What exactly do I need to when or before I get to the airport for my flight in July?

[katiecat08]

I've flown only once before but had someone who knew what they were doing with me. Now, I have an E-ticket in my email so do I print that out before i get to the airport or can I print it out at the airport? What all do I need specifically for my flight? I know nowadays you print off a boarding pass at the airport or online if you want.

[lyonsgirl]

I don't believe an e-ticket is the same as a boarding pass, although, I may be wrong. I have never gotten an e-ticket. Typically I will check-in to my flight when I get to the airport, but I fly on my own fairly frequently (every other month). If you're nervous, check-in to your flight when you can (usually 24 hrs before your flight) and print your boarding pass. You need that to get through security. You'll also need your government issued photo ID. Beyond those two things, that's all you need to get on the plane.

[kittyo9]

I would print out a copy of the e-ticket (just for record-keeping and such), check in online within 24 hours of your flight, and print a copy of your boarding passes (for which you should be given the option once you've checked in). Bring those things with you, along with your passport or a photo ID. If you are checking any bags, you can check in at the counter for your airline at the airport and they will probably give you a set of "official" printed boarding passes, which are essentially the same as he ones you printed out yourself, just with a stub that can be ripped off. This is optional, though, if you've already checked in online, printed your boarding passes, and you don't have any bags to check.

[Hollandia]

Depending upon the airline you are using and where you are flying you can usually check in online within 24 hours through the airline's website. The e-ticket is different from the boarding pass. The e-ticket is produced when you buy your ticket and the boarding pass is not ready till you check in. You can print off your boarding pass after you check in online, or get the airport to do it for you. Many of the USA airports have kiosks and curbside too.

BA requires me to check in person when I fly from USA to NL, I never had that problem with the others as of yet. I don't mind it, tbh I like to do it in person anyway. I also print off my e-ticket in case they can't find your electronic ticket. This did happen to me once in Amsterdam and and because I had the copy of my e-ticket they were able to locate it and get me on my flight.

If you are only flying nationwide it should be a breeze. Just bring your photo ID. You might wish to check your airline for checked bag fees, because some airlines have risen them and you are required to pay the bag fees in advance or at check in. It is sometimes cheaper to pay the bag fees in advance and so I try to do that most times. If you are looking for any perks on the plane, you can also do this in advance on the airline website. Some now offer "choice seats" (for a fee)which give you a few more feet of legroom, special meals if you request them for flight(for free), I do the veggie one to watch my carbs and in-air internet capacity(for a fee) for work.

Another suggestion is to wear comfortable shoes that slip on and off easily and wear socks unless you don't mind your bare feet touching the floor. Put your liquids in your checked bags or a ziploc bag that you will need to show TSA at the security check points and keep it on top of your carry on to put in the bucket. If you bring a laptop you will also need to place that in the bucket for TSA. They require you to remove all change and trinkets from pockets and belts. If you dress in layers you will be asked to go down to the last layer. I do dress in some layers because planes can get chilly in heat of Summer and my sweater is more comfy than their blankets, or I can use it as a pillow supplement. I must have flown about 30 times now but I still feel stress in the security lines, it seems you can never be fast enough for the some. LOL. You can also check the TSA website if you have questions about something you want to bring.

I had already flown quite a bit before I flew alone the first time and while I was a bit anxious it worked out fine. I do always make sure to leave plenty of bumpers of time because there is nobody there to help me if some complication occurs. I spend my left over bumper of time in an airport bar closest to my gate after I have already scouted out the amount of time it will take to get back to my gate. They are not kidding when they say to be at gate 30 minutes before take-off time either. I almost missed a flight once that was not even scheduled to take off yet. They can change their flight times so make sure to check the screens at airports every few minutes.

I don't know how long ago it was when you flew the first time. I do it every 90 days or so. If you already know this stuff, feel free to take it with a grain of salt. If you any further advice please free to ask. No matter what..... have a great time and enjoy your time with your SO.