I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to travel to a number of foreign countries, and in doing so, I’ve learned a lot about airline travel. Most people know what to expect when flying, and are pretty well versed in what to do. But when you’re traveling internationally, there are a few important things to remember NOT to do in order to keep your trip running smoothly:
DON’T assume that check in time will be the same as domestic flights
When flying domestically, the airlines tell you that you should get to the airport two hours early. Most experienced domestic fliers know that this isn’t really the case. You can almost always get away with just an hour before your flight time. Not true with international flights. When the airlines say three hours early, they mean it. Not only are you more likely to get pulled out in the security line, but international flights are almost always bigger. More people = more problems. Baggage issues, check in issues, seat issues , all more likely with international travel. Also, if you miss your domestic flight, you can usually wrangle another. If you miss an international flight, you’re risking messing up connecting flights and expensive foreign hotel reservations. When flying internationally, always arrive three hours early.
DON’T check more bags than you need to
Flying internationally almost always means taking connecting flights. For this reason, many people like to check bags that they could otherwise carry on so that they won’t have to carry anything through another airport when they change flights. Bad idea. Connecting flights mean there’s a much greater chance that your checked bags will be lost or, at the very least, rerouted. This is a problem when you arrive in Bangkok for your jungle trek but you’re walking shoes are in the baggage claim area at Dallas Fort Worth. If you can carry on, do it. Don’t check unnecessary luggage
DON’T schedule connecting flights too close together
No one likes layovers, and it may be tempting to book flights as little as 45 minutes apart. Not only are you running the risk of missing an important connection, but many people also forget that they will have to go through customs in the first city they arrive in. I once flew from London to Washington, DC and was supposed to have a connection on to Los Angeles. I HATE waiting in airports, and gave myself only a one hour window to make my connection. The London flight was on time, and I thought I was golden, but I forgot about customs. As I stood in line, waiting to declare my Harrod’s purchases, I watched the minutes tick away, and knew exactly when my flight to LA was taking off without me. Always give yourself at least two hours between flights – nothing is worse than having to spend the night at the airport after you’ve just spent 8 hours on a plane
Most Importantly…
Don’t forget to relax! International flights are long, and the possibility that something could throw you off schedule can be stressful. Just give yourself time and remember that missing a flight or losing a bag is not the end of the world. It’s just another part of your adventure.
Author Resource:
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