Traveling by myself to Lebanon-?

Question

I have posted a few questions so far already about me and my boyfriend and our plan to go to Lebanon this summer. About 2 weeks ago, my boyfriend's mother had a heart attack, and he went back to Lebanon by his self. This is going to cause numerous problems with his visa, and it is going to be a mess but it is something that he had to do, and I am glad he went over to be with her as she is recovering.

This is not really a question, so much as he has asked me to come over this summer by myself. As in I will leave Ohio (where I live) and fly to New York (Connecting flight) and then either connect in France or England to then go to Lebanon. I have never been out of North America, and I have never ever in my life traveled anywhere by myself. This whole idea really terrifies me. I was just wondering, how difficult that people who have flown from the USA to Lebanon has found it. Most of the flights we found are through a company called Alitalia.

-Cont-

My biggest fear is that one of my flights will be delayed, and I will miss the connection and be stuck in some random airport by myself. As a 19 year old girl, I think you can emphasize that it would be a very frightening situation.

I would just like to see if anybody will share their experiences with me of flying from the USA to Lebanon.


P.S.
I have heard different things regarding my need to get a visa for Lebanon. I have been told it's either free, or that it is 30$ or that you will just get a stamp and not need a visa. I would be staying approx a month to a month and a half, so if anybody knew anything about that.


Thank you very much for reading this long thing!

Also one of the other common connecting flights seems to be in Milan. Does anybody know anything about that one??

Also, he is in Saida right now. He is Christain and so is his family, so the religion thing is not an issue for us. It is mostly just the traveling issue right now.

Answer 1

My dear, Alitalia is the Italian national carrier. So you may be transitting through England or France flying from North America if you are on Alitalia, but you will have to make an additional stop in Milan or Rome. A word of warning: All Alitalia flights originating in London arrive into Beirut at 2.30 in the morning. NOT a good time! Better to fly on BA from London (non-stop, arrives 10.00pm). Lebanon has a national carrier called MEA (Middle East Airlines) which flies out of London - with even better connections.

Sorry, just read your comment about Milan. That's Malpensa, crappy little airport, no place to sit...(hey, sorry, Milanese friends, but it's true!). I very strongly suggest you to the following: get yourself to Cincinatti and fly Delta to London, it's an overnight flight arriving early in the morning to Gatwick airport. You then have to transfer to Heathrow airport for a direct flight on BA or MEA. It is an hour on a special inter-airport bus, but you are going to save much more time than that by bypassing all these other airports. It is very, very easy.

Answer 2

Don't pay too much attention to the first answerer (civicnitro), I am not sure he knows what he is talking about...I think he is confused, maybe he is talking about Zimbabwe.

I go to Lebanon every summer and I go from either Miami or from Chicago. I connect in Paris or London. Paris Airport s*cks, it is the worst airport Ever. They bus you from terminal to terminal and then you have to go through many security checks and many terminals until you get to Middle East Airlines which is usually the connecting flight to Beirut (under either Air France or under BA if you are in London).

Go though London, it is much easier and there are several flights. I think it is a good route.

Once you are in Beirut, right next to the immigration booth you will find a visa booth, where you can obtain a visa for approx. $30 to $50 (Not sure how much).

If you have someone to pick you up at the airport this will be the best thing to do, if not get a cab (right outside the airport). Negotiate the fare to where you are going, people speak English usually. Count on about $30 to $50 in Beirut and suburbs and more if north or south of Lebanon.

In my opinion, Lebanese like American people and I do no think anyone will give you any trouble. Be as American as you want to be and you will ok. Enjoy Lebanon and I am sure you will just be fine.

Answer 3

It's not that hard to fly by yourself, it is for you cuz it's the first time but just make friends with someone on the plane that is going the same route and do as they do...plus you can always ask at the info desks at the airport.
I advise the connection thru London cuz the French are rude and don't help if you don't know their language.
If you're going with Alitalia then you will definitly stop in Italy somewhere...it will all be clear on your ticket when u get it.
Don't worry about delays in connections you won't be alone missing the flight if you're delayed so usually the airline considers that fact...anyway all those question you can ask them to your travel agent he will reassure u and advise you on what to do.
Make sure you clearly mark your name and your address in Lebanon and your destination cuz sometimes the luggage get lost in connecting flights but you always get them back

Good Luck

Answer 4

Hi.......
dont pay attention to the first reply.........i think he is talking about some other country, even it seems that is not lebanese or that havent gone there before.
I travel to Lebanon as often as I can, and i do it always alone.I do it from south america, but "doors" to enter Europe are always the same.
I never have travel through london, but have done it through Paris and Milan.Last time i did it by Air france . About Alitalia, you can go by Rome or Milan. And from any of them A france or Alitalia, as they are partners with MEA you'll complete the last part of your travel through Middle East Airways the lebanese company.
I agree with Kate that French pple is not nice, but you'll be at the Cde G airport only 1 or 2 hours. it's huge, but very well signalized. Even you can ask to another passengers around you.
Dont worry , and I know that you'll enjoy that new experience. only one advice...try to get flights that allow you to arrive at Beirut during the day.........even if you have to go to Saida after arriving.
You'll be most welcome to Lebanon......and once you go there, you'll want to go back once and again, be sure.
People is amazing , friendly, and warm.
About the food........dont worry........feel free to ask what it is.But dear.........the food in Lebanon is delicious. Believe me.

Answer 5

I am an American and I keep on flying from New York to Beirut like 2 times a year and nothing is wrong and now the solution will come because the conflict is over. Another thing is that the security forces is high in Lebanon now so no problem will happen and nothing terrifying will happen. It is 100% safe.

Answer 6

Back last year when the Israelis invaded Lebanon, I talked w/a guy that was from Jordan. From what he told me, as you well know, the media doesn't always present a situation correctly. Yes, largely what was shown to us in the states was true ect.., but the media didn't present the whole story. The media made us presume that all of Beirut was just getting tore apart. But what my friend from Jordan told me was that while parts were being bombed ect..., there was people going to parties and just hanging out like nothing was going on. If you're going by yourself there, then my best advice to you would be to just be friendly with the locals. Hold doors open for them & give them a smile once you're there. Once you meet up w/your boyfriend there, then if you get invited to someones house, then eat or drink what ever they give to ya. It'd be an insult if you didn't. I personally think about the best advice of protecting yourself while you're there, would be to ask questions about Islam. Show some interest in their culture, activities & general way of life. To greet someone in Arabic you would say "Salom Alikom". "Hamdul lilah" is thanks to Allah. If I had the chance to go to Lebanon or Israel or any Middle East country, yeah I'd go.

Answer 7

It might seem impressive to fly from one country to another but once you do it you will discover that it's quite simple, there isn't much room for mistakes and no need to get nervous about it.

The key is don't be embarrased to ask, ask and ask again.

My work requires me to travel a lot.
countless times, people - or their families- have come up to me and asked me if I was going to the same destination to help them out. I advice you to do the same.
people are really nice this way, they have all the time in the world and are more than happy to help.

Also all the staff at the airport and on the plane are trained and used to giving people the right advice and directions.so use them.

you'll be right, enjoy your trip.

Answer 8

If u r going via italy, i suggest stay in italy, a beautiful country, beautiful people, very nice...if u go to lebanon, be ready to go thru a lot, and i mean a lot of strict security...because the history of that country is full of problems and they want to make sure that the planes flying there is safe. GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 9

Lol @ Sheikha!! that is to Aussie: Na na na na na na..... we are able to Colombia!!!! we do not want you, na na na na na na.... Mexico isn't a nasty concept both.... as Mr. Invisible reported. What do u imagine amiga???? lets have some tequilas, devour some sturdy Guacamole and celebration and sing with the Mariachis!! So all of us, Colombia is to reconsider, perhaps Mexico yet we are going to offer u extra updates quickly if you happen to opt for to affix us! Salud!!

Answer 10

hey, don't worry about anything. Lebanon is great and Lebanese ppl are very friendly, warm and helpfull. plus we have very delicious food over here!there are many activities you can do, and have fun! ull have a fabulous summer. i'm sure ull want to come back again and again.