The Ultimate Guide to Air Travel Process

✈️ Traveling in an aeroplane can be an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming with all the steps involved. Whether you're taking a direct flight or have a layover, here's a step-by-step guide to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Ticket Booking

Congratulations on booking your flight tickets! Now that you have your travel plans in place, it's time to prepare for your journey. Whether you booked directly through the airline's website or used a travel booking platform, here’s what to do next.

Web Check-in

Before heading to the airport, take advantage of web check-in. By checking in online, you can select your seat, pre-book your meals & confirm the flight details.

• This is an optional step but if done saves time at the airport.

🔰 DEPARTURE PHASE OF YOUR TRAVEL BEGINS

Reaching the Airport

Aim to reach the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight. If you’re taking a domestic flight, 2 hours should suffice. Use a reliable mode of transport, whether it's a cab, public transport, or a friend's drop-off.

Airport Entry

Say goodbye to the people who accompanied you for the drop-off as they’ll have to return from here. Most modern airports have well-curated spaces like waiting areas, cafes, photo spots, etc., for people to spend time during drop-off.

• Do not spend much time outside the airport; there are many processes to complete inside before you take off.
• Only passengers with valid flight tickets can enter the airport.

Following documents are required at the entrance:

1. Flight Details
   • Ticket OR Boarding Pass (if web check-in is already done)
   • Physical prints not mandatory. You can show the ticket/boarding pass on the mobile devices.
2. Identity Proof
   • For international flight, original passport is mandatory.
   • For domestic flight, any government issued identity cards are accepted like Aadhar Card, National ID Card, Driving Licence, etc.

In some countries, security personnel may check your baggage at this point.

Check-in

Lets clear a few basic terminology:

• Check-in Luggage : These are the bags you deposit with the airline. They are transported in the luggage section of the aircraft and returned to you at your destination.
• Carry-on Luggage OR Cabin Bags : These are the bags you carry with yourself throughout the airport process & during the flight. You can keep these bags in the cabins above your seats or under the seat in front of you.

Upon entering the airport, the first set of counters you’ll see are the check-in counters. Usually, each airline has its own section, so head to your airline's counter to drop off your checked luggage.

• You can skip this step if you don’t have any luggage to be deposited & have already done web check-in.

Some airports might have check-in kiosk/machines. These can be used incase you had skipped the web check-in. You can select your seats & other preferences in here as well.

Finally, you get in a queue (if any) to drop-off your luggage at the check-in counter.

During this process, you'll again need the same documents that were required during airport entry. The representative at the counter will assign your seat (if not done earlier) & provide you the boarding pass. Incase of connecting flights from the same airlines, they might give you the boarding pass of both the flights. They’ll also tag your check-in luggage and collect it for transport in the aircraft's luggage compartment.

• 📌 Tip : Make sure to ask them to apply “Fragile” stickers, if you bags contains some fragile items & needs to be handled carefully.
• A copy of the luggage tag would be given to you. In most cases, the representative pastes the tag on the back of the boarding pass. This tag would only be required in case the luggage gets misplaced.

Luggage allowances can vary depending on the airline, flight, and booking type, so ensure your luggage meets the airline's weight and size requirements.

Don’t forget to keep your essential items and valuables in your carry-on.

By the end of this step, you should be having a boarding pass in one of the following forms:

1. Digital copy on your mobile device (from web check-in).
2. Print-out of the digital copy.
3. Physical boarding pass received during the check-in at the airport.

Going forward, the barcode on the boarding pass will be required to be scanned to open all the gates.

Security Inspection

Next up, security check.

Unlike check-in counters that are specific to airlines, the security check counter are centralised. Follow the signboards directing you to::

• For domestic flight → The “Gate Number” mentioned on the on the boarding pass
• For international flight → The “Immigration” section.

In both cases, you’ll reach a section where you need to scan your boarding pass to open the gates, leading you to the security inspection area.

Once you get inside the gates, you’ll see a lot of conveyor belts. Grab some empty trays (you’ll definitely require more than 1 trays).

Remove all electronics, metal, and liquid items from your pockets and bags. Spread these items out in one tray. This includes mobiles, gadgets, batteries, coins, wallets, etc.

In another tray, place your bags, belt, and shoes (if they are bulky or contain metal parts). It's a good idea to wear easy-to-remove shoes and avoid metal accessories.

You can take as many trays as you need. Once ready, pass these trays through the scanners and walk through the metal detector.

On the other side, collect the trays that come out of the scanner. In some cases, a tray may be flagged by the scanner and sent for manual inspection. Wait near the inspection counter for the inspector to check the tray again.

They might ask you about certain items and may confiscate banned items. There is no way to get those items back. You’ll have to let go of those items if you want to board the flight.

Immigration (Departure)

After clearing security, the next step for international travellers is immigration. This process is essential for anyone leaving the country on an international flight.

Who Needs to Go Through Immigration?

Immigration is required for all passengers on international flights. This includes:

• Citizens of the country who are traveling abroad.
• Foreign nationals who have been visiting and are now departing.

The Immigration Process

1. Follow the Signs: After the security check, follow the signs directing you to the “Immigration” area. This is usually well-marked and easy to find.
2. Queue Up: Join the queue for process & please be patient as this may sometimes be time consuming. There might be separate lines for citizens and foreign nationals, so make sure you're in the correct one.
3. Documents Ready: Have your passport, boarding pass, and any required visas or travel documents ready. It’s also helpful to have your onward & return travel information ready if asked.
4. Approach the Counter: When it’s your turn, approach the immigration counter. Hand over your passport and boarding pass to the immigration officer.
5. Answer Questions: The officer may ask you a few questions about your travel plans, such as:
   • Purpose of your visit to the destination country.
   • Duration of your stay.
   • Details of your onward & return journey. In most cases, it is not mandatory to have a return ticket booked if you are having an impromptu trip. Clearly explain the officer about your situation & the trip plan.

Answer these questions clearly and confidently.

• Biometric Data: In some countries, you might be asked to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints or a photo. Follow the instructions given by the officer.
• Passport Stamping: Once the officer is satisfied with your documentation and answers, they will stamp your passport. This stamp indicates that you have been cleared for departure 👍.
• Keep Your Documents Safe: Collect your passport and documents, making sure everything is in order. Keep them safe and easily accessible as you’ll need your passport again when you arrive at your destination.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully cleared immigration and are now ready to proceed to the boarding gate.

Pre-boarding

After clearing immigration, you’ll find yourself in the departure area, also known as the airside. This is where the excitement starts building up as you get closer to your flight time.

1. Check Your Gate and Boarding Time

• Locate Your Gate: Check the departure boards for your gate number and boarding time. These can sometimes change, so keep an eye on the screens.
• Boarding Pass Ready: Have your boarding pass handy. You’ll need to scan it to enter the boarding area.

2. Explore the Terminal

• Duty-Free Shopping: If you have some time before boarding, explore the duty-free shops. You can find great deals on electronics, perfumes, and souvenirs.
• Food and Drinks: Grab a bite to eat or enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the terminal. Just be mindful of the boarding time.

3. Relax and Recharge

• Lounge Access: If you have access to an airport lounge (through your ticket class or a membership), this is a great place to relax. Lounges offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks and drinks.
• Charging Stations: Use the charging stations available throughout the terminal to ensure your devices are fully charged before your flight.

4. Final Preparations

• Restrooms: Visit the restroom before boarding, as it might take a while before the seatbelt sign is turned off after take-off.
• Water Bottle: Fill up your water bottle at a water fountain or purchase a bottle of water. Staying hydrated is essential for a comfortable flight.

Remember modern airport terminals are huge with many facilities for travellers. Try not to get too engrossed and risk missing your flight. Make sure to reach the boarding gate at least 30-45 minutes before the flight departure time, or at least stay within visible distance of your boarding gate.

By staying organized and relaxed, you can make the most of your pre-boarding time.

Boarding

Now that you’re all set and waiting near your gate, it’s time to board the plane. This process ensures everyone gets on the flight in an orderly manner.

1. Boarding Calls

• Pay Attention: Airlines usually board in groups or zones, so listen carefully for your group/zone to be called before heading to the gate.
• Silent Airports: Note that not all airports have announcement systems. These are silent airports, so keep an eye on the screens for updates.
• Gate Changes: Be alert for any last-minute gate changes and head to the new gate promptly if needed.

2. Prepare Your Documents

• Boarding Pass: Have your boarding pass ready. Whether it’s digital or physical, you’ll need to scan it to board the plane.
• ID Proof: Keep your ID handy as some airlines may ask for it again during boarding.

3. Join the Queue

• Stay Calm: Boarding can be a bit hectic, but staying calm and patient makes it smoother for everyone.
• Follow Instructions: Listen to the gate agents and follow their instructions for a quick and efficient boarding process.

4. Board the Plane

• Find Your Seat: Once on board, locate your seat as per the seat number on your boarding pass. If you need help, the flight attendants are there to assist.
• Store Your Bags: Place your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Remember to keep your essential items within easy reach.
• Settle In: Get comfortable, fasten your seatbelt, and follow any further instructions from the flight crew.

By staying organized and attentive, you can ensure a smooth boarding process. Soon, you’ll be settled in and ready for take-off!

Take-off

Once everyone is on board and seated, it’s almost time for take-off. This phase can be thrilling, especially if you’re excited about your journey ahead.

1. Final Preparations

• Safety Demonstration: Pay attention to the flight attendants as they go through the safety demonstration. It covers important information on seat belts, emergency exits, and oxygen masks.
• Electronic Devices: Switch off or set your electronic devices to airplane mode as instructed by the crew.
• Seat Belts: Ensure your seat belt is fastened securely. You might need to adjust it to be snug but comfortable.

2. Taxiing

• Waiting to Take Off: The plane will taxi to the runway, which might take a few minutes. During this time, remain seated with your seat belt fastened.
• Announcements: The captain will make an announcement about the flight path, expected weather conditions, and estimated arrival time.

3. Take Off

• Engines Roaring: You’ll hear the engines powering up as the plane starts accelerating down the runway. This can be loud but is completely normal.
• Lift-Off: The nose of the plane will lift first, followed by the rest of the aircraft. You might feel a slight pressure pushing you back into your seat as the plane ascends.
• Views: If you have a window seat, enjoy the view as the ground gets smaller and the sky opens up.

4. Initial Climb

• Seat Belt Sign: The seat belt sign will stay on until the plane reaches cruising altitude. Stay seated with your seat belt fastened until the sign is turned off.
• Cabin Crew: The cabin crew will be seated and secured during take-off, but they will start moving around once it’s safe.

Remember:

• Stay Calm: If you’re nervous about flying, try some deep breathing exercises or focus on a book or movie.
• Ear Pressure: To alleviate ear pressure, have a chewing gum or use earplugs designed for flying.

Take-off is just the beginning of your journey. Once the plane reaches cruising altitude, you can relax and enjoy the flight.

Flight Mode

Once the plane has reached cruising altitude, it's time to settle in and enjoy your flight. Whether it's a short trip or a long-haul journey, making the most of your time on the plane can enhance your travel experience.

• Stay Hydrated: Airplane cabins can be quite dry, so drink water regularly. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you. Flight attendants are available to provide water upon request.
• In-Flight Assistance: Use the call button to summon flight attendants for any assistance or services you may need during the flight.
• Rest and Relaxation: If your flight is long enough, try to get some sleep. Use an eye mask and earplugs to block out light and noise. Consider bringing an inflatable neck pillow for added comfort.
• Entertainment: Download movies or shows to your mobile device before the flight for offline entertainment. This ensures you have entertainment options throughout the flight.
• Food and Beverages: Depending on your ticket, complimentary snacks and meals may be provided. If not, you can purchase items onboard in either your home currency or the destination currency. Bringing your own snacks is also a good idea.
• Stay Active: On long flights, it’s important to stretch and move around. Take walks up and down the aisle to keep your blood circulating. Simple in-seat exercises like ankle circles and leg lifts can also help you stay comfortable.

Remember:

• Safety First: Follow the seatbelt sign and remain seated during turbulence or as instructed by the crew.
• Respect Fellow Passengers: Be mindful of fellow passengers by keeping noise levels low and respecting personal space.

By utilising onboard amenities and staying comfortable, you can make your flight time pleasant and enjoyable. Before you know it, you’ll be preparing for landing at your destination.

🔰 ARRIVAL PHASE OF YOUR TRAVEL BEGINS

Touch-down/Landing

As your flight nears its destination, the anticipation of arriving at your destination grows. Landing is the beginning of the final phase of your journey.

1. Preparation for Landing

• Seat Upright and Seat Belt Fastened: Ensure your seat is in the upright position and your seat belt is securely fastened as the plane prepares to land.
• Stow Your Tray Table and Belongings: Put away your tray table, store any loose items, and secure your carry-on luggage either in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

2. Arrival Announcements

• Announcements: Listen to announcements from the captain or crew regarding the landing procedure, local time, and weather conditions at your destination.
• Cabin Crew Instructions: Follow any instructions given by the cabin crew, such as turning off electronic devices or preparing for disembarkation.

3. Views of the Destination

• Window Views: If you have a window seat, enjoy the views of the city or landscape as the plane descends.

Remember:

• Remain Calm: Some passengers may feel slight pressure changes during descent.
• Stay Seated: Stay seated with your seatbelt fastened until the plane has come to a complete stop at the gate and the seatbelt sign is turned off.

Prepare for the next phase of your journey as the plane touches down at your destination.

De-board

It’s time to get off the plane.

De-boarding can take some time, especially on larger aircraft. Remain patient and courteous to fellow passengers and crew members.

Once you get de-board the airplane, you’ll have to walk past the other aircrafts exit gates towards one of the following:

• For international flights: Walk towards the Immigration section.
• For domestic flights: Walk towards the luggage collection belt section.

Immigration (Arrival)

After de-boarding your international flight, head towards the immigration section to officially enter the destination country.

This process is the similar to the immigration process that you had followed during the departure phase.

The only additional document that you’ll require here would be the Visa. There can be one of the following cases for Visa:

1. You have a valid Visa of the destination country.
2. You have an e-Visa of the the destination country.
3. The destination country offers, Visa-on-Arrival (VoA).

In case of Visa-on-Arrival, you’ll need to fill a form & make the visa payment in the destination country currency.

Once you have a valid Visa, you can proceed for the immigration process. Similar to the immigration on departure, you may be asked to some questions & show few documents. Once the immigration officer is satisfied, he’ll stamp your passport with the entry stamp, indicating official entry into the country.

Shopping (Optional)

Most airports have shopping section between immigration and baggage claim. If you have time, you can pick up last-minute items or souvenirs.

There are duty free shops available specially for international travellers. If you are planning to buy alcohol from these duty free shops, make sure to purchase only upto the permissible limit of the destination country. The sales representatives would be available to help you out to know the limits. For example, In India, you are allowed to purchase upto 2 litres of alcohol per passenger from the duty free section.

Luggage Collection

Finally it’s time to collect your checked-in luggage.

For transit passengers this step may be skipped depending on the type of the booking, airline & the airport. Continue reading, if this is your final destination or your booking has self-transfer during transit.

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

• Follow the signs directing you to the baggage claim area. These are usually well-marked and easy to find.
• Check the information screens to find the carousel/belt number assigned to your flight. In most cases, you will be informed the belt number by the flight staff while de-boarding itself.
• Carousels/belts can take some time to start delivering luggage, especially on larger flights.
• Once the luggage starts to flow in, identify & pick you bags. It would be better if you had marked the bags with some unique identifiers like ribbons or stickers for quick identification as there would be cases of multiple bags that looks identical.
• Before moving ahead, double-check that the bag is yours by matching the tag on it with the tag that you got while you deposited the luggage during departure.
• If your luggage doesn’t arrive, go to the airline’s lost luggage counter in the baggage claim area. Provide them with your baggage claim tag and flight information. The airline will assist you in locating or compensating for your lost luggage.

Let’s move ahead with you & your luggage to the next section.

Customs Clearance

This step is only for incoming international flights.

After collecting your luggage, the next step is to clear customs. This process ensures that you are not bringing any prohibited or restricted items into the country.

• Follow the signs directing you to the customs area. This is usually located just beyond the baggage claim area.
• Customs Declaration: If you were given a customs declaration form on the plane, make sure it is filled out and ready to present. Some countries use electronic declaration systems, so follow the instructions provided.
• Custom lanes are usually divided into the 2 categories:
  • Green Lane: If you have nothing to declare, proceed to the green lane. This means you are not carrying any items that need to be declared or are subject to duty.
  • Red Lane: If you have items to declare, proceed to the red lane. This includes goods over the duty-free allowance, large sums of cash, or restricted/prohibited items.
• If you are travelling for tourism purpose, in most cases, there won’t be anything to declare & you should be able to move ahead smoothly.
• Customs officers may ask to inspect your luggage. Be cooperative and honestly answer any questions they may have.
• If you are carrying any items that need to be declared, present them to the customs officer along with your declaration form.
• Be aware of the restricted and prohibited items for the country you are entering. This can include certain foods, plants, animal products, and large quantities of currency.
• Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid fines or confiscation of items.

With customs cleared, you're now officially in the country. The next steps will depend on whether you have a connecting flight or if you’re heading out of the airport. We’ll cover these in the following sections.

Luggage Check-in for Transit Flights

If you have a connecting flight, you might need to check-in your luggage again.

This process ensures your bags are transferred to your next flight seamlessly.

Transit Area: Follow the signs directing you to the transit or transfer area. This is usually well-marked and easy to find.

Find the check-in counters or baggage drop-off points for your next flight. Some airports have dedicated counters for transit passengers.

Ensure your luggage meets the weight and size requirements for the next flight. Different airlines may have different allowances.

The airline staff will attach new baggage tags to your luggage and provide you with a copy of the new tag/claim receipts.

Confirm with the airline staff that your luggage is correctly tagged and will be transferred to your next flight. This is especially important if you’re switching airlines.

With your luggage checked in for the next leg of your journey, you're ready to proceed to the next step, which might include switching terminals or heading to your boarding gate.

• NOTE : If your booking is based on Self-transfer, this process may not be applicable to you & you may have to carry your luggage with you to repeat the departure process again for the next flight.

Switch Terminals (if needed)

In some cases, your connecting flight may depart from a different terminal. Here’s how to handle switching terminals smoothly:

Terminal Directions: Look for signs directing you to the appropriate terminal for your next flight. Airports usually have clear signage and maps to help you navigate.

Inter-Terminal Transport: Many large airports provide shuttle buses or trains to transport passengers between terminals. Follow the signs to the designated pick-up points.

Check Frequency: Note the frequency and schedule of the shuttles or trains to plan your transfer time effectively.

Allow Extra Time: Switching terminals can take extra time, so ensure you have enough time between flights to make the transfer. It's better to allow more time than to rush.

Once you reach the new terminal, you're one step closer to your next flight. The next section will cover repeating the departure process for transit flights.

Repeat Departure Process Again

If you’re on a connecting flight, especially with a self-transfer, you may need to repeat the departure process. Here’s how to navigate this smoothly:

1. Entry to new terminal: This step is the same as the airport entry step mentioned above. The only difference being the boarding pass or the ticket should be of the next connecting flight.
2. Check-In: In case of booking with self-checkin, repeat the luggage check-in step as done in the first leg of your journey. This step also needs to be done, if you do not already have boarding pass for the upcoming leg.
   • By the end of this step, you should be having the boarding pass of the next flight.
   • Make sure to know the gates number of the flight before you proceed ahead as the boarding pass that you might have may not have it printed on it.
3. Security Inspection: This step would be the same as that of the first leg of your journey.
4. Immigration: This would be required only if the transit airport is in the 3rd country (ie. a country apart from the home & the destination country).

Other process from boarding again till you exit from the airport would remain the same, click here to read through the repeated process.

Exit from Airport

After a long journey, you’ve finally arrived at your destination.

Finally, head to the exit. Follow the signs to the airport exits, ground transportation, or meeting points. Depending on your plans, you can choose from various transportation options such as taxis, rideshares, airport shuttles, or public transport.

Remember:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings as you navigate through the busy airport.
• If you need local currency, look for ATMs or currency exchange counters in the arrivals area.
• Make sure that your mobile network switch is fully functional before you head out of the airport. You’ll need mobile network for various purpose hence forth & to stay connected with your loved once.
• Use airport information desks for any queries or assistance you might need.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated through the entire air travel process. Enjoy your stay and safe travels.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Pack Smart: Keep essentials like a change of clothes, medications, and important documents in your carry-on.
• Stay Connected: Download travel apps for real-time flight updates and airport maps.
• Comfort First: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, especially for long flights.
• Stay Hydrated: Airplane cabins can be dry, so drink plenty of water.
• Be Polite: Airport staff are there to help you, so a little patience and politeness go a long way.

Share this with your travel partners & keep following Tripsaga.