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Tips for First-Time Flyers in Europe

Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It covers the earth’s land area of around 6.8%, making it the second-smallest continent compared to a list of seven continents. There are also many of the busiest airports in Europe. Be sure to check out this detailed list of the Best and Worst Airports in Europe before your next trip. 

If you are flying for the first time on the airline, this life-changing experience may bring anxiety and excitement simultaneously. While it can be stressful if you do not follow the necessary requirements, we have provided a list of essential tips for all first-time flyers in Europe.

Make a Checklist for the Airline’s Luggage Requirements

Before you take your flight, you must review the luggage requirements. Go through size and weight restrictions as well as baggage fees. If you are carrying bulky luggage, you will have to pay for it. Also, if your baggage is heavier than usual, you will have to pay higher amounts. There can be a chance that you over pack your luggage. Preparing will help you avoid such surprises and hurdles at the airport.

Keep Your Essentials in Your Carry-on

Although you are allowed to check your prescriptions, medicines, contacts, glasses, and important paperwork, you should probably put them in your carry-on bag. This will avoid the chances of missing important things. Also, if you are carrying laptops, hand cameras, headphones, or books for entertainment purposes, make sure you go through the Transportation Security Administration’s rules for what you can pack.

Try to Reach the Airport At least Two Hours Early

Catching a plane isn’t like catching a bus; indeed, it is a much longer process that is bound with restrictions at each step involving the security checking for luggage, extra baggage, fee structure for pets and their transportation, etc. If you are travelling on domestic airlines, it is better to arrive two hours earlier, and for international flights, you can reach the airport at least three hours earlier, but make sure to check the airport’s website, as you may need even more time with recent delays.

Keep your Identification Card, Passport or License Handy

Decades ago, airport security was relatively lenient, and you could go through the gate by just giving a review of your passport or any ID proof. Nowadays, you are required to show your passport or any ID proof like a driving license to the security check [including the metal detection security check] as soon as you step into the airport.

Do Not Get Irritated If You are Asked to Remove Your Shoes and Other Wearable Items

Going through the security checks at the airport can be stressful, and the security guards may ask you to:

• Remove your shoes (for those who are above 12 and below 75)
• Empty the contents of your pockets and remove the metallic or heavy things like wallets, jackets, belts, bulky jewellery, etc. 
• Remove the laptop and liquids from your bag, send these items through a metal detector machine and go through the screening process and later collect them after getting everything checked.

Respect other Passengers and their Space

You are not the only one who is travelling to the airport or on airlines. You may somehow irritate another person with smelly food, chit-chatting on the phone, or loud music. Try to maintain distance and respect the person’s space [sitting next to you].

What if You Miss Your Flight?

There can be a chance of this as a worst-case scenario. You may get stuck in heavy traffic or may get delayed by other issue to cause you to reach the airport late. Also, there can be unavoidable circumstances that you may miss your flight because of all these bad happenings. So, be prepared with your backup plan. Go through the guidelines of the airport; it is said, if you contact the airport authority within a couple of hours after missing the flight, you may be able to get another flight without any charge.