Surviving Your First Overseas Flight

Surviving Your First Overseas Flight

"The big day has arrived - a holiday in a faraway foreign country. You are all packed and ready to go with your passport, plane ticket, and means of payment for the next few weeks. You're nervous, anxious but excited as well! Here are some pointers to make your long flight more pleasant."

Before you go.

Pack as lightly as possible. You should have no more than two suitcases and one carry-on bag. If you are going to a tropical climate, packing shorts and T-shirts will be even easier. Besides, you can always buy new clothes at your destination if needed.

Make sure that you have all your medications and copies of your prescriptions. Verify the latest regulations for carrying liquids in your carry-on luggage. Keep yourself informed, as rules may change with changing weather conditions.

Please reconfirm your flight. During my last trip, a typhoon hit Taiwan and almost caused my Hawaii-to-Thailand flight to be delayed by one or even two days as it was transiting through Taipei. I had to scramble but managed to reschedule the flight so that instead of going via Taipei, it went through Tokyo in Japan which allowed me to arrive on schedule. Lesson learned: don't take chances! When you confirm your booking, request for an exit row seat if possible; they provide extra legroom and are preferable in-flight accommodations for some passengers like myself!

Double-check that you have everything. I recommend using a checklist and checking it 2 or 3 times before departing. Ensure that you have your passport, tickets, as well as some form of payment such as cash, an ATM card, credit card or traveler's checks. A combination of these is ideal to ensure alternative means of paying are available. If traveling to a country with its own currency exchange only one or two days’ worth at the destination airport upon arrival; do not change money in your home country - rates will be unfavorable by comparison.

You should always arrive at least two hours before your scheduled flight. This will give you enough time to check in, go through security and get something to eat or drink if needed. Make sure you have all necessary travel documents such as a valid ID and boarding pass readily available. Once on board the plane, fasten your seatbelt immediately after taking your designated seat. It is important that everyone understands the safety guidelines presented by cabin crew during their pre-flight demonstration. In case of an emergency landing or evacuation , follow instructions from staff members carefully and quickly but calmly . Do not take any personal belongings with you when exiting the aircraft unless instructed otherwise . Remember, airline travel can be stressful for some travellers so remaining calm yourself while onboard can help make it easier for others around you as well!

Plan to get to the airport approximately three hours prior to your flight's departure. Check-in and security lines have a tendency of being lengthy and time-consuming. Ensure that you have all travel documents available for presentation at any checkpoint if requested. Additionally, make sure you review regulations regarding what items are permitted on board, particularly in regards to carry-on luggage.

I always eat at the airport before flying. Things have improved and become more affordable, so I prefer to eat beforehand rather than relying on airline food. Additionally, I bring trail mix with me as a snack during my flight.

Make use of the duty-free shops to avail tax-exempt prices on your booze, cigarettes and other goodies. Before purchasing 6 bottles of whiskey, ensure that you check the limitations imposed by your destination country as you may only be allowed to bring one bottle. Also, verify if liquid items can be carried during flights with layovers or multiple stops. You might have to purchase them at a layover before boarding for your final leg.

You can occupy your time by playing with any electronic toys that you own. Wireless access is typically available at airports, so you can check email and surf the web. You may also listen to music if you possess an iPod or a similar device. Wi-Fi networks are usually located in close proximity outside of Airline lounges at most airports, accessible even for non-members who wish to take advantage of their unsecured network connection.

On the flight, there were a few spelling and grammar errors that needed to be corrected.

"Try to relax and sleep as much as possible. This will help lessen the effects of time zone changes and jet lag. Avoid alcohol, but drink plenty of water on longer flights since dehydration can easily occur in dry cabin air. You can have a drink once you arrive."

Read or watch a movie to pass the time. Solve some of the puzzles in the onboard magazines, and stay busy as much as possible. Bring mints or gum to alleviate air pressure during takeoff and landing.

I usually avoid the main course of airline food. However, I do eat the salad, bread and dessert. The main meal is rarely appetizing; hence, before boarding my flight, I choose to have a proper meal and carry along some snacks for myself to munch on during long flights.

"You will have to fill out a customs declaration form on the plane and turn it in to the Customs officer. Complete this task while you are still aboard the aircraft and attach it with your passport."

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Exit the plane promptly to ensure a speedy progression through Immigration and Customs - this is a race for everyone. If instructions were not provided beforehand, simply follow the signs posted in your direction. Do not halt your advancement by smoking or using restroom facilities; instead find the briefest line available while keeping your passport readily accessible. As an added measure of security, always keep a copy of your boarding pass with you at all times just in case it is unexpectedly required.

Be pleasant and polite to the customs officer, get your passport stamped, turn in your Customs Declaration form, and head for the luggage carousels. Make sure you have retrieved your own luggage before proceeding towards finding currency exchange services.

Rewritten: "Change enough money to last you for a day or two. ATMs are conveniently located worldwide, making a debit card the easiest way to obtain local currency while traveling. However, using a credit card can be more risky in certain situations. Once you have obtained your money, head towards the exit."

Find the taxi or bus line and head to your hotel. You've made it! Now, enjoy your vacation.