Any tips from personal experience for international flying?

Question

I'm not looking for website links - I want some tips that come from personal experience on flying internationally (specifically from the US to London). I've never even been INSIDE an airport before. I have no idea what to expect!

Answer 1

Don't bring any weapons or drugs.

Answer 2

There's a lot of hanging around waiting for something to happen, so take a small book (small because you're going to have to carry it everywhere). Pack as much as you can into your main luggage. Wrap some brightly coloured tape in a glaring colour round the handles, makes it easier to spot at the other end.

All you need for hand luggage is: tickets, passport, any medicine you might need, wallet and credit cards, pen and said book. You can buy candy, drinks and other necessities once you've passed passport control.

Get there early in sensible shoes since you may have to queue, both when checking in and when arriving at the other side.

Pressure socks to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis are cheap and worth buying. Don't travel in your shirt sleeves, it can get chilly over the Atlantic. Don't drink too much alcohol during the flight but drink all the water they offer.

Once you get to London, the underground (tube) is safe and much cheaper than a taxi. If you decide on a taxi, look for one of the famous London cabs, they are very strictly regulated and you won't get ripped off. Do not get into a car which does not display a Hackney Carriage licence plate on the side or rear. Watch out for pickpockets but so long as you don't leave your luggage unattended you'll be fine.

Have a great time and, if you get the chance, don't forget that there's a lot of England to see that isn't London.

Answer 3

Would that be the first person in US to have that kind of record? Anyway, the insides of international airports are so arranged that you cant make a mistake even if you wanted to. Baggage x-ray, check in, immigration, customs and wait at the right gate. As far as the flight itself is concerned, be sure your hand baggage does not contain even innocent looking scissors or nail cutters. Now even any liquids including water and cosmetic gelly-like substances are not allowed, after those attack threats were detected at London. Stay away from too much alcoholic drinks on board. Thats really it as far as I can say.

Answer 4

You should show up 3 hours before. Expect a long check-in line to coach. Be clear about what you need to carry-on (and what is allowed to carry-on!) and what you want to check. At check-in they will take your ticket and you will get a boarding pass. Ask how to find the gate.

Then you have to pass security, which is a long line and a hazzle. You may have to take off belt, shoes, laptop out of the bag. Keep your boarding pass in your hand, but put everything else on the belt for scanning. You may be selected (randomly) for additional screening, which can be quite intimidating. Make sure you count all your belongings afterwards. You can easily lose your keys or passport in the chaos.

After that you can go to the gate and wait. They will notify you when you can board, but you should stick close to the gate and be ready to board 45 min before your scheduled flight.

Have a great trip.

Answer 5

1. Make sure your carry on is the appropriate size.
2. Keep your passport and all personal documents with you in your carry on or purse. It is also smart to bring a change of clothes for one day including underware in your carry on in case your other luggage gets lost.
3. Double check the time your plane leaves as departure times can change.
4. Get to the airport early; for international flights 3 hours.
5. Order food according to your diet. If you're a vegetarian, request vegetarian when booking your flight.

Have fun. It's an easy flight from the US to London.

Answer 6

Pack as light as possible, and be aware of airline restrictions (many of which just recently changed). Plan to eliminate any and all liquids and semi liquids (toothpaste, makeup, chap stick) from your carry-on luggage.

Carry your passport, travel itinerary, a list of phone numbers, and other important documents in a secure location on your person. Include in your list of phone numbers any numbers for your travel agency, airline, and emergency contact numbers of family/friends.

Make sure all of your luggage is clearly labeled. Include a sheet of paper on the inside of your luggage that clearly states your name, address, and contact number, so that if your outside tag is lost, the luggage can still be traced to you.

Mark your luggage with some type of colored tape or other obvious symbol. All luggage looks the same and while you may be able to recognize your exact suit case, what you really want to prevent is someone else accidentally leaving the airport with your luggage.

Arrive early for your flight!! With current travel regulations I would recommend arriving at the airport 3-4 hours before your scheduled departure time.

Once your at the airport, relax and be thorough. If you have arrived early as I recommended above, things will go smoothly and you will be able to deal with the issues that inevitably arise.

Drink lots of water. This will decrease the effects of jet lag, and help keep your body energized.

Answer 7

get there at least 2 1/2 to 3 hrs early(they say 2hrs) get all checked in and find the turnamil that u need. i would that right after sercerity and cheaking in.once u find the right spot then if u have time then if u want grab a drink and something to eat. do not wonder to far tho! and it can be very bussy. b.c of every one comming and the other leaving. but just find where u need to go. and go there first befor anything elso. i thought it was a fun experience.

Answer 8

Antibacterial wipes. Most of them will kill the flu virus as well. I've seen more than one news segment saying that VP Biden was wrong - the air circulation in modern planes is good, and the air is filtered. They suggest you open the air nozzle above your head immediately when you sit down, and set it up so that the air flows across your face and toward the aisle. More importantly, once you feel the pressure change in your ears, make sure that you give your baby something to eat or drink so that they can swallow and clear their ears and equalize the pressure. This usually saves them a lot of discomfort and crying. The planes usually pressure up after the cabin door is closed, and start pressuring down once the two bells ring to signal the beginning of the final descent. Good luck!

Answer 9

o.k...start by getting into vacation mode as soon as you leave home.dress casual but comfortable..nothing tight. Eat a Breakfast!!! .Arrange your transport to airport well in advance if you can,to get you there bout 3 to 4 hours before check in.Now your at the airport,check out where your Airline Departure check in is,let them take care of your baggage asap. then check out the rest of the place, like shops, eateries, bars (alcohol and coffee bars). then sit and RELAX ... people watch, make up scenarios ( in your head) of the folks you see (little fantasies) to pass the time..talk to others (but never leave your carry on or other baggage with anyone).. before check in.I f possible..try to get a seat at the rear,where the body tapers in...window seat has a lot more room, failing that , an aisle seat. While in flight, be as comfortable & relaxed as you can. Be corteous to flight staff(sucking up does help,LOL)watch the inflight entertainment,eat,sleep and take plenty of non alcoholic fluid.If you feel at all uncomfortable, speak to the attendant..When you arrive at the other end,follow all the signs thru to immigration control,, then when thru that,pick up baggage from carousel..THEN..if you have time..take in a breakfast..& RELAX....before you head on out of airport. Hope this helps you out..and you enjoy your flight..it really is a great experience if you prepare yourself.

Answer 10

Get to the airport early. Have your passport and driver license. It's a loooong flight so pack a book or some entertainment. Try to sleep on the plane because they ahead of us in the time.

Answer 11

ear plugs and sleeping aids like benadryl. i have flown too many international flights to Europe and back. all the children screaming.