Air Travel Basics Question?

Question

I've never traveled in an airplane before so I'm not quite sure how everything works. I'm going to be traveling to Japan in a few months so I'd like to know a few things:

- When I get to the airport do I first check-in my luggage? Will it arrive the same time as I do? I'm going to be changing flights along the way, do I only have to worry about picking my luggage up when I arrive at my final destination?

- Will I be able to bring a backpack on board as my carry on?

Answer 1

Your luggage will be checked straight through to your destination.  You can bring your backpack as carry on.  No food or drinks beyond the security check point, but you can buy them in the airport after that point.  Any liquids you have to carry on, like shampoo, mouthwash, makeup must be in a 3oz or less bottle and fit into a 1 quart plastic zip lock bag.  It will be a fun trip for you, but take lots to read.

Answer 2

You will first go to checkin. You need to show your passport and you checkin your luggage. You are then handed a boarding card which tells you from which gate you will be flying.

You then need to pass through security where your carryon luggage will be scanned and you have to pass through the "metal detector".

As long as your flight is booked as a complete package, and with that I mean that you haven't booked two separate flights with two different booking numbers, then you will not have to pick up your luggage until you get to your destination. You can confirm this with the check-in agent. And your luggage will then arrive on the same flight as yourself.

You can bring any type of bag on board as long as it is within the required measurements. (Has to fit in the overhead bins on the plane)

Answer 3

Hey there, I am a very current traveler internationally.

It is optional how long to wait before you check in but usually the side past security is much nicer. You will need to present your passport when you check in so be ready with that. After checking in make sure your passport is in a safe, easily accessible place, you'll need it at the security check point as well as when you get to Japan. There will be a time change in Japan so be sure to listen to the intercom for the current time in Japan. Ask the person that checks in your luggage about having your luggage sent all the way through to Japan, most airlines will do this for you. After you check in you will have to go through a security checkpoint. It will screen your carryon for any dangerous or unallowed items, as well as check your pockets and body for anything metal. Be sure to where shoes that easily come on and off, most airports require you to take your shoes off now. You will be able to bring a carry on as well as a personal item(laptop, purse, etc.) After many years of traveling there are a few things I've learned about flying.

-Bring your own small pillow onto airplane flights, it is more comfortable, especially on longer flight.

-There are an earplug type thing that you can buy at Wal-Mart, CVS, etc. They are called earplanes. You can buy them for 4-6 dollars. I reccommend them very highly, they make it so that your ears don't pop during the takeoff and landing

-Buy at least 2 water bottles(since it's a longer flight) before boarding the plane, airplanes are very dry.(you will have to buy them past security since no outside liquids are allowed past that point)

-Bring some snacks, when on long flights you can get hungry, not hungry enough for a meal but just want something to munch on.(snacks ARE allowed past security checkpoints)

-Bring A LOT to do! Books, Ipod, CD Player, Magazines, Laptop, Notebooks, Word Searches, etc.

-Since it is your first time flying I reccommend you either get dramamine or motion sick bracelets. Even people that don't get sick in cars sometimes can get motion sickness on airplanes.

-There is a new airline rule that you can't bring any liquids on your carry on that are more than 3 oz. All liquids must be in a clear ziplock bag, only one bag per carryon. These bags must be presented at the security check point. So be prepared! =)

-I reccommend bringing a small tube of toothpaste, facecloth, toothbrush, and a tiny face wash so that you can freshen up on the long flight.

-An important tip, while you may want to look nice for the flight and arrival, you should dress comfortably. Jeans should not be worn on flights. My friend's mum was a flight attendant, because of the high pressure on airplanes it can cause your legs to swell. Jeans being tight will cause blood flow to be cut off. Wear something like sweat pants, suit pants, etc

-When the fasten seat belt sign is off, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!!!!! Walk around strech your legs, keep the bloodflow going.

-Enjoy the flight!

Remember all these are just personal tips and recommendations, that I and many others I travel with have found very helpful and made the flight so much more enjoyable. Have fun in Japan!