Ten Tips for International Flights

With COVID restrictions and lockdowns, I haven’t had international guests for more than two years. But that all ends next week when my brother and sister-in-law arrive from the U.S. Since it’s their first trip to Europe, I sent them a few travel tips. It may be old news for frequent flyers, but after two years without walking down a jetway (Thanks, COVID pandemic), a refresher course can’t hurt. And it’s helpful information to share with those who aren’t regular international travelers. So, here’s my top 10 list. 

#1 – Ticket, Money, Passport

Okay, this one is pretty obvious, and if you are an Absolutely Fabulous fan, you’ll probably know this line by heart: Tickets, money, passport! It’s my mantra whenever I travel internationally. Remember all three. Make sure your passport is valid. I had a colleague take a passport out of the safe right before a trip only to discover it had expired. Ooops! Some countries require that your passport be valid six months past your travel date, so check the rules. And make sure your ticket and passport are easily accessible as you’ll be showing them to enter the security area, to get on your flight, and when you arrive.

#2 – Dress Comfortably

Wear comfortable clothing. Personally, I prefer natural fabrics and like wearing a long skirt when I travel. It makes running to the toilet much easier as you don’t have to deal with undoing a belt and lowering your jeans. Isn’t it easier to just hike up a skirt, ladies?

#3 – Wear the Right Shoes

Shoe selection is important. Wear the right shoes – and keep them on. Most of us have experienced the “take-the-shoes off to go through security” scanning process. It’s such a hassle, and embarrassing for those with a hole in the sock. Slip-on shoes are the easiest. I don’t go for style here, but rather for comfort. Remember that you’ll be doing lots of terminal walking — and maybe even a little running if you have a tight connection. High heels may look great, but after an eight-hour flight, your feet will hate you.

Here’s a tip: don’t take your shoes off. If you do, you’ll discover your feet are swollen and your shoes aren’t as comfy as when you left home.

#4 – Take Compression Socks

Wear compression socks. They can treat your tired legs, encourage circulation and help prevent deep vein thrombosis. Ask your doctor for a recommendation. I like to slip mine on when I get on the plane, or just before.

#5 – Stay Hydrated

Drink water to stay hydrated. As much as you have a craving for a coffee or a desire to imbibe in some bubbly, don’t. Juices and plain water are the best choices. I pack some moisturizer (3 oz. or less) and lip gloss, too. Flying really dries out your skin, and this is a trick I learned about 20 years ago. It helps!

#6 – Keep Moving

Don’t keep your butt in your seat for the entire flight. If you can, get up and walk down the aisle every hour or two. It will help keep your blood flowing. There are in-flight exercises that can help, Try some ankle circles, leg lifts foot pumps, and other exercises recommended by the National Blood Clot Alliance.

#7 – Layer Up!

Whether you are traveling to or from a climate different from yours, you’ll find layering is the way to go. You can take off a layer if you are too warm, or add one if you are too cold. I like to wear a travel shawl, so if the plane gets cold — as it can with high-power air conditioning, I can keep cozy. And I can put it away if it gets warm. Here, I generally opt for style over practicality. Maybe it compensates for my ugly shoes.

#8 – Keep Medication and Important Things Close

Keep your medications and valuables in your carry-on. And keep it with you. I still haven’t gotten over my anger at having a valuable digital camera “liberated” from my carry-on bag, which I was forced to gate check on a flight to Paris. And it was an unreleased demo camera for a client! Grrrrr! Make sure those super precious items are in your allotted “personal item,” such as your purse or a small bag that will fit under the seat in front of you.

Another great idea is a travel vest. I’ve recommended ScottEVest to my traveling friends and family. I have shirts, jackets, and pants from them. They are a bit pricey, but you can’t beat all the hidden pockets for security and convenience. It can also lighten the load for your carry-on since there is room for a camera, glasses, small camera, phone and more. No, I don’t get a kickback from them, but I would be happy if they’d like to send me one of their new travel vests — in red.

#9 – Take an Easy-to-Find Suitcase

Take a picture of your suitcase before you board your plane. That way, if it does get lost it’s easier to recover. I travel with a psychedelic Britto print suitcase. When it was “lost” a few years ago, it was easy for the agent to pick it out from the sea of black bags in the baggage storage area. You can also use colorful tape, easy-to-spot baggage tags or even a ribbon to help you identify your suitcase on the baggage belt.

#10 – Avoid Airport Money Exchange

Exchange your US dollars to local currency in the US. Rates at the airport tend to be higher and there are often long lines. You can pre-order local currency from your local bank or use your debit card, which is convenient but will have a foreign transaction charge. When I arrive in the US from Europe, I have to fumble to find coins or a credit card to get a SmartCart for my luggage. One advantage of living here in Belgium: there is no charge so you don’t need to rush to exchange money.

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