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advice
17/f
I'm traveling by myself for the first time in about a week, taking an airplane to New Jersey. I've been going there every summer since I was little, but never by myself, and to be honest, I never really paid attention. So, this is gonna sound dumb, but...
- What's the order of things that I do (check in, security, etc- where do I go?)
- Any other tips, I'm kind of nervous that I'm gonna get lost or miss my flight or something
It's United, if that makes a difference.
First, you check in. This is the stage where you get your boarding pass, which you'll need to actually get past the security checkpoint(s) and on to your plane. I don't know if United offers it, but ExpressJet (Whom I fly with twice a week) let you check in online and print out your boarding pass. On a small side note, if you see a small "SSS" printed somewhere on your boarding pass, expect to be pulled aside during security for additional inspection. Don't be nervous, the system is supposedly random.
After that, there is usually a small checkpoint where the verify your boarding pass against an ID like a drivers licence, to make sure you really are the person who is buying the ticket.
After this comes security. Make sure you don't have any kind of makeup or hairgel or anything similar in your carry-on luggage, since it'll get confiscated and/or thrown out. Obviously leave any knives, guns, or bombs you have at home. Plan your wardrobe carefully; I usually wear a studded belt and I have to take it off every time I go through the metal detector, and you will be expected to take your shoes off at security. Speaking of which, try not to carry too much spare change or other junk going in. You'll be asked to present your boarding pass again, and if you have a small "SSS" printed on it, you'll be pulled aside for additional screening.
After this, you should go to the gate printed on your boarding pass. Chances are, unless you were delayed for a while someplace or you left late, you should be fairly early and your plane won't be boarding yet. If that's the case, feel free to wander around for a bit. I don't know where you're flying out of, but most airports will have a few resturants or some fast food and maybe a bookstore or two. Be sure NOT to go back outside of security! It's very important that you don't, since you'll have to go through the entire process all over again, and chances are they won't let you back in.
As a general rule of thumb, any given plane begins boarding about half an hour before it actually takes off, and you're going to want to give yourself a little extra time in case you hit traffic going to the airport or something, so try to aim for being 45 minutes to an hour early.
Most important of all, relax. You'll be fine, your flight will go as planned, and you'll have a great time.
(Rating: 5) thank you so much!