What REALLY Happens After You Land: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Flyers ✈️

I realized that I've talked about how to obtain your Kenyan passport, to a Schengen Visa, booking a return flight ticket, and what happens at the airport when you leave. I realized I didn't talk about what happens after you land at your destination, until this post :).

Here's today's verse;

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

The view from my window when I was about to land in Amsterdam. :)

1. The Taxi to the Gate 🚦

Right before the plane lands, the captain will announce that you have arrived at your destination. He may also mention the weather conditions and whether the flight was on time. At this point, you will be required to be seated, belts buckled, and devices on airplane mode/off.

Once the plane lands, it will be driven through the runway, then taxi until it slows down completely.

2. Disembarking the Plane 👣

After the plane completely stops, an announcement will be made, welcoming you to your destination. Further instructions to disembark will be made. At times, your plane will be parked far from the terminal you're supposed to alight from. In this case, there will be a shuttle bus waiting for you, which will transport you to the terminal. Otherwise, you'll need to get your carry-on luggage from the storage above your seat. Check around your seat to ensure you haven't forgotten anything. Also, remember to have your vital documents, e.g., passport & visa, within reach to easily retrieve them once you go through immigration and passport control.

Extra Tip: Don't be in a hurry to get off the plane and scramble with other passengers, you will get off in time 🤭.

3. Immigration & Passport Control 🛂

Once you disembark the plane, you will follow the signs that lead to immigration and passport control for visitors who have just arrived. If you get lost, you can always ask airport staff for help, or follow the passengers with whom you were on the same flight. 😉

At this stage, the immigration officers will check and scan your passport and validate your visa. They may also ask questions, such as the reason for your visit, who or where you'll be staying, and how long you're expecting to stay. They may also ask you to provide evidence of your return ticket as proof that you're going back to your home country, unless you're planning to stay long-term for study, work, or relocation.

It's important to have all the documents you used to apply for your visa printed or on your phone, so that in case you're asked to provide them, it's easy to retrieve.

In this stage, breathe. The officers are just doing their job and won't ask any outrageous questions. They may raise an alarm if anything major stands out. However, as long as your passport and visa are valid, you can prove that you're going back or there for a long stay, and you have essential documents in hand, everything should be fine.

4. Baggage Claim 🎒

Now, you're done with the most nerve-wracking part!

Remember the suitcases that you checked in at the airport of the country you departed from? Now you can claim them at baggage claim.

After you're done with immigration/passport control, follow the signs to baggage claim. You will see a board that indicates the flight number, and the baggage belt where baggage from that flight can be picked up. After you identify your respective belt, stand by the conveyor belt where the baggage will be revolving and collect your baggage.

In case you're not able to identify your baggage, it may have gotten lost or misplaced, which, to be honest, can be a nightmare to trace. To avoid this, get a distinct tag for your bag, preferably with bright colors. On the tag, write your name, phone number, and email address, so that if it gets lost and hopefully traced, you can easily be contacted.

Alternatively, you can get a unique suitcase cover so that no one else can mistake your suitcase for theirs or vice versa.

5. Customs Declaration 🧾

If you are carrying large amounts of money, large quantities of electronics, or perishables, you'll need to declare them at customs. Customs declaration means you're making an official statement that the goods are yours and you can demonstrate what they'll be used for. It is a procedure to stay in compliance with import laws and avoid fines and penalties.

If you've brought in gifts and souvenirs, pack them in your checked luggage, and remove any tags and receipts from them. If you have nothing to declare, you'll pass by the doorway that indicates this and step into the arrivals hall. 😍

6. Arrivals Hall🤗

At the arrivals hall, your family/friends will be waiting for you. You may also see ATMs, currency exchange places, and taxi drivers looking for customers.

Take a deep breath, give your loved ones big hugs, and say a little thanksgiving prayer to God for keeping you. You have made it!

Final Thoughts

Reaching your destination after a long day or night of dealing with security checks, baggage weight, dry cabin air, flight delays, airplane turbulence, and whatnot, arriving at your destination is a huge relief. After your first flight experience, just know that it only gets easier from here. 🤗

Ensure that you check out other related earlier posts I've done about the essential procedures in travel, as shown below. I hope this has been helpful, informative, and inspiring!

Remember to like, comment, subscribe to my email list, and SHARE this post with anyone who may need it. I'm truly inspired to write more when I can see more people are visiting my page.

Till next post,

Miss Kambe.