Tips for flying to Europe and beyond

If you haven’t flown abroad lately—or ever—you might feel a little confused about the regulations for flying to or within your international destination. Keep these pointers in mind, and you’ll do fine

1) There are no "tickets" anymore—just online documents called E-tickets, often provided by email when you book your flight

2) You may generally check in online at the airline website, usually within 24 hours of your departure. If you choose not to check in online, you can do so at an airport kiosk or ticket counter

3) You’ll need to provide a boarding pass to board the flight, either printed or digital

4) When flying internationally, you are typically allowed one checked piece of luggage weighing no more than 50 lb, and measuring no more than 62 linear inches (width + length + height). Read our packing tips and hacks here

5) When flying internationally, you are typically allowed one carryon bag (such as a small wheeled bag or a backpack) and one personal item (such as a handbag). Read our tips for packing your carry on here

6) Medical equipment such as CPAP machines, walkers, etcetera, do not count against your checked or carryon baggage limit. You may be required to show a prescription for medical equipment or supplies

7) Heed current carry on liquid guidelines: 3 ounces or less each (to include creams, gels, and pastes), placed together in one clear, quart-size bag, to be shown at the security checkpoint

8) Arrive at the airport no less than three hours in advance of your international departure. On many international flights, check in closes approximately one hour in advance of departure

9) Allow a minimum of 2 hours for connections. Many frequent travelers prefer 2.5 – 3 hours for connections when entering the USA or the European Union to accommodate late arrivals and to allow time for processing through passport control and/or immigration

10) When flying within your destination, checked and carryon baggage restrictions may be different than on your transatlantic flight. If you are flying between the USA and Europe with a connection, for instance, the luggage restrictions of your originating flight will be honored until you reach your final destination

11) When booking flights within your foreign destination, be sure to pre-purchase checked luggage privileges, if necessary, and be sure your suitcase meets the airline's reduced weight restrictions. It is almost always significantly less expensive to purchase bag and weight privileges online in advance of your flight

12) Be sure your passport is up to date, expires no less than 3-6 months beyond your return (requirements vary by destination), and that you have 3-6 empty pages available. Click here for more information on passports

13) Be familiar with the visa requirements of the country to which you are traveling. Click here for information on the Schengen zone. If traveling as a client of Soirée Travel, we will alert you to the visa requirements of your destination, if any

14) When re-entering the USA, if you have a connecting flight onward, you must collect/claim your checked luggage, walk it a few well-marked steps, and re-check it at a special nearby conveyor belt so that it will continue on to your final destination. This is always true, even when your luggage is checked all the way through

15) If you purchased duty-free liquids, like alcohol or cologne, and you are continuing on a connecting flight after entering the USA,  you must place your liquids into your checked luggage before re-checking it. You may not take duty-free liquids onboard your connecting flight as a carry on

Soirée is here to help you with all the details you need when traveling. Contact us today to book your next unforgettable journey

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