It is natural to have questions as you prepare flying internationally, especially for the first time. Whether it is your first time traveling or not, international travel can be overwhelming. It is advisable to learn what to know before flying internationally. This will make your travel plans smooth and easy.
You may ask, what information do I need to fly internationally? Or, what to do at the airport when flying internationally? Good enough, this article will give answers to some of the questions you can imagine. You have everything at your fingertips.
10 FAQ About Flying Internationally
What document do I need to fly internationally?
You will definitely need a passport to travel abroad. You will also need a visa too in some cases. Passport is required both for purposes of entry into a foreign country and for readmission back into your home country. Travel visa is issued by the embassy of your destination country. It is required for admission into many countries.
In general, you will need the following documents to travel abroad:
- International Passport
- Travel Visa
- Medical document
- Means of identification
- Health insurance information
Entry requirements vary from one country to another. It is advisable to check the visa requirements of your destination country before planning your trip.
Also Read: How Can I Stay Updated on Travel Alerts and Destination Information
What is the airport process for international flights?
International travel involves understanding the details of airport regulations, check-in protocols, and boarding procedures.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the international flight process:
- Check in for your flight
You can take advantage of the airline’s online check-in platform to complete the initial check-in process. You will be able to secure your seat and obtain your boarding pass electronically. This can be done without visiting the check-in counter at the airport.
But if you have enough time and have questions, checking in at the airport can help ease traveling tension. This will give the opportunity to speak to your airline staff. You can ask any questions about your journey that have not been answered yet.
- Check your baggage
Move directly to the baggage drop area after completing the check-in process which you did either online or offline. You can check in your baggage there.
At this point, the airline staff will give you a boarding pass and a tracking sticker that matches the one on your baggage. Keep these safe for easy access throughout the airport.
- Go through the security checkpoint
Proceed to the security checkpoint for a comprehensive examination of your carry-on luggage, personal items, and travel documents. Try to follow all security protocols and guidelines to ease this process for you.
- Go through immigration
After passing through the security check, move to the immigration counter for document verification.
Follow all the instructions from the immigration staff. This is the final step before you can move to your gate for your flight.
- Find your gate
Your boarding pass will normally indicate the gate where you will board your flight. Make your way to your gate and relax.
- Board your flight.
You will hear the airline staff announce boarding about 40 to 60 minutes before your international flight,
Be sure that you are at your gate and ready to board. Some airlines will board in groups. Check your boarding pass for your boarding group. Wait to be called, and line up. Get your passport and boarding pass ready to show the flight attendant. Search for your seat, and enjoy the flight.
Also Read: How to Get Cheaper Flight Tickets in Nigeria for Domestic and International Trips
How many kg of baggage is allowed in international flights in Nigeria?
When traveling internationally baggage limits vary from one airline to another. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage plus a personal item like a purse or backpack that can fit under your seat. It is always best to check with your airline.
But the general guidelines to keep in mind are:
- Carry-On Baggage: the requirement varies but the general limit is around 7 to 10 kilograms (i.e 15 to 22 pounds). This should be in a specific linear dimension. This dimension ranges from 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm (21.5 inches x 15.5 inches x 7.5 inches).
- Checked Baggage: the general weight limit typically ranges from 20 to 32 kilograms (i.e. 44 to 70 pounds). The size limit is usually determined by the sum of the length, width, and height of the bag. This is usually around 158 cm (62 inches). But It is important to check with your airline for their specific baggage allowances.
Some certain items are restricted from either checked and carry-on baggage. These items include sharp objects, flammable substances, firearms, explosives, and liquids in containers exceeding a certain volume (usually 100 ml or 3.4 ounces).
It is important to be familiar with the specific list of restricted items provided by the airline or relevant aviation authorities. This will ensure your compliance and a smooth travel experience.
What information do I need to book an international flight?
To book an international flight ticket, the following details are needed:
- Passenger Information which comprises your full name, gender (male, female, and date of birth.
- Contact Information like; phone number and email address.
- Travel Detail which include departure and arrival cities. This will specify the airports or cities from which you will depart and arrive for your international flight. Travel dates are also included.
- Nationality and Citizenship to show your nationality and country of residence.
- Special Requirements will show seat preferences (window, aisle, or specific seat options if available).
What security checks do I need to undergo at the Airports?
Allow yourself a lot of time to go through the airport security checks. You may experience long queues, especially at rush hours.
All your electronic items such as laptops and mobile phones may be subject to additional screening.
Also, keep your boarding pass and passport within easy reach to show to the security staff.
Do not forget to remove all metal objects before passing through the metal detectors.
How early should I be at the airport before my flight?
The check in time varies from one airline to another. Departure airport and destination also vary. But for international flights general guidelines for checking-in are at least 4 hours before departure.
We highly recommend that you check-in online wherever applicable to save yourself time. Always aim to be in the departure hall in good time for boarding which begins 60 minutes prior to the departure.
Also Read: 7 Extra Fees You Should Consider Adding to your Travel Plan
What is the best way to deal with air sickness and jet lag?
International Flights can cause jet lag. This is as a result of crossing different time zones. But follow the following precautions to ease the effects:
- Arrive early
- Stay hydrated;
- Set your watch to your destination time. At arrival, you can get into a normal sleeping schedule as soon as possible.
- Try to sleep on the plane if it’s night time at your destination point.
Can I get pets onboard?
You can contact your airline directly to make the booking for your pet(s). The airline might require the following information about your pet:
- Collar with ID and license number
- Recent certificate of good health from your veterinarian. It must not be older than 30 days.
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Size and number restrictions: Airlines restrict the number and size of pets permitted to travel in the cabin. You can carry-on small pets, provided their carrier fits under the seat in front.
- Airlines also restrict the number of animals traveling in cargo. This depends on the aircraft size and the weather.
Why do I have to recheck my luggage on an international flight?
The major reason for rechecking your luggage after an international flight is for security purpose. Most international flights will check your luggage all the way through to the last destination. But, this might change depending on your flight route.
Ask the airline staff when you first check your luggage at the departure terminal about luggage recheck. They will let you know if your particular flight path requires you to recheck your luggage.
How much time do I need between connecting flights internationally?
Travel advisers say there is a lot to take into account when booking connecting flights. The general rule of thumb for international connecting flights is two to three hours. So, If you want to be safe, allow at least two hours between connecting flights.
Atimes, you can get away with shorter layovers, but it will be stressful. Because you may need to go through security if your connection is in another country. It is not abnormal for any airline to delay your flight for some hours. You will be surprised that two hours will go by in a flash.
Also Read: 5 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent When Booking Your Next Vacation
Conclusion
There is a lot more to flying internationally. Flying internationally is so much easier than it seems if you understand the right answers to these questions above. Allow yourself a lot of time to prepare for your next international flight.
The world awaits any time you are ready for your next trip. Where will your next international flight take you?
