fly alone

Traveling can be extremely stressful, particularly for those flying alone for the first time. Airports can be crowded and overwhelming, with numerous tasks to complete in a limited timeframe. Sometimes, a girl’s first flying experience might indeed be a solo trip. Here are some helpful tips for navigating the airport when embarking on your first solo journey.

Navigating Airport Sizes

Some airports are small, while others are huge. For example, the Dallas/Fort Worth airport is roughly the same size as Manhattan. This can mean that you’re going to have to go across the entire airport to get to your flight. The night before your flight leaves, get on the internet and Google a map of the airport. You may not know the exact gate that your flight will be at, but you’ll at least have a general idea of where to go when you do know.

Dress for Comfort and Style

Wear something comfortable. This doesn’t mean you have to look like a bum, but don’t show up looking like you’re headed straight to your best friend’s bachelorette party either. Nobody wants to trek across Timbaktu in pumps.

Pack Smart and Early

There’s nothing worse than trying pack for a trip 3 hours before your flight leaves. Also be careful not to over pack. Trust me, a girl needs options. But figure out outfits that you can mix and match throughout your trip. If you can fit everything into one small to medium sized bag, then you may not even have to check a bag. Vera Bradley’s large duffel is seriously the perfect size, I use mine all the time when I travel.

Check-in and Boarding Passes

Ensure you check in for your flight within 24 hours of departure. You can do this through the airline’s website, or they might email you a check-in link. Many airlines also allow you to print your boarding pass. If you don’t have any bags to check, this lets you bypass a step in the process, potentially saving you a significant amount of time.

Timely Airport Arrival

Arrive at the airport about 2 hours before your flight departure. This should give you plenty of time to get checked in and through security. Be mindful of the fact that boarding will start about 30 minutes before departure.

Have an Airport Game Plan

Since you’ve scoped out the airport already, have a game plan. If you’re hungry, figure out exactly what you want so you can get it and not waste time contemplating. Be sure that you know exactly what gate your flight is at and make sure you continue to check it up until your departure. Gates can change which may mean you could end up on the complete opposite side of the airport.

Airplane Outfit Tips

While also looking cute, you also want to make sure you wear something comfortable for the airplane. Flights have a tendency to be colder, so if you’re wearing a dress, don’t be afraid to bring a cute cardigan! If you’re worried about your feet getting cold, bring socks. You can slip them on and relax and nobody will notice besides the people sitting next to you. If you’re traveling alone, chances are you don’t know them and won’t ever see them again anyway.

In-Flight Entertainment

Bring things to keep you occupied. Flights can be super boring especially if it’s over 2 hours. Find a good book or magazine. Most airports have a convenience store that you can stop in pre-flight to grab some drinks, snacks, and good reading material.

Stay Safe and Alert

Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings. There are a lot of people in airports. Chances are, people will notice that you are traveling alone. If you’re buried in your iPhone while walking through the terminal, this gives people the perfect opportunity to steal something of yours or even worse, steal you. Personally, I keep my phone right in my hand that way if somethings happens, I can immediately call someone for help if I need to. The most important part of traveling is traveling safely and arriving at your destination.

What do you think?

Have you traveled before? Do you travel often? What tips would you give to someone flying for the first time, whether with someone or alone? Leave your comments in the box below!

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