How do i actually get on a plane at the airport?

A question about : How do i actually get on a plane at the airport?

As someone who has never flown before, i am lost, people talk like its a everyday thing but i do not know what to do.

OK as far as i can tell, i go to online check in and check in, how long before the plane departs can i do this? I would like to do this early as possible.

What information will i need to complete this check in online?

Then i print a bording pass - not sure what that is, but how long do i have to print this pass?? I would like to do this very early as well.
What information will i need for this as well??

Then, once i have the bording pass and i have checked in, i am lost - now what? Do i go to a person at a desk, show them my bording pass, and then go get on a plane? Or is there more to it than this?? I know about customms checks but will they check me here or the country i land in?? And how does that work, is there a gate at the airport with security there who check my bag before i enter the country?

Also, is there still duty free on planes and if so, what are the limits of alcohol and tobacco i can buy?

Best answers:

• All airlines and airports work different routines, albeit usually very similar.
  It'd be handy to know which airport you'll be travelling from, and which airline you'll be travelling with.
• I will answer your questions as much as I can.
  Online check in times vary between airlines, but more often than not it starts 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  Check with your particular airline for clarification of this.
  The info you need is generally just name and either booking reference or ticket number.
  Again, this might change depending on airline and country of destination. If for example you are off to the USA, you won't be able to check in online if you haven't completed the API (advanced pasenger information), where they want a few personal details.
  If printable bording passes are available, you should be able to do this as soon as the online check in is completed.
  If you have no luggage to check in then you can normally go straight through security into the airside part of the terminal. If you have bags you go to one of the airline desks in the land side part of the terminal. Your airline may have "bag drop" desks where you can go if you already have a boarding pass.
  You go through security checks when before getting airside and they check your baggage, paperwork and sometimes do a quick frisk search.
  There is still duty free available at UK airports but only for passengers flying outside of the EU..
  The amounts of alcohol and tobacco you can legally take depend on the country that you are visiting.
  Most airlines still sell duty free but quantities are limited and it's often cheaper at the airport.
  If you say what airline, what airport of departure and what country you are going to, people will give more advice.
• Here is a video of how to use Ryanairs online checkin it will show you most of what you need to know..
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-ftegMK8R4
• make sure you print your boarding passes off for both journeys, Ryanair charge you if you don't have them!
• OK thanks guys i have a good idea of what i have to do.
  But i do not have a travel agent, i am independent.
• I don't know whether Ryanair offer boarding pass on your mobile, but I've found that to be a very useful option. On FlyBE the big bonus is that if you also select the automatic check in they send the boarding pass to you and you don't have the worry of ensuring you can print it, which can be an issue (particularly for the return flight where accessing a printer may be difficult) where check in only opens (in FlyBE's case) 36 hours before the flight.
• Here's a short video of Luton Airport...
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHz9PpvrbbU
  When you get there, keep an eye the Departures screens which list all the flight numbers. They will be updated with instructions such as Check In at Desk ZZ, Go to Departures Lounge, Go to Gate XX, etc. Don't be nervous about asking for help. Enjoy!
• At home:
  Check in online and print boarding passes.
  Make sure any hold bags and cabin bags comply with the airline's weight and dimensions requirements.
  Get to airport - know the time you have to get to your departure gate for and then allow time for other bits like security.
  - Baggage drop if you have hold luggage. Usually best paid for at the time of booking.
  - Security check. Make sure you've complied with rules on liquids, toothpaste and clear bags. Make sure all electronics are well charged.
  - Departure area. Check the screens regularly to find out which departure gate your flight leaves from. Make sure destination AND flight number match your booking.
  - Departure gate. Make sure you're there in good time. Check screens and listen to announcements for when to board.
  You'll be fine.
• =Widelats;67725005]As someone who has never flown before, i am lost, people talk like its a everyday thing but i do not know what to do.
  OK as far as i can tell, i go to online check in and check in, how long before the plane departs can i do this? I would like to do this early as possible.
  I think you can check in upto a week before. You'll need to enter your api (details like your name, passport number etc) but it will pre prompt you. You don't have to select the seats, if you don't then you have to check in sooner, but it leaves plenty of time. I print documents at the library, but do allow time just in case.
  What information will i need to complete this check in online?
  [COLOR="rgb(244, 164, 96)"]api so your passport number, full name and country. It talks you through it (not literally)[/COLOR]
  Then i print a bording pass - not sure what that is, but how long do i have to print this pass?? I would like to do this very early as well.
  What information will i need for this as well??
  [COLOR="rgb(244, 164, 96)"]youll print a full a4, it's basically like the old boarding cards but you do it on paper. It's then scanned when you go through baggage checks and checked before you board the plane. Info same as above [/COLOR]
  Then, once i have the bording pass and i have checked in, i am lost - now what? Do i go to a person at a desk, show them my bording pass, and then go get on a plane? Or is there more to it than this?? I know about customms checks but will they check me here or the country i land in?? And how does that work, is there a gate at the airport with security there who check my bag before i enter the country?
  [COLOR="rgb(244, 164, 96)"]when at the airport with your boarding card you'll get it checked with your passport through security. You'll only need to go to the desk if you check bags in. Then once through there's duty free, which all depends where you are travelling to as some is more than others. Keep an eye on the screen as it will tell you what gate to go to. [/COLOR]
  Also, is there still duty free on planes and if so, what are the limits of alcohol and tobacco i can buy?[/QUOTE]
  As above. It's not too bad and there's always people about if you get stuck
• I would say really important to check what is and what is not allowed to be taken in your hand luggage- remembering how many swiss army knives and the like that had been confiscated at Manchester airport!
  Have a look here:
  https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/overview
• Be aware some airlines ask
  You to remove shoes and belts as you pass through security. Remember although you can only take certain amounts of liquids in hand luggage through security , you can buy more at Boots for example on the airport airside.
• At the airport, as someone mentioned, ensure all liquids, gels, pastes etc are under 100ml (new size, not remaining in bottle!) And in a clear freezer bag ready for security.
  talking of security, if you want less stress, book 'priority lane' on luton airpot website, 3 quid to fast track through security .. eg. Not queue with everyone else.
• I last flew with Easyjet (Have never used Ryanair) and I printed out boarding passes and checked in online where I got my seat numbers in advance. When I got to Edinburgh to fly back for example, I checked in my luggage and handed over boarding card and got told where to go. Through security - remove shoes, belt if needed. No liquids, you can buy a drink afterwards. Than mooch around for a bit although I made sure I knew what gate I had to get plane from. Got to the gate early where I took a seat before they opened the gates. Premuim boarders went first before the rest of us could board.
  I flew quite late for my first time I was about 24.