Solo Air Travel Guide for Young Ladies: Smart, Safe, Confident on Adventure
Solo Air Travel Guide: Smart, Safe, and Confident
1. Get to the Airport Early
· Plan to arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international. As soon as you enter the airport, open your airline app to confirm your flight, check for gate changes, and have your digital boarding pass ready. Be sure you sent your full itinerary to someone at home and at your destination.
· Go to the check-in counter or self-service kiosk for your airline (signs will be clear). If you’re checking a bag, this is where you do it.
· Keep your photo ID or passport in hand and stay calm and polite. If a machine or person isn’t working or something goes wrong, ask for help kindly—airport staff are used to this.
· After checking your bag, head to security (TSA) with your boarding pass and ID.
· Remove your shoes, laptop, and liquids (in a clear bag) if asked. Some larger airports have advanced screening that does not require all of these. You will be informed.
· Don’t panic if you confused—TSA agents will just ask you to step aside and try again. It’s no big deal.
· If you're unsure, just ask, “Is this okay?” and keep moving.
· Once you’re through, double-check your gate on your app and on the monitors. Then you’re ready to relax a bit—grab water, use the restroom, charge your phone, and head to your gate.
2. Keep Your Essentials Close—and in Front of You
· Carry a small bag or backpack that stays on your body and in front of you—not slung behind—so it’s secure from pickpockets or accidents.
· Pack it with:
o Photo ID or passport
o Boarding passes or mobile app
o Phone and charger/power bank
o Wallet with cash and card
o Medications
o Headphones, water bottle, gum/mints, and a snack
o Airtags in purse and luggage if possible
o Location sharing ON with someone you trust
o And don’t forget to turn off airplane mode after landing so your phone reconnects
3. Stay Aware of Gates and Connections
· After security, check the departure board for your gate and any updates.
· If you have a connecting flight, check your next gate and terminal as soon as you land.
· Ask staff at your gate or airport workers if you’re unsure where to go. Even if you ask three times—do it! Especially when your layover is short. That’s what they’re there for.
4. Handle Your Luggage Like a Pro
· If you check a bag, keep your baggage claim ticket somewhere easy to find.
· Keep your carry-on and personal items with you at all times—never leave them unattended.
· Use an Airtag if you have one to help track your luggage in case it gets lost.
5. In Flight: Stay Comfortable and Set Boundaries
· If your seatmate is too close, intrusive, or inappropriate, you do not have to speak to them at all.
· Simply press the call button overhead or quietly get up and go to the back of the plane to speak with a flight attendant. Ask to be moved if needed. Flight attendants are trained and will handle it discreetly. You do not have to interact with anyone, certainly not someone who is being intrusive or making you feel uncomfortable for any reason. You aren’t getting them in trouble: you are taking care of your own needs.
6. In Airports Between Flights
· Take time to stretch, eat, charge your phone, and check your next gate.
· Stay alert. Don’t accept food, drinks, or favors from strangers.
· As a general safety rule: Do not act as a helper unless you’re traveling with someone who can support you.
o Grown men should not ask you for help.
o If anyone (child, teen, woman) seems distressed, say:
“I’m going to get help,” and go straight to a gate, shop, or airport employee.
§ You’re being kind and staying safe. Both are possible.
7. Arrival: No Ride? No Panic.
· If your ride is late or can’t make it:
o Wait inside the airport, near baggage claim or a public, well-lit café.
o Use Lyft (generally safer than Uber in many cities).
o Confirm that the license plate, car make, and driver’s name match the app.
o Before getting in, call or pretend to call a parent/friend and say:
“Hi! I’m just getting in the Lyft. The driver’s name is KaanAzziz, the license plate is ABC-123, and the ETA is 22 minutes.”
Let the driver hear you say this.
o Never get in a car you’re unsure about. It’s okay to cancel and get a new one: just walk away toward the airport terminal or a group of people nearby.
8. Stay Connected
· Text someone when you:
o Get through security
o Land at your connecting airport
o Arrive at your final destination
o Get to your hotel, Airbnb, or friend’s house
· Keep your phone on Low Power Mode if needed and always turn off airplane mode after landing.
9. Trust Yourself and Have Fun
· Airports are full of people, but you’re not alone. Stay aware and stay centered.
· If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut—and walk away, speak up, or get help.
· You are smart, capable, and equipped to travel the world with confidence.
· Have fun, take pictures, drink water, and take in the adventure. You’re not just getting to a destination—you’re becoming even more of who you are.
· Most travel is easy and challenges do not arise, but if they do, you’ve got what it takes to meet challenges, and there are workers and agents and staff people to reach out for help if you need it. You are strong and smart and discerning and adventurous – all these go together, believe it or not.
