Getting on a plane can be stressful, especially if it's your first time entering the airport. While many factors affect your flight, there are things you can do to ensure you arrive safely and on time at your destination.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing to Board the Plane
Step 1. Confirm your flight
The night before your scheduled flight, check back to make sure everything is going according to plan. After purchasing your ticket, you will receive a confirmation email from the airline. Check the confirmation to make sure the plane is still scheduled to depart on time.
- If the flight time has been changed, be sure to adjust your itinerary accordingly. Depending on the length of the delay, this may affect your next scheduled flight. If you are worried that you will miss your next flight due to a delayed departure, please contact the relevant airline.
- Keep checking your flight status until you arrive at the airport. Some airlines will send you a text message regarding flight delays, but you should continue to monitor the situation. Check more often if you will be flying in winter or the weather is expected to worsen.
Step 2. Prepare your documents
You will not be allowed to board the plane without a ticket and ID. Passengers over 18 years old may need to present a driver's license or passport. Passengers under the age of 18 who board the flight with an adult do not need to show identification.
- If you are under 18 and traveling alone, contact the airline or other authority to find out what ID you need.
- If you are traveling between countries, you must have and present a passport.
- If you arrive at the airport without your ID, you may still be able to board the plane. You are required to fill out an additional form and answer some questions from airport security personnel to confirm your identity.
- Make sure your documents are easily accessible. You will need to show it at check-in and through security. Therefore, do not store documents in places that are difficult to retrieve.
Step 3. Arrive early
There are many things that affect the success of your check-in flight. So, plan to arrive early, at least two hours before your scheduled departure. If you are traveling internationally, traveling with young children or with a disability, plan to arrive at the airport much earlier.
- If you drive, add extra time to park the car and take an inter-terminal bus (shuttle) to your terminal, if needed.
- If you're traveling to the airport for the first time, add extra time in case you get lost trying to get to the airport.
Part 2 of 4: Check In Your Flight
Step 1. Find your flight
The first thing to do when you arrive at the airport is find your flight. Airports are usually divided into several terminals, and airlines cover different terminals. There is also the possibility that the departure and arrival locations are at different terminals. You need to reach your airline's departure terminal. To find out which departure terminals need to be reached, search the internet, contact the airport, or ask the staff at the airport.
If you're taking public transportation or having someone drop you off at the airport, make sure you tell the name of the airline you're boarding so that you can be dropped off at the correct building
Step 2. Drop your bag in the trunk
Depending on the contents of your bag, you should leave your bags in the trunk. Most airlines only allow one extra bag to be carried into the aircraft cabin, in addition to hand luggage (such as a laptop bag or purse). If you plan to put your bag in the trunk, go to your airline's counter immediately
- If you don't need to put your bag in the trunk, skip this step and go straight to check-in.
- Travelers are allowed to put several bags in their luggage, but there are limits on the weight and size of the bags that can be carried. Check with your airline about these limits.
- Do not let your bag exceed the allowed weight limit on the plane because it will be quite expensive.
Step 3. Print your boarding pass
To get on the plane, you need a boarding pass. If you choose to leave your bag, present your ID to the airline staff and your boarding pass will be printed. If you don't have your bag in your baggage, you can still go to the airline staff for help, or take a quicker and easier option.
- Some airlines also provide kiosks for self-check-in. To use it, you need a credit card. Use a credit card to identify yourself and follow the instructions at the kiosk to print your entry pass.
- Some airlines provide an electronic check-in option. If you use this method, you will receive an email 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Follow the instructions in the email to check in.
- Print a copy of the boarding pass to take to the airport. If you have a smartphone, display your boarding pass on your phone and show it to an airline or airport employee.
Part 3 of 4: Bypassing Security
Step 1. Take off your outerwear
In order to pass through security successfully, remove your shoes, jacket, and belt. If you wear metal jewelry or accessories, take them off as well as these will turn on the metal detector.
- If you are over 75 or under 13, you do not need to take your shoes off. In the US, you don't need to take your shoes off if you're a TSA PRE CHECK member either.
- Check your pockets! Remove keys or other metal objects so they don't turn on the metal detector.
- Try to remove excess clothing while waiting. The security line goes very fast and you should prepare yourself as soon as possible. Don't wear lace-up sneakers that are difficult to remove quickly.
- After passing through security, switch from there and put your clothes back on. Most airports provide a seating area so you don't get stuck in line when you're done with security.
Step 2. Take out your laptop
If you have a laptop with you, take it out of your bag and place it on the conveyor belt to scan. Small electronics, such as cell phones, Kindle, or portable game consoles don't need to be removed from the bag for scanning. In the US, laptops do not need to be issued if you are a TSA pre-check member.
Make sure you check the bag to make sure no cell phone or iPod has been accidentally left in it
Step 3. Get out any liquid or gel you brought with you
If you carry a liquid or gel in your carry-on bag, remove it from the bag at security. All liquids carried on the go should be less than 100 milliliters and the amount should not exceed 3 pieces. In the US, 100 ml is equal to 3 ounces of liquid, so this rule is called the 3-3-3 rule. Liquid containers whose volume is more than 100 ml will be confiscated.
- In the US, TSA Pre-check members do not need to remove liquids or gels from the bag.
- If you have an open bottle (such as a water or soda bottle), airport staff will ask you to throw it away. You can buy drinks again after passing security.
- Usually, it is more practical if all cosmetics are stored in one Ziploc wallet. That way, you don't have to look for bottles in your bag one by one. Travel cosmetics can usually be purchased at pharmacies.
- Do not keep prohibited items in your bag. Of course, you should not bring dangerous goods on board. However, there are also some harmless items that should not be carried in a carry-on bag. Check the Angkasa Pura website to find out what items are prohibited from being carried on the plane.
Part 4 of 4: Check In at the Departure Gate
Step 1. Locate your boarding gate
If you have successfully passed security, it's time to find a plane to ride. Check boarding pass to find out your boarding gate. Check this information again on the departure board located outside each security checkpoint. If your departure gate number is confirmed, go to that gate.
- Make sure you have all your belongings before leaving the security area. Don't let your laptop or jacket be left behind by accident.
- If you have trouble finding the gate, ask the airport staff for help.
Step 2. Buy food and drink
Many airlines no longer provide food on board. If you're going on a long flight or during meal times, buy some food and drink to take on board. Try to be considerate with fellow passengers and don't buy food that is messy or has a strong smell (such as tuna or eggs).
Step 3. Sit down
Once you've prepared your food and found the gate, all you have to do is wait for the call to board the plane. If your flight is delayed due to weather or technical problems, you may need to wait longer. Have something ready to help pass the time and stay close at the gate area so you can hear the boarding call when it's announced.
Tips
- If you are traveling between countries, you do not need to go through customs when leaving Indonesia. You only need to go through customs if you have traveled in the destination country and then return to Indonesia.
- Check the website relevant to your country of departure.
- Remember, international flights are not the same as domestic flights. You must adjust your departure plan carefully.
