Tips for Flying Internationally (From the US)
While on my flight back to the States, I overheard two different groups of women talking. One woman had no idea she had to go through immigration once we landed in Houston. Another didn’t know we had to fill out forms and which form. It reminded me back to my first few international trips when I was also lost in the whole process and didn’t know all the details.
The whole set up of going through customs in the states is a little tedious in my opinion and time consuming, but here are my tips for flying internationally to make it less stressful.
When you are flying out of the states to an international destination, arrive at the airport two hours before your departure time. It seems like too much time but you have to check in and go through security and these lines may be long. Security will always takes time. Gates change, flights can be late, you just want to make sure to have enough time just in case something comes up.
Getting through Security
Make it easy for yourself to get through security. To get through the line quickly, make sure you have your check in luggage prepared.
Put all liquids (no more than 3.4 ounces each bottle) in a quart sized zip lock bag and have it somewhere easily accessible that you can just take them out quickly.
Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off and try not to wear a belt if you don’t have to as you will have to take that off too.
Jewelry should not be a concern except for watches. I’ve personally never had any problems with my earrings, necklace and body jewelry.
Take your laptop out and jacket off while waiting in line (your tablet is OK to stay inside although some countries may require you to take it out)
Empty your pockets of your cell phone, bills and coins while walking through the metal detectors or full body scans. Don’t even walk through with your passport or boarding ticket.
Customs and Immigration
On the flight, the attendants will give you your destination country’s customs and immigration forms. Make sure to bring a pen with you!
Fill these forms out on the flight so you won’t waste time once you land. Know what you are bringing, how much money you have (cash), and the hotel or address of the place you are going to.
You have to fill out one custom form for each family with the same last name who are traveling together and some countries might ask you to hold onto one of their forms to fill out and return on your flight home.
Every person needs to fill out an immigration form, even children.
Once you land, just follow the signs to immigration and wait in the line that says “visitors”. Afterwards, go to baggage pick up, scan your luggage and then you’re free!
Adapted from (http://mytanfeet.com/travel-tips/tips-for-flying-internationally/)
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What can be the meaning of the word “tedious” ?
Select one:
a. happy
b. fun
c. interesting
d. boring
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From the passage, what is not the reason to arrive at the airport 2 hours before the departure time?
Select one:
a. You need to spend sometimes through the check-in process.
b. Your gate might be changed.
c. Security check always takes time.
d. It’s the airport rule to do.
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What is the main purpose of this passage?
Select one:
a. to give some advice to deal with possible problems happening at the airport
b. to share information about getting through security and customs and immigration
c. to inform the ones who want to work in the US
d. to give the information about studying in the US
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What is not true about getting through security?
Select one:
a. In some countries, you need to take out your tablet.
b. You need to take off all kind of jewelry.
c. If you wear a belt, you need to take it off.
d. Your pockets should be emptied while walking through the metal detectors.
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What is true according to the passage?
Select one:
a. After the baggage pick up, follow the signs to immigration.
b. Flight attendants give the form to the passengers when landing.
c. One customs form can be shared among all family members.
d. You can always borrow pens from flight attendants.