Tips for First Time Flyers from India to USA

Flying for the first time could be very exciting! Once your travel dates are finalized ensure you review, analyze and buy a proper visitors insurance to cover your entire stay in USA. Here are some tips to help one make his/her first flight experience good. 

Many elder relatives or parents visiting USA for the first time find this process quite stressful, especially if the traveling international for the first time. Educating and guiding them of these few simple steps goes a long way in helping them feel comfortable and make their journey less stressful.

Reach the Airport at-the-least 3 hours prior to boarding time as this is your first time. You don't need the stress, so plan a bit and keep a schedule. Airlines are very strict about their boarding time, so try to check online and confirm for any changes.

At the International Airport in India 

Procedure that is followed at most of the airports in India:

1. Show your ticket copy / sms to the security guard at the terminal entrance along with one photo identity proof in original.
2. Once you enter the terminal, go to your respective airline counter to get the boarding pass and to check-in luggage. Show your ticket copy at the counter. Make sure your total luggage weight is in the limits, otherwise be ready to pay extra for additional kilos. Once you get your boarding pass, confirm the gate number which is written in your boarding pass.
3. Once you get the boarding pass and have given all your luggage (except hand baggage) for check-in, you can now proceed for security check. Follow directions at the airport to reach the security check spot for your gate. Once you reach the security check, empty your pockets (except the boarding pass) and keep everything in your hand baggage. Laptops needs to be kept separately from its backpack. Trays will be provided to keep your belongings. A security personnel will scan your body and put a seal of security check on your boarding pass. 
4. Now the security check is done. You can now proceed to the respective gate. Follow the directions at the airport to reach the right gate. 

Boarding the Flight on your journey to USA

• Wait for the announcement to board. About half an hour prior to takeoff, the gate attendant will announce the boarding time. Boarding is done in groups, Check your boarding pass to see which group you belong to and wait to be called.
• Get your boarding pass checked. After waiting in line for boarding, there will be a gate attendant next to the entrance waiting to check your boarding pass. You will need to show your passport again at this point. Keep your boarding pass out after having it checked, as you may need to show it to an additional flight attendant on the plane.
• Walk down the hallway that leads up to your plane. While most hallways are short, there are some gates who may have line hallways much longer and curvier than others. Sometimes a bus would take you to the aircraft.
• Enter the aircraft. There is typically a buildup of passengers after the boarding pass check, so you may have to wait in line again before boarding the plane. Check your seat to make sure you are headed in the right direction, and keep a lookout for your row number. 
• Stow your carry-on items. When you have located your seat, place your smaller bag under your chair, and look for available space in the overhead bins for your larger carry-on. 
• Get settled in. You’re all done! Now it’s time for you to sit back and relax while you are carried away to USA in luxury. During the flight, you will sometimes be offered a free drink and food (depending on the carrier and length of the flight). If needed, there are restrooms in the front and back of the plane. Any other questions can be directed towards flight attendants.

This is your first flight and most probably you won't meet anyone that you encounter on airport or plane after that again. Enjoy and hug your near dear ones before entering airport, Follow these simple guidelines and your flight will not only be easy but enjoyable. You will arrive at your destination feeling relaxed and good about yourself. Have Fun and Bon Voyage!!