I'am Booking My First Flight How Does The Process Go?

[SlimAsks101]

I'am booking my first flight to California but I've never experience it. I'am 18 years old. When you purchase a ticket online , does it matter which airline? Can you book hotel rooms beforehand ? When you get to the airport what happens? What all do you have to do? Should I get there early? Also when you reach your destination, where do you get your luggage and then what? I'm so lost. HELP!

[Buenchico]

You've posted on a UK-based forum but the timing of your post (together with your choice of destination) suggests that you might be in the USA. If so, the people around here won't be fully familar with how things work where you are but airline travel is much the same throughout the world, so here are a few pointers:

Start by looking at the Wikipedia pages for your departure and arrival airports. They'll tell you which airlines offer direct flights on the route you require. (In general it's best to look for direct flights. Booking connecting flights adds complications, time and possibly cost).

Go to the websites of those airlines and check on the fares offered for your journey. They might vary greatly between airlines! Book whichever is cheapest (as long as the flight times are convenient for you). Watch out for additional charges though, such as for putting your baggage in the hold.

Read the information on the airline's website about check-in procedures. Some airlines ONLY allow you to check in online. Most others offer it as an option. (Always go for online check-in if it's offered).

The website of the airport (or the airline) will tell you the recommended time to arrive before your flight.. An hour might be adequate for a domestic flight. Two, or even three, hours might be recommended for international flights (if I've got it wrong and you're not starting in the USA).

If you've checked in online, and haven't got any hold baggage, you can go straight to the security desks at the airport. Otherwise go to the check-in/bag-drop area first. Just follow everyone else and do what they do!

On arrival at your destination airport you'll go through the Immigation desks first if you're travelling from outside of the USA. (Expect to wait in line for ages and to encounter the world's rudest and most aggressive immigration staff). If you're flying wholly within the USA you'll be able to go straight to the baggage hall, where your hold luggage (if you've got any) will arrive on a baggage carousel. [The monitors will tell you which carousel to check].

Then you simply leave the airport, following the public transportation signs (unless you're being met by someone). Of course you should have your hotel booked in advance. Find somewhere suitable on TripAdvisor and either book from there (if that option is available) or google the hotel's website (or that of an agency which offers bookings for that hotel).

Enjoy your trip!

[enfable]

You could use a travel agent who would book arrange and explain everything for you. If you feel confident enough you could arrange ot yourself there are many sites you can use but these are good starting points. Flights:
https://www.skyscanner.net/ Hotels: https://www.agoda.com/ Flights and hotels on one site: https://www.expedia.co.uk/. Cheaper rooms if you are on a budget: http://www.hostworld.com/ or https://www.airbnb.com/ Free accommodation: https://www.couchsurfing.com/. Have a great time

[Karen_Beck]

Congratulations on your first flight!
Here are the answers to your questions:
1) Normally you choose the airline that suits YOUR needs - in terms of a price, route, preferences, and schedule. As it was previously mentioned, I highly recommend using aggregators similar to SkyScanner/Expedia/AviaSales.
2) Yes, you can book a hotel room beforehand - and you probably should do that to get the best price. To stay on the safe side, I'd check refundable options, in case you have your plans changed.
3)When you get to the airport (better 2-3 hours in advance, especially given this is your firs time) you'll need to pass trough security check and register your luggage. It doesn't take much time, yet there can be waiting lines, and you don't want to be late for onboarding.
4) When you land and go through the customs control, you'll see the sign where your luggage is - don;t worry about that.
Enjoy your trip!