Traveling abroad for the first time--what should I expect at the airport?

Question

I'm flying out of LAX to Taipei and then eventually Indonesia...and I've never done anything like this before. What is it like going through security? When do I have to fill out paperwork and what is it? Is it more of a hassle to fly out then to come back in? I'm just worried about procedure, any type of info will be appreciated!

Answer 1

Security is more of a bore than anything - just allow plenty of time as the queues can be long. Get checked in and through security to the gate area early then you can have a cup of coffee/lunc till it is time for the flight.

Most of the paperwork is on arrival and they usually come through the cabin during the flight to offer landing cards that you need to fill out usually with your details, passport number, destination address etc usually easy to understand and always in English.

If you are simply passing through Taipei you wont have to fill out an immigration card. If indoubtl ask the staff on board. If you are staying in Taipei then going on to Indo later, you will need to fill out a landing card for immigration into Taipei.  

Answer 2

When departing, there really won't be much difference than on a domestic flight, except that only passports are accepted for id, security is really no different. You'll only need to fill out an immigration and customs form when you arrive in Indonesia unless you plan on exiting the airport in Taipei, otherwise you'll stay in the departures area in Taipei before your next flight. On the flight to Indonesia you will be given a customs and immigration form that you will need to present at passport control along with your passport, after that collect your luggage and unless you have something to declare follow the green or  nothing to declare sign and exit the customs area, that's it and have fun.  

Answer 3

well they are going to check you in the metal detector and tell you to take of all objects like phone/belts/earings/shoes/socks/etc then you sit in a lobby with different people and when the plane is about to arrive they ask for your ticket and there you go!

Answer 4

They're gonna put you through h**l.

Answer 5

Don't worry!  The flight attendants will provide you with all of the customs/immigration forms you need!  Those forms tend to be pretty self-explanatory, but if you have questions, the flight attendants can help you with that too!