Flying: The easiest way to discover the world

In a few days, you'll be flying. Everything's ready: your trip is planned, your bags are packed. But have you thought of everything?

When should you arrive at the airport before a flight? Where should you go once you're in the terminal? How do you check your luggage and go through boarding? What happens during the flight? And if you have a connecting flight, how do you manage it? What should you do during a layover? Finally, what's the arrival process like at your destination?

Don't worry! With our experience-based tips and recommendations, we'll answer all your questions so you can travel with peace of mind.

A few days before flying

Prepare your travel documents

The day before departure, gather all your essential documents and check that they are in order: passport or ID card, any necessary visa, and your e-tickets or boarding passes (printed or digital). A simple oversight could prevent you from traveling, so it's best to plan ahead!

If possible, check in online. Most airlines encourage this, as it allows you to get your boarding pass (if you haven't already) and sometimes choose your seat or a specific meal. Generally, online check-in is available between 24 and 48 hours before departure, via the airline's website or app. Once this step is completed, you'll save time and travel more serenely. If you couldn't check in online, you can always do so at the airport.

Remember to also check your flight status the day before, to be informed of any schedule changes or other important updates.

A small practical tip: slip a pen into your bag. It might be useful for filling out a luggage tag or a customs form if necessary.

Travel comfortably

Depending on the length of your flight, the journey can be more or less long. Opt for comfortable clothing and avoid clothes that are too tight. As the temperature on the plane is often unpredictable, bring a light garment and an extra warmer layer, just in case.

Pack things to keep yourself and your children occupied. Airplanes usually offer magazines and newspapers, but nothing beats a good book or a movie downloaded to your tablet or smartphone (in airplane mode). Some flights have Wi-Fi connection, sometimes free, sometimes paid.

On long-haul flights, an individual screen with a selection of movies, series, and music is often available. Headphones are provided, but if you have your own (especially noise-canceling ones), they will be more comfortable – be aware of the specific jacks on some planes, however. For an even more pleasant flight, consider bringing a travel pillow, a sleep mask, and earplugs. Some airlines even offer a comfort kit with a mask, headphones, blanket, and toiletries.

At the airport

Don't show up at the last minute! It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before takeoff, or even 3 to 4 hours for certain flights or large airports. In case of unexpected delays on the way, you will have a safety margin to avoid any unnecessary stress.

Checking in hold luggage can take time, especially at large airports where you sometimes have to travel long distances between check-in counters and boarding gates. Additionally, formalities are often longer for international flights than for domestic flights.

By planning ahead and organizing well, you can travel with peace of mind and fully enjoy your flight!

Airport terminals

Airports are often divided into several terminals. Some are limited to two main areas: one for international flights, the other for domestic flights. In larger airports, terminals are usually numbered (T1, T2, T3, etc.). They are often close to each other, but sometimes further apart. In this case, shuttles, buses or monorails provide the connection between them.

To facilitate your arrival, head directly to the correct terminal. Road signs usually indicate the terminals as you approach the airport, and each has its own parking, drop-off area, and public transport access. Your flight's terminal is specified on your boarding pass.

Once inside, display screens will give you all the essential information: flight number, destination, check-in counter, boarding gate, and flight status.

Check-in

Check-in allows you to obtain your boarding pass. If you haven't done it online before your departure, you can retrieve it from one of the self-service kiosks located near the baggage check-in counters. Please note that some airlines charge fees for airport check-in.

If there is no kiosk available, you can obtain your boarding pass directly at the baggage check-in counter. In most cases, an ID is sufficient for check-in, even without other documents.

You can also get your boarding pass via the airline's website or mobile app. You will then only need to present your phone at the various checkpoints, with your boarding pass displayed on the screen.

Checking your hold luggage

To check your hold luggage, go to your flight's check-in counter. Display screens will indicate the counter corresponding to your airline and destination. If the information isn't on the main board, check the screens above the counters or ask a staff member.

While you wait, make sure each piece of luggage has a tag with your name, address, and phone number. This is not mandatory, but highly recommended in case of loss. If you don't have one, paper tags are usually available at the beginning of the queue.

Once at the counter, present your e-ticket or boarding pass and a form of identification. Then, place your luggage one by one on the conveyor belt to be weighed. It must comply with the weight and size limits set by your airline and ticket. If you exceed these limits, you will have to pay an extra fee.

The check-in agent will affix a self-adhesive tag to your luggage for identification, then give you your boarding pass and tracking coupons (one per piece of luggage). Keep them carefully: they will be useful in case of loss or delay.

Self-service check-in

Some companies offer self-service baggage check-in via automated kiosks. These kiosks print a tag to stick on your luggage, with instructions on how to place it correctly. You will then only have to drop off your luggage at a dedicated counter, which is often faster.

Other airlines even allow you to print your tags from home, along with your boarding pass, during online check-in.

Baggage and layovers

If your flight includes a layover, inquire about baggage handling. Will your bags be automatically transferred to the next flight, or do you need to retrieve and re-check them? This depends on your ticket, airline, and airport. In some cases, even with two separate tickets on the same airline, free baggage transfer can be arranged at check-in.

Security check

After checking your hold luggage and obtaining your boarding pass, it's time to head to your boarding gate. Its number is indicated on your pass and on the airport display screens. Before accessing it, you will need to go through security control.

At this stage, drinks (water bottles, sodas, etc.) are generally no longer allowed. You will then have two options: drink them immediately or throw them away.

When passing through security, you will need to place your personal belongings in plastic trays and remove certain items from your hand luggage, including:

• your electronic devices,
• your wallet and coins,
• your keys,
• your belt,
• your coat,
• the zippered bag containing your liquids and cosmetics,
• your hand luggage.

You may also be asked to remove your shoes.

In some cases, a body search may be conducted to ensure that you are not carrying any prohibited items or exceeding permitted quantities. A similar check may also occur upon arrival, but we will come back to that later, as the procedures differ slightly.

Once the check is complete, you can collect your belongings and continue on to the boarding gate.

Immigration control

Depending on your departure airport and destination, you may need to go through immigration control. In this case, you will need to present your travel documents (passport, visa, etc.).

Boarding

After the security checks, you will likely arrive in a duty-free area, where you can make some last-minute purchases. The term "duty free" means "tax-free," which can make some products cheaper (although this depends on the items and airports). When making your purchases, you will be asked to present your boarding pass at the checkout. You can also buy food and drinks, to consume on-site or take with you into the cabin.

Your boarding gate is usually indicated on your ticket. If not, check the display screens. In large airports, it can take more than 30 minutes to reach your gate, especially since there may be other checks along the way. It is therefore best to go there as soon as possible. Also pay attention to announcements regarding your flight.

The boarding start time is specified on your boarding pass. If you have opted for priority boarding, make sure to be on time to benefit from it.

On board the plane

When boarding begins, agents will check your boarding pass and, in some cases, your ID.

Once on board, the cabin crew (flight attendants and stewards) will welcome you. Then, find your seat, whose number is indicated on your boarding pass. This number consists of a digit (corresponding to the row) and a letter (indicating your place in the row).

Then place your carry-on luggage in the compartments above the seats. If you have a small personal bag, it should be stowed under the seat in front of you, according to your airline's policy.

During takeoff

Before takeoff, remember to activate airplane mode on your phones and other connected devices. The cabin crew will remind you if necessary.

During takeoff (and landing), the airplane experiences significant changes in atmospheric pressure. Since the air is pressurized to allow flight at altitude, our eardrums – especially those of young children – can struggle to adapt, which can cause an unpleasant, even painful, sensation.

To alleviate this discomfort, several techniques exist:

• Yawn repeatedly,
• Chew gum,
• Swallow regularly,
• Drink water,
• Perform the Valsalva maneuver (pinch your nose and blow gently),
• For babies, give them a bottle during takeoff and landing.

These methods are also useful during landing, which is often even more uncomfortable for the ears.

Finally, certain health conditions such as an ear infection, a cavity, or a simple cold can worsen the effects of pressure. If you suffer from any of these problems, take precautions before the flight.

In flight

The air in the plane is particularly dry. To avoid dehydration, remember to drink regularly. On long-haul flights, if you have sensitive skin, you can also apply a moisturizing cream. Your eyes may also be affected by this dryness: if possible, avoid wearing contact lenses and prefer glasses. You can also bring saline solution to relieve any irritation.

Air conditioning is on throughout the flight, which can sometimes make it feel cold. Remember to bring a cardigan or sweater to stay comfortable. On long journeys, blankets are often provided for passengers. Note that the temperature on board can vary, so it is best to plan for adaptable clothing.

On some flights, a comfort kit including a sleep mask, earplugs, or headphones may be provided.

To promote blood circulation, it is recommended to get up and walk a little during the flight, especially on long journeys. If needed, wearing compression stockings can also be a good option.

Finally, if you are traveling abroad, cabin crew may distribute forms to fill out to facilitate your passage through customs upon arrival. Remember to complete them before landing to save time.

Prepare for your arrival

Try to rest as much as possible during the flight. It's often difficult to sleep well on a plane due to ambient noise, lack of space, and uncomfortable posture. Even if sleep isn't always restorative, a few hours of rest will help you manage fatigue better upon arrival. This is even more important if you are crossing multiple time zones, as jet lag can exacerbate feelings of exhaustion. (Learn more about jet lag syndrome.)

Also remember to adjust the time on your watch before landing. The captain usually announces the local time and weather shortly before arrival. For smartphones, the time change will happen automatically once connected to the network after landing.

Connecting flight (layover)

When your flight includes one or more layovers, you will need to take several consecutive flights before reaching your final destination. This can raise several questions: How do I get to my next flight? What happens to my checked luggage? Here are some tips for managing your connection.

Transiting

When you disembark, follow the signs for "Transit" or "Flight Connections" to reach your connecting area (unless you need to collect your checked luggage). Your goal is to reach your new boarding gate. Check the display screens to find your flight and follow the instructions. If in doubt, airport staff can direct you. Also remember to set your watch to the local time of the transit location if you haven't already.

As a general rule, even if you have a layover in a country different from your final destination, you will not have to go through that country's entry formalities. However, there are exceptions: for example, in the United States, even transit passengers must go through immigration control and obtain ESTA authorization.

Your carry-on luggage

Always keep your hand luggage with you during your transit. Never leave it unattended, as any abandoned luggage will be considered suspicious and may lead to intervention by security services.

Your checked luggage

During your layover, make sure you know if your checked luggage will be automatically transferred to your next flight. If in doubt, it is best to ask airport staff when checking in your luggage before your first flight.

Here are the different possibilities:

Transit with automatic baggage transfer ("Perfect Connect")

In this case, the transit airport handles the transfer of your luggage from one flight to another. You don't have to do anything!

This usually happens when:
You have purchased a single ticket including several flights with layover(s).
You are traveling with the same airline or with partner airlines.

However, this automatic transfer will not be provided if:
You need to change airports during your layover.
You have purchased separate tickets for each flight.

In any case, it is always recommended to confirm this information at the check-in counter for your first flight. Choosing a layover where everything is managed for you is much more practical and should be prioritized when possible.

Transit with baggage reclaim during layover ("Self-Connect" or Auto-Transfer)

In this situation, baggage transfer is not handled by the airport. You will therefore have to take care of transferring your checked luggage yourself during your layover.

Specifically, this means you will have to:
Go through the customs formalities of the transit country (visa, immigration control, etc.).
Collect your luggage at the delivery area (follow the “Baggage Claim” sign and check the screen for the carousel number).
Re-check your luggage with the airline of your next flight.
Go through security checks again before boarding.

This type of transit has several disadvantages:

Additional cost: You will often have to pay for checked baggage check-in for each flight (unless already included).
Time required: Avoid overly short layovers (less than 2 hours), as collecting and re-checking your luggage can take a long time.

But one advantage:

More advantageous fares: This type of connection sometimes allows you to compare prices and choose different airlines to get a cheaper itinerary.

Layover duration: What you need to know?

Short layover (1h or less)
If your layover is short, don't waste time! Some airports are huge and require a lot of walking, or even taking shuttles (bus, tram, monorail) between terminals. Also be careful if an airport change is necessary!

Medium layover (1h30 - 5h)
You will generally have time to eat or do some shopping in the transit areas. However, if your layover takes place in the middle of the night, most shops will be closed.

Long layover (+5h)
Overly long layovers can be painful, as you will have to "kill time" waiting for your flight. If your layover exceeds 24h, it is no longer a simple layover but a "stopover", and your checked luggage will normally not be transferred automatically.

Terminal change

Airports are often divided into several terminals:
One terminal for international flights
One terminal for domestic flights
In very large airports, several numbered terminals: T1, T2, T3…

Most of the time, terminals are close to each other, but in some cases, you will have to take a bus or a monorail to get there.

Where to find information?
Your flight ticket usually indicates the departure and arrival terminal.
The display boards in the airport will help you find your boarding gate.

Tip: Don't dally and quickly reach your terminal and boarding gate to avoid any unnecessary stress!

Airport change: what to pay attention to?

Some large cities have several airports. The IATA code (consisting of three letters) allows you to precisely identify the departure and arrival airport.

Examples of IATA codes:

• Paris: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), Beauvais (BVA)
• London: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN)

Why is this important?
Let's take a flight Paris → Mexico with a layover in London:
1st flight: Paris (CDG) → London Stansted (STN)
2nd flight: London Heathrow (LHR) → Mexico

In this case, you will have to change airports, which can be more or less simple depending on the cities. The airport websites generally indicate the available transfer options.

How to get to another airport?
Free monorail (if airports are close)
Bus, train, taxi (if airports are far apart)
Transfer organized by some companies (sometimes included in the ticket)

Tip: Allow enough time for the transfer and always keep your luggage with you!

What to do if you miss a connection?

It can happen that you miss your next flight due to a delay, cancellation, or schedule change. Coverage depends on the type of ticket purchased.

Case 1: You bought 1 single ticket including your entire connection

• If it's the same airline or partner airlines, you will be taken care of.
• The airline will offer you a replacement flight and, if necessary, meals and accommodation.

Case 2: You bought tickets through a travel agent with a guarantee

• Check if cancellation or delay insurance is included.
• In this case, the travel agent will take care of finding you a new flight.

Case 3: You bought 2 separate tickets

• You will not be compensated if you miss your flight.
• You will have to buy a new ticket at your own expense.
• Plan a longer layover to avoid any problems.

If you miss your connection due to your own fault, no assistance will be offered!
And while you're looking for a new flight... your checked luggage will continue its journey!

Remember to check your insurance:

• Travel insurance
• Credit card insurance

Why choose a direct flight?

A direct flight, without layover or connection, is the simplest and most comfortable choice for travel.

Less stress: no connection to manage, no risk of missing your next flight.
Less fatigue: shorter travel time.
Fewer constraints: your checked luggage stays with the same company, with no risk of complicated transfers.
Reduced ecological impact: a non-stop itinerary consumes less fuel and limits CO₂ emissions.

What about the price?
Direct flights are sometimes more expensive, but the peace of mind and time saved are often worth it. Rather than juggling connections, it's better to invest in a smoother and more pleasant journey.

Upon arrival: time adjustment

Upon arrival, adjust your watch to local time (and date if necessary). If you use a smartphone, it will usually update automatically.

Don't forget to check if a time change (summer/winter) will occur during your stay. A small oversight could make you miss your return flight!

Immigration control and baggage reclaim

Immigration

Upon arrival, you will go through immigration control where your documents (passport, visa) will be checked. An officer may ask you some questions and take your fingerprints and a photo. Be patient, this step can take some time.

Baggage reclaim

Once through immigration, head for the "Baggage Claim" sign to collect your luggage. Follow the signs indicating the flight number and the corresponding carousel. Trolleys are available to transport your luggage.

In case of lost luggage

If your luggage does not appear on the carousel, go to the Baggage Service desk to fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). You will need to describe your lost luggage and provide the baggage tag. Most of the time, luggage arrives within 2-3 days and will be delivered to your address.

In case of definitive loss after 21 days, you can request a refund based on the proven value of the items in your luggage, or according to their weight (€20/kg).

Customs control

Before exiting, you will go through customs control with two options:

• Nothing to declare (green)
• To declare (red)

Check the specific rules of the country for authorized products, such as tobacco or alcohol. Some destinations, like New Zealand, apply very strict controls on soil, plants, or food, to protect their ecosystem.

Always check the customs regulations of your destination country before traveling.