International Flight Checklist

Taking your first international trip can 100 percent be overwhelming. In fact, taking ANY international trip can be overwhelming. From booking accommodations, planning transportation IN COUNTRY, and packing the perfect suitcase, your mental checklist can be pages long.

“My airline ticket has been booked. I’m good to go.” Is the mindset that most of us have after our itinerary has been ticketed. But are you?

My little sister recently took off for her first trans-Pacific flight and I was amazed to hear (and see) that she overlooked some of the most basic “checks” before her international flight. She didn’t even know what specific airline she was flying! *shakes head*

Here are 8 Things I Check Before Boarding an International Flight:

1. Airline

2. Meal Options

3. Lounge Access

4. Layovers – time & airport transfers

5. Check in times

6. Visas

7. Seat Assignments

8. Duty Free Specialties

What Airline Are You Flying?

While this might seem obvious, you’d be surprised to know how many times I’ve heard a “trip gone bad” story begin with “Well, I thought I was flying *insert airline*”

With all the airline “alliances” these days, you may find yourself booking a flight through a specific airline, only to find out that is operated by a completely different airline. This isn’t a bad thing. In fact, I find most international airlines to be far superior to our domestic airlines.

However, you might be disappointed when you show up in the wrong terminal, try to check in at the wrong desk, or find out that you can’t check in until a specific time – all depending on the airline you ARE flying.

Are There Meal Options?

You might be shocked to know that A LOT of international airlines allow you to choose your meal before you even board the flight, especially if you are flying First/Business class.

Check the airlines’ website for the guidelines/options– although you might have to dig around a bit. This small effort is 1000 times the work if it means avoiding the dreaded “We are out of every option but ___________” from the flight attendant.

For example, EVA Air has a “Book the Cook” choice that has far more options than what is served on the plane.

Do I Get Lounge Access? Should I Buy Lounge Access?

When it comes to international travel, I personally think lounges are the saving grace. After a long flight, I need a comfy chair, some good WiFi & a glass of wine to unwind before the next leg. If you are unsure about access, you can always ask when you arrive at the airport!

If I find myself with a long layover (think 5+ hours), that’s when I start debating purchasing a lounge pass (if it’s not included in my ticket/credit card perks). With food & drinks being so expensive in the airport, you can usually SAVE money.

Where is my layover? How long is my layover?

Even if you book your multi-stop flight from the same carrier, you might be surprised to find that an airport change is involved. Most airlines point out this transfer during the booking process, but if you are not looking for it – it’s easily overlooked.

If you find out that you do have to switch airports, don’t panic. Most airports (sometimes even airlines) offer shuttles & transportation between the two. Plus if you have a long layover, this is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the city between airports.

Which leads to me to ask, “How long is the layover?” If you have 8+ hours, I usually use this as an excuse to book an excursion in the city. For example, Turkish Airlines offers a tour for passengers with long layovers in Istanbul.

One question to ask: Do I need to pick up my baggage from baggage claim and recheck it at the new airport?

What Time Can I Check In?

Flying domestically, we are pretty fortunate that we can check into our flights within 24 hours of take- off and usually drop our bags any time that same day. When it comes to international travel, not always the case. I’ve found that while abroad, most airline counters DO NOT even OPEN until two hours before the scheduled flight.

Do I Need a Visa?

THIS IS A BIG ONE. And I’ve made this mistake. After our experience in Turkey last year, I encourage everyone to purchase visas AS SOON as your flight is booked. EVEN IF IT SAYS THEY CAN BE PURCHASED IN THE AIRPORT. A quick google search can usually tell you if a visa is required, but you can also use this website.

Have I Been Assigned a Seat?

The bummer about most international airlines is that it is nearly impossible to choose a seat prior to check-in without calling the airline. I recommend doing this RIGHT AFTER booking your ticket. I always look up my aircraft on seat guru to get an idea on where I want/ do not want to sit.

I’ve made the mistake a few too many times and had to sit in the middle seat or the dreaded row next to the bathroom, not to make this a priority.

And for fun.. Duty Free Specialties.

This is a new-to-me find. Before our trip to Dubai last November, I read that there was a certain bottle of Patron ONLY AVAILABLE in the Dubai airport. And of course, we HAD to try it. Ever since, I check every airport prior to our flight to see if/what their specialty item may be.

Are there any tips or tricks that you use before an international flight?

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