Everything to Know (and How to Prepare) for an International Flight

Flying internationally requires a bit of extra planning and preparation. So, whether you need a quick refresher about what to do before you fly abroad or you’re getting ready for your first international flight, we’ve asked travel pros for some expert advice. With the following guide as a reference, you’ll be ready to take off on your international trip worry-free.

Make sure you have all required travel documentation

First things first, make sure your passport is valid, and that it's not expired. So, be sure to check the issue date of your passport, which you can find on the data page of your passport book or on the front of your passport card. According to the U.S. State Department, some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip and some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

Katy Nastro, Going.com travel expert, also says, depending on where you are going, make sure you have applied and secured the appropriate travel visas to ensure you’re equipped with the necessary documents upon arrival. If you’re unsure about what you need for a specific place, she recommends heading to the State Department website—under the International Travel tab, select “Learn About Your Destination.” 

“There, you can type in the country you intend to travel to and learn about what may or may not be required when it comes to travel visas,” Nastro explains.

Do you need immunizations or vaccines to travel internationally?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, vaccination requirements before traveling will depend on a few things:

• Where you're going: Some countries require proof of vaccination for certain diseases, like yellow fever or polio. “And traveling in developing countries and rural areas may bring you into contact with more diseases, which means you might need more vaccines before you visit,” says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ website. 
• Your health: If you have an ongoing illness, weakened immune system, or if you’re pregnant, you may need additional vaccines.
• Your existing vaccinations: It’s important to be up to date on your routine vaccinations. While diseases like measles are rare in the United States, they are more common in other countries. Learn more about routine vaccines for specific age groups on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ website.

How far in advance should you get vaccinated before traveling?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting vaccinated at least four to six weeks before you travel. “This will give the vaccines time to start working, so you’re protected while you’re traveling,” the agency's website states. “It will also usually make sure there’s enough time for you to get vaccines that require more than one dose.”

What should you do the day before your international flight?

As soon as the clock strikes 24 hours before your flight, head to the airlines app or website to check yourself in, emphasizes Nastro. “For an international flight, your passport information needs to be verified, so ensure you have that handy,” she says. And be sure to download your airline’s app, so you can quickly get notifications of any flight changes, delays or cancellations.  

Also, world traveler Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, says, if you take medication, have all your prescriptions filled, ensuring you have enough medication to last beyond the expected number of days you’ll be traveling, and pack medication in your carry-on bag to avoid any emergencies that could arise if your luggage is lost. “While pill boxes are convenient and safe in your luggage, it’s best to travel with your prescription medication in its original bottles, as international rules on medications vary, and having your prescription, dosage and prescribing doctor written right on the package can eliminate any questions in a foreign country,” McDaniel stresses.

If you’ll be driving and leaving your car at the airport, McDaniel suggests booking parking in advance. “With so many travelers expected this summer, you don’t want to be driving around trying to find a vacancy the day of your flight,” she adds.

If it's been a while since you last flew, McDaniel also recommends a visit to the TSA website to familiarize yourself with current processes and protocols.

What should you wear on an international flight and why?

Often, but not always, Nastro points out that international flights from the US are long-haul, meaning you will spend quite a bit of time in the sky. For long flights, wearing comfortable clothing is paramount. “You want to be able to sleep in said clothes, so anything that is restrictive or itchy over long periods of time is worth reconsidering,” she continues.

Dressing in layers is another beneficial tip. “One big thing to keep in mind is that once in flight, cabin temperatures are kept around 71-74 F for a few reasons (one being to keep passengers from fainting due to hypoxia), so dressing in layers or packing warmer layers will make for a more pleasant experience overall,” Nastro says.

How early should you arrive at the airport?

For an international flight, McDaniel advises arriving at least three hours before your flight is scheduled to leave. “Double check your airport’s website, as these often list current wait times at security, so you know if you will need even more time,” she suggests.

In addition, you may want to consider time of the year and time of day, whether you are checking bags, and if you have TSA PreCheck or Clear to help expedite security processes, Nastro says.

She notes that mid-morning and mid-afternoon flights generally see more people versus super early or super late flights, which again can impact how busy the airport is. “And busier times of the year, like the winter holidays, will see more people traveling in general, so airports will be busier and lines will be longer,” Nastro adds.

Understand luggage check parameters

As you’re planning arrival times to the airport, experts lean on the side of getting there early, especially if you're checking luggage. 

If you're checking a bag for an international flight, be aware that airlines have certain cut-off times for when you're able to do so. For example, says Nastro, American Airlines cuts off baggage check at 60 minutes before International flights. “If checking a bag, be sure to look up your airline’s cutoff policies,” she warns. 

What should you pack in your carry-on? 

In addition to packing all medication, as previously mentioned, in your carry-on, McDaniel says she recommends packing valuables (jewelry, electronics, etc.), a phone charger, change of clothes, and your travel documents in your carry-on.  

“Think about items that you would absolutely need if your luggage were to be lost, and be sure to pack those in your carry-on, if you’re able,” asserts McDaniel. “Also, don’t assume just because your carry-on is close by in an overhead compartment, it’s safe from theft; we’ve heard many stories of luggage being rifled through while the owner sleeps peacefully nearby. Lock your carry-on.” 

Other items that should go in your carry-on, according to Nastro, are headphones, an inflatable pillow or preferred travel pillow, a scarf that doubles as a blanket, a water bottle, snacks, disinfectant wipes, your glasses, and a pen, which you may need for immigration paperwork.

Experts weigh in: aisle seat, middle seat or window seat?

It’s really a matter of personal preference which is best. “If you want to frequently get up to stretch your legs, or think you might need to use the bathroom but don’t want to wake up your seatmates, then the aisle can be more desirable,” says Sally French, travel expert with NerdWallet. But for folks wanting something to lean up against, then the window seat might be better, she says.

And don’t knock the middle seat. “On some planes, the middle seat has slightly wider leg room, which can be a decent consolation prize,” adds French. Nastro also points out that a middle seat is entitled to both armrests and avoids getting knocked by the refreshments cart. “Whichever seat you choose, just be sure to get up and take those coveted walks to the bathroom to help undo the stress of being in one position for long periods,” she says.

If you have a preference on your seat, McDaniel says to make sure to either book a ticket that includes the ability to pick your seat, or check-in as soon as your airline allows to see if there are any available seats you’re able to switch to.