I had always thought my first time flight experience would be to an exotic international location, a long time in the future, but I didn’t know that day would come so soon.
I knew I would board a plane someday, and then it finally happened.
How It All Began
It was a beautiful week in August 2024. I decided to visit my brother in Akwa Ibom state, where he was serving (NYSC).
I would usually take a bus from Lagos to Akwa Ibom, which is also cheaper, but then I realized I could actually afford a round-trip flight if I wanted to.
That would also mean a great start to the many flight trips I knew I would take in the future, so I went for it!
I must tell you. It was a beautiful decision.
Why Road Trips In Nigeria Is Not A Good Idea
Of course, I love road trips, but you really don’t want to take a road trip across Nigeria if you can afford it.
Now, I’m not talking about insecurities or the alleged kidnappings going on interstate. Yes, there are stories, but there are few, and most are largely rumors.
I know this because I know travel creators who have toured the 36 states in Nigeria by road, some very recently, without issues.
I have also visited three states in Nigeria in a month by road and some other states in the past years. I also took a road trip to three West African countries: Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana.
So, my reason for thinking road trips in Nigeria are not advisable isn’t based on that.
It’s mostly because of the bad and bumpy roads, uncomfortable seats, sweaty, smelly, and dirty passengers, lack of A.C. in the bus, and the several stops and delays one would encounter
I wouldn’t mind if I couldn’t afford a flight, but I can, so why not take one?
Taking a flight also meant I would arrive in about 30-45 minutes.
Crazy because if I go by road, I would be spending 24 hours or more. I’m not even kidding.
My brother also attests to that.
Booking A Flight For The First Time
Since it was my first time, I did a mini research.
Infact, I always research everything. Especially when it comes to travel, you can never do too much research.
First, I checked for available local airlines going from Lagos (Los) to Akwa Ibom, Uyo.
I also checked Instagram for tips from other creators.
Finally, I stumbled upon Ibomair, and it just made sense to book with them since they were Akwa Ibom-owned.
Their website even gave me some tips on places to visit in Akwa Ibom. It was really helpful.
Booking was easy. And I did this in no time.
After booking, you also have the opportunity to check in online which really helped me when I was coming back.
I will tell you the story later of how I almost missed my flight – twice.
How To Book Your First Time Flight With Ibom Air
I booked a one-way flight (because I wasn’t sure of my return date – however, they allow refunds and cancellations) on their website.
I included the number of people going (just me) and then the date.
Then, it took me to the price calendar, which shows the prices according to the day of the week on which you’re traveling.
Prices on their website range from 106,000 to 153,000.
However, they vary according to dates. Some days of the week are cheaper than most.
After choosing my preferred price, I realized there was an extra fee of about 5000 naira or more.
So, keep that in mind.
I paid and booked. Then I got a verification email.
Things To Note After Booking Your First Time Flight
PS: Always check your email.
A few days before my trip, I was asked to check in online, choose my seat (I chose the window seat), and note the things I could or could not bring.
You can do all this through an email link or by going to the website to manage bookings.
You should also find information on the maximum luggage limit and a carry-on allowance. All information is here.
Watching a YouTube video or reading an article on understanding baggage and carry-on when preparing for a flight will also help you avoid exceeding the limit when packing for your trip.
I didn’t know I could carry my travel luggage as a carry-on. I thought I could only go in with my handbag, but I learned this when I got on the plane.
You are also not allowed to put in skincare products above a particular kg in your carry-on. The website also has a list of restricted items. They will also include it in the email.
I read the instructions carefully and tried my best to pack as light as possible.
Getting To The Airport
D-Day came, and my flight was at 7:30 a.m. We were asked to come about two hours early to check in before proceeding, so I asked my mom to drop me off. We also took videos and pictures at the airport.
We drove to Muritala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. We were told to go to MMA2 (Murtala Muhammed Airport – Terminal Two), which was for local/domestic travel. It was a bit confusing at first, but we later figured it out.
When we got there, I lost my way a few times. I asked the security guards to help me out and also told them it was my first time flying, and they were very helpful.
I finally got to check in after a long queue, and it was seamless because I had checked in online.
I was asked for my booking number, my bags were weighed (luckily it didn’t exceed the limit), then I was asked to go upstairs to the airport waiting lounge.
But before then, another check was carried out, and we had to bring out our phones, laptops, and so on to be checked with a machine alongside our bags before passing through.
Finally, I got to the waiting lounge, and after sitting a while in the beautiful but cold place, I took some pictures and then got some snacks and coffee. I visited the toilet for a while, then came back.
I Almost Missed My Flight
By the time I was seated, I heard my name on the loudspeaker for the final boarding call. I asked around for where to go, and I realized I had somehow almost missed my flight.
It was so crazy. Apparently, the plane was leaving 30 minutes earlier than was stated, which was why I went to get something to eat.
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I went for my last airport check-in, where I was not allowed to leave with my coffee, but I was permitted to finish drinking it after I made a joke that it was too expensive to throw away (2000 naira), which made everyone laugh.
A bus came to pick me up, along with another man who also almost missed the flight. We were dropped right beside the plane.
Entering a Plane For The First Time
To be honest, it was everything I thought it would be. Mind you, this was just a local flight. I can’t wait to enter an international airplane for the first time. I am doing it soon, so look out for it.
When I saw the overhead bins where bags are kept, it was so dreamy because I had seen it a lot in movies.
Our tickets were checked and collected, and then I entered. I found my seat number (10a) and sat down.
It was such a cool experience. I took a lot of pictures and videos. I also read the safety manual and airline (Ibomair) magazine available in front of my seat.
The air hostess and pilot gave several warnings and safety information. Then it was time for takeoff.
What Takeoff Felt Like
I thought the airplane was so slow when it was about to take off. I kept waiting for it to leave the land so I could capture it, but it took a while.
When it finally did, it made my heart jump a little, but it was all right. I didn’t feel as much fear as I thought I would.
Eventually, we were given snacks, and in less than 40 minutes, we were in Uyo.
The speed was fascinating. It almost felt like we never moved, but I knew we did. It just didn’t feel like we were moving so fast, yet we covered so much distance in such a short time.
Airplane flight is so cool.
What Landing Felt Like
Nothing prepared me for landing.
My heart almost gave way. It was so scary.
I almost jumped or screamed, but I held it together.
I thought I would feel like this during takeoff, so I was prepared to film. Little did I know I would get the feeling during landing, but I was not prepared to film at all.
However, I found the experience very fascinating.
When we got down, it was raining, but there was a bus to take us to the front of the airport.
We got in and the place was serene. We waited a while for our bags. It took so long, I was getting scared that I had lost my bag when I saw almost everyone getting their bags.
But it finally came, and I was ready to go.
While I was battling with my bag as a first-timer, an officer came to ask if I was the owner of the bag.
I was slightly offended. She asked for the tag, which I showed her alongside my passport to confirm that it was indeed my bag.
She then offered to help me get a cab to leave the airport.
However, I have been warned to avoid using airport cabs because they can be very expensive. I later realized there was no way to leave the airport without them because, unlike Lagos, where you can get public transport, you will only find cabs outside Akwa Ibom Airport.
After haggling the price to a third of the price they gave me, I finally entered the cab.
I got to the city center, and my Uyo adventure began.
Related:
My Return Flight
While I was returning, I booked a return flight to Lagos, and it was almost the same experience.
However, the bus that took me to the airport took so long that I almost missed my flight again.
This time, I arrived about 40 minutes to take off, which meant I was awfully late. I apologized, but they said I would have to reschedule my flight, except I had checked in online.
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Alas, and thankfully, I had checked in online, so I was able to enter the plane with everyone else.
Our boarding pass and passport were checked, and we were ushered into the plane.
Tips For Your First Time Flight Experience – Domestic Flight
- Arrive 2 to 3 hours early before check-in. That should be about 3 hours before your flight.
- Check In Online. Remember how it helped me!
- Read every information possible. Read the airline website information. Read the airplane safety manual. Read the confirmation email carefully. Read as much as you can because it’s your first time, and you don’t want to miss any vital information.
- Pack according to the luggage requirement and limit so you won’t have to pay extra for luggage.
- Read airline restrictions so you know what you should bring or not bring.
- Don’t put big containers of skincare and other liquids in your carry-on.
- Research as much as you can. Learn and watch as much as you want.
- Read articles or watch videos about where you are going so you are equipped with information about your destination and won’t be caught off guard.
- Know your carry-on and baggage limit.
- Pack all important documents, such as passports and means of identification, in your handbag—not your carry-on. Remember, your carry-on can be your traveling box, and it will be in the overhead bin, so put your documents in your handbag, which you can put under your seat or on your lap throughout the journey.
- Dress comfortably so you can feel free on board.
- Hold your power bank and put it in your handbag because if the airplane is experiencing turbulence, you will not be allowed to charge your phone with the airplane’s charging port.
- Wear earplugs, ear muffs, earpieces, or headphones to protect your ears from other people’s noise.
- Pick your seat immediately after booking so you will have more options to choose from.
- Buy travel insurance. I got mine for a small fee during booking. If you can afford to, you should. You may not need it, and you may need it.
I hope my experience will help you navigate your first time flight experience seamlessly. Let me know if you have questions.
You can leave them in the comments section below. If you would love to share your own first-time domestic/local flight experience, I will be looking forward to it in the comments section.
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