Mastering the Art of How to Prepare for an International Flight
International travel can be ridiculously painful especially when you choose or can only afford to travel in coach. Traveling internationally can be overwhelming since there are more necessities such as passports, visas, and health requirements. So hopefully my tips help you with prepping for an International Flight.
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Prepping for an International Flight
Are you gearing up for an exciting adventure across the skies to a far-off land? Let me whisk you away with some tips on how to prepare for an international flight that’ll make your journey delightful.
1. Passport and Documentation
Before you even start dreaming about those exotic destinations, let’s talk documents! Double-check your passport’s expiration date because getting stuck at customs is not the kind of adventure you seek. Visa requirements? Have those sorted? You’re on the right track!
First and foremost, make sure you have all the correct travel documents, whether it is a passport for short-term travel or the correct visa for long-term travel or work. Double check that your passport has at least 6 months validity as most countries require at least 6 months before it expires to enter a country. If you are looking into getting a visa, please check with the country’s embassy before booking your flight and leaving the country.
To check visa requirements, visit your country’s government travel website. If you are a US Citizen, access the US travel advisory click here.
2. Digitize Your Documents for Safekeeping
Ensure you photograph and scan all crucial documents, but avoid relying solely on your phone in case of loss, theft, or damage. Back up digital copies in a personal email or a secure cloud service like Google Drive. Include passport and visa details for embassy presentation if these documents are misplaced. Keep these items secure in your carry-on, like a purse or passport necklace wallet. Also, leave a copy of your passport with a trusted family member in case digital copies are compromised or inaccessible.
3. Flight Booking and Seat Selection
If you haven’t booked your flight, you should probably do that. Book your flights at least 6 months in advance. When booking international flights try to make sure you have an aisle or window seat. The best seats in coach would be near the emergency exits or the front row. If you can request the seat, attempt to do this and you will have the best legroom and easy access to getting up and walking around the plane. During this time also check the airline’s regulations to make sure you are following all of the rules before getting to the airport.
You’ve got the travel bug and booked that flight! Hooray! Now, do yourself a favor: pick your seat wisely. Are you a window seat daydreamer or an aisle stroller? Choose what suits you best for an enjoyable journey. Keep in mind for long-haul flights, getting a window seat may mean disrupting others to use the bathroom or get up and walking.
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Make sure you have all your itineraries and identification: flights, hotel reservations, passports, etc. Don’t forget your cash and credit cards. Most places no longer take traveler’s checks due to counterfeit. Additionally, most credit cards have no foreign transaction fees which makes spending overseas easier, double check with your bank for verification. Be sure to notify your bank of your travel plans.
4. Health and Wellness
Check-in with your Doctor and see what requirements are needed for your next destination. Some countries require certain vaccinations before visiting them. You can find out what the country’s requirements are by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Make sure your travel is protected with travel insurance. Travel insurance stands as your essential shield against unforeseen medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and flight delays. It covers expenses for medical care, and emergency evacuations, and reimburses non-refundable trip costs, offering peace of mind during your travels. Understanding policy specifics is crucial, ensuring you select comprehensive coverage aligned with your travel needs.
Pre-flight Checklist: Day Before and Day of Departure
Prepare for your upcoming adventure with meticulous planning using our exclusive Pre-flight Checklist for the Day Before and Day of Departure. A successful journey begins with thorough preparation, and this guide is your compass to ensure nothing is overlooked before you embark on your travel escapade.
5. Packing like a Pro
PRO TIP: Be sure to pack and an extra set of clothes in your carry on in case your bag needs to be checked. I highly suggest you pack extra underwear as well. If your bag gets lost, at least you will have some extra clothes. The underwear helps if you feel unfresh during a layover as well. Learn how to How to Organize your Carry On
I rely on the packing list provided below for every journey I undertake. Access it for free by subscribing to my email list!
6. Smart Packing Tip: TSA-Approved Carry-On Essentials for International Travel
Next, make sure your carry-on essentials only have TSA-approved liquids or items. This is a very important step in prepping for an international flight. Depending on the airport you will be required to throw out your TSA liquids if not placed in a clear bag. One of my favorite bags to place my liquids in is made by Truffle Co. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. All liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less.
7. Entertainment
Be sure to get all of your entertainment ready to go before the flight. Most international flights do have entertainment on board, however, you do not want to rely on that. There are times when you need to pay for entertainment in advance. I suggest you download your phones and tablets with books, movies, and more to include in your long-flight essentials.
With Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, you can easily download your favorite shows and movies for offline viewing. With iTunes Music and Spotify Premium, you can also download your favorite music for offline use on the flight as well.
8. Ensure Your Devices Stay Charged
Numerous planes now offer power ports per seat, yet don’t chance your phone losing power (especially if it’s your in-flight entertainment). Pack a fully charged portable battery pack, along with a USB cord and a suitable plug adapter for the country you’re visiting, to keep your devices powered throughout your journey.
9. Comfort and Sleeping
Long-haul flights can feel like a marathon, and achieving comfort is key to arriving at your destination feeling refreshed. Here are some tips to make your journey more comfortable and promote better sleep:
- Dress for Comfort: Opt for loose, breathable clothing and layers to adapt to changing cabin temperatures. Don’t forget to slip into comfortable footwear as your feet might swell during the flight.
- Bring Travel Comfort Essentials: Pack a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to create a cozy, quiet space for sleep amidst the airplane hum.
- Select Your Seat Wisely: Choose your seat strategically, considering your preference for window or aisle and proximity to the lavatories or exit rows for extra legroom.
- Adjust Your Sleeping Schedule: Align your sleep schedule with your destination’s time zone a few days before your flight. During the flight, try to sleep or stay awake according to the local time at your destination to reduce jet lag.
- Hydration and Stretching: Stay hydrated throughout the flight by drinking water regularly. Additionally, perform simple stretches or take short walks to prevent muscle stiffness and improve circulation.
- Mindful Rest: Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to ease any travel-related stress and promote restful sleep.
Remember, while achieving deep slumber on a flight can be challenging, maximizing comfort through strategic planning and preparation will undoubtedly make your international journey a lot more relaxing and enjoyable.
10. Know Before You Go: Entry and Exit Fees in Your Travel Destination
Check the country you are traveling to for entrance and exit fees. Some countries require a fee when entering or exiting. For example, in the Philippines, they require an exit fee for the airport tax. This fee is required before entering through the security checkpoint. Additionally, they only accept cash. You will need to make sure you have the appropriate amount on hand.
11. Water bottle, Snacks, and Nourishment
Munchies alert! While the airline might offer meals, having your stash of snacks never hurts. Nutritious goodies will keep your energy up and your taste buds happy. Make sure you avoid bringing any liquids, meat, produce, or dairy products as many are banned for international travel. If you do bring in produce, make sure to finish eating them before landing.
I also always pack an empty water bottle to fill at the airport or on the plane so that I have a lot of water to be able to drink. Keep it mind it will cause you to use the bathroom often, however, flying can be quite dehydrating.
Things to do while at the Airport
There are a few things to be aware of when arriving at the airport. Keep these things in mind.
12. Timely Departures, Parking Options, and Drop-Off Plans
Make sure you arrive at the international airport at least 3 hours before your flight, if you are flying domestically before your international flight then 2 hours is okay. You can choose to pay an expensive fee for a park and ride. If that is too expensive, see if a family member or friend can drop you off at the airport. Don’t forget to have them pick you up when you return!
Make sure you leave early especially if your airport happens to be a distance away from your home. All your plans could be ruined if your flight has left without you. Not only is this bad, but if you have connecting flights that have a small amount of wiggle room to transfer, you could miss that flight as well causing delays in your actual vacation or business time.
13. Inquire About Seat Upgrades
Occasionally, airlines offer discounted upgrades to premium seats, like premium economy or business class, when these seats remain unsold.
Even if you’re not inclined to splurge on extra legroom, consider asking the gate agent or check-in staff about the possibility of better seating options. They might allocate a window or aisle seat if you haven’t secured one yet. Additionally, they could assign a bulkhead or exit row seat for enhanced leg space. If the flight isn’t fully booked, they might even reseat you to an area with an empty seat nearby, providing more room to stretch out.
Ah, the unforeseen delays or gate changes! Embrace the spontaneity of travel. Keeping a flexible attitude can turn these moments into unexpected adventures.
Check with your airlines to see if your flight has been delayed or on time. Try not to spend too much time in the shops or restaurants, unless you know for sure you have some time to kill. Make sure you know what gate your flight is at and be sure to find a map to know which direction to go.
15. Stow Vital Items in Your Carry-On
Store essential documents, medications, and valuables in your carry-on bag for easy access and added security.
16. Bring a Pen
Upon entering a new country, you might be required to complete a customs declaration or immigration form on paper, and often, airlines don’t supply pens for passenger use. It’s a minor detail, but packing a pen in your carry-on bag can spare you the inconvenience of seeking one from a fellow passenger or the pressure of hastily filling out the form upon arrival.
17. Final Check Before Takeoff
Before you board, ensure you’ve got everything: passport, tickets, essentials, and most importantly, that spark of excitement for the journey ahead!
Finally, try to board the plane early. If you are traveling with a carry-on only, you want to make sure your luggage is stored close to you in the overhead bins. If you happen to be late, they may move your luggage to a bin that is not full at a different part of the cabin or worse have to check them, which if you are carrying expensive items (ie. a camera), would be unpleasant.
PRO TIP: On international flights, most of the time they let people who are seated at the back of the plane get on first after First class, Business Class, Families, and handicapped or Elderly. This helps with loading the plane fast and efficiently.
If this is your first international travel, then you will have to make sure you have all the carry-on essentials to survive this flight.
Things to do while on the plane
18. Sanitizing Your Space: A Guide to Clean Travel
To ensure a clean and hygienic travel experience, consider using antibacterial wipes to sanitize your seat, tray table, armrests, and other high-touch surfaces on the airplane. Germs thrive in shared spaces, and wiping down these areas can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to bacteria and viruses. Opt for alcohol-based disinfectant wipes suitable for cleaning surfaces without damaging them. Take a moment to thoroughly clean your immediate space before settling in, promoting a healthier environment during your flight and minimizing the chances of picking up unwanted germs.
19. Time Zone Adjustment
Adjusting to the local time zone is crucial when traveling to a new destination. To acclimate swiftly, align your activities, including meals and sleep, with the local time upon arrival. Exposure to natural light can help reset your internal body clock, so spend time outdoors during daylight hours. Resist the temptation to nap excessively, as it may disrupt your ability to adapt to the new time zone. Instead, try to stay awake until the local bedtime to facilitate a smoother transition and reduce the effects of jet lag.
20. Get up and stretch on the plane
Stretching during a flight is essential to maintain blood circulation and reduce muscle stiffness from prolonged sitting. Take breaks to stand up and perform simple stretches in the aisle or at your seat. Try ankle circles, shoulder rolls, neck stretches, and gentle torso twists to alleviate tension and improve comfort. These movements help prevent discomfort and enhance circulation, making your flight experience more pleasant and reducing the risk of stiffness upon arrival.
What are some of the things you do to in Prepping for an International Flight? Leave your comments below! Pin this post below.
