How to Prepare for Your First International Flight. Traveling abroad can be intimidating even for the seasoned U.S. traveler. Knowledge about the language, customs, laws and currency will help you to adapt to a foreign country. There are also a few extra safety precautions you should take before arriving at the airport. Once you are at the airport, the process is very similar to catching a domestic flight.
Find out if there are recommended immunizations for the country you are visiting. Make an appointment with you doctor to receive the shots well in advance of your scheduled departure.
Read the Department of State's Consular Information sheet for the foreign country. It provides entry information, currency regulations, health concerns and other relevant information. Also check if there is a travel advisory issued for your destination.
Familiarize yourself with the laws and customs of your destination countries. You must abide by all foreign laws.
Purchase maps and guide books in advance and have them in your carry-on luggage.
Consider the foreign country's different airport options and choose the one that is most convenient and cost-effective.
Check with the airline to find out how far in advance you should arrive at the airport; usually at least two hours is recommended. Allow extra time if you need to find parking at the airport.
Call the airline or check the Web site to find out if the flight is on time before leaving for the airport.
Head for the airline's ticket counter. Don't be surprised if there is a long line of other people doing the same thing. Another option is to check your baggage at the curbside check-in and pay an additional fee or tip.
Provide a valid passport for each passenger. You will need to apply for a new passport at least six weeks in advance to receive it by your departure date.
Receive a printed boarding pass with your assigned seat number and departing gate number. You will also receive boarding passes for connecting flights.
Give the bags you wish to check to the ticket agent who will attach a tracking label to each bag and then staple a baggage claim receipt to the envelope containing your boarding pass. Use the receipt to reclaim lost luggage at your destination. Your baggage will automatically be transferred to connecting flights.
Cooperate with security agents at the counter who need to search your bags. Proceed to the security checkpoint.
Get in line at the security checkpoint. Show your photo identification and boarding pass when prompted by security personnel.
Put your carry-on items on the conveyor belt.
Place all metal objects, including keys, coins, watch and cell phone, in the provided container for X-ray screening. Remove your laptop from its case and place it in a plastic bin.
Remove your shoes, belt with a metal buckle and outer coat and place these items in another plastic bin on the conveyor belt.
Walk slowly through the metal detector. If the alarm sounds, the security personnel will scan you with a hand-held wand to identify the metal object.
Cooperate with security personnel if you are randomly selected for more in-depth screening by hand. Normally, when one member of your group, even a child, is randomly selected, your whole group will be screened.
Collect all of your personal items and proceed to the gate.
Wait at the gate until your flight is announced.
Pre-board if you need assistance or are traveling with small children.
Get in line when your row number is called.
Hand your boarding pass to the gate agent who will put it through the electronic scanner and then return it to you.
Board the plane and find your assigned seat.
Stow your carry-on in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Sit down and put on your seatbelt. Listen to the safety information presented by the flight attendants. Relax and enjoy your first international flight.
