How do I take my first international flight?

Follow these simple tips of things to do before traveling internationally to ensure smooth sailing.
  1. Prepare your travel documents. ...
  2. Research your destination. ...
  3. Address money matters. ...
  4. Compare transportation & accommodation options. ...
  5. Book everything in advance. ...
  6. Avoid travel fatigue. ...
  7. Prioritize your health & safety.




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8 tips for first-time international travelers
  1. Check your documents.
  2. Consider signing up for a travel rewards card.
  3. Give yourself a long booking runway.
  4. Be selective about lodging.
  5. Consider the not-so-common essentials.
  6. Pack right for the flight.
  7. Give a heads up to your credit card issuer.
  8. Make the clock your friend.


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How to board international flight step by step
  • Check in for your flight. ...
  • Check your baggage and get your ticket. ...
  • Go through the security checkpoint. ...
  • Go through immigration. ...
  • Find your gate. ...
  • Board your flight.


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You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening. This may include a physical inspection of your luggage and personal items with a metal detector or a full-body scan.

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When layover flights are booked with the same airline, your baggage will be automatically transferred through to your final destination. However, if the two flights are with different airlines, you may have to claim and re-check your baggage during your layover.

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You usually get boarding passes for both flights. Some smaller airports might have separate terminals so that you have to go back through security and travel to another terminal, but even then should not have to check in if you have the boarding pass already.

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Best advice for first-time flyers
  • Check the airline's luggage requirements.
  • Pack essentials in your carry-on.
  • Arrive at the airport two hours early.
  • Keep your ID handy.
  • Wear easy-to-remove shoes.
  • Respect other passengers' space.
  • Have a backup plan ready.


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The General Guideline for How Early You Should Get to the Airport. Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

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When you're traveling outside of the United States, we suggest arriving at least 3 hours prior to your departure. You must be checked in at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure. Additionally, we recommend being at the gate and ready to board 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

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Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before departure for international flights. It's common for international flights to start boarding earlier than domestic flights (the aircraft are often larger and have higher passenger capacities), which accounts for the earlier recommendation.

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10 Tips for Surviving an Overnight Flight
  1. Choose the right carry-on handbag. ...
  2. Pack noise-canceling headphones. ...
  3. Bring your favorite tea from home. ...
  4. Go through your usual night-time skincare routine. ...
  5. Pack an eye mask and ear plugs. ...
  6. Brush your teeth. ...
  7. Bring a portable phone charger. ...
  8. Reading material.


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13 Tips for Surviving a Long-Haul Flight
  1. Choose your seat. ...
  2. Power up. ...
  3. Get comfy. ...
  4. Bring some snacks. ...
  5. Always bring a scarf or shawl. ...
  6. Pack a pillow and blanket. ...
  7. See no evil, hear no evil. ...
  8. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.


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The airlines use the last hours of the day and the first hours of the night to catch up on delays and ensure their aircraft are in the right place for the next day. Night Flights allow the budget airlines and the non-scheduled airlines (usually operating holiday charter flights) to make full use of their aircraft.

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When to arrive. We recommend getting to the airport three hours before your flight if you're travelling internationally, or two hours if you're travelling domestically or to Europe.

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The earliest you can check your bags vary based on the airline and airport policies. But in general, the earliest time you can check your bags is 2-4 hours before flight time. Some may allow up to 6 hours, but most international flights won't accept check-in earlier than that.

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Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.

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What should you not forget before an airport?
  • Make a list. ...
  • Don't forget the first aid kit. ...
  • Limit your liquids. ...
  • Name tags are there to help. ...
  • Observe restrictions on baggage. ...
  • Save bag space for all your holiday purchases. ...
  • Skip the shoes. ...
  • Cosmetics – at a minimum!


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You can't make phone calls on a plane using cellular service, as using cellular service for any reason isn't permitted. WiFi calls may be allowed, though that's at the discretion of the airline, as it impacts passenger comfort.

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What is a good connection time? Travel advisers say there's a lot to take into account when booking connecting flights, but a general rule of thumb is 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.

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Do I need a boarding pass for a connecting flight? Yes. You'll probably get all boarding passes at once when you check in for your first flight, whether you check in online, on your smartphone, or at the airport.

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