Newest 2024 Guide to First-Time Air Travel

What to prepare before heading to the airport?

Understanding basic information about domestic airplane tickets

Airplane tickets are among the most important documents you need to prepare for airplane travel. Currently, domestic airplane tickets are available for sale on 168 different routes operated by 5 domestic airlines including Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Vietravel Airlines.

Each airline has its own advantages and disadvantages. To choose the most suitable airplane ticket, refer to the detailed information table about the airlines below:

Advantages and disadvantages of domestic airlines

Search and book airplane tickets

To search and book the cheapest airplane tickets, especially for first-time buyers, remember these effective ways to hunt for cheap airplane tickets below:

6 effective ways to hunt for cheap airplane tickets

Especially when searching and booking tickets, pay close attention to the ticket conditions: which class your ticket is, what accompanying services are provided, and what the policies are for refunds/cancellations and ticket changes. If you understand these important details well, your airplane travel procedures will surely go more smoothly.

If you're too busy with work and don't have time to search for tickets or because it's your first time flying and you're not familiar with booking flights online, feel free to contact the hotline 1900 2083 of Mytour.vn!

Mytour's professional and experienced team will help you with any inquiries, provide useful information, and assist in booking flights as quickly as possible!

Check your ticket information carefully, especially the reservation code

After purchasing your airplane ticket, you need to verify the booking information to ensure it matches the information on your ID card or passport (if there are any discrepancies, notify the ticket office staff immediately).

Important information you need to check includes: Full name, flight route, flight number, departure time, checked baggage, and ticket class.

In particular, verifying the booking code is a crucial step after booking a ticket. You will need to provide this ticket code to the airline staff during check-in at the airport.

In the era of technological development, there are many online channels where you can easily book airplane tickets. However, to avoid falling victim to scams, you need to know how to distinguish between fake and genuine tickets.

To verify whether an airplane ticket is genuine or fake, you can check directly on the airline's website or call the airline's hotline.

Essential Documents for Air Travel

One of the most important factors to consider when understanding domestic air travel procedures is what documents are required for air travel?

In addition to the plane ticket, you will need to prepare personal documents as required by the airlines. Below, Mytour will summarize the types of documents you need to bring when going through domestic flight procedures:

Compilation of Required Documents for Air Travel Procedures

Documents Required for Air Travel

Luggage Regulations

There are 2 types of luggage for air travel procedures that you need to know: carry-on luggage and checked luggage.

Regulations Regarding Carry-On Luggage

• Carry-on luggage is the type of luggage you are allowed to take onto the airplane and store in the overhead compartment above your seat.
• Maximum size: For large carry-on luggage, the dimensions must not exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. As for smaller bags, regulations vary among airlines.

Regulations Regarding Checked Luggage

- Checked luggage is the type of luggage you will not be allowed to carry onto the airplane by yourself but must register for check-in procedures.

- Maximum size: Depends on each airline

• Vietnam Airlines: Maximum size is 158cm/62in.
• Bamboo Airways: Maximum size in all three dimensions must not exceed 203 cm.
• Pacific Airlines: Maximum 270cm per luggage item
• Vietjet Air: Maximum size is 119cm x 119cm x 81cm
• Vietravel Airlines: Maximum total size in three dimensions is 203cm

Additionally, for each type of luggage, airlines have different regulations regarding weight. Before proceeding with domestic flight procedures, you should be aware of the luggage weight regulations for each airline as follows:

Summary table of airline luggage regulations

Furthermore, you also need to carefully research information about items not allowed to be brought on board to ensure that the process of airport procedures during your flight goes smoothly.

Airline regulations on items prohibited from being brought on board are as follows:

- Strictly prohibited luggage:

• Flammable substances
• Toxic substances
• Alarm devices
• …

- Restricted luggage to carry:

• Liquid substances
• Fragile items
• Valuable items
• …

>> For more detailed information, please refer to: Items not allowed to be brought on board.

First-time domestic flight procedure guide

Below are the 8-step procedures for first-time air travelers to ensure a smooth flight:

First-time air travel procedures

Completing the airline ticket check-in process

Currently, there are 2 common methods for airline ticket check-in: airport check-in and online check-in.

- Airport check-in:

Completing airport check-in is the most common method, requiring you to be present at the airport approximately 2 hours before your domestic flight departure. Depending on the airline chosen, you will proceed to the check-in counter of that airline.

To proceed with check-in, you need to present your airline ticket (or booking code), identification documents (passport, ID card, driver's license, etc.) for verification and baggage weighing by the staff.

Subsequently, you will receive the Boarding Pass, flight information, passenger details, seat number, boarding time, flight number, etc.

Airport check-in procedure

- Online check-in:

Online check-in will save you more time instead of having to spend hours queuing.

Currently, four domestic airlines including Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air, and Pacific Airlines all offer online check-in within 24 hours to 1 hour before departure.

To proceed with online check-in, simply access the airline's website and follow the instructions.

Online check-in procedure

With online check-in, you don't need to arrive at the airport too early. However, if you have checked baggage, you need to go to the counter about 60 minutes before departure for necessary airport procedures.

Security check

After completing the flight check-in procedures, you need to proceed to the Airport Security Check area. You will present your flight ticket along with personal documents to the security personnel for inspection before entering the screening area.

In the screening area, you are required to pass all carry-on luggage including suitcases, backpacks, handbags, phones, watches, hats, shoes, etc., through the scanner to check for prohibited items or items not compliant with carry-on luggage standards. Then, you will pass through the body scanner gate.

If any issues or suspicions arise with your luggage, security personnel will request to inspect it for verification. Otherwise, if there are no security concerns, you will retrieve your luggage and proceed to the boarding area.

Waiting Lounge/Gate

After completing the security screening procedures, proceed to the boarding gate area (or aircraft exit door).

The Gate information is usually printed on your Boarding Pass. However, in some cases, due to operational reasons, the Gate may change from what is printed on your ticket. In such situations, listen to announcements over the airport PA system or check the information screens in the waiting area to confirm your flight's gate number.

At the waiting area, take the opportunity to rest, eat, or shop. Especially, make sure to arrive at the gate at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to avoid boarding delays.

If you have purchased a ticket for Business Class or have pre-purchased access to the Business Lounge, you will proceed to the Business Lounge area at the airport and wait until boarding time. Business Class passengers will have priority boarding privileges.

Airport Boarding Gates

Boarding the Aircraft

When it's time to board the aircraft, airline staff will call passengers to board based on priority order determined by ticket class, seat position, or priority status.

The process of boarding the aircraft is as follows:

• First, line up at the boarding gate.
• Next, when it's your turn, present your boarding pass to the staff for verification.
• Then, proceed to board the aircraft through the gate exit. Note that if the aircraft is parked close to the passenger terminal, you may walk directly onto the aircraft through a jet bridge; however, if the aircraft is parked farther away, you and other passengers will need to wait for shuttle transportation to reach the aircraft.
• Upon boarding, present your boarding pass to the flight attendant for verification. Then, locate your assigned seat inside the cabin, stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin, and fasten your seatbelt.

Important Notes During the Flight

To ensure a safe and smooth flight experience, please take note of the following:

• Absolutely refrain from opening aircraft windows during the flight. Doing so is extremely dangerous and may result in fines or flight bans.
• Limit unnecessary movement. Avoid using the restroom during takeoff and landing.
• Maintain cleanliness of your seat area and adhere to the safety instructions provided by the flight attendants.
• Do not use phones, computers, or laptops during takeoff and landing.
• Keep your baggage claim stubs and luggage tags. In case of lost luggage, these documents will expedite the resolution process.
• If you have any questions or require assistance during the flight, do not hesitate to contact the flight crew.

Passengers on board the aircraft

Disembarkation

You are only permitted to disembark the aircraft once it has come to a complete stop and upon receiving instructions from the cabin crew. Priority for disembarkation will be given to Business Class passengers, as well as elderly, children, and pregnant women.

Other passengers will proceed to disembark the aircraft in sequence according to their seat rows. While waiting, retrieve your carry-on luggage from the overhead bins and take it with you when disembarking. Be mindful of your surroundings when retrieving your luggage to avoid bumping into other passengers.

Depending on the aircraft's parking position, you will either disembark directly via jetbridge or be transported by airport shuttle to the passenger terminal. If using a shuttle, disembark the aircraft via stairs, taking slow and cautious steps to avoid slipping, which can be hazardous.

Baggage Collection

If you do not have checked baggage, proceed directly to the airport exit. If you have checked baggage, proceed to the baggage claim area. Refer to the electronic display board to locate your flight number, baggage claim carousel number, and retrieval time. Then, proceed to the designated carousel and wait for your luggage to arrive.

A handy tip to easily identify your checked luggage and avoid confusion among similar bags is to attach a name tag, ribbon, or sticker to your suitcase.

If you cannot locate your luggage, you need to report it to the airline you traveled with or visit the Lost and Found office along with your corresponding boarding pass.

Note that if you cannot find your luggage, you must not leave this area as leaving may prevent you from filing a complaint.

Baggage Retrieval at the Airport

Exiting the airport

The final step in the airport process is to leave the airport. Head to the exit area of the passenger terminal. There, choose a suitable mode of transportation to depart from the airport, such as a taxi, bus, pre-booked car, or motorcycle taxi.

If you want to move quickly, carry multiple pieces of luggage, and travel with a group, you should take a taxi. However, if you're traveling alone with minimal luggage, consider taking a bus or motorcycle taxi to save costs.

First-time flying experiences to know

Pregnant Women Flying

Required Documents:

• Health certificate: Airlines have different requirements for pregnant women at each stage of pregnancy. Typically, pregnant women between weeks 28 to 32 need to prepare a health certificate to participate in the flight (the certificate's validity is NOT MORE THAN 07 days from the departure date), an accurate confirmation of pregnancy duration from a doctor, an exemption from liability document, etc.
• Personal identification: Pregnant women need to carry personal identification such as ID card/citizenship card, passport, or equivalent documents for airport procedures when flying.

Luggage: For a safe, smooth, and comfortable flight, pregnant travelers should include in their luggage items such as a neck pillow, thin blanket, light snacks, some medications prescribed by a doctor, etc.

Rights and Services for Pregnant Women Flying

Pregnant women flying are entitled to the following rights and services:

• Priority assistance with check-in procedures, baggage checks, boarding, etc.
• Special attention and care throughout the flight to ensure the most comfortable and convenient journey.

Pregnant Women Flying

Flying with Children and Infants

Buying Airline Tickets

When planning to fly with a child or infant, parents should remember to purchase airline tickets for them! It's advisable to book tickets early, ideally 1-2 months before the intended flight date, to have more options for seating, ticket class, etc.

Especially, the price of airline tickets for children depends on their age and the regulations of each airline. Keep track of the summarized table below for more detailed information:

Airline Ticket Prices for Children as per Airline Regulations

Required Documents, Baggage

Based on first-time flying experience with children, parents need to prepare the following documents and baggage:

Required Documents: To check-in at the airport, you need to bring a certified copy or original birth certificate (for children under 2 years old) or use a passport (for children aged 2 to under 12 years old).

Baggage: For a smooth journey with your baby, you need to prepare adequately: milk, diapers, clothes, baby food, toys, etc. These items should be placed in your carry-on baggage for immediate use when needed.

Rights, Services when flying with a baby

When flying with a baby, you will receive priority in certain cases such as:

• Airport procedures
• Boarding/Deplaning
• Access to onboard bassinet services
• Checked stroller for infants under 2 years old
• In your carry-on luggage, you can bring items such as milk, fruits, snacks, etc.

Procedures for flying with children

Flying with seniors

Seniors flying should prepare the following luggage to ensure a smooth journey:

Required Documents:

• The necessary documents for elderly passengers to complete airport procedures include: identification card/citizen ID, passport, …
• Alternatively, these documents can be replaced with others such as driver's license, press card, National Assembly delegate card, Party member card, …

Luggage:

• Elderly passengers should prepare familiar items in their luggage such as clothing, shoes, …
• Additionally, you may also want to prepare medication (as prescribed by a doctor), a wheelchair, a walking cane, …

Benefits and Services for Elderly Passengers

The benefits and services you and your loved ones receive when traveling by plane with elderly individuals include:

• Priority airport procedures, assistance with luggage arrangement, …
• Free transport of wheelchairs, walking canes, …
• Convenient seating arrangements, assistance with luggage retrieval, …

Elderly individuals can fly as long as their health condition is ensured

International Air Travel Procedures and Documentation

Required Documents

When flying internationally, in addition to your plane ticket, you need to prepare your passport or visa depending on the regulations of each country. Furthermore, countries currently have specific international entry regulations amid the complex Covid-19 situation. You should be aware of this information to ensure a smooth entry process.

International Air Travel Procedures

In general, the procedures for international air travel are quite similar to those for domestic flights. However, when flying internationally, you must undergo an additional step of immigration after checking in.

After that, you will proceed with the usual procedures such as security screening, moving to the waiting area, boarding the aircraft, disembarking, retrieving luggage, and leaving the airport.

International Flight Procedures

>> See detailed instructions at: First-Time International Air Travel Procedures Guide

By now, you should have a clear understanding of the air travel procedures, right? Hopefully, the detailed instructions provided here will help you feel less overwhelmed when flying for the first time.

If you still have any concerns about the boarding process or need assistance with booking cheap airfare, don't hesitate to contact the hotline 1900 2083 of Mytour.vn!

Author: Phuong Thao

Image source: Internet, Mytour