Q&A for How to Prepare for Your First International Flight

You may want to bring lip balm, headphones, a phone charger, hand wipes, and a neck pillow.

I would recommend going through security as soon as you get there since it often takes the most time.

This will vary between airlines. You can always call or check your airline's website for more information.

If you're traveling alone you should call the airline to check their requirements. If an adult is traveling with you, they can help you board the plane.

It is always better to have travel insurance.You never know when you need it. With insurance, you won't go out of your budget, allowing you to remain some what comfortable financially and mentally. While choosing a insurance company, you need to be sure that you are compensated for the exact things you want covered and that you will get the support needed if in trouble in a foreign country.

If you are describing the discomfort during taking off and landing, it is perfectly normal. The pressure differences will often cause such pains in your ears, but chewing gum or simply holding your mouth open (like you are yawning) sometimes helps alleviate the pain.

Most of the time the bags get there at the same time as you, even with tight layovers. This doesn't take every situation into account, though. Pack things like a toothbrush, travel toothpaste and a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case.

If it is counted as a carry on bag, that usually means you need to take it with you when you exit the plane.

When booking the flight online, usually your layover time is shown, there should be a space of 3 hours at minimum, as it can get rather tight catching the next plane if your first flight happens to catch a headwind and arrives late.

Only carry the minimum amount required for your journey and a small contingency quantity in your hand luggage. If requested to, declare you are carrying medication. Leave ALL medications in their original packaging. If you have a prescription liquid medication, ensure you don't carry more of that liquid than is permitted. It's best to keep all medications together, ideally in a ziplock bag in your carry-on.

Yes, you can carry prescription medication in the pharmacy bottle.

It depends on where you live. If you are part of the EU (European Union), you do not need a Visa. If you are not part of the EU, you need a Visa.

You usually can, but you should consult your specific airline to ask them directly what they allow and don't allow on the plane.

Meals provided depend on the flight. Call your airline company beforehand to ask about on-flight meals.

Yes, you can walk around when the flight's captain turns off the seat belt sign. The seat belt sign is illuminated during take off, turbulence, and landing (i.e. you aren't permitted to walk around during those times, but otherwise you can walk around).

No. They will only ask to see your current one.

It's standard to have a minimum of 6 months left on your passport from the date you're leaving your destination. If you have at least a year left on your passport, you'll be fine.

No, but it will count as a liquid in your hand luggage. Make sure you take a travel size bottle.

Ask your airline.

Yes, most countries allow you to take fruits in your carry bag. But you still need to check with the respective countries' rules of immigration.

If you are in the EU (European Union), no, you don't. If you are not in the EU, yes, you do.

You will most likely need to collect your luggage and recheck it in the morning. Ask someone from the airline before exiting the terminal to confirm.

Visit cdc.gov and go to the "Travelers Health" section. Select your destination from the drop down list. Determine what you will need and contact your doctor to arrange any pills or shots. Be aware of any side effects that may occur from vaccines. Malaria pills are known to cause nightmares and other hallucinatory effects. Determine the likelihood of you coming into contact with said disease before taking anything. If you are going in the dry season, and not going into the wild, you're less likely to come into contact with mosquito-spread diseases. The effects of malaria drugs may outweigh any chance of contacting the disease.

Not likely, because needles may be considered a sharp object that could be a potential weapon. You could try finger knitting since it doesn't involve needles.

You will almost certainly go through customs at the airport from which you depart, although you may need to repeat the process depending on your destination(s).

Yes, you can. I would suggest buying travel sized containers for all of your vitamins and hair care products, e.g. shampoo and conditioner, etc. I would keep suggest you keep all of your liquids, vitamins, etc. in your checked bag.

You can pack it into smaller sized travel sized bottles that you can buy at most supermarkets or the chemist. If he needs it on the flight, then pack it in a see-through plastic bag in your carry-on bag, and if not, pack it in your checked luggage. Also, check how many mls of liquids you are allowed going through security, as different countries have different limits.

Yes. Unless some drastic incident happens before your flight home, seating, baggage policies, food, and any other restrictions will all be the same as the previous flight.