A passenger aircraft on approach with landing gear down against a blue sky

Flying for the first time: Master your first flight with our tips

Flying for the first time can be both exciting and daunting. Are you feeling nervous and unsure of what to expect? Even for seasoned travellers, a flight can feel like a little adventure every single time. It’s an experience that’s almost part and parcel of life – whether it’s for a business trip, a holiday or a visit to family and friends. To help you prepare for your first flight, we’ve put together some practical tips for you below.

Contents

01This way, your first flight will be an unforgettable experience
02How to overcome a fear of flying on your first flight

This way, your first flight will be an unforgettable experience

Basics first: To ensure your first flight goes smoothly and you have a pleasant journey, you should, above all, keep an eye on the time. Allow plenty of time for check-in, security screening and boarding to avoid stress and ensure everything runs smoothly. For domestic flights, you should be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure; for international flights, it’s better to arrive 3 hours before the flight is due to depart. These timeframes should be sufficient to complete the check-in process, go through security, reach the gate and board the aircraft, as well as to allow for any unexpected delays.

It’s also best to make sure you choose comfortable clothing and shoes in advance. Loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes for the flight ensure that you feel at ease and can move around freely. After all, a bit of movement on board can’t do any harm. Ideally, you should get up regularly to stimulate blood circulation and prevent leg pain. You should also make use of the in-seat exercises shown in many in-flight information guides. If you’re sensitive to draughts or air conditioning, we recommend taking a scarf or shawl on board.

And don’t forget: drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during the flight. But be careful – you should avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, as this can lead to dehydration.

How to prepare for your first flight

Once you’ve got the basics in mind, it’s time to start preparing.

Preparation before the flight:

Check the entry requirements for your destination: Each country has its own specific entry requirements. You can find detailed information on these requirements on the Foreign Office website. Information on visa requirements can be found in the linked summary table. There you can find out which countries require a visa when travelling from Germany.
Book your flight well in advance: The earlier you book your flight, the wider the choice of available seats and potentially the better the prices.
Hand luggage and baggage allowances: Check the airline’s regulations regarding the size and weight of hand luggage and checked-in baggage to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the airport.
Pack carefully: The key here is to take it one step at a time. It’s best to start with a handy hand luggage packing list so that you always have everything you need to hand.

Essential items to pack in your hand luggage:

Personal documents and finances

Toiletries

A travel first-aid kit

Electronic devices

Everything that enhances your personal travel comfort

As a general rule for your hand luggage and suitcase: avoid carrying unnecessary weight and make sure to make eco-friendly choices, such as solid soaps instead of liquid products and reusable water bottles. A handy list is also essential when packing your suitcase.

Have important documents to hand: Make sure you have your passport, identity card and all other necessary documents ready to hand.
Check the validity of your documents and your vaccination status: It is particularly important not only that you have your passport with you, but also that it is still valid. It is advisable to check its validity at least two months before departure. Whilst you’re at it, check your vaccination record straight away so you can top up any vaccinations that are due in good time.

Your passport has expired and you’ve only just realised? Don’t panic – there’s a solution. In this case, you can go straight to the Federal Police at the airport. They’re usually located nearby or at the check-in counter. If you have another document to hand that confirms your identity, you’ll simply be issued with a temporary passport. For the officers, this is just a routine procedure. However, things may be different for overseas flights. So check all passports in good time to be on the safe side.

How to overcome a fear of flying on your first flight

Flying for the first time can be an exciting experience – at this point, some helpful tips are in order to make the flight a little more bearable. First of all: it’s worth bearing in mind that millions of people fly every day and that flying is actually one of the safest forms of travel. Try to put your trust in the experience of the pilots and cabin crew, so that your fear of flying limits you as little as possible. Flying is a practical way to reach new places as quickly as possible, to explore them, discover new cultures and create unforgettable memories.

Important: Fear of flying (aviophobia) is an anxiety disorder that takes a heavy toll on those affected. It is important to bear in mind that everyone is different, and so not all tips will be equally effective for everyone. You will therefore need to work out for yourself which methods suit you best and are most helpful to you personally.

You can bear these tips in mind to help with your fear of flying:

Find out about aeroplanes: Knowing about aeroplanes and how they work can help reduce anxiety. Read up on the technology and safety measures used in the aviation industry.

Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation can help to reduce anxiety and calm the body. There are various relaxation techniques, such as the 4-7-8 method, which can help to reduce feelings of anxiety. You can also download a suitable app or a guided meditation onto your mobile phone in advance and listen to it via headphones during the flight if needed. Please do, however, bear in mind the regulations regarding the use of mobile phones during the flight.

Distract yourself with entertainment: Listening to soothing music can also help reduce anxiety when you’re flying for the first time. Distraction strategies such as reading a book or watching a film can also be helpful. So make sure you take a good book, some magazines or some music with you.

Visualise a positive flight: Before the flight, picture a positive experience. To do this, simply visualise a smooth flight and a pleasant flying experience.

Talk to the cabin crew: The cabin crew are trained and experienced in dealing with passengers’ fear of flying. So if you have any fears or concerns, don’t hesitate to let the cabin crew know. You’re guaranteed to receive support.

Seek professional help: If your fear of flying is particularly severe, you may wish to consider seeking professional help. There are therapists and courses that specialise in treating a fear of flying.

Avoid caffeinated drinks: Caffeine can make you feel more nervous. You should therefore make sure to avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee or energy drinks before and during the flight.

Fly more often: Sometimes, a fear of flying can diminish with experience. If you fly more often, you can gradually get used to the experience and feel more confident.