There are a few things you should know and familiarise yourself with to make your first flight as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
Here is a guide with all the info you need to know from booking a flight to navigating the airport and getting onto the plane. This will ease your travel fear and prepare you for the journey ahead.
- ID Documents: Carry valid identification documents to the airport. Domestic passengers should have an ID card (Aadhaar, driving licence, PAN, voter ID), while international passengers must have their passport.
- Tickets: Depending upon your airline’s policy, bring a hard copy/soft copy of your air ticket.
- Boarding Pass: For seamless boarding, you must have your boarding pass. Get it printed at the check-in kiosks at Delhi Airport.
- Comfort Essentials: For a comfortable flying experience, consider bringing a neck pillow, headphones, chargers, eye masks, medications, sanitisers, and travel-sized toiletries.
- Mobile phone: Install the necessary travel apps on your phone and have it handy.
Pro-tip: For passengers flying through DEL, apps like DigiYatra can be helpful. With your mobile, you can also check the Live Flight Status Tracker and On-ground Traffic for a hassle-free journey.
- Arrival Time: Reach the airport at least 2 hours before when travelling domestically and 3 hours before when flying internationally before the scheduled departure time.
- Mind your Noise: At the airport, keep your electronics on silent mode and use headphones when listening to music or watching videos.
- Waiting in Queue: Maintain orderly lines at check-in, security, and boarding gates. Follow the instructions of the airport staff.
- Follow Airport Signage: Pay attention to signs and follow directions to various airport services and facilities.
- Travel Documents: Put your documents in hand luggage because you may be asked for them anytime for identity verification.
- Travel light: Carry only the essentials for an enjoyable journey. Each airline has its own set of guidelines for luggage. Ensure to check with the airline's website or call them regarding the baggage guidelines to avoid last-minute hassles while checking in at the airport.
- Hand Baggage Guidelines: Articles like nail cutters, scissors, swiss knives, batteries, and liquids more than 100ml are not allowed in hand luggage.
- Check-in Baggage Instructions: Do not carry a power bank, lighter, or e-cigarette in your check-in baggage. Ensure that you do not have any prohibited items in your baggage otherwise it will be confiscated. Refer to these baggage guidelines for a hassle-free airport experience.
Pro-tip: Passengers travelling via Delhi Airport can use baggage facilities like Excess Baggage Delivery Service, Baggage Pickup and Drop, Porter Service, and Baggage Wrapping for a hassle-free airport experience.
- Arrival Early at Airport: Ensure you reach the airport at least 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 2-4 hours early for international flights. This will give you ample time to check in and collect your boarding pass, check in your baggage, go through the security screening, and be at the departure gate in time for your flight.
- Use Public Transport: Use public transport to minimise the unwanted delays in parking your own vehicles.
- Pre-book Parking: If you are driving yourself to the airport, pre-book your parking for a hassle-free experience.
Pro-tip: Passengers flying via Delhi Airport can drive, book a cab, get a taxi or bus, or travel via Delhi Metro. To know more about the commute options, click here.
- ID Verification: Upon reaching the airport, you need to show ID. Officials at the counter will check the documents.
- Collect Boarding Pass: After verification, you will be issued a boarding pass with flight details like flight number, seat number, and scheduled departure time. Make sure to secure the boarding pass along with your travel documents. There is a chance that you may miss getting it in the breathtaking experience of making your maiden flight.
- Luggage Screening: Place all your hand baggage for screening and your cell phones, laptops, and electronics in the tray provided. The metal objects like belts and bracelets should also be placed in the trays provided, as they might set off the alarms.
- Follow the 3-3-3 rule: At the airport, follow the 3-3-3 rule for carrying any liquids. You are not allowed to carry more than 3 numbers and more than 3 fluid ounces. Check airline rules for any clarifications.
- Personal Check: While your luggage is being checked, you will be required to undergo a personal check at the checking booths.
- Collect Baggage: Once your screening is over, collect your baggage and everything else from the other side of the X-ray machines or screens. Your documents will be verified, and the officials at the counters will allow you to move on to the next step in the airline process.
- Extra Checks: In case the screening machine detects anything unusual or the checking authorities require clarification, you and your luggage may be subjected to extra checks and screening measures.
- Moving Ahead: Afterwards, move to the Immigration and Customs section in case of an International Flight or move on to the corresponding terminal in case of a domestic flight.
- Necessary Papers: For an International flight, you need to undergo Customs and Immigration checks. Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents (Passport and VISA) and state the reason for your travel to the officials if asked.
- Contraband Items: Ensure you do not have any contraband items which are against the law. Always read the list of allowed/banned items on the airline's website.
- Local Currency: Some countries you travel to might require you to carry local currency. So, read the destination country policies and make the necessary arrangements accordingly.
Pro-tip: If you are arriving at Delhi Airport, here is a list of items that can be imported duty-free.
- Airport Lounges: Irrespective of the type of flight, you have to hang out in the waiting area before it is time to board the flight. There are lounges where you can relax before your flight. For passengers travelling via Delhi Airport, here are some premium lounging facilities.
- Shopping and Dining: While waiting you can explore the facilities of the airport. At Delhi Airport, we have innumerable shopping and dining outlets to keep you engaged. For passengers seeking to relax before making it to the next step of their journey, DEL also houses a spa at T3.
- Wait for Boarding: After arriving at the final gate, wait in the boarding area. You board the plane once the final check of your boarding pass is done. Settle in, put on your seat belt and listen carefully to the instructions.
Pro-tip: For more information about the departure process, refer to this guide.
