Traveling alone can be scary, but you do feel more comfortable and confident once you have done it. Here are all of my best tips for flying alone for the first time.
I remember the first time I flew alone. It was only my second flight ever and I was 25 years old! It’s crazy to think how many flights and countries I have visited over the past 7 years since. Along the way, I have flown solo many times whether for work or leisure and am here to share all of my advice with you.
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How do you go through the airport alone for the first time?
First, I want to start with the airport process before diving into all the tips and tricks for flying alone for the first time. Navigating the airport can be the most daunting part, so allow me to walk you through the process and everything you need to know if it’s your first time.
How to Navigate the Airport – a step-by-step analysis
- Check in online 24 hours in advance and pick your seats
- Arrive at the airport two hours early – Uber or map out where you will park in advance. You can find parking info on the airports website.
- If checking a bag, visit your airline counter to check in your bag. Proceed straight to security if not checking a bag.
- Go through security check point – you will need to present your boarding pass and identification
- Proceed to the security line. They will let you know the procedure of what needs to come off or be removed from your bags. Typically you will be asked to remove shoes, belt, jacket, take liquids out of carryon, remove laptop, remove any electronics larger than iPhone. Use the plastic bins to hold these items and your purse/personal items. Your suitcase can typically go on the table without a bin, but they will let you know.
- Make sure your items go into the scanner from the conveyor belt then get in the line for the metal detector.
- You will likely be good to go, but the agent will let you know. Sometimes they may wand you or check for things – sometimes jewelry or a hair clip will pick up.
- Collect your items and get out of the way. You can put your shoes back on and repack your things once you step aside.
- Read the signs to locate your gate and wait for boarding. They typically begin boarding 45 minutes before a flight and cutoff 15 minutes before your departure time.
- Wait for your group to be called and proceed to the boarding line. You can find this on your boarding pass.
- Show boarding pass to gate agent, you typically scan it yourself. Proceed to board the plane.
- Locate your seat and put your big carryon in the overhead bin and your smaller personal item under the seat in front of you. Pro tip: It’s best to have your hands free for this. I would have your phone in a pocket and no drinks, food, etc in hand so you are more efficient.
- Sit, buckle up, watch the safety demo, and wait for take off!
30 Helpful Tips for Flying Alone for the First Time
Every tip for flying alone for the first time! I’m sharing everything from pre-planning, to security, to boarding, to entertaining yourself, and arrival best practices.
1. Over prepare
If you are flying alone for the first time, it is important to be over prepared. You will likely feel more comfortable when you are in control and know exactly what to expect. You are off to a great start reading this post and I’m sure doing alllll the research!
2. Book an early morning flight
I find it best to book an early morning flight especially when traveling alone. In the event of delays or cancellation, you will likely have more options to get on an a later flight if needed. When traveling alone, this will save you a headache of being stuck somewhere late at night with no options and possibly needing to find a hotel.
3. Share travel plans with family or friends
Make sure your emergency contacts, family or friends, know your plans. Send them your flight information in advance along with your hotel name and address. Of course, you can still text and keep them updated, but someone needs to know where you are expected to be and when! When I am alone, I always share my Uber rides with my husband so he can track me.
4. Plan your arrival procedures
Make sure you plan what to do once you arrive. Book a hotel that is close to the airport or close to the things you plan on seeing and doing. When alone, it is nice to be in walking distance or have things close by if you want to order delivery!
5. Arrange transfers in advance or have a plan
Make a plan for once you arrive to your destination airport. Will you find an uber/taxi or arrange transportation in advance through your hotel? Does your hotel have a shuttle? Have an idea of how you will get where you are going safely!
6. Have your hotel address handy
This sounds obvious, but make sure you have the address of your accommodations! If taking a taxi, the drivers do not always know where to go based on your hotel’s name alone. Make it easier for everyone by having the name and address. Take it further and know what things are nearby if you need to help your driver.
7. Know the connecting airport layouts
I like to know the layouts of my airports especially for a connecting flight. Will I need to take a bus or tram to reach my next gate? Do I have enough time? Having an idea in advance will prepare you for navigating a new airport or one with poor signage.
8. Take snacks and know your meal options at connecting airports
Part of knowing the layout for me, is also knowing a few places where I can find a meal. You can visit the airport’s website or use your airline’s app to peruse options. A quick google search will also usually pull up a blog post on restaurant options too.
Also, I like to pack plenty of snacks incase there are not good options or things are closed. It’s also great to bring snacks on the flight so you don’t go hungry!
9. Locate lounges in advance and access requirements
Do you have a long layover? Find the lounges and their costs in case you want to find a nice place to relax, work, shower, etc. Depending on the airport, there are usually lounges for airlines like Delta or United and also for credit card holders like the Capital One lounges.
10. Download airline app and have login details
Download your airlines app a few days before take off. I also like to save my login details to a note on my phone incase I get logged out. You will have access to a wealth of information like tracking your aircraft and be able to make changes. The app also provides your boarding passes, airport diagrams, and access to search alternative flights.
11. Check in online
You can check in for your flight online 24 hours before your departure time. If you have downloaded the app already, check-in there. Save the boarding passes to your wallet on your phone for easy access. You can also screenshot the passes as well.
Once you have your boarding passes, you can proceed straight to security on the day of your flight.
12. Choose your seats wisely
When booking or checking in for your flight, you should have the option to choose seats. Choose wisely! Do you want middle seat, window seat, or the aisle seat? The emergency exit row is always nice to get more leg room if you are comfortable assisting in the event of an emergency. I also try to sit close to the front, but maybe you like the back or want to be close to a restroom.
13. Be aware of tight connections
Usually the airlines won’t let you book a really tight connection, but if your flight gets delayed you may have to run to make your next flight. Keep an eye on your layover time and make sure you know what gate you will arrive to and the next you will depart from. You can access this information in the airline app, but watch for any gate changes, too.
14. Arrive to the airport early
Now that you are prepared with pre-departure tips, moving on to a few tips for flying alone and moving through security once at the airport…
If it’s your first flight, definitely arrive to the airport early. The standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time. This will ensure you arrive in plenty of time to park, check a bag, go through security, and find your gate. Keep in mind, boarding begins 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time and ends 15 minutes before.
15. Make security easy by dressing smart and having items accessible
You will be required to remove shoes, belts, and jackets for security. I suggest wearing socks and shoes that are easy to remove.
TSA will usually require you to remove any liquids and large electronics. Have those items easily accessible so you can remove them quickly.
16. Learn TSA Requirements
When packing your bags, it is helpful to know TSA and your airline’s requirements which can be found on their websites.
Liquids are not allowed to be in bottles larger than 3oz and all liquids must fit inside a quart-sized bag. Using a ziplock bag for all of your liquids will make this easy.
Also know the sizes allowed for your carry-on bags so there are no surprises requiring you to unexpectedly check a bag.
17. Pack light and carry on if you can
I always carry-on, but this is especially important when you are alone. The last thing you want to do is lose luggage or even have to wait at baggage claim for them. You can normally bring a small rolling suitcase 22x14x9 and a small personal items such as purse, backpack, tote, laptop bag, etc.
>>Check out my review of the Monos Hybrid Carry-On – my favorite new suitcase set!
18. Keep important items in your carry on
You also need to make sure you have any important items in your carry-on and easy to reach. Think: epipens, medicine, etc. If you do check a bag, make sure any necessary or life saving items are always with YOU! This is especially important if your bag does get lost or delayed being returned to you. Trust me, you do not want to spend you vacay calling your doctor and filling prescriptions in a new place. Especially on a weekend when your doctor is probably not available!
19. Bring your chargers or battery bank
Make sure you have your phone fully charged and bring your phone charger with you for the flight. It is also wise to bring a back up battery bank for a long haul flight.
20. Good entertainment – kindle, headphones, etc
You will not have a travel companion for conversation so plan to entertain yourself. I love to bring a kindle because I have access to multiple books while saving room in my suitcase. I also recommend a good set of noise cancelling headphone to connect to inflight entertainment! See all of my travel essentials in this post.
21. Download music or books to your phone
I always forget this, but make sure you download music, shows, or audiobooks to your phone ahead of time! They will not work in the air over wifi so they will need to be downloaded first.
22. Don’t forget all travel documents
Be sure you have packed all of the important documents needed for travel like your license, passport, travel credit cards, a little cash, etc.
23. Travel insurance and health insurance
Always get travel insurance for international trips and bring a copy with you. It’s also wise to bring your health insurance cards with you on any trip in the event you get sick or injured.
24. Keep an eye on your bags while waiting at the airport
You won’t have anyone to watch your bags while you grab food or go to the restroom. Make sure you keep them with you at all time and don’t leave your bags unattended!
25. Watch for flight and gate changes
Often times, your gate or flight time will change. Keep lookout for changes on the departures flight boards at the airport or by using your airline’s app. Don’t expect to always get a text or notification. I always check my app again and again.
26. Be aware of your surroundings
Most importantly when traveling alone you need to keep your safety in mind. There is nobody else to look out for you. Always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t stare down at your phone, but instead be looking around at all times.
27. Bring a pen!
Make sure you throw a pen in your personal item. If it is an international flight, they will likely pass out forms you might need to complete for customs. They do not provide pens. Having this filled out early will allow you to move through customs much quicker.
28. Don’t overindulge on the drinks
A really important tip for flying alone. It is easy to get over served at the airport or on a flight. Since you are alone, you especially need to be cognizant and aware at all times. Drinking a little too much will lower your abilities to think quickly.
29. Baggage Claim and Tracking your Bags
If you did check a bag, you will need to head to baggage claim as you exit the airport. There are screens that should display which baggage carousel has which flight number’s luggage. Your app should also tell you.
I highly recommend tracking your bags via Apple AirTags. If the airline loses your bags, at least you will know where it is! I even put these in my carry-on in case it has to be gate checked.
30. Be Confident
Lastly, be confident in your abilities to travel solo! You’ve got this! I think you will learn a lot about yourself through your first solo flight experience and walk away feeling even more confident.
Frequently Asked Questions on Flying Solo
All your questions on flying solo, answered!
The best way to prepare for flying alone is doing the research like you already are! This blog post is the perfect way to start. Think of all the things that would make you feel more comfortable and research them. Download the airlines app, pack your carry-on with everything you must have, bring in-flight entertainment and snacks, and plan ahead for arriving to your destination.
No, flying alone is easy once you get the hang of it. I personally find it really nice to be on your own and not worry about keeping up with someone else. It can seem hard to fly by yourself, but I find it much easier once you know what you are doing. You only have to worry about yourself and your needs!
Flying alone may seem lonely, but it’s a great chance to be alone with yourself! How often do you get that time? Read a good book, watch movies, have some good snacks, do some thinking and goal setting. I thoroughly love flying and do this whether alone or with a partner there.
First time flyers need to know all of the tips for flying alone I have shared on this post. Be early, be over prepared, and be confident in yourself.
First timers should sit where they feel most comfortable. The window seat offers the chance to see outside and lean against the wall if you want to sleep. The aisle is great for a little extra space, access for getting up, and speed to get off the plan for tight connections. The middle is usually my least favorite, but it may make you feel safe.
For your first plane ride, bring all of the things that will make you comfortable. My tips for flying alone for the first time:
You will want to read through your airline’s TSA requirements to make sure you have appropriate luggage sizes for the aircraft. You can usually carry-on one small rolling suitcase or duffel and a personal item such as a purse, backpack, totebag, laptop case, etc.
Plan to carry-on any medications or must-have items you may need in the event a checked bag does not make it to your destination. Bring entertainment such as headphones, kindle, books, magazines, etc. I always like to bring snacks in case I get hungry and have limited options. I also recommend grabbing a large water bottle from the airport or bringing your own to fill up.
Airplanes can often be cold, so you’ll want a sweater or warm clothing. I always wear pants/leggings and have a coat.
The standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time. This will ensure you arrive in plenty of time to park, check a bag, go through security, and find your gate. Keep in mind, boarding begins 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time and ends 15 minutes before.
If you checked in online and have your boarding pass, you may proceed straight to security. The only reason to check in at the airline desk is if you need a boarding pass or to check a bag. Sometimes for international flights, they will not issue the boarding pass online and you will need to check-in at the airport and show your passport.
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