Purchase a Ticket
The savviest way to purchase cheap tickets is searching online. The best day to fly is Wednesday and the best time to buy tickets is 3pm on Tuesdays. There are websites which cater to student travel. You can select the dates to travel on and various flight options will be provided. You will receive a confirmation email once your purchase has been processed.
Baggage Requirements for Different Airlines
Different airlines have different baggage requirements which depend on whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. Generally you are allowed one free 50lb suitcase which you check in for free. You can take a small carry on and personal item-a laptop or purse on the plane with you for free. Additional or overweight baggage typically comes with a fee.
Arrive Early and Check In
Arrive at least an hour and a half early for domestic flights and at least 2 hours prior to international flights. Follow signs to the check in desk for your airline. At the check in desk bags will be weighed, labeled, and sent to your plane, then your boarding pass will be given to you. If you have a domestic flight, you need valid photo identification such as a license. If traveling internationally, however, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your departure date. Be sure to look into visa requirements for certain countries.
Security
At the security checkpoint you will present your ID and boarding pass. Take off your shoes, belt, hat, and coat and place them in a bin. You will send these through the scanner along with your carry on. A security official will tell you when to proceed through the metal detector. After clearance, you can gather your belongings and head to your gate.
Your Gate
Your boarding pass will say which gate your flight will depart from, what time it will start boarding, which zone you are in, and your seat. Follow signs to your gate and wait there. Stay sharp and alert and don’t leave your items unattended. Zones will be called to board. Once on your flight remember to put your carry on in the overhead bin, your personal item under the seat in front of you, stay composed, and prepare to enjoy your flight. When you’ve arrived, don’t forget to pick up your baggage!
