We’ve talked about what we pack for our flights but what about all the other parts that go into the flying process? We’re here with our guide on how to prepare for an international flight.
Prepare for an international flight BEFORE you fly
Get your passport
First things first, you need a passport. Especially if you are preparing for the first international flight, it can be surprising how long it takes to get a passport. Here is the good ole government site on How to Apply for A Passport.
You should start this process 12 weeks before your trip to be on the safe side. It will take time on your end to complete the application, submit a photo that meets their criteria and gather your citizenship documents. On their end, routine processing takes 6-8 weeks. If you’re reading this thinking “ohhhh shit, I already got my travel planned!” You can pay about $60 for an expedited passport but that will still take 2-3 weeks.
Book in Advance
What do I need before an international flight? A reservation. While you can pull a Chandler Bing and fly to Yemen last minute, we encourage our couples to make your travel plans well in advance. Our tip is to book your stay early and always purchase travel insurance. By insuring your trip, you take a lot of the stress out of travel. Flight cancellations and delays are more and more common these days!
We are currently booking 12+ months in advance! If this grand adventure is what you want, get locked in NOW! You don’t need to know the location before you book, we are the location matchmakers for a reason!
Be smart about ticket prices. 6 weeks out is usually the best time to book flights for the price. I use Google Flights! You can book your rental car when you book your flights and you won’t have to pay until you pick it up. We include this and packing tips on our How to Travel for an Elopement – 15 Tips for Couples blog.
If you are a fellow elopement photographer, heyyyyyyyyy, check out our International Packing Guide for Photographers. This goes into detail about how to pack all of your equipment and keep your amazing couples’ photos SAFE!
ALL ABOARD! What to bring on the plane when you prepare for an international flight
On the plane you’ll want a few things. First and foremost, snacks. While the flight includes one if not more meals on an international flight, we recommend packing your own snacks. Taking care of your body during international travel is so important. Nuts and seeds are at the top of our list; they are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they’re easy to carry and munch on during the flight. Whole fruits are good too, for international flights you’ll want to avoid cutting them up before you go as they won’t last the whole flight. Bring your reusable water bottle to fill once you get through security and to use throughout your trip. For more snack suggestions including TSA guidelines, Sweetwood Smoke & Co is a good resource!
IMPORTANT NOTE: NO FRESH FRUIT SHOULD BE BROUGHT THROUGH CUSTOMS. THROW. IT. AWAY.
Bring a Jacket
A jacket is a necessity. You’ll use it on the plane and to and from the car to the airport. Travel and Leisure has a jacket recommendation we also support- Columbia Women’s Powder Lite Hooded Jacket.
Their take, “This jacket is surprisingly effective for how lightweight it is. The synthetic down filling helps hold in body heat, and it doesn’t stop working when it gets wet like real goose down does. It packs down to almost nothing, so you can stick it in your day bag and pull it out whenever you need it. It’s durable enough for lots of activity and great for layering; I have several that I’ll wear at the same time instead of packing around a bulky coat, which is a great tip to remember as we head into transitional weather season.” Our take, it’s functional and it comes in TONS of colors. We believe in expressing yourself from the way you wed to what you wear!
Invest in Rumpl
Get a Rumpl and fall in love. The weatherproof, all-season puffy Rumpl blankets are engineered to take on any adventure. Mine has gone international a few times! While it is great at the destination, it also is my must have on planes. Cozy Level – expert. Not only is it the BEST blanket, but it’s made by an environmentally responsible business. The blankets use 100% post-consumer recycled materials and the business recycles over 5 million discarded plastic bottles through their supply chain every year.
Prepare for an international flight – What to do on the plane
Go pee. Drink your water and go pee. I know this sounds silly and asking people to get up if your at the window can feel weird, but IT SHOULDN’T! Hydration is so important. We have been on the most amazing mountains but THIS is the hill we will die on. Air travel can be surprisingly dehydrating! By not drinking enough water you can be setting yourself up for headaches, dizziness and fatigue, BEFORE YOU EVEN GET THERE! Drink the water. If you are wondering “how do I prepare my body for an international flight?” – drink up, baby!
Activities
A flight is an uninterrupted time that should be taken advantage of. Time to delete the 500 photos of your dog from all different angles and only keep the good ones! Go through your contacts and delete out your college acquaintances from 2010. Take a book off your shelf and enjoy. Download a few podcasts before you board.
Also on your checklist on how to prepare for an international flight is to make sure to pack a portable charger!! Your airplane should have plugins for you to charge your devices, but portable chargers are made to be brought and you’d rather have one and not need it than need it and not have it! Our travel companion tip – bring a pack of playing cards if you’re going with someone. There has been a lot of laughter from a good game of Gin Rummy.
Plane Yoga
Yes, you should be that person. The benefits outweigh any awkwardness, we promise. Also, yoga is made for small spaces! How big is a yoga mat? It’s actually NOT very wide. Yoga Journal has put together 5 Poses to Practice in a Cramped Airplane Seat: Cat-cow, seated twist, eagle pose, neck rolls and lateral stretch, and half lotus. They have included photos and step by step instructions as well.
Prepare for an International Flight by Playing Bedtime!
The best thing you can do is get some solid sleep. This is a range for a lot of people. You have some travelers that can sleep anywhere and others that really struggle. Our tip is to play bedtime! Do your usual bedtime routine at home to the best of your ability. While a 10 step skincare routine may not happen, you can (and should) brush your teeth, wash your face, put on pajamas/cozy clothes. Back at your seat, pop in some airpods and listen to the sound of the ocean crashing on the beach. Ahhh I am getting sleepy just writing about it!
Flight Attendant
Lastly, don’t be afraid of the flight attendant. On some long-haul flights, airlines may provide amenity kits to economy passengers. Travel and Leisure share a tip, “‘In our economy cabin, we have a lot of options available to customers, including pieces to help you freshen up, such as toothbrush kits, earplugs, and eye shades for sleep,’ said Ben Whatman, an in-flight service manager for a major airline. The kits won’t be full of luxury hand creams like you might find in business class, but they’ll get the job done.” You can also ask for- extra pillows, blankets, snacks, and headphones.
Welcome Abroad! The preparation isn’t over yet.
How to Adjust to Time Zones when you prepare for an international flight
Start adjusting to the new time zone as soon as you touch down! The goal is to stay awake after your long flight. So, what do you WANT to do when you get there? What will make staying up to do the fun thing be more appealing to you? This can be scheduling a walking tour or making a reservation somewhere you’ve really been looking forward to. What you do Day One, will set you up for success for the rest of your trip!
Take a shower
Airplanes and airports see an unimaginable amount of travelers every day. People touching everything. Germs everywhere. Not the most fun thing to think about, but getting a good shower in will help keep you clean and healthy. The last thing you want to do when you arrive on your long planned vacation is to get sick! Well+Good shares, “Research has revealed that taking a shower—and especially a bath—can improve our mental state in terms of anxiety, anger, fatigue, and confusion. So while you feel clean on the outside, you may also feel more refreshed on the inside.” WIN-WIN!
Follow our guide on how to prepare for an international flight and you’ll feel great before, during, and after. We love flying internationally with our amazing couples and capturing their unique love story! If you are ready to plan your adventure elopement, contact us. We promise to be right there with you practicing the in-seat yoga!
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