International Plastic Bag Free Day 2024 is on Wednesday, July 3, 2024: First time going to travel in international flight.please help?

Wednesday, July 3, 2024 is International Plastic Bag Free Day 2024. Join the 3rd of July International bag-free day! Plastic Bag-Free Day

Flying is not scary and not like a roller coaster. Flying is much safer than riding in a car on the highway.

Join the frequent flier program for the airline you will use. Joining is free and you can do it online.

Call the airline before your flight date if you want to request a seat. You should request a window seat since it is your first-ever flight. It is OK to tell the reservations agent it is your first-ever flight. Some airlines don’t do advance seat selection and others charge a fee. The reservations agent will tell you if there are restrictions. Go to www.seatguru.com for info on seating arrangements on board airliners.

Call the airline the day before your flight and the morning before your flight to make sure there are no schedule changes. You can also check flight status online.

Pack almost everything in a suitcase that you will give to the airline to "check". The suitcase has to weigh 50 pounds or less.

All liquids & gels in containers over 3 ounces and anything that might even LOOK like a weapon (nail file, scissors, etc.) should go in your checked bag. Go to www.tsa.gov for more info on prohibited items.

Mark or tag all checked luggage with something that makes the bags more distinctive. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag ALL bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK, but don’t forget to tag your bags.

You are allowed one carryon bag and one "personal bag" (ex. a purse or laptop bag). They have to be not larger than a small backpack. One carryon is better.

Take some things to do or read. Also pack basic toiletries and one change of clothing in the carryon bag. You are allowed to pack "travel size" liquids & gels in your carryon bag, but the items have to go in their own clear plastic bag and scanned separately when you get to security.

Dress in shoes & clothing that are comfortable and not tight, but also not overly casual. Avoid clothing with metal attached (ex. jeans with studs).

Make sure you have your passport, frequent flier number, and ticket (or flight information if it's an e-ticket) on you before leaving home.

Get to the airport two hours before your flight. Really. It is MUCH better to have an hour to wait than to arrive later and have a problem.

Go to the airline counter and give the agent your passport, FF number, and flight info or ticket. Tell them how many bags you want to "check". You can request a window seat at check-in if you didn't already do so. The agent will put destination tags on your checked luggage and give you a Boarding Pass. They will then either take your checked bag(s) or tell you to carry it/them to the baggage security x-ray machine.

The "Gate" for your flight will be on the boarding pass (example E-17). Follow the signs toward your gate. Ask an airline or airport employee for directions if you are not sure.

At some point you will have to go through security. There will be a stack of plastic bins - place your shoes, carryon bag, the clear plastic bag containing any liquids or gels, sweater/jacket, and anything metal (including cellphone) in the bin. Keep your passport and boarding pass in your hand. Follow the instructions of the security personnel - they will have you place the bin on the X-ray conveyer belt and you will walk through the metal detector. Once through you collect the bin and put everything back where it belongs.

Then go to the gate. Check to make sure there has not been a gate change - most airports have TV-type monitors with the info. If not sure, ask an airline or airport employee.

Try to wait near your gate. If you want to wander off be back not less than 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. Follow the instructions of the ground staff when boarding starts. Your seat number will be on your boarding pass; The numbers increase toward the back of the airplane and the letters go from left to right >> as you face the front of the plane << (Seat 1A is at the front on the left and seat 22 F would be towards the rear + probably on the right). .

Once you find your seat, take out whatever you want for entertainment (book, etc.) and put your carryon bag either in the overhead storage compartment or under the seat in front of you.

Follow the instructions of the flight crew.

The aircraft is a machine and has a lot of moving parts that make noise. There will be sounds like "Thunk" when taking off and landing as the landing gear is retracted (after take-off) and lowered (for landing). The pilots also adjust parts of the wings during the flight and that sometimes causes noise.

The flight attendants will serve drinks and snacks once the plane is at "cruising altitude". Meals are served on long distance flights (more than 5 hours). Long distance flights also usually offer entertainment, like movies.

There are restrooms on airplanes. Be sure to latch the door to let others know it’s occupied, and latching the door also turns on the light.

When the flight is almost over, the crew will instruct the passengers to put everything away and fasten seatbelts. Follow their instructions.

Once the plane has landed it will taxi to the airport terminal. Stay in your seat with the seatbelt fastened until the crew tells you it is OK to exit the aircraft. It will be obvious when you can do so.

Make sure you collect everything you brought with you. CHECK the pocket in back of the seat in front of you to make sure you aren't leaving something you put there.

You may have to change planes somewhere. If so, you will almost certainly get a boarding pass for the connecting flight when you check-in at your home airport. Once off the plane just follow the signs to the gate for the next flight. You may have to go through security again. Your checked bags will be automatically transferred to the connecting flight by the airline.

At your final destination, exit the aircraft and follow the signs to Passport Control or Arrivals. Then go to Baggage Claim if you checked luggage Most airports have multiple baggage carousels (conveyer belts) and there is usually a sign or TV-type monitor that indicates which carousel on which your flight's bags will appear. Ask an airline or airport employee if you are not sure.

Collect your bag(s) and go to Customs. In the USA the Customs officer normally just takes your form and waves you through. Exit the terminal (usually by going out the doors marked "Ground Transportation").

Hope you have a good trip!

Any tips for international travel?

Flight suggestions:

Join the frequent flier program for the airline you will use. Joining is free and you can do it online.

Call the airline before your flight date if you want to request a seat. Some airlines don’t do advance seat selection and others charge a fee. The reservations agent will tell you if there are restrictions. Go to www.seatguru.com for info on seating arrangements in airlines. Try to sit in a window or aisle seat - NOT in a middle seat.

Call the airline the day before your flight and the morning before your flight to make sure there are no schedule changes. You can also check flight status online.

Pack almost everything in a suitcase that you will give to the airline to "check". The suitcase has to weigh 50 pounds or less.

All liquids & gels in containers over 3 ounces and anything that might even LOOK like a weapon (nail file, scissors, etc.) should go in your checked bag. Go to www.tsa.gov for more info on prohibited items.

Mark or tag all checked luggage with something that makes them more distinct. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag ALL bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK.

You are allowed two carryon bags, but they have to be not larger than a small backpack. One carryon is better.

Take some things to do or read. Also pack basic toiletries and one change of clothing in the carryon bag. You are allowed to pack "travel size" liquids & gels in your carryon bag, but the items have to go in their own clear plastic bag and scanned separately when you get to security.

Dress in shoes & clothing that are comfortable and not tight, but also not overly casual. Avoid clothing with metal attached (ex. jeans with studs).

Make sure you have your passport, frequent flier number, and ticket (or flight information if it's an e-ticket) on you before leaving home.

Get to the airport two hours before your flight. Really. It is MUCH better to have an hour to wait than to arrive later and have a problem.

Europe suggestions:

Do some research (Internet is OK) on the places you might visit.

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and is very convenient as a day pack for sightseeing.

Take clothes that you can mix and match, and that can be washed (don't need to be dry-cleaned). Pack enough for a week. - you will be able to wash clothes somewhere, even if it is in a sink using shampoo & conditioner (which reduces wrinkles). "Normal" clothing is OK, but not if it is overly casual. Pack at least one set of "dress" clothing & shoes unless you KNOW you won't need it.

Avoid taking any electrical appliances that require a voltage converter (Germany and Switzerland are both 220v). It is better to buy things like a hair dryer and curling iron after arrival.

You need a pair of broken-in "walking" shoes if you plan to sight-see on foot.

Take a folding umbrella and a light jacket that is at least semi-water resistant (one with a hood is best). You don't say exactly where you plan to go, but summer weather in the mountains of Germany and Switzerland can be cool - even cold at higher altitudes.

Notify the issuers of any credit or debit cards that you plan to use them abroad. That way using the card(s) in France won't trigger an automatic "security hold" that could be inconvenient.

Take your driving license/state ID even if you don't plan to drive. A DL works as daily ID so you don't have to show your passport all the time (and risk losing it).

Take your student ID if you have one. Museums and other attractions usually offer discounts for students.

Send an e-mail message to yourself with the numbers for your passport, ID, and credit/debit cards. An option is to send yourself scanned copies of your passport, etc. That way the info is available from any computer connected to the Internet if something should be lost or stolen.

Buy an under-the-trousers security belt - available at luggage shops and in the luggage department at large stores. It is basically a rectangular pouch with an elastic strap that goes around your waist under your clothes. Keep your passport and most of your cash & cards in the belt.

Unless your program includes insurance, check with your home medical insurance to find out if it covers you in Europe AND will pay for “medical evacuation” to home if necessary. If yes, make sure you have proof of insurance (ex. insurance card) with you. If no, buy "trip medical insurance", which is cheap and sold by travel agencies & airlines. DON"T travel without medical insurance.

Try to learn enough German to read a menu & order in restaurants, read schedules, ask directions, tell time & dates, and buy things in shops. For example, learn (it's NOT hard):

Please/thank you

Excuse me

Yes/no

Left/right

Hot/cold

Up/down

North/south/east/west

Yesterday/today/tomorrow

Primary colors

Days of the week/months of the year

Count to 100

Basic food items (chicken, beef, fish, cheese, bread, etc.)

Where is...?

How many...?

How much...?

Hope you have a great trip!

First time flying international (actually first time by myself)?

Join the frequent flier program for the airline you will use. Joining is free and you can do it online.

Call the airline about a week before your flight day if you want to request a seat. You should request a window seat or an aisle seat to avoid being stuck in the middle. It is OK to tell the reservations agent it is your first-ever flight by yourself.

Call the airline the day before your flight and the morning before your flight to make sure there are no schedule changes. You can also check flight status online.

Pack almost everything in a suitcase that you will give to the airline to "check". The suitcase has to weigh 50 pounds or less.

All liquids & gels and anything that might even LOOK like a weapon (nail file, scissors, etc.) should go in your checked bag.

Mark or tag all checked luggage with something that makes them more distinct. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag ALL bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK.

You are allowed two carryon bags, but they have to be not larger than a small backpack. One carryon is better.

Take some things to do or read. If it is a long flight (over 6 hours), also pack basic toiletries and one change of clothing in the carryon bag. You are allowed to pack "travel size" liquids & gels in your carryon bag, but the items have to go in their own clear plastic bag and scanned separately when you get to security.

Dress in shoes & clothing that are comfortable and not tight, but also not overly casual. Avoid clothing with metal attached (ex. jeans with studs).

Make sure you have your ID, frequent flier number, and ticket (or flight information if it's an e-ticket) on you before leaving home.

Get to the airport two hours before your flight. Really. It is MUCH better to have an hour to wait than to arrive later and have a problem.

Go to the airline counter and give the agent your Passport, FF number, and flight info or ticket. Tell them how many bags you want to "check". You can request a window or aisle seat at check-in if you didn't already do so. The agent will put destination tags on your checked luggage and give you a Boarding Pass. They will then either take your checked bag(s) or tell you to carry it/them to the big x-ray machine.

The "Gate" for your flight will be on the boarding pass (example E-17). Follow the signs toward your gate. Ask an airline or airport employee for directions if you are not sure.

At some point you will have to go through security. There will be a stack of plastic bins - place your shoes, carryon bag, the clear plastic bag containing any liquids or gels, sweater/jacket, and anything metal (including cellphone) in the bin. Keep your ID and boarding pass in your hand. Follow the instructions of the security personnel - they will have you place the bin on the X-ray conveyer belt and you will walk through the metal detector. Once through you collect the bin and put everything back where it belongs.

Then go to the gate. Check to make sure there has not been a gate change - most airports have TV-type monitors with the info. If not sure, ask an airline or airport employee.

Try to wait near your gate. If you want to wander off, be back 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. Follow the instructions of the ground staff when boarding starts. Your seat number will be on your boarding pass; The numbers increase toward the back of the airplane and the letters go from left to right >> as you face the front of the plane << (Seat 1A is at the front on the left and seat 22 F would be towards the rear + probably on the right). .

Once you find your seat, take out whatever you want for entertainment (book, etc.) and put your carryon bag either in the overhead storage compartment or under the seat in front of you.

Follow the instructions of the flight crew.

The aircraft is a machine and has a lot of moving parts that make noise. There will be sounds like "Thunk" when taking off and landing as the landing gear is retracted (after take-off) and lowered (for landing). The pilots also adjust parts of the wings during the flight and that sometimes causes noise.

The flight attendants will serve drinks and snacks once the plane is at "cruising altitude". Meals are served on long distance flights (more than 5 hours). Long distance flights also usually offer entertainment, like movies. Drink lots of water and juice to stay hydrated.

Use the restroom at least 30 minutes before the flight is expected to land.

When the flight is almost over, the crew will instruct the passengers to put everything away and fasten seatbelts. Follow their instructions.

Once the plane has landed it will taxi to the airport terminal. Stay in your seat with the seatbelt fastened until the crew tells you it is OK to exit the aircraft. It will be obvious when you can do so.

Make sure you collect everything you brought with you. CHECK the pocket in back of the seat in front of you to make sure you aren't leaving something you put there.

Follow the signs to Baggage Claim once you are off the plane. Most airports have multiple baggage carousels (conveyer belts) and there is usually a sign or TV-type monitor that indicates which carousel your flight's bags will go on. Ask an airline or airport employee if you are not sure.

Collect your bag(s) and go through passport control & customs. You may be asked the purpose & length of your visit, where you will stay, and for the info on your flight home (at the end of your visit), so be prepared to answer those questions.

Exit the terminal (usually by going out the doors (usually marked "Ground Transportation").

Hope you have a good trip!