FLYING IS FUN!

If this is your first time traveling on an airplane, or it’s been a long time since your last flight, this book will help show you what to expect between arriving at the airport and reaching your destination.

PACK YOUR BAGS

Before you go to the airport, pack your bags for your trip! Airplanes have rules about how many bags you can bring to be sure everyone’s items fit on the plane.

You can usually bring one, small piece of luggage plus a smaller bag – like a backpack – on the plane. Other luggage gets stored in the bottom part of the plane called the cargo area. Ask your parents to help you pack.

Once you are packed, put your things in the car and head to the airport.

CHECKING IN

At the airport, you will park the car and head to check-in. Give your name to the person working at the counter, and they will give you a boarding pass.

If you have a large bag that needs to be stored on the bottom part of the plane, you’ll give it to the person at the check-in counter. They will put a special tag on your luggage, and you will pick it up after you land at your destination.

SECURITY CHECKPOINT

The security checkpoint is a lot of waiting in line. Knowing what to expect will help you get through it. When you reach the checkpoint, you’ll see people in uniforms. They work to keep you safe. Once it is your turn, the person will check your boarding pass. If you have an ID, they will also look at that.

After your boarding pass is checked, it is time to get your bags scanned! When you get to the conveyor belt:

You will get all your stuff back at the end of the security check.

Wait your turn to be called to walk through the body scanner. A person working at the scanner will tell you what to do next. They might need to wave a wand near your body. After you and your belongings are scanned, check the bins and collect your things before you head to the gate!

Passengers with a disability or medical condition may call ahead to the TSA Cares helpline at 855-787-2227

AT THE GATE

The gate is where you wait until it is time to get on your plane. Your boarding pass will have your gate information on it. You can check you are at the right place by asking a person working at the gate. They’re usually behind a desk and wearing a uniform.

BOARDING

Your boarding pass shows a group number or letter. When your group is called to board, grab your belongings and get in line. A person will scan your boarding pass and send you through the door to the jet bridge.

The jet bridge is an enclosed walkway that leads to the airplane.

Your ticket shows your assigned row and seat number.

Where do my bags go?

There are two places in the plane where you can put your carry-on luggage. A larger item will go in the storage space above your seat and should stay there while the plane is in the air. A smaller item, like a backpack, will go under the seat in front of you.

Make sure you put anything you’d like to use during the flight in your small bag under the seat in front of you.

SEATING

While you’re in your seat on the plane, you can read, color, or use a small electronic device as long as it is in airplane mode. A flight attendant will announce when it is okay to use a laptop.

Remember: If you see the seatbelt light on, make sure you are buckled. The seatbelt light keeps you safe, especially during takeoff, landing, or if the air gets a little bit bumpy.

Friendly Flight Attendants

A flight attendant will make important announcements and can answer questions. They may also bring you a snack or drink. Flight attendants have important work to do during a flight so try to be patient when you need their help.

Visiting In-Air Bathrooms

Plane bathrooms are smaller than yours at home. If you need to use one, make sure the seatbelt light is off. Check the sign near the bathroom door – if it is green, you can go in. If it is red, another passenger is using the bathroom so you will need to wait your turn.

ON THE PLANE REVIEW

SEATBELTS: Keep it on when you are in your seatand when the light is on.

LUGGAGE: Things you don’t need = overhead | things you need = under seat

TAKE-OFF: Be ready for the plane to go fast. Sit in your seat with your belt on.

BATHROOM: Check the seatbelt light and make sure the green sign is next to the bathroom door.

ELECTRONICS: You can play with electronics as long as they are in “airplane” mode.

FOOD/DRINK: A flight attendant usually can give you some or you may have snacks you have packed.

LANDING: The pilot will come on the loudspeaker and announce when it is time to land. Be ready for the plane to slow down. Sit in your seat with your seatbelt on. You will feel a small bump when the plane’s wheels touch the ground, then the plane will put on the brakes. This sometimes makes your body lean forward a bit, but not for long.

ARRIVAL

After landing you will have to wait your tume to get off the plane. Grab all your bags and walk to the front of the plane.

You will get to say goodbye to your pilots, walk across the jet bridge again, and arrive at a gate like the one you entered.

At this point, you will either go to a different plane for the next flight on your adventure, or you will go with your family to pick up any bags you left when you checked in.

Puzzle Answers

Click a tab below for answers to the puzzles in our First Sky Guide

MIX AND MATCH ANSWER

 

WORD SEARCH ANSWER

 

WORD JUMBLE ANSWER

 

ONE IN A CROWD ANSWER

 

SUDOKU ANSWER