Getting Ready for Your First Flight
Flying for the first time can feel like stepping into a different world. There are TSA rules, boarding groups, new signs everywhere, and a lot of people who look like they've been doing this forever. The good news is you don't need to know everything. You just need a simple checklist and enough time so you're not rushed.
On this page, we'll focus on what you should handle before you even get to the airport: documents, packing, timing, and mindset. When you combine this with the detailed Airport Process Walkthrough, you'll have a clear picture of your whole trip, from your ride to the airport to grabbing your bag at the other end.
Step 1: Documents & Essentials
In the U.S., most airport problems I've seen start with missing or incorrect documents. If you get this part right, everything that follows is much easier. Think of this step as your "no surprises" protection.
ID & Travel Documents
- REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID for U.S. domestic flights, or a valid passport
- Passport for all international trips, with enough validity left for your destination's rules
- Printed and digital copies of your booking and boarding passes (phone plus paper backup)
- Required visas or electronic travel authorizations for your destination
- Health or vaccination proof if your destination or airline asks for it
Money, Cards & Backup
- At least one debit card and one credit card, with travel alerts set on your bank apps
- Some local currency or small bills for tips, snacks, and vending machines
- Backup payment method stored in a different pocket or bag section
- Ride-share apps or local transport apps installed before you leave home
Step 2: Smart Carry-On Packing
Treat your carry-on like your "just in case" bag. If your checked suitcase takes a detour for a day, you should still be able to shower, change, charge your phone, and sleep comfortably with what you have in the cabin.
Passport/ID and travel documents kept together in one easy-to-reach pocket
Any critical medication, plus a few basic pain relievers (in original labeled containers)
Phone, charging cable, and power bank in your carry-on only, never in checked luggage
A change of clothes, spare underwear, and one extra pair of socks
Small snacks you actually like, plus an empty reusable water bottle to fill after security
Light jacket or hoodie for chilly cabins and long layovers
Headphones or earplugs and an eye mask if you struggle to sleep in new places
Small toiletries that follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule (3.4 oz / 100 ml bottles in one quart-size bag)
A simple pen and a small notebook for forms, directions, and quick notes
Step 3: Timing Your Trip to the Airport
After 50+ years around airports, I can tell you this: almost nobody regrets being early, but plenty of people regret cutting it close. Your first flight is not the time to test how fast you can sprint to a gate.
General Timing Guide for U.S. Airports
- For most domestic flights, aim to arrive at the airport about 2 hours before departure
- For most international flights, plan for about 3 hours before departure
- Add 30–60 minutes at big hubs, during holidays, or when flying very early in the morning
- Add extra buffer if you are checking bags, traveling with kids or older relatives, or learning the airport layout for the first time
- Check your airline's recommended check-in and bag-drop times on their website or app; their guidance always wins
One last tip from the old pilot in the corner: treat your boarding time, not the departure time, as your real deadline. Gates can close early, and they don't always wait for late first-time flyers.
First-Time Flyer FAQs
I've answered some version of these questions thousands of times at airports and in cabins. Here are clear, up-to-date answers so you don't have to guess on your first trip.
How early should I arrive for my first flight?
For most U.S. trips, plan to get to the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. Add extra time if you are flying from a major hub, during busy holidays, checking bags, or you simply move a bit slower. When in doubt, check your airline’s advice for that specific airport and give yourself a cushion so you are not rushed.
What documents do I need for my first flight?
For U.S. domestic flights, adults 18 and over typically need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable ID such as a passport or military ID, plus a boarding pass with the same name. For international flights, you need a valid passport, any required visas, and sometimes health or vaccination documents depending on your destination. I always tell first-time flyers to take clear photos of everything and keep one paper copy of the key documents in a separate spot in your bag.
Can I bring a backpack and a suitcase on the plane?
On most U.S. airlines, you can bring one carry-on bag for the overhead bin plus one personal item, like a backpack, purse, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you. The exact size and weight limits vary by airline and by ticket type, so check your airline’s “baggage” page before you pack. Basic economy tickets are often stricter, so always confirm what your fare includes to avoid surprise fees at the airport.