or checked baggage, will the staff allow you to take a pair of scissors on board, etc. are taking free space in your mind. And you’re getting white hairs from all the thinking! Oh no! Take a breath. Relax. We’re here to guide you through what generally occurs, so you become a pro at dealing with the situations practically. Go through the following tips to ensure an easy experience for yourself.
General Tips
- Do NOT forget to bring your air tickets. It will be checked by the security staff at the entrance of the terminal building. If you have an e- ticket, you need to bring a printed itinerary along with a photo ID like a government issued photo ID, driving license, PAN card with photo, passport, credit card with photo etc.
- If you have a medical implant or any other device that is likely to set off the alarm on the metal detector, try to bring evidence verifying it. While this isn’t absolutely necessary, it helps to accelerate the screening process.
- Take note of prohibited items and remove them from your carry- on baggage or on person. Pocket knives, metal scissors with pointed tips (metal or plastic scissors with blunt tips are permitted) and tools are prime examples of what cannot be carried. Double check the lists for Liquid, Aerosols & Gels, Dangerous Goods & Restricted Items, Valuable Articles, and Prohibited Articles to understand what can & can’t be placed and where.
- You need to be aware of any suspicious activity happening in and around your surroundings. Contact Airport Security if you are concerned about an unattended item or suspicious activity in and around any facility.
Baggage Tips
Instead of being inconvenienced about luggage, it is best to leave them properly packed and tagged. These tips will keep you prepared.
- Know what you’re packing in your luggage, and don’t pack valuable items in your check- in baggage.
- Know the allowance for free checked baggage. Items over the allowance for free baggage will be charged as excess baggage.
- Label your bags using tags with name, contact number & address. If there are tags & labels from previous journeys, remove it all.
- Know about hang baggage/ carryon allowance beforehand and the restrictions on what can be carried in it before packing the bag.
- Medication, important documents, valuable items and cash should always be carried in your carryon baggage.
- For security or local customs reasons, you may be needed to identify or claim your baggage at the connecting point.
- If you’re carrying arms and explosive substances, ensure you declare it before checking- in. Concealment is an offense under legal laws.
- Battery cells in the electronic/ electrical devices are permissible and will not be removed at the security point. However, loose battery cells/ dry cells that are carried in the hand baggage are likely to be removed and the airlines are not liable to hand it over at the destination. If you’re carrying those, pack it in the checked baggage.
- Before approaching check- in counters, you might be required to screen baggage through the X-ray machine that is operated by security personnel.
- Do not leave your baggage unobserved/ unattended as it may be removed by the airport security staff on grounds of object of suspicion.
Important Tips
- All passengers are subject to a security screening before on- boarding an airplane.
- Identity and tickets are checked at the time of entering the Terminal Counter/ Building.
- Checked luggage is screened through an X- ray machine. However, random physical checks are also carried out additionally.
- Hand baggage is X- ray screened and all passengers are required to undergo personal frisking before entering the pre- boarding sterile area.
- In cases where a passenger is brought out of Security Hold Area for emergencies/ exigencies after the completion of security check, they are issued a new boarding card in place of the old boarding card, and will be subject to security check again.
Handy Tips
- Put a bright colored ribbon or big colorful tag on your luggage to make it easily identifiable, deter others from mistaking it for their own, and prevent thievery.
- In the overhead locker, put your bag upside down with pockets covered so it’s less accessible.
- Store the bag near you, preferably where you can see it.
- If possible, bury your wallet and valuables deep in your carryon, inside something else, or you can opt for a portable travel safe bag.
While it’s likely you may face unprecedented situations, we hope this guide sorts you out with the basics. Happy flying!