How to Prepare for a Long Haul International Flight

Getting ready for an international flight can be daunting. You have a ton of things to remember for your trip. Plus, you get to look forward to 5+ hours in the air.

However, if you take a few preparation steps, you’ll have a smoother, more enjoyable trip.

Check your Passport & Visas

You should check your passport and visa situation at least a month before you are planning on leaving. If you would need to get a new passport, it could take weeks for it to arrive.

Usually, your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after you return. In addition, you need empty pages in your passport. If you are doubting that your passport meets the requirements, check what the specifics are.

Visa regulations will vary depending on where you’re going, where you’re from, and how long you’re staying. Many times you won’t need a visa if you’re traveling for less than 90 days and not working. However, this is something that you need to check online. Not having an appropriate visa, if required, could prevent your trip from happening.

Double Check your Packing List

Hopefully, you have a packing list. Go through it, item by item, and make sure everything is there. I recommend doing this at least a day ahead of time in case you need to run to the store for anything.

A big thing to remember is cash. You need at least a small amount of cash when you land, so double check your wallet.

Check in to Your Flight

Many airlines allow you to check into your flight a few hours early, instead of at the airport. This can save you some time when you leave and take something off your plate. If your airline doesn’t do this, it’s not a huge hassle though.

If for some reason, you were not able to choose your seats when you booked, try to choose them as soon as you check in. This will ensure you can sit with your companions and pick seats you’ll be comfortable in.

Arrive at the Airport Early

For an international flight, you need to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure. You’ll have to go through a number of checkpoints (security, etc.) Arriving early will allow you some extra time if lines are long or there’s unexpected traffic.

Check your Luggage Weight

Before you leave the house, check the weight of your luggage. You can pick up a handheld luggage scale for only a couple dollars. If you check it before you leave, you won’t have any major surprises. Just make sure what you know what the weight limit for your airline is (50 lbs. is common).

Sometimes, airports also have scales scattered around the airline desks. I like to check my luggage again on their scales – just in case. This way, you can move something to your carry on before you get in line to check your bags.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

You’re going to be sitting in an airplane seat for hours. You need to be as comfortable as you can. Start by wearing comfortable clothes in layers. You could wear a pair of leggings and a t-shirt or a pair of comfortable slacks/jeans and a loose shirt. It’s whatever is most comfortable for you. I also recommend bringing a sweater, sweatshirt, or large scarf in case you get cold.

Close-toed shoes are a good option because they protect your feet a little more. Slip-ons are really nice because you can take them off on the plane and have an easier time through security.

You should wear socks to prevent walking on the ground barefoot in security. But, you can also pack compression socks to wear on the plane. These help fight blood clots and deep vein thrombosis, which might be a concern when you’re not moving and cramped for multiple hours.

Bring an Empty Water Bottle

You can’t bring bottles of water through security because you are limited to the 3-1-1 rule. However, you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it up when you’re past security. This will allow you to stay hydrated without buying expensive bottles of water at the airport.

Bring Snacks

You can bring snacks on an airplane. This can help you not buy as much food at the airport, for instance during layovers and in the middle of the flight. As long as the food meets security requirements (yogurt over 3.4 oz is not okay, because it’s considered a liquid), you’ll be okay. Pack healthy snacks that can fill you up, such as nuts, granola bars, and other non-perishables. Just don’t bring foods that may offend others around you like tuna.

Bring Something to Do

You’re going to be bored after a few hours of being in the same seat. I like to bring a book because I can also read it while waiting at the airport. However, you can also bring music or movies (though there may be movies available for free in-flight too). You can even sleep a bit. (Make sure your time is synced with your destination to reduce jet lag.) Having a few things to do can help you fight boredom.

Bring Self-Care Items

You should bring items to freshen up with you. Things like a toothbrush (wisps work great), deodorant, lotion, and facial wipes (can be used over your whole body) can help you feel better when you arrive. Changing your clothes and undergarments can also help you feel fresh. You can either do this in-flight (do it well before you will land) or right after landing.

If you are having a layover, this can help even more. After 12+ hours of sitting in the airport/airplane, you’ll thank yourself. Just be sure your items meet security requirements: containers less than 3.4 oz. that fit in 1 clear quart bag per person.

Know How to Get to Your Hotel

You need to know how to get to your hotel/other lodging as soon as you land. You don’t want to be wandering the airport, looking like a lost tourist. This can make you a target for scams.

Have a plan, whether that be a taxi, Uber (or similar service), or public transport. Know where your hotel is and what it’s called. This can help you be safer and have an easier time traveling.

Do you have any other tips for making an international flight easier? Let us know in the comments below!