Flying for the first time can feel overwhelming. The terminology is unfamiliar, the airport is a maze, and everyone around you seems to know exactly what they are doing. The truth is, they were all in your shoes once. And the process, once you understand it, is straightforward.

This guide walks through the entire experience from searching for flights to arriving at your destination. No assumed knowledge. No skipped steps. Just a clear, complete walkthrough.

How to Search for Flights

Where to Search

The best places to search for flights are aggregator sites that compare prices across airlines simultaneously:

Google Flights (flights.google.com) — the cleanest interface, with a date flexibility grid that shows you the cheapest days to fly. This is where you should start every search.
Skyscanner (skyscanner.com) — similar to Google Flights but includes some budget airlines that Google misses.
The airline's own website — after finding a good flight on an aggregator, check the airline's website directly. Sometimes the price is the same or lower, and booking directly gives you better customer service if things go wrong.

Understanding the Search Results

When you search for flights, you will see several pieces of information for each option:

Departure and arrival times — listed in local time for each airport. If you depart New York at 6:00 PM and arrive in London at 6:00 AM, that is the local time in each city.
Flight duration — the total time in the air, plus any layover time.
Stops — "Nonstop" or "Direct" means the plane flies straight to your destination without stopping. "1 stop" means the plane lands somewhere in between, and you may or may not need to change planes. Always check whether a stop requires you to change aircraft.
Price — usually shown per person for a round trip. Read carefully whether the displayed price is one-way or round-trip.

Direct vs. Connecting Flights

A nonstop flight goes directly from your departure city to your destination without landing anywhere in between. This is the simplest option.

A connecting flight requires you to land at an intermediate airport, get off the plane, and board a different plane to continue to your destination. The time between these two flights is called a layover.

Connecting flights are often cheaper than nonstop flights. They take longer, but the savings can be significant. If you choose a connecting flight:

Allow at least 90 minutes for domestic connections and at least 2 to 3 hours for international connections. If your first flight is late, you need enough time to make your next flight.
Book both flights on the same booking (the same confirmation number). If you book them separately and the first flight is delayed, the second airline has no obligation to accommodate you.
Know that your checked luggage usually transfers automatically on the same booking. You typically do not need to collect and re-check it at the connecting airport, though there are exceptions (particularly when entering the US from an international destination).

Understanding Fare Classes

Airlines sell seats in different fare categories, often called "fare classes" or "cabin classes":

Basic Economy — the cheapest option. It typically includes fewer perks: no seat selection (or last-to-pick), no carry-on bag (only a personal item on some airlines), no changes or cancellations, and boarding last. On domestic US flights, basic economy is fine for short trips where you just need to get there.
Main Economy (Regular Economy) — the standard fare. Includes a carry-on bag, seat selection, and the ability to change or cancel for a fee. This is what most people should book.
Premium Economy — more legroom, better seats, and enhanced meal service on long-haul flights. Worth considering for flights over 6 hours.
Business Class — significantly more expensive but offers lie-flat seats on long-haul flights, lounge access, priority boarding, and premium food and drink. A luxury, not a necessity.
First Class — the most expensive option. Available primarily on full-service international airlines. For most travelers, the price difference between business and first class is not justified.

Baggage Policies

This is where airlines make a lot of money from confused travelers. Know the rules before you book:

Personal item — a small bag (purse, laptop bag, small backpack) that fits under the seat in front of you. Included with every fare class on every airline.
Carry-on bag — a larger bag that goes in the overhead bin. Included with most fare classes except basic economy on some airlines (United, Delta, American) and excluded entirely by most budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair, EasyJet) unless you pay extra.
Checked bag — a suitcase that goes in the cargo hold. Most US airlines charge $30 to $45 per checked bag each way. International airlines often include one checked bag with economy tickets. Budget airlines charge $20 to $60 per checked bag.

The key lesson: Check baggage fees before you book. A "$200 flight" with a $60 round-trip baggage fee is really a $260 flight. The airline with the higher ticket price might be cheaper after fees.

When to Book

For the best prices:

Domestic flights: Book 1 to 3 months in advance
International flights: Book 2 to 4 months in advance
Holiday travel: Book 3 to 6 months in advance

Prices generally increase as the departure date approaches, though last-minute deals exist for flexible travelers.

Booking Your Flight

Once you have found a flight you want:

Select your flight on the aggregator or airline website.
Enter passenger information exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID (passport for international flights, driver's license or state ID for domestic flights). Your name must match your ID precisely. If your passport says "William," do not enter "Bill."
Choose your seat if the option is available. Window seats are best for sleeping and views. Aisle seats give you easier access to the bathroom and more legroom for your non-window-side leg. Middle seats have no advantages.
Add bags if needed and they are not included in your fare.
Enter payment information and complete the booking.
Save your confirmation email immediately. Screenshot it. Forward it to your personal email. This confirmation number (also called a booking reference or PNR) is your access to everything.

Before Your Flight

Online Check-In

Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure. Check in online as soon as it opens. This:

Confirms your seat assignment
Gets you a digital boarding pass on your phone
May allow you to upgrade your seat for a fee
Reduces the time you need to spend at the airport

Your boarding pass (digital or printed) contains your name, flight number, gate number, boarding group, and seat assignment.

What to Bring

Government-issued ID (passport for international, driver's license or passport for domestic US)
Boarding pass (on your phone or printed)
Confirmation number for quick access
Headphones — airlines no longer provide them on most flights, or provide low-quality disposable earbuds
Water bottle (empty, to fill after security)
Snacks — airline food is unreliable on domestic flights and short international flights
Entertainment — phone, e-reader, or book
Neck pillow and eye mask for flights over 4 hours
Layers — airplanes are often cold; a hoodie or light jacket is useful regardless of your destination's weather

At the Airport

How Early to Arrive

Domestic flights: 2 hours before departure
International flights: 3 hours before departure
During holidays or at busy airports: Add 30 to 60 minutes

Step 1: Check Your Bags (If Applicable)

If you have bags to check, go to the airline's check-in counter or bag drop area. Some airlines have self-service kiosks where you print luggage tags and drop bags on a conveyor belt. Others have staffed counters. Your checked bags go into the cargo hold, and you will not see them again until you arrive at your destination.

If you are flying carry-on only, skip this step.

Step 2: Security Screening

Go to the security checkpoint (follow signs for "Security" or "TSA" in the US). Have your boarding pass and ID ready.

At the security line:

Remove your laptop from your bag and place it in a separate bin
Remove liquids in containers over 3.4 ounces (100ml). All liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller, packed in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. One bag per person.
Remove your shoes, belt, and jacket and place them in a bin (TSA PreCheck members can skip this)
Empty your pockets completely — keys, phone, wallet, coins
Walk through the metal detector or body scanner when directed
Collect your belongings on the other side

Security can take 10 minutes or 90 minutes depending on the airport, time of day, and staffing. This is why arriving early matters.

Step 3: Find Your Gate

After security, you are in the terminal. Your boarding pass lists your gate number (e.g., "Gate B22"). Follow the signs. Gates are usually organized by terminal letter and then by number.

Check the departure screens near your gate to confirm your flight is on time and departing from the correct gate. Gate changes happen frequently and are not always announced loudly.

Step 4: Wait and Prepare

Use this time to:

Fill your water bottle at a fountain or refill station
Use the bathroom (airplane bathrooms are tiny)
Eat a meal if your flight does not include one
Charge your phone at a charging station near the gate
Listen for boarding announcements

Boarding the Plane

Airlines board in groups, usually announced by zone or group number (printed on your boarding pass). First class and business class board first, followed by groups in order.

When your group is called:

Line up at the boarding door
Show your boarding pass (phone screen or paper) to the gate agent — they scan it
Walk down the jet bridge (the covered walkway connecting the terminal to the plane)
Find your seat — seat numbers are listed above the overhead bins (row number + seat letter, like "14C")
Stow your carry-on in the overhead bin above your row or nearby
Put your personal item under the seat in front of you
Sit down, buckle your seatbelt, and relax

During the Flight

Takeoff

The plane taxis to the runway, which can take 5 to 30 minutes depending on airport traffic. The flight attendants demonstrate safety procedures during this time. Pay attention, especially if this is your first flight.

When cleared for takeoff, the engines increase power significantly. You will feel acceleration pushing you back into your seat. The plane lifts off the ground after about 30 to 45 seconds of acceleration. The climb is steep, and you may feel pressure in your ears.

To relieve ear pressure: Chew gum, yawn, swallow frequently, or pinch your nose shut and gently blow. This equalizes the pressure in your inner ears.

In the Air

Once the plane reaches cruising altitude (usually about 10 to 15 minutes after takeoff), the seatbelt sign may turn off. You can get up to use the bathroom, stretch, and move around. However, always keep your seatbelt fastened loosely when seated — turbulence can happen without warning.

Turbulence is normal. It feels like driving over a bumpy road. Planes are designed to handle turbulence, and it is almost never dangerous. It is uncomfortable, sometimes scary for first-timers, but routine for pilots and flight attendants.

The air on a plane is dry. Drink water throughout the flight. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate you further. A general rule is 8 ounces of water per hour of flight time.

Meals and Drinks

On short domestic flights (under 3 hours), airlines typically offer only drinks and small snacks, often for purchase. On longer domestic and international flights, meals are usually included with economy tickets. On long-haul international flights, you will typically receive one to two full meals plus snacks.

You can press the call button (above your head or on your armrest) if you need assistance from a flight attendant. Do not feel awkward about it — that is what it is for.

Entertainment

Most long-haul flights have seatback screens with movies, TV shows, music, and games. Many short-haul flights do not. Bring your own entertainment (downloaded shows, music, books, podcasts) so you are not dependent on the airline's system.

Landing

About 30 minutes before landing, the captain announces the descent. Flight attendants collect trash and ask you to return your seat to the upright position, stow your tray table, and fasten your seatbelt.

The descent and landing can cause ear pressure again. Use the same techniques as takeoff: chew gum, swallow, or gently equalize.

The plane touches down, decelerates (sometimes firmly — this is normal), and taxis to the gate. Stay seated with your seatbelt fastened until the seatbelt sign turns off. Standing up immediately does not get you off the plane faster.

After Landing

Domestic Flights

Exit the plane, follow signs to baggage claim if you checked a bag, and collect your luggage from the carousel. You are done. Head to ground transportation (taxis, ride-shares, rental cars, or public transit).

International Flights

International arrivals involve additional steps:

Immigration/Passport Control — you will wait in line and present your passport (and visa if required) to an immigration officer. They may ask about the purpose of your visit and how long you are staying. Answer honestly and briefly.
Baggage Claim — collect your checked luggage.
Customs — you may need to pass through a customs checkpoint. In most cases, if you have nothing to declare (no large amounts of cash, agricultural products, or goods over the duty-free limit), you walk through the "Nothing to Declare" lane without stopping.
Exit into the arrivals hall — ground transportation, currency exchange (though ATMs usually offer better rates), and SIM card shops are typically in this area.

Tips for a Comfortable First Flight

Choose an aisle seat if you get anxious — easy access to the bathroom and you can stretch your legs
Choose a window seat if you want to watch the takeoff, landing, and scenery
Avoid seats in the last few rows — they are closest to the engines (louder) and bathrooms (traffic and odors), and seats in the back row often do not recline
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and shoes you can slip on and off easily for security
Bring layers — a sweater or hoodie is essential even if you are flying to a tropical destination
Stand up and walk every 1 to 2 hours on flights longer than 4 hours to prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis
Download entertainment before you go — Wi-Fi on planes is expensive and unreliable

Flying is, statistically, the safest way to travel. Turbulence is uncomfortable but not dangerous. Strange noises during flight are normal — you are hearing hydraulic systems, landing gear, and wing flaps adjusting. The pilots and crew do this every day, and they are exceptionally well trained.

Take a deep breath, put on your headphones, and enjoy the view. You are about to see the world from 35,000 feet.

How to Book Flights: A Complete Guide for Nervous First-Time Flyers