First time flying/internationally, any advice?
I will be flying for the first time ever in about two weeks. The fact that it's an international flight for my first time is a little daunting. I will be leaving a TX, USA airport and arriving at Manchester airport in UK with two connecting flights in-between, one in Memphis (MEM) airport and one in Amsterdam (AMS) with about two hours at each airport. One of the things worrying me is my checked luggage. The whole flight will be with Delta airlines. Will all my luggage be transferred for me all the way until I arrive in Manchester or will I have to somewhere along the way recheck my bag? I plan on calling the airline again soon to ask these questions but would really like feedback from people who have experienced this. Thank you.
Air Travel - 2 Answers
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1 :
No, you don't have to do anything of the sort. Just make sure you put YOUR name, the Flt no. and the port of final destination on your checked baggage. Also it would help if you take photographs of your baggage, in case it's lost on the way.
2 :
This is a step-by-step explanation and it may be too much information, but it is quite complete: Join the frequent flier program for the airline you will use. Joining is free and you can do it online. https://www.delta.com/skymilesenrollment/landing.action 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. Consider getting a day-pass for the airline's lounge (if they have one), especially if you have 2 or more hours before/between flights. Lounges are comfortable places to wait before and between flights. An example is: http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/airport_information/delta_sky_club/index.jsp 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 or use the airline lounge, 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 only 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 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 most places you can leave the Customs area via the “green†Nothing To Declare doors. Exit the terminal (usually by going out the doors marked "Ground Transportation"). I hope you have a good trip!
