Flying for the First Time? Here is Your Complete Travel Guide

Key Highlights

• Step-by-step guidance from booking to post-landing for first-time flyers
• Essential travel document checklist and packing tips
• Airport navigation tips, including check-in, security, and gate procedures
• Flight etiquette and comfort tips for a smooth in-flight experience
• Special travel tips for defence personnel booking via udChalo

Is this your first time flying? Congratulations on booking your first flight. Whether you are feeling nervous, excited, or a mix of both, we are here to help. Flying can feel overwhelming the first time, but with the right preparation and guidance, it becomes a smooth and enjoyable experience.

This guide is designed to help you prepare step by step — from booking your flight to arriving at your destination — so that you can fly with ease and confidence.

Before You Leave Home

Book Your Ticket Smartly

Booking flight tickets can seem confusing with so many travel websites, airline portals, and travel agents offering different deals. If you are a member of the Indian defence community, udChalo offers exclusive defence concession fares on both domestic and international flights. You can select flights based on your preferences and budget without any hassle.

udChalo Tip: Look for early-bird fares and try to book tickets at least three weeks in advance for better pricing.

Pack Early, Pack Right

Start packing a few days before your journey to avoid any last-minute rush.

• Check the airline’s baggage allowance policy, which includes hand baggage and check-in luggage limits.
• Refer to the airline website for the list of restricted or prohibited items. Items like power banks, electronic cigarettes, and lithium batteries are only allowed in cabin baggage, not check-in baggage.
• Pack according to the destination’s climate and length of stay.
• Use travel organisers, pouches, and zip-lock bags to keep things tidy and easily accessible.

udChalo Tip: Weigh your luggage at home before you leave to ensure it stays within the allowed limits. This will save you from excess baggage charges at the airport.

Web Check-In Saves Time

Most airlines allow web check-in 24 to 48 hours before departure. This allows you to select your preferred seat, get your boarding pass online, and skip long queues at the airport.

udChalo Tip: If you book your tickets with udChalo, your e-ticket will contain a direct link to the airline’s check-in page.

Keep Important Documents Handy

Keep the following documents in one travel folder or pouch:

• Government-issued photo ID (such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or passport for domestic travel)
• Flight ticket or e-boarding pass (printed or on your phone)
• Defence ID, if applicable
• Any COVID-related vaccination or health certificates (if required by the destination)

At the Airport

Arrive Early

Give yourself enough time to navigate airport procedures calmly.

• Arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
• If you have not done web check-in, you will need extra time to complete the check-in process at the airline counter.

udChalo Tip: Traffic and airport crowd levels can vary, so allow a buffer for unexpected delays.

Check-In and Baggage Drop

You can check in at the airport at the airline’s kiosk or the manned check-in counter. Once checked in, proceed to the baggage drop counter with your check-in luggage.

udChalo Tip: Keep your ID and boarding pass ready at all times. You must show them at several points, including check-in, baggage drop, and security check.

Security Check and Finding Your Gate

At the security check, place your hand baggage and any metal items (belt, wallet, phone, etc.) in a tray for scanning. You will then pass through a metal detector and undergo a manual frisking.

After the security check, collect all your belongings and check the display boards to locate your boarding gate.

udChalo Tip: Gates may change, so keep checking the display screens or ask airport staff for assistance. Boarding usually closes 15 to 20 minutes before the flight departure time.

Stay Aware and Comfortable

Use the waiting time at the gate to relax, hydrate, and eat something light. Most airports have drinking water stations, food counters, and charging points. Be alert for announcements related to your flight.

Inside the Flight

Stay Calm and Follow Instructions

Once you board the flight, the cabin crew will help you locate your seat and settle in. Before take-off, they will give a safety demonstration explaining emergency exits, seat belt usage, and life jacket instructions.

This is a standard procedure followed on all flights for passenger safety.

udChalo Tip: Switch your phone to flight mode and follow the crew’s instructions throughout the journey.

Tips for a Comfortable Journey

• Use earphones or chew gum during take-off and landing to ease ear pressure.
• In your hand baggage, keep a small pouch with your essentials (medicines, snacks, water, lip balm, etc.).
• Stay seated and keep your seatbelt fastened when the seatbelt sign is on.

After Landing

Wait for the Seatbelt Sign to Turn Off

Once the flight lands, remain seated until the seatbelt sign switches off. The aircraft will either dock at a terminal or park on the tarmac, where a shuttle bus will take you to the terminal.

Follow the signage to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. If you are unsure about anything, ask airline staff or follow the crowd movement.

udChalo Tip: Check your baggage tag to ensure you are picking up the right bag.

Follow Exit Signs

After collecting your luggage, follow the exit signs or directions for connecting transportation, such as cabs, airport buses, or trains.

If you are on an international flight, you may need to go through immigration and customs clearance. Keep your passport and any required documents ready.

Still Have Questions?

Flying for the first time can raise questions. If you need assistance before, during, or after your journey, udChalo’s customer service team is available online and over the phone. 

Whether you are flying for a vacation, duty, or to visit your loved ones, udChalo is proud to be your trusted travel partner. Safe travels and happy landings.

Book your flights with udchalo here.