There are a few things you should know and familiarise yourself with, to make your flight as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
Here is a guide with all that you need to know, from navigating the airport to getting onto the plane. This will certainly ease your travel fear and get you ready for the journey ahead.
Traveler’s Check List
- ID card – The most important document for Air travel and Passport for International Travellers (Note: Government of India Issued ID card) (Soft copy accepted only if issued through DigiLocker)
- Tickets – Hard copy / soft copy. (If soft copy, please make sure the document is in pdf format. SMS not accepted) OR Boarding Pass – If available or you can print it at the Check-in counters at the Self Kiosk counters at the Airport or soft copy as pdf.
- Mobile phones – with all the necessary travel apps. (If you are tech friendly, please use DigiYatra App for seamless travel in metro city airports)
- Ensure you reach the Airport at least 1.5 hours before the scheduled time of boarding (Note: Boarding time will be 25 minutes before flight departure time). In busy airports like: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, kindly make sure to reach 2 hours before boarding time. Srinagar, 3 hours before boarding time due to security reasons.
Luggage:
Travel documents should be placed in your hand baggage because you may be asked for it anytime for verification of identity.
Travel light for an enjoyable journey. If you wish to carry more, check with your airline ticket to know baggage weight allowed before you travel. Each Airline and each ticket category has its own set of guidelines for luggage. Ensure to check with the Airline’s ticket or website or call the airline regarding the baggage guidelines to avoid the last minute hassles while checking-in at the Airport. Usually for domestic check in luggage allowed is 15 kg per passenger (only one piece of bag) and 7 kg as hand luggage (one piece). Women can carry a hand bag/purse as wallet, extra. Ensure that you do not carry any prohibited items in your baggage or it’ll be confiscated by the officials at the Airport.
Please place your power bank or battery items in hand bag only.
In hand luggage, please carry only 100 ml or less as liquid items in 100 ml or less carrying capacity bottles.
For flights from or to Srinagar, no liquids to be carried in handbag including deodorant or perfumes. All such items in check in luggage only.
At the airport: Check In:
Upon reaching the Airport, you will be required to show your ID and ticket or boarding pass copy to the security officers at the entry gate. Once you enter inside airport, you can see multiple boards with airline names and flight numbers. Go to your airline counter & officials at the counter will check the required documents to verify your identity. After verification, you will be issued a boarding pass which will have all the details of your travel like Flight number, seat number, scheduled boarding time of the flight. Keep safe your boarding pass till you arrive at the destination and get your bags in hand safely.
Security Checks:
After Checking-in at the Airport, you’ve to undergo a series of security checks. Go to the area that shows ‘Security Check’. The following will prepare you better for the screening and personal check.
- Place all your hand baggage for screening.
- Place cell phones, laptops, electronics, watches etc in the tray provided.
- The metal objects like belts, bracelets etc are to be placed in the trays provided, as they might set off the alarms.
- Follow the 3-3-3 rule at the Airport for carrying any liquids. (You’re not allowed to carry more than 3 numbers and not more than 3 fluid ounces) Check Airline rules to clear any doubts.
- While your luggage is being checked, you’ll be required to undergo a personal check at the checking booths.
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. Sometimes, the security officers will seal in your boarding pass.
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.
The Wait To Board:
Move on to the corresponding terminal for domestic flight. Once you are out of the security check zone, irrespective of the type of flight, you have to wait in the waiting area before it is time to board the flight. There are common waiting areas near all gates and exclusive lounges where you can relax before your flight which can be availed by your eligible debit or credit cards.
While waiting you can explore all the facilities of the Airport. Experience diverse range of shops, eateries and more to keep you engaged.
Boarding:
In the waiting area, there will be multiple display boards showing the flight details. Check for your Flight Number, Destination, Airline and find the GATE NUMBER.
Once gate number is confirmed and is about for your boarding, proceed toward the gate, wait in the boarding area to board the flight. You aboard the plane once the final check of your boarding pass is done by the airlines. Find your seat, air hostess will assist you or you can see seat numbers written right above the seat in the cabin box. Put your bags in over the head cabin box and settle in, put on your seat belt and listen carefully to the instructions.
Voila, Here you go! Enjoy your flight journey.
De-boarding: