Tips for first-time flyers

Q: How early should I arrive at the airport for a domestic flight in India?

In most cases, it's advised that you arrive at the airport one hour before take off. Your airline should give you official guidance, but that's the case for most flights. Be aware that if your flight is delayed, you're still expected to arrive one hour before the original departure time (unless you're informed differently by the airline).

First flight fears? Let Skyscanner help you transform into a confident flyer by teaching you the procedure at airports for domestic flights.

Step 1: Book your tickets

Booking flights is a breeze, but only if you know how. Getting your hands on the best – read cheapest – tickets is easier now than ever before.

Skyscanner pulls in the latest prices from travel agents, booking websites and directly from airlines to one simple platform. You just put in the details of your flight and we sort the flights according to your preference.

If you're not totally sure when you want to fly, you can search by a whole month to get a picture of which dates are cheapest.

Step 2: Packing right

Pack right, and light. The biggest mistake that first-time travellers make is that they take too much with them. Think about how long you're going to be away and what the weather's going to be like. And remember, your destination's going to have shops where you can buy anything you forget.

You should also check your airline's baggage allowance. All airlines have different rules for domestic and international routes, so check for your maximum allowance and stay within it.

There are also rules on what can and can't be taken on board. Check your airline's website for their individual rules. There is a list of things that can be packed in your check-in baggage but not in your hand baggage – make sure to follow that list.

Restrictions for international and domestic flights are often different, with domestic rules often more relaxed.

Step 3: Arrive early for domestic flights

On the day of your flight, you need to make sure that you get to the airport with plenty of time. The rule of thumb is to arrive one hour early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights.

Before your departure date, think about how you're going to get to the airport. If you're driving, book airport parking before you leave. If you're getting a cab, call ahead and book it so it's there waiting for you. Given the nature of Indian traffic, it's wise to give yourself a bit of a buffer so you're not stressing in a traffic jam outside the airport.

Some Indian airports have multiple terminals, so check on your booking which terminal your flight is scheduled to depart from. Very often, a confusion like this once you arrive at the airport can end up being the difference between catching your flight and missing it.

Once you're at the airport, you'll have time to catch up on reading, watch the planes depart or grab a bite to eat. For longer waits, a trip to one of the airport lounges (included in some bookings) may make things more comfortable for you.

Step 4: Procedure at the airport for domestic flights

Airports can be confusing, especially for a first timer. Larger airports can actually be a maze if you don’t know what to do. Here's an in-depth guide to the procedure at the airport for domestic flights:

Keep your booking details and passport or I-card handy at all times, but make sure they're safe. You'll need these to enter most Indian airports.
If you have check-in luggage, get a trolley from the departures entrance to make the process easier.
Once inside, head to your airline section with your booking information and identification. These are normally well brandeed so you can see them easily, but you can also find a departures screen that will tell you which desk to go to for check-in or you can ask a member of staff in the airport.
Join the queue for your airline's check-in desks. Once it's your turn, show your booking reference and ID to the airline staff member and hand over the luggage you want to be checked. You'll be issued your boarding pass (and you can pick up your luggage once you arrive). Self check-in kiosks are also available, but for your first time flying it may be easier to have guidance.
To get to your terminal, you have to pass through security (which the airline staff can direct you to). To do this, you'll have to place everything except your boarding pass in the X-ray tray and pass through a metal detector. If you have any electronics in your carry-on bags, you'll need to take these out too. Any liquids (that pass the airline's rules) will have to be shown too.
Once you're through, collect your items from the tray and move into the departure hall. It's a good idea to check the departure gate for your flight and walking over to it so you know where it is and how long it takes you to get there.
If you have spare time, you can either wait by the gate, browse the retail section or grab a bite to eat. If you leave the gate area, keep an eye on the time and listen out for announcements related to your flight.
Regularly check display boards for details about your flight. Updates to boarding times and any delays will be shown here.

Step 5: You’re on the plane! Now what?

After you board, head to the seat number allocated to you. You can place your hand baggage either in the overhead compartment close to your seat or underneath the seat in front of you. Make sure to take out any books or things you'll need for the flight first.

Settle in, put on your seat belt, switch off your cell phone, listen carefully to the instructions given by the flight attendant and enjoy the flight.

Step 6: Be prepared for your destination

After your first ever flight, you'll find yourself at your destination!

If you want to be informed about where to visit and eat, you'll find that most Indian cities have a range of of apps that you can download which will make your life easier. Getting these before you fly and having a look through will help shape your holiday.

When you go overseas, you can also get everything from currency conversion and local weather toforeign language translations apps to help make your trip easier. You'll know which clothes to get off the plane in – shorts and a T-shirt may prove grossly inadequate if you show up on a freezing winter night in a new land - and know exactly how much you're spending in shops and restaurants.

Quick tips to be prepared for your flight

Once you have your e-ticket, you can choose your meal type and pre-book the seat you wish to travel in.

Check if your credit card or cabin class offers you lounge access.

Cabin crew will assist you with any emergency medicines or blankets/socks if required.

You must register your mobile number with the airline – this way, you will get a message in case of a reschedule or delay in your flight.

Keep an ear out for the pre-landing announcement – you will be updated on the weather in your destination and the belt number where your checked-in baggage will arrive.

FAQs for first-time flyers in India

Still got some worries over flying? Speak to friends, call your airline and read our commonly asked questions.

What documents are required for domestic flights in India?

To board a domestic flight in India, you'll need one form of government issued ID. It's best to check with your airline for a definitive list, but these forms of ID are generally accepted by most airlines in India:

Passport
Driver's licence
Voter ID card
Aadhaar card
PAN card
ID card with photo issued by the central or state government, public sector undertakings, local bodies, or public limited companies
Student ID card issued by a government institution or government-recognised educational institution
Nationalised bank passbook with an attested photograph
Pension card/pension documents with a photograph
Disability ID card/handicapped medical certificate issued by the respective State/UT governments or administrations

Each of these documents must be presented in its original form (ie no photocopies) or through your DigiLocker account.

How early should I arrive at the airport for a domestic flight in India?

In most cases, it's advised that you arrive at the airport one hour before take off. Your airline should give you official guidance, but that's the case for most flights.

Be aware that if your flight is delayed, you're still expected to arrive one hour before the original departure time (unless you're informed differently by the airline).

How do I know what I can take on the plane with me?

Each airline has its own rules about hand luggage so it's always best to check on the website of whoever you're flying with. As a general rule, you can't take any liquids over 100ml, anything sharp or anything that could start a fire.