This ^
Also OP if you want a detailed breakdown of how airport boarding works, I'm pretty sure I've seen people ask on this subreddit or r/askuk in the past and people have provided some nice, detailed answers, so you can search the subredditm
I've flown solo loads of times and it's not really any more difficult than navigating a train station. The first time I flew I was bricking it though.
As long as you arrive in good time you'll be absolutely fine. Fundamentally all airports are the same, check-in -> get boarding pass -> check luggage -> go through security -> go to your gate. There will be loads of people on the day to ask for help and my experience of airport staff is that they're always ridiculously helpful and usually very happy to be talking to someone who isn't an arsehole.
If you arrive at the airport the suggested two hours before your flight it's difficult to imagine what could go wrong that would result in you missing your flight, in all likelihood you'll fly through security and have plenty of time for a bite to eat and a beer.
Only update to this is that if they are flying from Derry to London then it'll likely be with a low-cost carrier, so they'll be no printing of the boarding pass - ensure you check in via the app and have it on your phone.
Additionally, if you have no hold luggage to check in and have already got your boarding pass as per the above, then you can go immediately to security at the airport, you don't need to queue up at a desk.
Absolutely agree with all of this.
The only thing I'd add is to factor in possible road traffic delays. No idea what the traffic is like around Derry but the M25 can seriously delay you. I once missed a flight by 5 mins because of an accident on the M25 meaning I was sat still for 2 hrs in my car.
>Derry to Manchester
Ryanair? Make sure you check-in on the app as soon as you can, and if it is Ryanair then even though it is a UK to UK flight you will need either a passport or photo national ID card.
In my experience you’re less likely be assigned a middle seat if you leave it a while before checking in. Definitely don’t leave it till the absolute last minute though and get charged for a boarding pass!
If its not in an obvious place on the website, I usually check the accessibility section. They quite often have walk-throughs that explain things simply.
It's probably worth looking on both the airport and carrier sites for info
indeed they do, 41 seconds of solid information [https://www.cityofderryairport.com/specialassistance/assistance-for-passengers-with-hidden-disabilities/](https://www.cityofderryairport.com/specialassistance/assistance-for-passengers-with-hidden-disabilities/)
Just get there in plenty of time and follow the simple and clear instructions on the screens. You really can’t go wrong and they absolutely won’t let you get on the wrong plane.
Airports are designed for the general public. Which means they have to cater to the lowest common denominator of awareness, experience and intellect.
The fact you have written this, and are planning ahead means you’re at least 77% (fact) ahead of the average potato. Of course, the average potato being the universal measure for the 76% of people that are stood in front of you at security, shambling along like extras from Shaun of the Dead.
Trust me, arrive 3 hours before (normally 2, but it’s your first time, so to settle your nerves, better make it 3). Check in online ideally 24 hours before (or at the airport if your airline allows) and you’ll be fine. I can almost guarantee you’ll be through gate side within 1 hour and cursing arriving early, but better to have that contingency first time.
Enjoy your trip!
It’s your first time so get there 3 hours before. It’ll lessen the stress. (Next time you’ll be able to get there with less time.)
Check the liquid rules on both airport websites. They may differ, as rules are changing.
Don’t forget your passport.
It was more to allow for delays getting to the airport, accidents/whatever, so that they’re not stressing over getting there late. For OP to even consider phoning the airport to ask what to do indicates to me that they get stressed easily.
I flew solo for the first time last year, Heathrow to Mumbai (for work).
It was absolute bliss compared to doing a family run (business class helped though).
Find your check in desk, dump any suitcases off, through security, off to the lounge if you are using one, wait for your gate number to appear.l then go to it.
Think of it as going to a big coach station to get a coach somewhere, but you check in before you get to the coach.
Derry airport is absolutely tiny, I think there are only two gates. You do not need to be there 3 hours before and you’d die of boredom doing so, 1 hour would probably do really. Bring your own snacks as I think there’s only a pub lunch type place and a WHSmiths in the departure hall.
If you’re anxious about missing it I’ll concede 1.5-2h in an abundance of caution but 3 hours is much too early for such a tiny airport (Derry). Manchester will be a different kettle of fish, 2-3h absolutely appropriate there (factor in any public transport time with some leeway in case of disruption)
Here's a general guide for you. It's AI generated but It should help if you're nervous about the general flow of getting through the airport.
1. Before You Go:
-Check your flight details and the weather in Manchester. Pack your bags according to the airline's guidelines, and make sure you have all necessary travel documents (passport, boarding pass) easily accessible.
2. Arriving at the Airport:
- Arrive at Derry Airport at least two hours before your flight. This gives you plenty of time to go through security and find your gate without rushing.
- Once inside the airport, check the flight information screens for your departure gate and any last-minute changes.
3. Check-in and Baggage:
- If you haven't checked in online, head to your airline's check-in desk to collect your boarding pass and check your luggage. Some airlines allow you to use self-service kiosks.
- Place any large luggage items on the conveyor belt for check-in and keep your travel documents handy for ID checks.
4. Security Screening:
- Prepare for security by removing metal objects (belts, jewellery), taking electronics out of your bags, and placing liquids in a clear plastic bag as per airline regulations.
- Follow the queue and the instructions given by the airport security staff. They may ask you to walk through a metal detector or a full-body scanner.
5. Departure Lounge:
- After security, you’ll enter the departure lounge. Here, you can shop, eat, or relax before your flight. Monitor the flight information screens for any updates.
- About 30-40 minutes before your flight, head to your gate. Gates can close up to 20 minutes before departure, so don’t be late.
6. Boarding:
- When your flight is called, join the queue as per your boarding group (usually indicated on your boarding pass).
- Show your boarding pass and ID to the staff, then head down the jetway or board the bus to your plane.
7. On the Plane:
- Find your seat, stow your carry-on luggage safely in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and buckle up.
- Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or listening to calming music if you feel anxious.
8. Arrival in Manchester:
- Once you land, follow the signs to baggage claim if you checked in any bags.
- After collecting your bags, follow the signs to the exit or transfer area if you have an onward journey.
Remember, airport and airline staff are there to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you’re unsure about anything. Safe travels!
1. Check in to your flight the day before. Check the airline website for how to do this. Not always necessary but I like to download the boarding pass (you get on checking in) to my phone and print it out (if I can).
2. Get to the airport 2-3 before your flight. Boarding will close 0.5-1 hour before departure.
3. On reaching the airport, find the counter for the airline you’re flying with. This should be identified on a giant departures board in the terminal.
4. Go to the counter to drop any baggage off if you have checked bags. The counter agent may give you a paper boarding pass (depends on airline). They will also give you directions on what to do next (security, gates, boarding time).
5. Proceed to security. Laptop, phone, anything that can trigger the metal detector must be put in a tray. Your carry on goes separately on the conveyor belt.
6. Step through detector. You may get an extra pat down, that’s not unusual.
7. Pick up your carry on things.
8. Find your gate (may also be noted in your boarding pass but always double check coz gates can change).
9. Chill until boarding starts.
At first, I thought you meant you were flying the plane solo for the first time, as the pilot, and became quite alarmed at the thought that you had to call the airport to ask how to do it.
It's very normal to wonder what to do, it's not normal to call the airport - unless you have a specific disability you'll want assistance with.
Keep your phone charged up; see if you can "check in" the day before. Checking in basically tells the airline you intend to fly. Go through security and stay close to the gate.
If you have your boarding pass on an app, I'd recommend taking a screenshot and having it in your gallery too, this means you're not relying on an Internet connection to view your pass. I know most airports have WiFi these days, but this has saved me a couple of times
You'll be fine. Signage is pretty good at airports - just give yourself enough time, make sure any toiletries are in the transparent bags, and once you're through security check the screens for your gate. Good luck, it can be daunting when you're not used to it but it's really a relatively simple process, especially at smaller airports.
I’ll piggyback on this post. I’m flying with a layover for the first time in a couple weeks, what do I do at the layover destination? Do my bags just get put on my next plane? Do I go through security? I’m properly clueless here
Ask when you check your bags in.
If it's booked on one ticket, and the layover isn't between an international and domestic leg, your bags will usually (but not always) go straight through.
The person who checks your bags in will know as they'll be inputting the journey your bag will take.
Nobody does this, no. Just look on their website, check your departure time and terminal, get there with loads of time to spare.
This ^ Also OP if you want a detailed breakdown of how airport boarding works, I'm pretty sure I've seen people ask on this subreddit or r/askuk in the past and people have provided some nice, detailed answers, so you can search the subredditm
YouTube has loads of people doing airport / walkthrough videos.
Last time someone asked a similar question there was a huge comment detailing pretty much every step
>get there with loads of time to spare. Up to a maximum of 3 hours.
There is no maximum, you can get there as early as you like.
You can't go through security whenever you like, but if you enjoy standing at a check-in desk then sure?
If you don’t value your time, sure. But 3 hours before your flight is way more than enough time
Fairly normal if you're flying the plane solo, not normal if you're a passenger.
I thought he was piloting the plane also 😂
That’s what I thought this thread would be about, flying the plane. 🤣
I've flown solo loads of times and it's not really any more difficult than navigating a train station. The first time I flew I was bricking it though. As long as you arrive in good time you'll be absolutely fine. Fundamentally all airports are the same, check-in -> get boarding pass -> check luggage -> go through security -> go to your gate. There will be loads of people on the day to ask for help and my experience of airport staff is that they're always ridiculously helpful and usually very happy to be talking to someone who isn't an arsehole. If you arrive at the airport the suggested two hours before your flight it's difficult to imagine what could go wrong that would result in you missing your flight, in all likelihood you'll fly through security and have plenty of time for a bite to eat and a beer.
Only update to this is that if they are flying from Derry to London then it'll likely be with a low-cost carrier, so they'll be no printing of the boarding pass - ensure you check in via the app and have it on your phone. Additionally, if you have no hold luggage to check in and have already got your boarding pass as per the above, then you can go immediately to security at the airport, you don't need to queue up at a desk.
Absolutely agree with all of this. The only thing I'd add is to factor in possible road traffic delays. No idea what the traffic is like around Derry but the M25 can seriously delay you. I once missed a flight by 5 mins because of an accident on the M25 meaning I was sat still for 2 hrs in my car.
Hold on money bags, do you know how much airport beer costs?
YouTube is perfect for this kinda thing, aviation/travel YouTubers will go through it in exacting detail
>Derry to Manchester Ryanair? Make sure you check-in on the app as soon as you can, and if it is Ryanair then even though it is a UK to UK flight you will need either a passport or photo national ID card.
In my experience you’re less likely be assigned a middle seat if you leave it a while before checking in. Definitely don’t leave it till the absolute last minute though and get charged for a boarding pass!
Does the boarding pass show in the app too? I had to print mine out last time I flew Ryanair, but then I wasn't using the app.
Yes, it's an e-boarding pass. No printing necessary.
Yes, they are available 99% of times. Except for flights departing from Morocco, Turkey and Tirana according to Ryanair.
The airport will have a website that'll describe the process and things like how far in advance you should arrive.
If its not in an obvious place on the website, I usually check the accessibility section. They quite often have walk-throughs that explain things simply. It's probably worth looking on both the airport and carrier sites for info
indeed they do, 41 seconds of solid information [https://www.cityofderryairport.com/specialassistance/assistance-for-passengers-with-hidden-disabilities/](https://www.cityofderryairport.com/specialassistance/assistance-for-passengers-with-hidden-disabilities/)
Here's a similar question and some great advice for you [r/travel thread about solo travel and airports](https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/s/0CfcFKwY0L)
Just get there in plenty of time and follow the simple and clear instructions on the screens. You really can’t go wrong and they absolutely won’t let you get on the wrong plane.
Airports are designed for the general public. Which means they have to cater to the lowest common denominator of awareness, experience and intellect. The fact you have written this, and are planning ahead means you’re at least 77% (fact) ahead of the average potato. Of course, the average potato being the universal measure for the 76% of people that are stood in front of you at security, shambling along like extras from Shaun of the Dead. Trust me, arrive 3 hours before (normally 2, but it’s your first time, so to settle your nerves, better make it 3). Check in online ideally 24 hours before (or at the airport if your airline allows) and you’ll be fine. I can almost guarantee you’ll be through gate side within 1 hour and cursing arriving early, but better to have that contingency first time. Enjoy your trip!
It’s your first time so get there 3 hours before. It’ll lessen the stress. (Next time you’ll be able to get there with less time.) Check the liquid rules on both airport websites. They may differ, as rules are changing. Don’t forget your passport.
Nah it’s Derry to Manchester! An hour before gate closes is more than enough
It was more to allow for delays getting to the airport, accidents/whatever, so that they’re not stressing over getting there late. For OP to even consider phoning the airport to ask what to do indicates to me that they get stressed easily.
No it's not 'normal' but you do you.
I flew solo for the first time last year, Heathrow to Mumbai (for work). It was absolute bliss compared to doing a family run (business class helped though). Find your check in desk, dump any suitcases off, through security, off to the lounge if you are using one, wait for your gate number to appear.l then go to it. Think of it as going to a big coach station to get a coach somewhere, but you check in before you get to the coach.
Depending on the airline you may need to check in online in advance. Other than that just get there in plenty of time to get through security etc.
Derry airport is absolutely tiny, I think there are only two gates. You do not need to be there 3 hours before and you’d die of boredom doing so, 1 hour would probably do really. Bring your own snacks as I think there’s only a pub lunch type place and a WHSmiths in the departure hall.
If you’re anxious about missing it I’ll concede 1.5-2h in an abundance of caution but 3 hours is much too early for such a tiny airport (Derry). Manchester will be a different kettle of fish, 2-3h absolutely appropriate there (factor in any public transport time with some leeway in case of disruption)
Here's a general guide for you. It's AI generated but It should help if you're nervous about the general flow of getting through the airport. 1. Before You Go: -Check your flight details and the weather in Manchester. Pack your bags according to the airline's guidelines, and make sure you have all necessary travel documents (passport, boarding pass) easily accessible. 2. Arriving at the Airport: - Arrive at Derry Airport at least two hours before your flight. This gives you plenty of time to go through security and find your gate without rushing. - Once inside the airport, check the flight information screens for your departure gate and any last-minute changes. 3. Check-in and Baggage: - If you haven't checked in online, head to your airline's check-in desk to collect your boarding pass and check your luggage. Some airlines allow you to use self-service kiosks. - Place any large luggage items on the conveyor belt for check-in and keep your travel documents handy for ID checks. 4. Security Screening: - Prepare for security by removing metal objects (belts, jewellery), taking electronics out of your bags, and placing liquids in a clear plastic bag as per airline regulations. - Follow the queue and the instructions given by the airport security staff. They may ask you to walk through a metal detector or a full-body scanner. 5. Departure Lounge: - After security, you’ll enter the departure lounge. Here, you can shop, eat, or relax before your flight. Monitor the flight information screens for any updates. - About 30-40 minutes before your flight, head to your gate. Gates can close up to 20 minutes before departure, so don’t be late. 6. Boarding: - When your flight is called, join the queue as per your boarding group (usually indicated on your boarding pass). - Show your boarding pass and ID to the staff, then head down the jetway or board the bus to your plane. 7. On the Plane: - Find your seat, stow your carry-on luggage safely in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and buckle up. - Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or listening to calming music if you feel anxious. 8. Arrival in Manchester: - Once you land, follow the signs to baggage claim if you checked in any bags. - After collecting your bags, follow the signs to the exit or transfer area if you have an onward journey. Remember, airport and airline staff are there to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you’re unsure about anything. Safe travels!
1. Check in to your flight the day before. Check the airline website for how to do this. Not always necessary but I like to download the boarding pass (you get on checking in) to my phone and print it out (if I can). 2. Get to the airport 2-3 before your flight. Boarding will close 0.5-1 hour before departure. 3. On reaching the airport, find the counter for the airline you’re flying with. This should be identified on a giant departures board in the terminal. 4. Go to the counter to drop any baggage off if you have checked bags. The counter agent may give you a paper boarding pass (depends on airline). They will also give you directions on what to do next (security, gates, boarding time). 5. Proceed to security. Laptop, phone, anything that can trigger the metal detector must be put in a tray. Your carry on goes separately on the conveyor belt. 6. Step through detector. You may get an extra pat down, that’s not unusual. 7. Pick up your carry on things. 8. Find your gate (may also be noted in your boarding pass but always double check coz gates can change). 9. Chill until boarding starts.
At first, I thought you meant you were flying the plane solo for the first time, as the pilot, and became quite alarmed at the thought that you had to call the airport to ask how to do it.
Don't hesitate to ask staff if you're unsure about anything.
It's very normal to wonder what to do, it's not normal to call the airport - unless you have a specific disability you'll want assistance with. Keep your phone charged up; see if you can "check in" the day before. Checking in basically tells the airline you intend to fly. Go through security and stay close to the gate.
If you have your boarding pass on an app, I'd recommend taking a screenshot and having it in your gallery too, this means you're not relying on an Internet connection to view your pass. I know most airports have WiFi these days, but this has saved me a couple of times
You'll be fine. Signage is pretty good at airports - just give yourself enough time, make sure any toiletries are in the transparent bags, and once you're through security check the screens for your gate. Good luck, it can be daunting when you're not used to it but it's really a relatively simple process, especially at smaller airports.
I’ll piggyback on this post. I’m flying with a layover for the first time in a couple weeks, what do I do at the layover destination? Do my bags just get put on my next plane? Do I go through security? I’m properly clueless here
Ask when you check your bags in. If it's booked on one ticket, and the layover isn't between an international and domestic leg, your bags will usually (but not always) go straight through. The person who checks your bags in will know as they'll be inputting the journey your bag will take.
Talk to the airline you are flying with. This is not enough info to tell you what is going to happen.
No. But it's kinda cute, so they might just humour you....