First-Time Travellers

There are 3 types of bags you can bring on your flight: 

1. Checked bag - this will be stored in the cargo hold of the airplane. This is your largest bag (typical weight limit 50lbs); many travellers use a suitcase.
2. Carry-on - a smaller bag that you can bring into the cabin of the airplane and store either above or below your seat. Each airline has its own size requirements (dimensions & weight limit vary). 
3. Personal item - similar to a carry-on, the personal item usually has the same size requirements or a bit smaller. This could be a purse, laptop bag, backpack, etc.

When selecting a bag, keep in mind your own needs. A soft-sided bag will be lighter, but not as much protection for fragile items; wheeled suitcases may not always work on cobblestone streets; shoulder bags or backpacks allow you to keep your hands free & can be repurposed for your schoolwork.

Make yourself a packing list in advance! This can help reduce stress, and as you look at your list, you may find there are items you can remove. Clothing often takes up the most space, so try to create versatility with fewer pieces (e.g. clothing that you can "mix and match" or layer for warmth). Considering your global learning program (your planned activities, local climate, casual vs formal settings, etc.) can also help you think critically about what you really need. Finally, try to keep a corner of your bag empty - you never know what souvenirs you might want to bring back. 

These items should go in your checked bag:

• Any sharp objects (e.g. scissors) 
• Liquids in containers more than 100mL large
• Pro Tip: Take a picture of your checked bag before you go to the airport. This will help in case your bag gets separated from you during your trip and you need to describe it to airport staff. Having something identifiable on your bag (e.g. a sticker) or putting an AirTag inside is a good idea, too.

These items should go in your carry-on or personal item: 

• Electronics (e.g. phone, laptop, power bank) - bring your chargers & adaptors too!
• Medicine, both prescription and over-the-counter - some countries restrict certain medications, or have protocols to import medication, so research it ahead of time to be safe.
• Liquids in containers 100mL or smaller - you can only bring a maximum of 1L in your carry-on. At the airport, you will receive a 1L ziplock bag to put all of your liquid containers in. You can also put them in your own ziplock bag in advance to save time.
• Pro Tip: Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on that matches the weather in your destination. 
• Pro Tip: Keep anything you might want during your flight stored in your personal item for easy access. You might want to bring an extra pair of socks or a light blanket – planes can get cold!

Solid food e.g. granola bars, cookies, candy, sandwiches, cheese & crackers, fruit

• Allowed to bring through security and onto your plane
• Some foods will not clear customs when you arrive at your destination, so plan to eat these before you arrive. Foods that are almost universally prohibited across borders include nuts, fresh fruit & vegetables, and meat; research your destination in advance as they may prohibit other foods.

Liquid food e.g. smoothies, yogurt, soup

• These fall under the liquid restrictions and can't be taken through security (unless they are <100mL and put in your carry-on liquids bag)

Drinks e.g. water, juice, coffee

• These fall under the liquid restrictions and can't be taken through security (unless they are <100mL and put in your carry-on liquids bag)
• You can carry an empty water bottle or thermos, but wait to fill it up after you clear security. The Calgary airport has multiple water fountains past security, as well as cafes/vendors to purchase other drinks or food.

The information here is relevant to the Calgary International Airport (YYC). If flying out of a different airport, go through their website in advance so that you know what to expect. 

1. Arrive at the airport departures terminal.
2. Look for your airline name and check in for your flight, either at the self-check-in terminal or the check-in desk. You will need your passport for this. (If you already checked in online the night before, you can go straight to the check-in desk.)
3. Go to the check-in desk to have your checked bag processed. They will weigh it, attach a tag, and put it on a conveyor belt to be taken to your plane. If your flight has multiple plane transfers, ask at the desk whether your bag can be checked to your final destination, so that you don’t need to pick it up on your layover.
4. Follow the signs to walk to the security area. If you were accompanied by family/friends, they will not be able to go through security with you. 

Pro Tip: Keep your passport & boarding pass in your hand or an accessible location, so that you can easily provide it when requested as you enter security.

The information here is relevant to the Calgary International Airport (YYC). If flying out of a different airport, go through their website in advance so that you know what to expect. 

1. While in the security queue, prepare by taking off your coat/belt and remove your liquids bag/laptop from your carry-on. Have your passport & ticket in your hand to show the security staff.
2. At the front of the security queue, you will put your carry-on in a plastic bin. In a separate bin (or the same bin, if it fits) put your coat, belt, liquids bag & laptop. The security staff might ask you to remove other items as well e.g. watches.
3. The security staff will scan your passport & ticket and then direct you to walk through a metal detector. Meanwhile, the plastic bin with your carry-on will ride a conveyor belt through an x-ray machine.
4. If the security staff have questions, they might ask to go through your bag or pat you down (you can ask for a private room if desired). Otherwise, you will take back the bin, put everything back in your carry-on, and leave the security area.
5. You can now go to your gate. Check the departures board - if your plane is delayed or the gate changes, the board will be updated.

Pro Tip: Try to avoid wearing metal items when you go to the airport. This will make your security screening go more smoothly. 

If you have a long time to wait, you can explore the airport – there are departure boards spread across the airport so you can double-check there haven’t been any changes to your departure gate/time. Make sure to return to your gate early and pay attention to any announcements over the airport intercom.

If there are windows at your gate, you will be able to watch as your plane prepares for departure. As the boarding time approaches, one of the flight attendants will stand at the gate desk. 

Boarding will be called in a specific order – most airlines indicate a “zone” for boarding, so check your ticket! Typically the first to board are those who need extra space/assistance (people with children, wheelchair users, etc.). This is followed by the business class and then the rest of the plane. 

When your zone is announced, line up at the gate desk and have your passport & ticket handy. The flight attendant will scan your ticket and direct you to board the plane.

Your ticket will have a number-letter code to indicate your seat. The number is the row (from front to back of the plane) and the letter is your seat (from window to aisle). 

When you enter the plane, you will see rows of seats with overhead bins. The bin doors will be open. Somewhere close to the bins or on the ceiling, you will see a plaque over every row with the row number and seat letters in order. 

Look for your seat as you walk down the plane. Don’t feel rushed; take the time you need to properly stow your carry-on and personal item. Many travellers will put their carry-on in the overhead bin and keep their personal item with them under the seat, however depending on the size of your bags, you may be able to keep both bags under the seat. 

As you wait for the rest of the passengers to board, take some time to familiarize yourself with your seat: the seatbelt, tray table, seat pocket with brochures, and buttons above your head (most planes will have a button to call for help, one to turn on/off a reading light, and one to adjust a small fan). 

Once everyone has been seated, there will be a safety talk from the flight attendant explaining proper use of the seatbelt and what to do in an emergency. There will be a printed version of this information in your seat pocket.

The plane will taxi down the runway. (“Taxi” is a verb for when planes drive slowly on the ground.) You may feel some bouncing from the plane wheels as it turns around to position for takeoff. As the pilots prepare, they may use the intercom to direct the passengers and crew. 

You will hear a loud noise when the plane engines fire up. As it drives down the runway, it will gain significant speed and you may feel like you’re being pushed back into your seat. The initial takeoff normally feels smooth, but depending on weather conditions, you might feel strong vibrations or force pushing you, alternating with moments of weightlessness. This will get better as the plane stops its upward climb and straightens out at its flight elevation.

Pro Tip: Your ears will be under strain during takeoff; chewing or yawning can help “pop” your ears and restabilize the inner ear pressure. Wearing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can also help with ear pressure, as well as reduce the noise of the plane.

In ideal conditions, most of your flight should feel fairly smooth. There will be a constant loud noise from the engines; some people describe it as “white noise” and find it puts them to sleep. The air will feel dry and the temperature gets cooler, especially near the floor at your feet. Depending on the weather, there may be turbulent periods where you feel a similar vibrations/force as when the plane took off – usually there will be an announcement from the pilots if they anticipate turbulence ahead.

The flight attendants will turn off the seatbelt sign when it’s safe to move around the plane (e.g. if you need to access your carry-on in the overhead bin or use the toilet). The general rule of thumb is that if you aren’t moving, keep your seatbelt on.

Most international flights provide a complimentary drink (your choice of water or juice, sometimes tea or coffee) and one or two small snacks (your choice of "sweet or salty"; cookies & pretzels are common). Depending on the length of your flight and the type of ticket you booked, you may get a hot meal, too. Many flights also offer food for purchase on the plane.

Pro Tip: While you're in the air, ensure your devices are fully charged, as there may not be time to charge your devices upon arrival. Most international flights have USB ports either on the armrest or the TV screen.

As the plane descends, you may again feel some pressure and turbulence. The plane’s contact with the runway is usually accompanied by another strong feeling of being pushed back into your seat and loud noises as the engines reverse. 

The arrival process will vary depending on the country and if it’s your final destination or if you’re continuing on to another flight. You might be given a customs declaration form to fill out while you’re still on the plane or after you disembark. You might be directed to go through border control/arrival customs immediately, or to collect your checked bag first. 

Follow the directions of the flight attendants & airport staff, and don’t be shy to ask for help if you need it!