Top 12 Tips for First-Time Flyers

Arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before your flight, but ideally, try to get there 120 minutes in advance. Don’t hesitate to ask airport staff, airline crew, or security personnel for directions if you’re unsure where to go. To find your gate, check the boarding pass on your ticket for the gate number, and follow the signs directing you to the appropriate path. Stay calm, as everyone has their first time flying.

During peak travel seasons, you may face long lines for check-in and customs. To avoid missing your flight, arriving 2 hours early is recommended. If you arrive too late and the check-in counter is closed, you may need to reschedule or cancel your flight.

The air conditioning system on planes increases the risk of dehydration, leading to fatigue. Most passengers experience ear pressure during takeoff or landing due to changes in air pressure. A helpful tip is to swallow, yawn, or take deep breaths. Additionally, sitting for long periods in a cramped seat can cause muscle cramps, swollen feet, and general body aches. This is because your body stays mostly stationary.

To combat this, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and regularly stretch your legs. It’s also important to stay relaxed and calm, as stress can negatively impact your health during the flight. Lastly, make sure to follow all safety instructions given by the flight attendants.

Airplanes are filled with people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Therefore, it’s important to present yourself as a modern and cultured individual. Avoid making excessive noise or laughing loudly. Especially, do not put your feet on the seats, stare at others, point, or judge people. Any behavior that disrupts the comfort of others should be avoided during your flight.

If something is bothering you during the flight, feel free to politely address it with the flight attendants so they can resolve the issue. Having a respectful and courteous attitude while flying shows that you are a person of good manners. So, always stay cheerful and polite when flying!

After landing, wait for the signal from the system indicating that the plane has safely touched down. Then, unbuckle your seatbelt and collect your luggage, waiting for it to appear on the baggage carousel. Once your luggage arrives, pick it up and head outside.

After completing all procedures and holding your boarding pass, take some time to relax by strolling through the airport, enjoying the food at restaurants, or shopping at stores. If you have a connecting flight, make sure to be at your gate at least 30 minutes before the departure time.

A general rule of thumb is to arrive 1 hour before a domestic flight within Vietnam and 2 hours before an international flight. Airline check-in counters usually close 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes before departure for international flights. These times can vary depending on the airline.

Be sure to check your ticket for specific details, and don't hesitate to ask the airline or the ticket vendor for advice on the ideal arrival time. During peak travel seasons (May - July) and holidays, check-in counters may be crowded or even overwhelmed, so it's essential to plan ahead and arrive early to allow time for queuing.

While it’s uncommon for passengers to bring their own food on board, you can generally bring dry snacks like bread, cakes, or sticky rice. On flights longer than 1.5 hours, Vietnam Airlines offers a complimentary meal service, as shown below. For longer international flights to destinations like Europe or the U.S., you might even be served two meals. These meals are included in the cost of your ticket. However, low-cost airlines like Jetstar or Vietjet Air do not offer free meals, so you’ll need to purchase food if you’re hungry.

However, avoid bringing any food you’re overly fond of, as some items may not be safe at high altitudes and could cause stomach issues. You’d rather enjoy your flight than spend the entire journey in the restroom! On board, you’ll find a range of snacks and hot meals available for purchase, so there’s no need to worry if hunger strikes during the flight.

According to Circular 01 and the regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, apart from personal items that are permitted, there are specific rules regarding restricted and forbidden items on flights. For liquids, the total amount each passenger is allowed to carry is 1 liter, though for alcoholic liquids (with an alcohol content between 24% and 70%), the limit is 5 liters.

Additionally, explosives, flammable materials, weapons, and similar items are strictly prohibited on board. If you wish to bring special items like fish sauce, seafood, or even durian, you may want to refer to further tips in this article.

Depending on whether your flight is short or long, it's important to select clothing that ensures comfort and safety, avoiding any potential disruptions during your flight. To ensure a smooth journey, consider the following tips when choosing your travel attire:

Avoid wearing clothing with metal attachments, as security checks may cause delays. It's also essential to factor in the climate differences between your departure and arrival destinations. For example, if you're flying from Ho Chi Minh City in December (where the weather is hot) to Hanoi (which is cold), lack of preparation could leave you vulnerable to temperature shock or even a cold. Opt for simple, comfortable clothes and avoid wearing high heels for the best experience.

Many travelers love to check in, snap photos, post updates on social media, or capture memorable moments to share with friends and family. However, using your phone during the flight could potentially put you and others at risk.

Almost all airlines around the world prohibit the use of mobile phones on airplanes because the signals from mobile devices can interfere with the aircraft's navigation system, preventing pilots from receiving crucial communications from air traffic controllers. Therefore, it's important to follow the rule and refrain from using your phone once onboard.

Always remember to book flights with reputable airlines. Never purchase tickets from airlines you're not familiar with. It's recommended to book your flight 2-3 months ahead of your trip to save both time and money. Make sure you've made your decision carefully, as changing your flight later will require additional fees, which can vary depending on the airline and route.

Flight prices fluctuate based on the time and day of travel, as well as how early or late you book. For the best prices, buy your ticket as early as possible. You can also choose the airline and class: economy for a budget-friendly option or business class if you prefer a more comfortable seat. Once you book, you'll receive a reservation code, typically consisting of six characters.

Before your flight, make sure you have all the required documents: flight tickets, a valid ID card, passport with at least six months of validity, and a visa if required by your destination country. Additional documents like a driver's license, party membership card, press card, or police-verified identity documents can also be useful during check-in.

It's best to store all your documents in one place to save time during check-in. Double-check all paperwork before leaving home for the airport to ensure you don't misplace anything. Losing your documents may lead to delays or even cause you to miss your flight, affecting your travel schedule.

Your luggage will be divided into two types: carry-on and checked luggage. Carry-on luggage is what you take with you onto the plane. You are not allowed to carry dangerous items such as flammable substances, illegal materials, sharp objects, weapons, toy weapons, or liquid containers over 100ml. Checked luggage is for heavier, bulkier items that will be stored in the aircraft’s hold after check-in. For this type of luggage, you're permitted to carry up to 5 liters of liquid.

The luggage weight limits vary depending on your ticket type and the airline, so make sure to check the rules beforehand to avoid extra charges. You can also consider pre-purchasing additional checked baggage to avoid fees for oversized items.