Hi, I’m flying for the first time tomorrow and I’m very anxious. I will be alone and I have ASD which I’m only mentioning because I often get tunnel vision during stressful situations and shut down. To combat this I’ve done research and made a list. It would be greatly appreciated if somebody with experience could take a look and let me know if I’m OK or if I’ve got the steps down and/or am missing something?

I am flying internationally with United. I checked in with the app and checked my baggage with the app as well. From what I understand I:

1. Enter the correct doors for my terminal. Leave my checked bag with the United bag drop, which the app and signage will lead me to.

• I’m assuming there’s a kiosk that prints a tag and I attach the tag? This part is unclear.

1. Follow the signs to security, where I will take or shoes, jackets, accessories and put them in a bin with my carry-on bag (which is a mostly empty backpack)

2. Find the corresponding gate on my boarding pass and wait for my boarding group to be called.

3. Find my seat and stash my carry on. I was wondering if it’s ok to hold it tin my lap hough? My things are inside and I’d like to have access to them. I have a window seat so I don’t want to bother my neighbor to get to them.

Thank you so much if you’ve read this I’d love feedback!

Update: You guys have been incredible, I can’t thank you enough. I’m flying overnight from Newark to Heathrow so hopefully the crowds aren’t terrible. I plan on arriving 2.5 hours early.

After feedback I’ve decided to put a smaller bag in my backpack for personal items on the flight, stow my backpack in the overhead compartment, and keep my smaller bag beneath the seat in front of me. I’ve also decided to check in at the front desk despite mobile check-in just to ask any questions I might have. I also underestimated the importance of the departure boards (the screens that show live arrivals, departures, gates) and will be scoping those out. I’m also going to bring an empty water bottle to fill up once I’m there. Hopefully I can find a water dispenser.

This thread has alleviated a ton of worries for me and I’m very excited for my first trip! Thank you all again. :-)