Apply for your passport or passport renewal at least six weeks before your flight. As of 2010, it takes four to six weeks to process a standard passport application, and two to three weeks to process an expedited passport. If your flight leaves within two weeks and you have yet to file a passport application, schedule a meeting with your local regional passport agency to discuss your options.
Determine if the country you're visiting requires a visa. Most countries do not require a visa if the duration of your trip is less than 90 days. A list of countries and their visa requirements is located in the Resource section. Apply for your visa either in person at the country's embassy or in advance through an Internet service like VisaHQ. Visa processing can be time consuming, so apply for your visa at the same time as your passport or earlier.
Book your flight once you have confirmed your passport and visa are being processed. Buy your ticket from a travel agent, directly from the airline or through an online booking service. The earlier you buy your ticket, the less expensive it's likely to be. Specify any special needs, such as a kosher meal or boarding assistance, when you purchase the ticket.
Pack your bags at least one day before your flight. Packing early prevents rushed and forgetful packing. Check your airline's luggage weight limit and weigh your bag on a household scale to make sure it's underweight. Aim to have your bag a pound or two under the recommended weight in case your scale is off. Pack heavy items that can be used as carry-ons, such as coats, in the front of your bag so you can easily remove them if you end up slightly overweight. Do not pack any prohibited items. A full list of TSA-prohibited items is in the Resource section.
Place your passport and travel documents in a special place where they cannot be easily lost or forgotten. The inside pockets of purses and briefcases are recommended.
Pack a carry-on bag within your airline's carry-on size limits. Pack sufficient reading material and snacks to last three hours, the maximum amount of time a plane can be left on the tarmac. Check the TSA list to make sure you are not carrying prohibited items.
Arrive at least two to three hours before your flight. Check in for your flight at your airline's check-in counter. If you have trouble locating your airline's counter, ask Information for assistance. Have your passport, visa and itinerary ready to present to the flight representative.
Proceed through security immediately after check-in. Have your ticket and identification ready to show security personnel. Place your carry-ons on the X-ray conveyor belt, as well as your shoes and jacket, if you're wearing one. Remove all coins and metallic objects before entering the metal detector.
Locate your flight's gate and wait until boarding. If you have more than two hours before boarding, use this time to exchange your money for international denominations at one of the airport's money exchanges. Remember that flights often begin boarding one hour before departure time, so don't wander far.
Board the plane when the gate agent calls your section for boarding. Once seated, observe the flight-safety demonstration.
Fill out any customs or immigration forms distributed on board the flight. Present these forms to immigration upon exiting your flight, along with your travel documents. Remain at immigration until you receive permission to enter your destination country.
