Prepare for Your First International Flight

Preparing for an international flight requires the consideration of other factors that you may not need to consider for a domestic flight. You will have to take into consideration your passport, a visa if you need one, the different baggage allowance, and possibly making your way around foreign airports. Preparing for your first international flight before you depart can make the experience much easier when you know what to expect. Here are a few steps on how to prepare for your first international flight.

Steps

  1. Find out if you will need a visa to travel to the country of your destination. There are some countries that allow you to stay in the country for a certain amount of time without a visa, and some countries that require you to have a visa before you travel. If you require a visa, you will need to apply through the country's consulate.
  2. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to find out if you need to have any vaccinations prior to traveling to your country of destination. If you do need to be vaccinated, contact your doctor 4 to 6 weeks prior to traveling to receive your vaccination.
    • Contact the airport from which you will be departing, the country's consulate or visit the country's border agency website for information about needing and receiving a travel visa.
  3. Obtain evidence of your travel plans, such as flight itineraries and information about your accommodation in the country to which you are flying.
    • Many mobile devices now have applications for travel itineraries, which allow you to input and store your travel information. Itinerary applications may be helpful to easily locate your information, but it is recommended that you also carry a paper copy of your travel details to show airport security. You will also want to have a paper copy in the event that your device runs out of power.
  4. Collect all of your important documents and carry them on you while you fly. Important documents that you should carry on you at all times include your passport, identification card, driver's license, itinerary and a visa if necessary for your travel destination.
  5. Omit any banned or restricted objects from your luggage when packing your bags. Omit liquids and sharp objects from your carry on luggage. Contact the airport you will be departing from if you are not sure about which items are banned. Do not pack your important documents, passport or identification with your checked luggage because you will need to have them on your person while traveling.
    • Be sure to check the luggage allowance and restrictions of each airline company with which you will be flying. Different airlines have different allowances and restrictions.
  6. Ask for a map of the airport or print a map from the airport's website before you travel. Familiarizing yourself with the layout of the airports will help you locate your way around the airport easier, saving you time.
  7. Read up on airport procedures, such as the screening process and security checks on the airport's website before you leave. Understanding the procedures will help you estimate how much time you will need to allocate to make sure that you do not miss your flight.
  8. Arrive at your airport 3 hours before your departure time to ensure that you will make your flight if you are delayed by baggage screening, security checks or any other reason.
  9. Check with your airport of departure for information regarding parking for international flights. If you are leaving your vehicle at the airport while you travel, there are typically designated parking areas for international or long-term departures. There will be shuttles that will take you and your baggage to your terminal of departure from long-term parking.
  10. Attempt to board the plane as early as you can. If you are on the plane early, you will be able to locate your seat and stow your carry on luggage without a problem. If you are last on the plane, carry on luggage space is limited and you may be asked to check your bag if there is no more space.
  11. Request a special meal if you are on a restricted diet. Airlines offer special meals for those who are vegetarians, on low-cholesterol diets or low-sodium diets as well as many others. You can request a special meal at the time of ticket purchase.
  12. Stay hydrated while flying because the air on board can be very dry. Drink plenty of water before and during your flight and refrain from drinking beverages that will dehydrate you such as caffeinated coffee, tea and alcohol.
  13. Stretch your body regularly while in flight. You should change your sitting position, without crossing your legs, to keep your blood and body moving. Walk up and down the aisle every couple of hours to keep your blood circulating. Remaining immobile may lead to blood clotting.
  14. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will want to be comfortable during long flights and do not want to restrict your body in any way.

Warnings

  • Be very serious when dealing with airport security and staff. Jokes about terrorism or explosives are not tolerated and can lead to your arrest.

Things You'll Need

  • Passport
  • Government issued identification card
  • Visa
  • Itinerary copies
  • Airport maps

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Sources and Citations

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